As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2022

 

Registration File No. 333-229782

Registration File No. 811-23425

 

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

 

FORM N-2

[X] REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

[ ] Pre-Effective Amendment No.

[X] Post-Effective Amendment No. 3

[X] REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

[X] Amendment No. 7

 

 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

 

4700 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90010

(323) 860-4900

(Address and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Principal Executive Offices)

 

David Thompson

4700 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90010

(323) 860-4900

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

 

 

Copies to:

Cynthia M. Krus, Esq.

Cynthia R. Beyea, Esq.

Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP

700 Sixth Street NW Suite 700

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 383-0100

 

 

 

[ ] Check box if the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans.
[X] Check box if any securities being registered on this Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”), other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan.
[ ] Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto.
[ ] Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act.
[ ] Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act.

 

 

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

[ ] when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c) of the Securities Act.

 

The following boxes should only be included and completed if the registrant is making this filing in accordance with Rule 486 under the Securities Act.

[X] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

[ ] This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement].
[ ] This Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:   .
[ ] This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:   .
[ ] This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:   .

 

Check each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:

[X] Registered Closed-End Fund (closed-end company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”)
[ ] Business Development Company (closed-end company that intends or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act)
[X] Interval Fund (Registered Closed-End Fund or a Business Development Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment Company Act)
[ ] A.2 Qualified (qualified to register securities pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form).
[ ] Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act)
[ ] Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)
[ ] If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act
[ ] New Registrant (registered or regulated under the Investment Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing).

 

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS January 28, 2022

 

CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND

 

Maximum Offering of up to $1,000,000,000 in
Class I, Class C, Class A and Class L Common Shares of Beneficial Interest

 

The Fund. CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (the “Fund”), a Delaware statutory trust, is a recently-organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), that continuously offers its common shares of beneficial interest (the “Common Shares”) and is operated as an “interval fund.”

 

Securities Offered. The Fund is offering four classes of Common Shares on a continuous basis: Class I Common Shares (the “Class I Shares”), Class A Common Shares (the “Class A Shares”), Class C Common Shares (the “Class C Shares”) and Class L Common Shares (the “Class L Shares”). The Fund has received exemptive relief from the SEC to issue multiple classes of shares and to impose asset-based distribution fees and early withdrawal fees. Class I Shares and Class C Shares are offered on a continuous basis at current net asset value (“NAV”) per Class I Share and Class C Share, respectively. Class A Shares are offered on a continuous basis at current NAV per Class A Share, plus a sales load of up to 5.75% per Class A Share. Class L Shares are offered on a continuous basis at current NAV per Class L Share, plus a sales load of up to 4.25% per Class L Share. Funds received will be invested promptly and no arrangements have been made to place such funds in an escrow, trust or similar account.

 

Investment Objective. The Fund’s investment objective is to generate current income through cash distributions and preserve shareholders’ capital across various market cycles, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Investment Strategies. The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its Managed Assets in “real assets” (as defined below) and “credit and credit-related investments” (as defined below). “Managed Assets” means net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund defines “real assets” as assets issued by United States issuers where the underlying interests are investments in real estate or infrastructure in the United States (“Real Assets”). The Fund’s investments in Real Assets will consist of (1) direct real estate that may be held through one or more wholly-owned real estate investment trust (“REIT”) subsidiaries (each, a “REIT Subsidiary”), (2) public REITs (including publicly-traded REITs and publicly registered and non-listed REITs) and private REITs, (3) real estate mortgages, (4) commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and (5) infrastructure assets. The Fund’s investments in Real Assets will generally consist of real assets in qualified communities throughout the United States (“Qualified Communities”).

 

The Fund defines “Credit and Credit-Related Investments” as debt securities, such as bonds and loans, and securities that have risk profiles consistent with fixed-income securities such as preferred stock and subordinated debt. The Fund intends for its “Credit and Credit-Related Investments” to consist of (1) investments in floating and fixed rate loans; (2) broadly syndicated senior secured corporate loans (“Broadly Syndicated Loans”); (3) investments in the debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”); and (4) opportunistic credit investments, by which the Fund means stressed and distressed credit situations, restructurings and non-performing loans. Certain of the Fund’s credit and credit-related investments will be in U.S. middle market companies. The CLOs in which the Fund intends to invest are collateralized by portfolios consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans with a large number of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. The Fund’s credit and credit-related investments are typically unrated or rated below investment grade and are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. Unrated and below investment grade securities are also sometimes referred to as “junk” securities. In addition, the CLO equity and subordinated debt securities in which the Fund will invest are highly leveraged (with CLO equity securities typically being leveraged 9 to 13 times), which magnifies the Fund’s risk of loss on such investments.

 

As a fundamental policy, the Fund will concentrate its investments in the real estate industry, meaning that it will invest over 25% of its assets in the real estate industry. Therefore, the performance of its portfolio will be significantly impacted by the performance of the real estate market in general and the Fund may experience more volatility and be exposed to greater risk than it would be if it held a less concentrated portfolio. See “Risks – Concentration in Real Estate Securities Risk” in this prospectus.

 

Although the make-up of the Fund’s investment portfolio will vary over time due to factors such as market conditions and the availability of attractive investment opportunities, we presently anticipate that the portfolio will be roughly evenly divided between Real Assets and credit-related assets. The Fund has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC (the “Order”) to allow it to co-invest with certain of its affiliates in a manner consistent with its investment objective, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements, the conditions specified in the Order and other pertinent factors. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund is generally permitted to co-invest with certain of its affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of its independent trustees makes certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to the Fund and its shareholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of the Fund or its shareholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of shareholders and is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. Co-investment transactions with other funds

 

i

 

 

 

 

and vehicles managed by affiliates of the Advisers provide the Fund’s investors with exposure to proprietary transactions alongside large, sophisticated institutions that otherwise may not be available to retail investors and may have high investment minimums. Co-investment transactions also promote further alignment with other funds and vehicles managed by affiliates of the Advisers.

 

Investing in the Common Shares involves certain risks. See “Risks” beginning on page 31 of this prospectus.

 

 

Offering Price to the Public (1)

Maximum Sales Load

Proceeds to Fund (2)

Class I Shares At current NAV Amount invested at current NAV
Class C Shares At current NAV Amount invested at current NAV
Class A Shares At current NAV, plus a sales load of up to 5.75% 5.75% Amount invested at current purchase price, less applicable Sales Load
Class L Shares At current NAV, plus a sales load of up to 4.25% 4.25% Amount invested at current purchase price, less applicable Sales Load
Maximum Offering (3)(4) $1,000,000,000 Up to 5.75% Up to $1,000,000,000

 

 

(1)Each class of common shares is continuously offered at a price equal to current NAV, plus, in the case of Class A Shares and Class L Shares, a maximum sales load of 5.75% and 4.25% of the offering price, respectively. The Fund has received exemptive relief from the SEC to permit the Fund to issue multiple classes of shares and to impose asset-based distribution fees and early withdrawal fees.

 

(2)

The payment of both the sales load, which is directly borne by investors, will immediately reduce the NAV of each Common Share purchased in this offering.

 

(3)

Assumes an offering of only Class A Shares and Class L Shares at the maximum sales load.

 

(4)

The Fund estimates that it will incur approximately $2.9 million of interest expenses in the next 12 months. Any such expenses will be borne by investors in this offering and will result in a reduction of the NAV of the Common Shares.

 

Interval Fund/Repurchase Offers. The Fund is an “interval fund,” a type of fund which, in order to provide liquidity to shareholders, conducts periodic repurchase offers. The Fund has adopted a fundamental investment policy to make quarterly offers to repurchase no less than 5% of its outstanding Common Shares at NAV. As a fundamental policy, it may not be changed without shareholder approval. Any share repurchase offer in excess of 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares is entirely within the discretion of the Fund, and investors should not rely on repurchase offers being made in amounts in excess of 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares. Shareholders will receive written notice of each quarterly repurchase offer (the “Repurchase Offer Notice”) at least 21 calendar days and not more than 42 calendar days before the date the repurchase offer ends (the “Repurchase Request Deadline”). Common Shares will be repurchased at the NAV per each class of Common Shares determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange no later than the 14th day after the Repurchase Request Deadline, or the next business day if the 14th day is not a business day (each a “Repurchase Pricing Date”). The Fund will distribute such payment no later than seven calendar days after the Repurchase Pricing Date. See “Periodic Repurchase Offers”.

 

Risks. Investing in the Fund involves a high degree of risk. In particular:

 

 

The Fund is suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of the Fund and should be viewed as a long-term investment.

 

 

Regardless of how the Fund performs, an investor may not be able to sell or otherwise liquidate his, her or its shares whenever such investor would prefer and, except to the extent permitted under the quarterly repurchase offer, will be unable to reduce his or her exposure on any market downturn.

 

 

The Fund will ordinarily pay distributions from its net investment income, if any, once a month; however, the amount of distributions that the Fund may pay, if any, is uncertain.

 

 

The Fund may pay distributions in significant part from sources that may not be available in the future and that are unrelated to the Fund’s performance, such as a return of capital, meaning a return of a shareholder’s original investment in the Fund and borrowings. Any capital returned to shareholders through distributions will be distributed after payment of fees and expenses, as well as the sales load. Our distributions to stockholders may be funded from the reimbursement of certain expenses, including through the waiver of certain investment advisory fees, and additional support payments that are subject to repayment to our adviser if certain conditions are met. The reimbursement of these payments to our adviser (if any such reimbursements are made) would reduce the future distributions to which you would otherwise be entitled.

 

 

With regard to Class A Shares and Class L Shares, there is a front-end sales load of up to 5.75% and up to 4.25% of the offering price, respectively. You will have to receive a total return at least in excess of these expenses to receive an actual return on your investment. Investors will experience immediate dilution of their investment as a result of paying selling commissions and dealer manager fees and offering expenses the Fund incurs in connection with this offering. In addition, because the Fund continuously issues Common Shares in this offering, investors may experience additional dilution in the net asset value of their Common Shares.

 

ii

 

 

 

The Common Shares have no history of public trading, nor is it intended that the Common Shares will be listed on a public exchange at this time. No secondary market is expected to develop for the Common Shares, liquidity for the Common Shares will be provided only through repurchase offers of Common Shares at NAV, and there is no guarantee that an investor will be able to sell all the Common Shares the investor desires to sell in the repurchase offer. Due to these restrictions, an investor should consider an investment in the Common Shares to be illiquid.

 

 

Investing in the Common Shares may be speculative and involves a high degree of risk, including the risks associated with leverage. See “Risks” below in this prospectus.

 

Accordingly, the Fund should be considered a speculative investment, and you should invest in the Fund only if you can sustain a complete loss of your investment.

 

Leverage. In pursuing the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund will seek to enhance returns through the use of leverage. The Fund (i) uses borrowings, including loans from certain financial institutions, the issuance of commercial paper and notes and by investing in reverse repurchase agreements (collectively, “Borrowings”) to leverage its portfolio, in an aggregate amount of up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets (including the assets subject to, and obtained with the proceeds of, such Borrowings) immediately after such Borrowings and (ii) intends to issue preferred stock in an aggregate amount of up to 50% of the Fund’s total assets (including the assets subject to, and obtained with the proceeds of, such issuance) immediately after such issuance. The use of leverage involves increased risk, including increased variability of the Fund’s net income, distributions and NAV in relation to market changes. The Fund’s leverage strategy may not work as planned or achieve its goal. All leverage expenses of the Fund will be borne solely by holders of the Fund’s Common Shares. See “Leverage” and “Risks—Leverage Risk.”

 

In addition to any indebtedness incurred by the Fund, the Fund may also utilize leverage through a REIT Subsidiary, including by mortgaging properties held by the REIT Subsidiary or by acquiring properties with existing debt. Any such leverage will be consolidated with any leverage incurred directly by the Fund and subject to the 1940 Act’s limitations on leverage.

 

Investment Adviser. CIM Capital IC Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”), is the Fund’s investment adviser and is primarily responsible for determining the amount of the Fund’s total assets that are allocated to each of the Fund’s sub-advisers, and will review such allocation percentage on an ongoing basis and adjust the allocation percentage as necessary to best achieve the Fund’s investment objective. The Adviser also provides administrative and compliance oversight services to the Fund. The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CIM Group, LLC (collectively with its affiliates, “CIM Group” or “CIM”), is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Founded in 1994, CIM Group is a vertically-integrated owner and operator (meaning that it combines in-house investment and management teams) of urban real estate and real estate-related assets and infrastructure assets. CIM Group, the parent company of the Adviser, has aggregate assets owned and operated of approximately $29.7 billion1 as of September 30, 2021 across multiple strategies but has not previously managed any registered investment companies.

 

The Adviser has engaged CIM Capital SA Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “CIM Sub-Adviser”) that is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act, to act as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The CIM Sub-Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CIM Group and is an affiliate of the Adviser. The CIM Sub-Adviser is responsible for identifying and sourcing investment opportunities with respect to investments in Real Assets held by the Fund, either through a REIT Subsidiary managed by the CIM Sub-Adviser or directly.

 

The Adviser has also engaged OFS Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “OFS Sub-Adviser,” and, together with the CIM Sub-Adviser, the “Sub-Advisers” and each a “Sub-Adviser”) that is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act, to act as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The OFS Sub-Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orchard First Source Asset Management, LLC (“OFSAM”), and is an affiliate of the Adviser. The OFS Sub-Adviser is responsible for identifying and sourcing credit and credit-related investment opportunities as well as investments in CMBS. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers together are referred to as the “Advisers.”

 

Distributor and Dealer Manager. ALPS Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of the Co-Administrator (the “Distributor”), is the principal underwriter and distributor of the Class I Shares, Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares. In addition, CCO Capital, LLC (the “Dealer Manager”) serves as the Fund’s dealer manager and receives compensation for certain sales, promotional and marketing services provided to the Fund in connection with the distribution of the Common Shares.

 

 

1

“Assets Owned and Operated” represents the aggregate assets owned and operated by CIM Group on behalf of partners (including where CIM contributes alongside for its own account) and co-investors, whether or not CIM has discretion, in each case without duplication.

 

iii

 

 

Investors should consider their investment goals, time horizons and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors, and the Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. The Fund is designed as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. Investors should read this prospectus, which concisely sets forth information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the Common Shares, and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated January 28, 2022 containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the SEC and, as amended from time to time, is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this prospectus.

 

The Common Shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

Prospectus dated January 28, 2022.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

Important Notice Regarding Electronic Delivery

1

Prospectus Summary

2

Summary of Fund Expenses

11

The Fund

13

Use of Proceeds

13

The Fund’s Investments

13

Risks

31

Risks Related to the Fund’s Business and Structure

31

Risks Related to the Fund’s Investments in Real Assets

34

Risks Related to the Fund’s Credit and Credit-Related Investments

42

Management of the Fund

66

Management and Incentive Fees

72

Fund Expenses

74

Conflicts of Interest

76

Plan of Distribution

79

Periodic Repurchase Offers

85

Determination of Net Asset Value

87

Distributions

89

Distribution Reinvestment Plan

90

Certain Provisions in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust

91

Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations

94

Custodian and Transfer Agent

104

Legal Matters

104

Privacy Policy

104

Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information

105

 

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The Fund is not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.

 

 

 

Important Notice Regarding Electronic Delivery

 

As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of shareholder reports for CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (the “Fund”) such as this report will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you do not need to take any action. For shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund issued prior to 2022, you may elect to receive such reports and other communications electronically. If you own shares of the Fund through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary to elect to receive materials electronically. This information is available free of charge by contacting us by mail at 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90010, by telephone at (866) 907-2653 (Shareholder Relations) or on our website at https://www.cimgroup.com/investment-platforms/credit/racr.

 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper, free of charge. If you own shares of the Fund through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports in 2022. This information is available free of charge by contacting us by mail at 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90010, by telephone at (866) 907-2653 (Shareholder Relations) or on our website at https://www.cimgroup.com/investment-platforms/credit/racr. If you make such an election through your financial intermediary, your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all funds held through your financial intermediary.

 

 

1

 

 

Prospectus Summary

 

This is only a summary of certain information contained in this prospectus relating to CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (the “Fund”). This summary may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Fund. You should review the more detailed information contained in this prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”).

 

The Fund

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, a Delaware statutory trust, is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), that continuously offers its common shares of beneficial interest (the “Common Shares”) and is operated as an “interval fund.” Throughout the prospectus, we refer to CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund as the “Fund,” “we,” “us” or “our.” See “The Fund.”

 

The Offering

The Fund is offering four shares of Common stock on a continuous basis: Class I Common Shares (the “Class I Shares”), Class A Common Shares (the “Class A Shares”), Class C Common Shares (the “Class C Shares”) and Class L Common Shares (the “Class L Shares”). The Fund has received exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to permit the Fund to issue multiple classes of shares and to impose asset-based distribution fees and early withdrawal charges.(1)

 

Class I Shares and Class C Shares are offered on a continuous basis at current net asset value (“NAV”) per Class I Share and Class C Share, respectively. Class A Shares are offered on a continuous basis at current NAV per Class A Share, plus the maximum sales load of 5.75% of the offering price. Class L Shares are offered on a continuous basis at current NAV per Class L Share, plus the maximum sales load of 4.25% of the offering price. Funds received will be invested promptly and no arrangements have been made to place such funds in an escrow, trust or similar account. Class I Shares, Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares have equal rights and privileges. See “Purchase of Common Shares.”

 

The Fund reserves the right to reject a purchase order for any reason. Shareholders will not have the right to redeem their Common Shares. However, as described below, in order to provide limited liquidity to shareholders, the Fund will conduct periodic repurchase offers for a portion of its outstanding Common Shares.

 

Minimum Investment

The minimum initial investment for Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares is $2,500 per account. The minimum initial investment for Class I Shares is $1,000,000 per account. The minimum subsequent investment per account for all classes of Common Shares is $1,000. The minimum investment for each class of Common Shares may be modified or waived in the sole discretion of the Fund or the Dealer Manager. The Fund or Dealer Manager may permit a financial intermediary to waive the initial minimum per shareholder for Class I Shares in the following situations: broker-dealers purchasing fund shares for clients in broker-sponsored discretionary fee-based advisory programs; financial intermediaries with clients of a registered investment advisor (RIA) purchasing fund shares in fee based advisory accounts with a $1,000,000 aggregated initial investment across multiple clients; and certain other situations deemed appropriate by the Fund or Dealer Manager, as applicable.

 

Investment Objective

The Fund’s investment objective is to generate current income through cash distributions and preserve and protect shareholders’ capital across various market cycles, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s investment objective is not a fundamental policy and may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Board of Trustees”) without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares or preferred shares, if any.

 

Investment Strategies

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its Managed Assets in Real Assets (as defined below) and “credit and credit-related securities” (as defined below). “Managed Assets” means net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund defines “real assets” as assets issued by United States issuers where the underlying interests are investments in real estate or infrastructure in the United States. The Fund’s investments in Real Assets will consist of (1) direct real estate that may be held through one or more wholly-

 

 

(1)

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, et al. (File No. 812-15001, Release No. IC-33659 (Oct. 22, 2019) (order), Release No. IC-33630 (Sep. 23, 2019) (notice).

 

2

 

 

owned real estate investment trust (“REIT”) subsidiaries (each, a “REIT Subsidiary”), (2) public REITs (including publicly-traded REITs and publicly registered and non-listed REITs) and private REITs, (3) real estate mortgages, (4) commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and (5) infrastructure assets. The Fund’s investments in Real Assets will generally consist of real assets in qualified communities throughout the United States (“Qualified Communities”).

 

As a fundamental policy, the Fund will concentrate its investments in the real estate industry, meaning that it will invest over 25% of its assets in the real estate industry. Therefore, the performance of its portfolio will be significantly impacted by the performance of the real estate market in general and the Fund may experience more volatility and be exposed to greater risk than it would be if it held a less concentrated portfolio. See “Risks — Concentration in Real Estate Securities Risk” in this prospectus.

 

The Fund defines “credit and credit-related investments” as debt securities, such as bonds and loans, and securities that have risk profiles consistent with fixed-income securities such as preferred stock and subordinated debt. The Fund’s “credit and credit-related investments” will consist of (1) investments in floating and fixed rate loans of U.S. middle-market companies; (2) broadly syndicated senior secured corporate loans (“Broadly Syndicated Loans”); (3) investments in the debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”); and (4) opportunistic credit investments, by which the Fund means stressed and distressed credit situations, restructurings and non-performing loans. The Fund may also obtain exposure to the asset classes above by investing in other investment companies that invest in those types of assets. Certain of the Fund’s credit and credit-related investments will be in U.S. middle market companies. Generally, middle-market investments are held to maturity (typically 5 to 7 years) or repayment but may be sold earlier if a liquidity event occurs, such as a sale, recapitalization, or worsening of the credit quality of the portfolio company. The CLOs in which the Fund intends to invest are collateralized by portfolios consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans with a large number of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. These investments are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. Unrated and below investment grade securities are also sometimes referred to as “junk” securities. Although the make-up of the Fund’s investment portfolio will vary over time due to factors such as market conditions and the availability of attractive investment opportunities, the Fund anticipates that the portfolio will be roughly evenly divided between Real Assets and credit-related assets.

 

The Adviser has delegated investment discretion for the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to Real Assets (except for CMBS) to the CIM Sub-Adviser and the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to CMBS and credit and credit-related investments to the OFS Sub-Adviser. The Adviser will determine the amount of the Fund’s total assets that are allocated to each Sub-Adviser, and will review such allocation percentage on an ongoing basis and adjust the allocation percentage as necessary to best achieve the Fund’s investment objective. When the Fund’s total assets are smaller, the OFS Sub-Adviser will manage a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets. As the Fund’s total assets grow, it is expected that the portion of the Fund’s assets that are managed by the CIM Sub-Adviser will be between 30% and 70% of the Fund’s total assets, and that the portion of the Fund’s assets that are managed by the OFS Sub-Adviser will be between 30% and 70% of the Fund’s total assets.

 

The Fund may not make loans except as permitted by the 1940 Act, but does not otherwise impose any limits on its loan origination activities. The Fund has not imposed specific limitations on the portion of its assets that may be invested in any of the categories outlined. The actual percentage of the Fund’s assets that are managed by the Sub-Adviser may from time to time be outside the target levels provided above due to factors such as market conditions and the availability of attractive investment opportunities.

 

For example, during the Fund’s ramp-up period, and pending the investment of the proceeds of the offering pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective and strategies, the Fund may make a higher percentage of investments in Broadly Syndicated Loans or other credit and credit-related investments.

 

In connection with making floating and fixed rate loans to U.S. middle-market companies, the Fund may also be offered the opportunity to invest in warrants and common and preferred equity securities of such issuers.

 

3

 

 

The Fund has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC (the “Order”) to allow it to co-invest with certain of its affiliates in a manner consistent with its investment objective, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements, the conditions specified in the Order and other pertinent factors. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund is generally permitted to co-invest with certain of its affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of its independent trustees makes certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to the Fund and its shareholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of the Fund or its shareholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of shareholders and is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. Co-investment transactions with other funds and vehicles managed by affiliates of the Advisers provide the Fund’s investors with exposure to proprietary transactions alongside large, sophisticated institutions that otherwise may not be available to retail investors and may have high investment minimums. Co-investment transactions also promote further alignment with other funds and vehicles managed by affiliates of the Advisers. As a result of the Order, there could be significant overlap in the Fund’s investment portfolio and the investment portfolio of other funds managed by the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates that can avail themselves of the Order.

 

Periodic Repurchase Offers
The Fund is an “interval fund,” a type of fund which, in order to provide liquidity to shareholders, conducts periodic repurchase offers. The Fund has adopted a fundamental investment policy to make quarterly offers to repurchase no less than 5% of its outstanding Common Shares at NAV.

 

Notification of each quarterly repurchase offer will be sent to shareholders at least 21 calendar days before the repurchase request deadline (i.e., the date by which shareholders must tender their Common Shares in response to a repurchase offer) (the “Repurchase Request Deadline”).

 

The Common Shares are not listed on any securities exchange, and the Fund anticipates that no secondary market will develop for its Common Shares. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell Common Shares when and/or in the amount that you desire. Thus, the Common Shares are appropriate only as a long-term investment. In addition, the Fund’s repurchase offers may subject the Fund and shareholders to special risks. See “Risks—Repurchase Offers Risk.” The Fund has elected not to impose any repurchase fee on repurchases of Common Shares.

 

Leverage

In pursuing the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund will seek to enhance returns through the use of leverage. The Fund (i) uses borrowings, including loans from certain financial institutions, commercial paper and notes, and reverse repurchase agreements (collectively, “Borrowings”), in an aggregate amount of up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets (including the assets subject to, and obtained with the proceeds of, such Borrowings) immediately after such Borrowings, and (ii) intends to issue preferred stock in an aggregate amount of up to 50% of the Fund’s total assets (including the assets subject to, and obtained with the proceeds of, such issuance) immediately after such issuance. As of December 31, 2021, the Fund has an unsecured credit facility with a bank in place under which the Fund can borrow up to $40 million, subject to a borrowing base calculation. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and the borrowing base calculation, the Fund can increase the amount that it may borrow under the unsecured credit facility to $100 million. Outstanding advances under the unsecured credit facility bear interest at the rate of Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 4.00%. The Fund also pays a quarterly facility fee of 0.125% of the commitment under the unsecured credit facility. The unsecured credit facility contains certain customary covenants, including a maximum debt to asset value ratio covenant and a minimum liquidity requirement. The unsecured credit facility matures in December 2026, provided that the Fund may elect to extend the maturity date for two periods of 12 months each, in each instance upon satisfaction of certain conditions. As of December 31, 2021, no amount was outstanding under the unsecured credit facility.

 

In addition to any indebtedness incurred by the Fund, the Fund may also utilize leverage by mortgaging properties held by the Fund (or any subsidiary), or by acquiring property with existing debt. Any such leverage will be consolidated with any leverage incurred directly by the Fund and subject to the 1940 Act’s limitations on leverage. As of December 31, 2021, a subsidiary of the Fund has a mortgage with an outstanding balance of $39.7 million in connection with the acquisition of a real property. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, additional advances can be made under the mortgage, up to an aggregate amount of $41.7 million. The mortgage has an interest rate of SOFR plus 2.95 % and

 

4

 

 

matures in January 2024, provided that, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, there is an option to extend the term for three additional 12-month period. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, the Fund has a small co-investment in a real property that has a mortgage on it.

 

If cash flow is insufficient to pay principal and interest on borrowings, a default could occur, ultimately resulting in foreclosure of any security instrument securing the debt and a complete loss of the investment, which could result in losses to the Fund.

 

Distributions

The Fund has made and intends to continue to make distributions of the net investment income of the Fund each month to its shareholders after payment of Fund operating expenses following the commencement of this offering. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute any net capital gains it earns from the sale of portfolio securities to shareholders no less frequently than annually.

 

Cash distributions to holders of the Common Shares will automatically be reinvested under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”) in additional whole and fractional shares unless investors elect to receive distributions in cash. Investors may terminate their participation in the Plan with prior written notice to the Fund. See “Distributions” and “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

 

Investment Adviser

CIM Capital IC Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) acts as the Fund’s investment adviser and is primarily responsible for determining the amount of the Fund’s total assets that are allocated to each of the Fund’s sub-advisers, and will review such allocation percentage on an ongoing basis and adjust the allocation percentage as necessary to best achieve the Fund’s investment objective. The Adviser also provides administrative and compliance oversight services to the Fund. Founded in 1994, CIM Group, the parent company of the Adviser, is a vertically-integrated owner and operator of urban real estate and real estate-related assets and infrastructure assets. Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a Japanese trading conglomerate, owns a 20% interest in CIM Group. As of September 30, 2021, CIM Group has aggregate assets owned and operated of approximately $29.7 billion1 across multiple strategies, but has not previously managed any registered investment companies. The Adviser will also furnish us with office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the management of our operations.

 

To the extent advisory fees are paid to the Adviser by a REIT Subsidiary, such fees will be offset against fees otherwise payable by the Fund to the Adviser, such that shareholders of the Fund will only be subject to one layer of fees to the Adviser. Notwithstanding this arrangement, the Fund and its shareholders will indirectly bear the expenses associated with the organization, investment activities and operating of each REIT Subsidiary including maintaining REIT qualification.

 

Investment Sub-Advisers

The Adviser has engaged CIM Capital SA Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “CIM Sub-Adviser”) that is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act, to act as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The CIM Sub-Adviser is responsible for identifying and sourcing investment opportunities with respect to investments in Real Assets held by the Fund, either through a REIT Subsidiary or directly.

 

The CIM Sub-Adviser, subject to oversight by the Adviser and subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, is primarily responsible for making investment decisions with respect to Real Assets held by the Fund, either through a REIT Subsidiary or directly. Investments in Real Assets include interests in real estate held through a REIT subsidiary, mortgages and infrastructure assets in the United States.

 

The Adviser has also engaged OFS Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “OFS Sub-Adviser”), that is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act, to act as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund.

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser, subject to oversight by the Adviser and subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for identifying and sourcing credit and credit-related investment opportunities, including, but not limited to, investments in middle-market companies, Broadly Syndicated Loans, investments in the debt and equity tranches of CLOs and opportunistic credit investments (including

 

 

1

“Assets Owned and Operated” represents the aggregate assets owned and operated by CIM Group on behalf of partners (including where CIM contributes alongside for its own account) and co-investors, whether or not CIM has discretion, in each case without duplication.

 

5

 

 

stressed and distressed credit situations). The OFS Sub-Adviser is also responsible for identifying and sourcing investments in CMBS. OFS (which refers to the collective activities and operations of OFSAM and its subsidiaries and certain affiliates) is a full-service provider of capital and leveraged finance solutions to U.S. corporations.

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser serves as the investment adviser to BDCs, registered closed-end funds, separately managed, proprietary and sub-advised accounts and as collateral manager to various CLOs.

 

The OFS Sub Adviser capitalizes on the deal origination and sourcing, credit underwriting, due diligence, investment structuring, execution, portfolio management and monitoring experience of OFS’s professionals. The senior management team at OFS has developed a broad network of contacts within the investment community and possesses an average of over 20 years of experience in credit investments.

 

As our investment sub-advisers, the Sub-Advisers are obligated to allocate investment opportunities among us and any other clients fairly and equitably over time in accordance with their allocation policies.

 

As of September 30, 2021, the OFS Sub-Adviser had total assets under management of approximately $2.8 billion.

 

Management and Incentive Fees
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement that the Fund has entered into with the Adviser (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), and in consideration of the advisory services to be provided by the Adviser to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee consisting of two components — the Management Fee and the Incentive Fee (each as defined below). At the end of each calendar quarter, the Adviser shall designate 50% of the total management fees (base management fees plus any incentive fees payable to the Adviser by the Company) as Sub-Advisory Fees. Pursuant to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement that the Adviser has entered into with the CIM Sub-Adviser (the “CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser will pay the CIM Sub-Adviser a percentage of the Sub-Advisory Fees equal to the percentage of unlevered equity capital attributable to all investments in Real Assets identified and sourced by the CIM Sub-Adviser. Pursuant to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement that the Adviser has entered into with the OFS Sub-Adviser (the “OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser will pay the OFS Sub-Adviser a percentage of the Sub-Advisory Fees equal to the percentage of unlevered equity capital attributable to all credit and credit-related investments and CMBS identified and sourced by the OFS Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Advisory Fees will be paid by the Adviser out of the fee the Adviser receives from the Fund, and will not impact the Fund’s expenses.

 

Management Fee. The Management Fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of the daily value of the Fund’s net assets and is payable quarterly in arrears. Management Fees payable by the Fund will be offset by any advisory fees paid by a REIT Subsidiary. The Adviser has waived its right to receive a Management Fee on the portion of the Fund’s assets invested in an affiliated publicly-traded REIT.

 

Incentive Fee. The Incentive Fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals 20.00% of the Fund’s “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” for the immediately preceding quarter, subject to a preferred return, or “hurdle,” of 1.50% of the Fund’s NAV and a “catch up” feature. The amount of the Incentive Fee is not affected by any realized or unrealized losses that the Fund may suffer. See “Management and Incentive Fees.”

 

Co-Administrators and Accounting Agent
Under an administration agreement that the Fund has entered into with the Adviser (in its capacity as co-administrator) (the “Administration Agreement”), the Adviser furnishes us with the provision of clerical and other administrative services, including marketing, investor relations and accounting services and maintenance of certain books and records on our behalf. In addition, the Adviser (in its capacity as co-administrator) is responsible for the publication of our NAV per each class of Common Shares and will oversee the preparation and filing of our tax returns, the payment of our expenses and the performance oversight of various third party service providers.

 

6

 

 

Separately, ALPS Fund Services, Inc., located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203, serves as co-administrator and accounting agent of the Fund (the “ALPS Administrator” or “Accounting Agent”). Pursuant to a services agreement by and between the Fund and the ALPS Administrator (the “Services Agreement”), the ALPS Administrator provides the Fund with certain administration and accounting services, and will perform the calculation of our NAV per Common Share.

 

In accordance with the Administration Agreement, the Fund will reimburse the Adviser (in its capacity as co-administrator) for certain expenses incurred by it or its affiliates in connection with the administration of the Fund’s business and affairs. Separately, pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Fund will pay the ALPS Administrator the greater of a minimum fee of $230,000 or fees based on the annual net assets of the Fund plus out of pocket expenses (the “Administration Fee”) in connection with providing services to the Fund.

 

Custodian and Transfer Agent

US Bank, National Association serves as the Fund’s primary custodian. DST Systems, Inc. serves as Fund’s transfer agent. See “Custodian and Transfer Agent.”

 

Distributor and Dealer Manager
ALPS Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of the ALPS Administrator (the “Distributor”), is the principal underwriter and distributor of Class I Shares, Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares and serves in that capacity on a best efforts basis, subject to various conditions. In addition, CCO Capital, LLC (the “Dealer Manager”) serves as the Fund’s dealer manager and receives compensation for certain sales, promotional and marketing services provided to the Fund in connection with the distribution of the Fund’s common shares. In connection with the Dealer Manager’s wholesale activities, the Distributor entered into a wholesale marketing agreement (the “Wholesale Marketing Agreement”) with the Dealer Manager, pursuant to which the Dealer Manager will solicit, through participating dealers, purchasers in the Fund’s shares and undertake such advertising and promotion as it believes is reasonable in connection with procuring purchasers in the Fund’s shares. The Common Shares may be offered through other brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries (“Selling Agents”) that have entered into selling agreements with the Distributor.

 

Selling Agents typically receive the upfront 5.0% and 3.5% selling commission with respect to Class A Shares and Class L Shares, respectively, purchased by their clients. In addition, the Dealer Manager will receive a Dealer Manager Fee of up to 0.75% of the purchase price with respect to the sale of Class A Shares and Class L Shares, respectively. The Dealer Manager does not retain any portion of the selling commission and the Dealer Manager may re-allow all or a portion of the Dealer Manager Fee to Selling Agents. The Selling Agents may, in their sole discretion, reduce or waive the selling commission. Investors should direct any questions regarding selling commissions to the relevant Selling Agent.

 

The Fund pays the Distributor an ongoing fee (the “Servicing Fee”) that is calculated monthly and accrued daily at an annualized rate of 0.25% of the net assets of the Fund attributable to Class A Shares, Class C Shares, and Class L Shares, respectively. The Servicing Fee is for personal services provided to shareholders and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts and to reimburse the Distributor for related expenses incurred. The Distributor may pay all or a portion of the Servicing Fee to the Selling Agents that sell Class A Shares, Class C Shares, and Class L Shares. Payment of the Servicing Fee is governed by the Fund’s Distribution and Servicing Plan.

 

In addition, the Fund pays the Distributor an ongoing distribution fee (the “Distribution Fee”) that is calculated monthly and accrued daily at an annualized rate of 0.75% and 0.25% of the net assets of the Fund attributable to Class C Shares and Class L Shares, respectively.

 

The Distribution Fee is for the sale and marketing of the Class C Shares and Class L Shares and to reimburse the Distributor for related expenses incurred. The Distributor may pay all or a portion of the Distribution Fee to the Selling Agents that sell Class C Shares and Class L Shares. Payment of the Distribution Fee is governed by the Fund’s Distribution and Servicing Plan.

 

Class I Shares do not incur a Servicing Fee or a Distribution Fee.

 

7

 

 

Expense Limitation Agreement
The Adviser and the Fund have entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) under which the Adviser has agreed contractually to waive its fees and to pay or absorb the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund (including organizational and offering expenses, but excluding the incentive fee, the management fee, the service fee, fees and expenses associated with property management, development management and leasing brokerage services provided by affiliates of the Adviser, including CIM Group, LP or another licensed service provider under common control with CIM Group, LP (the “Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers”) or by unaffiliated third parties for real properties owned by the REIT Subsidiary (the “Real Estate Services”), the distribution fee, dividend and interest payments (including any dividend payments, interest expenses, commitment fees, or other expenses related to any leverage incurred by the fund), brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses), to the extent that they exceed 0.75% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). See “—Fund Expenses” below in this prospectus. In consideration of the Adviser’s agreement to limit the Fund’s expenses, the Fund has agreed to repay the Adviser in the amount of any fees waived and Fund expenses paid or absorbed, subject to the limitations that: (1) the reimbursement for fees and expenses will be made only if payable not more than three years from the date which they were incurred; (2) the reimbursement may not be made if it would cause the expense limitation then in effect or in effect at the time the expenses were waived or absorbed to be exceeded; and (3) the reimbursement is approved by the Board.

 

Unlisted Closed-End Fund Structure; Limited Liquidity
The Fund does not intend to list its Common Shares for trading on any securities exchange. There is currently no secondary market for its Common Shares and the Fund does not expect any secondary market to develop for its Common Shares. Shareholders of the Fund are not able to have their Common Shares redeemed or otherwise sell their Common Shares on a daily basis because the Fund is an unlisted closed-end fund. To provide liquidity to shareholders, the Fund is structured as an “interval fund” and conducts periodic repurchase offers for a portion of its outstanding Common Shares, as described herein. An investment in the Fund is suitable only for long-term investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of the Common Shares. Investors should consider their investment goals, time horizons and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund.

 

Investor Suitability

An investment in the Fund involves a considerable amount of risk. It is possible that investors will lose money, including a complete loss of investment. An investment in the Fund is suitable only for long-term investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of the Common Shares. Before making an investment decision, investors should (i) consider the suitability of this investment with respect to their investment objectives and personal financial situation and (ii) consider factors such as personal net worth, income, age, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. An investment in the Fund should not be viewed as a complete investment program.

 

Risks

Investing in the Fund involves risks, including the risk that shareholders may receive little or no return on their investment or that shareholders may lose part or all of their investment. Below is a summary of some of the principal risks of investing in the Fund. For a more complete discussion of the risks of investing in the Fund, see “Risks.” Shareholders should consider carefully the following principal risks before investing in the Fund:

 

Unlike shares of most closed-end funds, the Common Shares will not be listed on any securities exchange;

 

Although the Fund intends to implement a quarterly share repurchase program, there is no guarantee that an investor will be able to sell all of the Common Shares that the investor desires to sell. The Fund should therefore be considered to offer only limited liquidity;

 

The capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets, which may have a negative impact on the Fund’s business and operations;

 

If a shareholder is able to sell its Common Shares, the shareholder may receive less than its purchase price and the then current NAV per each class of Common Shares;

 

8

 

 

The Fund’s distributions may be funded from offering proceeds or borrowings, which may constitute a return of capital and reduce the amount of capital available to the Fund for investment. Although a return of capital will generally not be taxable to a shareholder, it would reduce the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares and may result in higher capital gains taxes, or a lower capital loss, when Common Shares are sold. Any capital returned to shareholders through distributions will be distributed after payment of fees and expenses, as well as the sales load;

 

The Fund is a recently-organized, non-diversified, closed-end investment company with limited operating history;

 

The Fund’s ability to grow depends on its ability to raise capital;

 

The Fund may borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested, subjects the Fund to certain covenants with which it must comply and may increase the risk of investing with the Fund;

 

The Fund operates in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities;

 

The Fund will be exposed to the risks related to investments in real estate, including risks related to the performance of the real estate market. See “Risks – Real Estate Industry Risk”;

 

Because the Fund will concentrate its investments in the real estate industry, the Fund may experience more volatility and be exposed to greater risk than it would be if it held a more diversified portfolio;

 

The Fund’s investments in CMBS are subject to all of the risks of the underlying mortgage loans, including interest rate risk. See “Risk – Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities”

 

The Fund will primarily invest in real estate through its REIT Subsidiaries, which will be subject to regulatory requirements to qualify as a REIT. The failure of the Fund’s REIT Subsidiaries to qualify as REITs could have a negative impact on the Fund’s investment returns;

 

The Fund’s investments in and originated loans to Middle-Market companies involve a number of significant risks. See “Risks – Middle-Market Lending Risk”;

 

The Fund’s investments in second lien loans and unsecured loans are lower in priority of payment to Senior Secured Loans, they are subject to the additional risk;

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may fail to appreciate, decline in value or lose all value, and the Fund’s ability to recover its investment will depend on its portfolio company’s success;

 

The Fund’s investments in Broadly Syndicated Loans involve a number of significant risks. See “Risks – Broadly Syndicated Loans Risk”;

 

The Fund’s investments in distressed credit investments have significant risk of loss, and the Fund’s efforts to protect its distressed credit investments may involve large costs and may not be successful;

 

The Fund’s credit and credit related investments will generally be in below investment grade instruments commonly referred to as “junk” or high-yield instruments and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal;

 

The Fund’s credit and credit-related investments are subject to risk of covenant breach, which could jeopardize the borrower’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt or equity securities that the Fund holds.

 

The Fund is exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates through its credit and credit-related investments. If interest rates fall, the Fund may not be able to generate income, and if interest rates rise, the Fund may incur more costs in connection with its use of leverage;

 

The Fund is exposed to risks associated with its investment in CLOs. See “Risk – CLO Risks”;

 

9

 

 

The Fund’s financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if a significant investment fails to perform as expected;

 

There are significant and potential conflicts of interest that could impact the Fund’s investment returns. See “Conflicts of Interest”;

 

To qualify and remain eligible for the special tax treatment accorded to a regulated investment company (“RIC”) and their shareholders under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Fund must meet certain source-of-income, asset-diversification and annual distribution requirements. The failure to meet these requirements could result in the loss of RIC status.

 

Certain investments may be exposed to the credit risk of the counterparties with whom the Fund deals as a result of the Fund’s loan origination activities;

 

The valuation of securities or instruments that lack a central trading place (such as fixed-income securities or instruments) may carry greater risk than those that trade on an exchange;

 

The Fund has no fixed policy regarding portfolio maturity or duration. Holding long duration and long maturity investments will increase the Fund’s exposure to the credit and interest rate risks described above, including with respect to changes in interest rates through the Fund’s credit and credit-related investments as well as increased exposure to risk of loss;

 

The Fund may be materially adversely affected by market, economic and political conditions globally and in the jurisdictions and sectors in which the Fund invests.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe disruptions in the U.S. economy and has disrupted financial activity in the areas in which the Fund and its portfolio companies operate. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated impacts on market and economic conditions could adversely affect the Fund.

 

The Fund is subject to certain limitations on its ability to participate in transactions with affiliates, including the conditions of the co-investment exemptive relief Order that it has received from the SEC.

 

Accordingly, the Fund should be considered a speculative investment that entails substantial risks and a prospective investor should invest in the Fund only if they can sustain a complete loss of their investment.

 

 

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Summary of Fund Expenses

 

This table describes the combined fees and expenses of the Fund that you will incur if you buy and hold Common Shares in the Fund. Because the Fund has a limited operating history, many of these expenses are estimates:

 

 

Class I Shares

Class C Shares

Class A Shares

Class L Shares

Shareholder Transaction Expenses:

       

Maximum Sales Load (as a percentage of the offering price)(1)

None

None

5.75%

4.25%

Maximum Early Withdrawal Charge(2)

None

1.00%

None

None

 

 

Class I Shares

Class C Shares

Class A Shares

Class L Shares

Annual Expenses (Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares)

       

Management Fee(3)

1.50%

1.50%

1.50%

1.50%

Incentive fees payable under our investment advisory agreement (20% of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income subject to hurdle)(4)

       

Servicing Fee(5)

None

0.25%

0.25%

0.25%

Distribution Fee(6)

None

0.75%

None

0.25%

Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds(7)

1.13%

1.13%

1.13%

1.13%

Other Expenses(8)

0.92%

0.92%

0.92%

0.92%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

3.54%

4.54%

3.79%

4.04%

Fees Waived and/or Expenses Reimbursed(9)

(1.29)%

(1.29)%

(1.29)%

(1.29)%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Waiver and/or Reimbursement

2.25%

3.25%

2.50%

2.75%

 

 

(1)

As a percentage of the Fund’s public offering price per Share. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is the principal underwriter of the Class I Shares, Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares. The Distributor is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Shares, but will use its best efforts to distribute the Shares. The Common Shares may be offered through Selling Agents that have entered into selling agreements with the Distributor. Selling Agents typically receive the selling commissions with respect to Class A Shares and Class L Shares purchased by their clients. The Distributor does not retain any portion of the selling commissions. An investor will pay a maximum sales load of up to 5.75% of the offering price for the purchase of Class A Shares, which consists of (i) selling commissions of up to 5.00% and a Dealer Manager Fee of up to 0.75%. An investor will pay a maximum sales load of up to 4.25% of the offering price for the purchase of Class L Shares, which consists of (i) selling commissions of up to 3.50% and a Dealer Manager Fee of up to 0.75%. However, purchases of $250,000 or more of Class A Shares and Class L Shares may be eligible for a sales load discount. See “Purchase of Common Shares—Sales Load.” The Selling Agents may, in their sole discretion, reduce or waive the selling commissions. Investors should direct any questions regarding sales loads to the relevant Selling Agent. No selling commissions or dealer manager fees will be paid in connection with sales under the distribution and reinvestment plan (the “DRP”).

 

(2)

Class C Shares will be subject to an early withdrawal charge of 1.0% of the shareholder’s repurchase proceeds in the event that a shareholder tenders his or her Class C Shares for repurchase by the Fund at any time prior to the one-year anniversary of the purchase of such Class C Shares.

 

(3)

The Adviser receives a Management Fee, which is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of the daily value of the Fund’s net assets and is payable quarterly in arrears. Management Fees payable by the Fund will be offset by any advisory fees paid by a REIT Subsidiary. The Adviser has waived its right to receive a Management Fee on the portion of the Fund’s assets invested in an affiliated publicly-traded REIT.

 

(4)

We have agreed to pay the Adviser as compensation under the Investment Advisory Agreement a quarterly incentive fee equal to 20% of our “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” for the immediately preceding quarter, subject to a quarterly preferred return, or hurdle, of 1.50% of our NAV (the “Hurdle Rate”) and a catch-up feature. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income includes accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. No incentive fee is payable to the Adviser on realized capital gains. The incentive fee is paid to the Adviser as follows:

 

 

No Incentive Fee is payable in any calendar quarter in which the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the Hurdle Rate of 1.50%;

 

 

100% of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle Rate but is less than or equal to 1.875% in any calendar quarter is payable to the Adviser. This portion of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income which exceeds the Hurdle Rate but is less than or equal to 1.875% is referred to as the “catch-up.” The “catch-

 

11

 

 

up” provision is intended to provide the Adviser with an incentive fee of 20% on all of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income when the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income reaches 1.875% of our NAV in any calendar quarter; and

 

 

20.0% of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 1.875% in any calendar quarter is payable to the Adviser once the Hurdle Rate is reached and the catch-up is achieved (20.0% of all the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income thereafter is allocated to the Adviser).

 

For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee, see “Management — Management Fee and Incentive Fee.” We estimate annual incentive fees payable to the Adviser during the twelve months of operations following the date of this prospectus to equal 1.0% based on our estimation of the use of the proceeds of this offering and assumed leverage of approximately 18% of our total assets (as determined immediately before the leverage is incurred). Incentive fees payable to our Adviser will be offset by any incentive fees payable by our REIT Subsidiaries.

 

(5)

The Fund pays the Distributor a Servicing Fee that is calculated monthly and accrued daily at an annualized rate of 0.25% of the net assets of the Fund attributable to Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class L Shares, respectively, for services to shareholders. The Servicing Fee is for personal services provided to shareholders and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts and to reimburse the Distributor for related expenses incurred. The Distributor may pay all or a portion of the Servicing Fee to the Selling Agents that sell Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class L Shares. The Servicing Fee is governed by the Fund’s Distribution and Servicing Plan.

 

(6)

The Fund pays the Distributor a Distribution Fee that is calculated monthly and accrued daily at an annualized rate of 0.75% and 0.25% of the net assets of the Fund attributable to Class C Shares and Class L Shares, respectively. The Distribution Fee is for the sale and marketing of the Class C Shares and Class L Shares and to reimburse the Distributor for related expenses incurred. The Distributor may pay all or a portion of the Distribution Fee to the Selling Agents that sell Class C Shares and Class L Shares. Payment of the Distribution Fee is governed by the Fund’s Distribution and Servicing Plan.

 

(7)

Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds for each class is based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year and assumes the use of leverage in an amount equal to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (after the leverage is incurred), and the annual weighted average interest rate on borrowings of 3.74%. The actual amount of interest expense borne by the Fund will vary over time in accordance with the level of the Fund’s borrowings and market interest rates. Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds are required to be treated as an expense of the Fund for accounting purposes.

 

(8)

“Other Expenses” are estimated based on Fund net assets of $275.6 million and anticipated expenses for the Fund’s next twelve months of operations. “Other Expenses” include, without limitation, professional fees, certain offering costs, SEC filing fees, printing fees, administration fees, investor servicing fees, loan origination fees, custody fees, trustee fees, insurance costs and financing costs (including costs incurred in connection with swap agreements). “Other Expenses” includes all estimated fees and expenses of the Fund’s REIT subsidiaries.

 

(9)

The Adviser and the Fund have entered into the Expense Limitation Agreement under which the Adviser has agreed contractually to waive its fees and to pay or absorb the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund (including organizational and certain offering expenses, but excluding the incentive fee, the management fee, the shareholder services fee, fees and expenses associated with the Real Estate Services provided by the Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers or by unaffiliated third parties for real properties owned by the REIT Subsidiary, the distribution fee, dividend and interest payments (including any dividend payments, interest expenses, commitment fees, or other expenses related to any leverage incurred by the Fund), brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses), to the extent that they exceed 0.75% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). In consideration of the Adviser’s agreement to limit the Fund’s expenses, the Fund has agreed to repay the Adviser in the amount of any fees waived and Fund expenses paid or absorbed, subject to the limitations that: (1) the reimbursement for fees and expenses will be made only if payable not more than thirty-six (36) months from the date which they were incurred; (2) the reimbursement may not be made if it would cause the expense limitation then in effect or in effect at the time the expenses were waived or absorbed to be exceeded (in each case, after the reimbursement is taken into account); and (3) the reimbursement is approved by the Board. The Expense Limitation Agreement will remain in effect until April 28, 2023. The Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated at any time, and without payment of any penalty, by the Board, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Adviser. The Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without the consent of the Board.

 

12

 

 

EXAMPLE

 

As required by relevant SEC regulations, the following example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in years one through ten assuming annual expenses attributable to shares remain unchanged and shares earn a 5% annual return and no redemption of shares (the example assumes the Fund’s Expense Limitation Agreement will remain in effect for only one year):

 

   

1 Year

   

3 Years

   

5 Years

   

10 Years

 

Class I Shares

  $ 23     $ 97     $ 173     $ 372  

Class C Shares

  $ 33     $ 126     $ 219     $ 457  

Class A Shares

  $ 81     $ 155     $ 231     $ 429  

Class L Shares

  $ 69     $ 149     $ 230     $ 441  

 

 

(1)

The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.

 

The Fund

 

The Fund is a recently-organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that continuously offers its Common Shares and is operated as an “interval fund.” The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 4, 2019 pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. The Fund has limited operating history. The Fund’s principal office is located at 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010, and its telephone number is (323) 860-4900.

 

Use of Proceeds

 

The Fund will invest the net proceeds of the sale of its Common Shares in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies as stated below. The Fund currently anticipates being able to invest any proceeds from the sale of its Common Shares within three months of receipt of such proceeds, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and market conditions. Pending the investment of the proceeds pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective and strategies, the Fund may invest a portion of the proceeds of the offering, which may be a substantial portion, in short-term, high quality debt securities, money market securities, cash or cash equivalents, and may make a higher percentage of investments in Broadly Syndicated Loans. In addition, the Fund may maintain a portion of the proceeds in cash to meet operational needs. The Fund may be prevented from achieving its investment objective during any time in which the Fund’s assets are not substantially invested in accordance with its policies.

 

The Fund’s Investments

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to generate current income through cash distributions and preserve and protect shareholders’ capital across various market cycles, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve this objective. The Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however, receive at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in this investment objective.

 

Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its Managed Assets in “real assets” and “credit and credit-related investments.” “Managed Assets” means net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund defines “real assets” as assets issued by United States issuers where the underlying interests are investments in real estate or infrastructure in the United States. The Fund’s investments in Real Assets will consist of (1) direct real estate that may be held through one or more wholly-owned real estate investment trust (“REIT”) subsidiaries (each, a “REIT Subsidiary”), (2) public REITs (including publicly-traded REITs and publicly registered and non-listed REITs) and private REITs, (3) real estate mortgages, (4) commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and (5) infrastructure assets.

 

“Credit and credit-related investments” are defined as debt securities, such as bonds and loans, and securities that have risk profiles consistent with fixed-income securities such as preferred stock and subordinated debt, which also provide the Fund with income when held by the Fund. The Fund intends for its “credit and credit-related investments” to consist of (1) investments in floating and fixed rate loans; (2) Broadly Syndicated Loans; (3) investments in the debt and equity tranches of CLOs; and (4) opportunistic credit investments, by which the Fund means stressed and distressed credit situations, restructurings and non-performing loans. Certain of the Fund’s credit and credit-related investments will be in U.S. middle market companies.

 

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The CLOs in which the Fund intends to invest are collateralized by portfolios consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans with a large number of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. These investments are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. Unrated and below investment grade securities are also sometimes referred to as “junk” securities. Although the make-up of the Fund’s investment portfolio will vary over time due to factors such as market conditions and the availability of attractive investment opportunities, we presently expect that the portfolio will be roughly evenly divided between Real Assets and credit-related assets.

 

Although a minimum of 25% of the Fund’s investments will be in real assets to comply with the Fund’s fundamental policies, the Fund has not otherwise imposed limitations on the portion of its assets that may be invested in any of the categories outlined.

 

In connection with making floating and fixed rate loans to U.S. middle-market companies, the Fund may also be offered the opportunity to invest in warrants and common and preferred equity securities of such issuers.

 

The Fund has obtained the Order from the SEC to allow it to co-invest with certain of its affiliates in a manner consistent with its investment objective, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements, the conditions specified in the Order and other pertinent factors. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund is generally permitted to co-invest with certain of its affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of its independent trustees makes certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to the Fund and its shareholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of the Fund or its shareholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of shareholders and is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. Co-investment transactions with other funds and vehicles managed by affiliates of the Advisers provide the Fund’s investors with exposure to proprietary transactions alongside large, sophisticated institutions that otherwise may not be available to retail investors and may have high investment minimums. Co-investment transactions also promote further alignment with other funds and vehicles managed by affiliates of the Advisers. As a result of the Order, there could be significant overlap in the Fund’s investment portfolio and the investment portfolio of other funds managed by the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates that can avail themselves of the Order.

 

Portfolio Composition

 

Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s portfolio will be invested in a broad portfolio of investments across the following asset classes:

 

 

Real Assets, consisting of

 

direct real estate that may be held through one or more wholly-owned REIT Subsidiaries;

 

public REITs (including publicly-traded REITs and publicly registered and non-listed REITs) and private REITs;

 

real estate mortgages;

 

CMBS; and

 

Infrastructure assets that may be held through a REIT subsidiary.

 

 

Credit and credit-related investments, consisting of

investments in middle-market companies,
Broadly Syndicated Loans,
investments in the debt and equity tranches of CLOs (which may also include investing in other investment companies that invest in these types of assets) and opportunistic credit investments.

 

The Adviser is responsible for overseeing the management of the Fund’s activities, including investment strategies, investment goals, asset allocation, leverage limitations, reporting requirements, and other guidelines in addition to the general monitoring of the Fund’s portfolios, subject to the oversight of the Board. The Adviser has delegated investment discretion for the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to Real Assets (except for CMBS) to the CIM Sub-Adviser and the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to CMBS and credit and credit-related investments to the OFS Sub-Adviser. The Adviser will determine the amount of the Fund’s total assets that are allocated to each Sub-Adviser, and will review such allocation percentage on an ongoing basis and adjust the allocation percentage as necessary to best achieve the Fund’s investment objective. When the Fund’s total assets are smaller, the OFS Sub-Adviser will manage a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets. As the Fund’s total assets grow, it is expected that the portion of the Fund’s assets that are managed by the CIM Sub-Adviser will be between 30% and 70% of the Fund’s total assets, and that the portion of the Fund’s assets that are managed by the OFS Sub-Adviser will be between 30% and 70% of the Fund’s total assets. See “Risks — Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest.”

 

The actual percentage of the Fund’s assets that are managed by each Sub-Adviser may from time to time be outside the target levels provided above due to factors such as market conditions and the availability of attractive investment opportunities. For example, during the Fund’s ramp-up period, meaning the period between the commencement of this offering and the Fund reaching sufficient scale to carry out its investment strategy as intended, and pending the investment of the proceeds of the offering pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective and strategies, the Fund may make a higher percentage of investments in Broadly Syndicated

 

14

 

 

Loans or other credit and credit-related investments. When allocating the Fund’s investments across these asset classes, the Fund will take into account the requirements for qualifying to be taxed as a RIC under the Code. A more detailed description of the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions and more detailed information about the Fund’s portfolio investments are contained in the SAI.

 

Real Assets Investments

 

The Fund’s investments in Real Assets will generally include investments in (i) real assets in qualified communities throughout the United States (“Qualified Communities”) and (ii) infrastructure assets in the United States. The Fund will hold certain of these assets through one or more REIT Subsidiaries.

 

Real Assets in Qualified Communities

 

Investments in Real Assets include real assets in Qualified Communities throughout the United States that are identified through the CIM Sub-Adviser’s community qualification process. Qualified Communities fall into one of two categories: (i) transitional metropolitan districts that have dedicated resources to become vibrant communities and (ii) well-established, thriving metropolitan areas (typically major central business districts). Qualified Communities are distinct established or up-and-coming districts where people can live, work, shop and be entertained—all within walking distance or close proximity to public transportation. These areas also often have high barriers to entry, high population density, improving demographic trends and a propensity for growth. The Fund believes that the CIM Sub-Adviser will be able to mitigate the risks associated with acquiring real assets through its existing local market knowledge of the community where the asset is located or by developing such knowledge prior to making an investment.

 

Infrastructure Assets

 

Investments in Real Assets will also include investments in individual infrastructure assets and/or equity, debt or other interests in infrastructure assets or similar assets or interests. The Fund will primarily target equity and debt positions in what the CIM Sub-Adviser considers to be high quality infrastructure assets that offer potential upside opportunity and are projected to produce long-term reliable cash flows. The Fund may invest in a range of operating “brownfield”, meaning infrastructure that was previously constructed, infrastructure assets as well as “greenfield”, meaning a new construction, infrastructure projects.

 

The Fund’s infrastructure asset investments may include (but are not limited to) investments in assets in the following infrastructure sectors and types:

 

Energy and Utilities

● Renewable energy
● Electricity transmission and distribution
● Energy storage / pipelines
● Power generation

 

Transportation

● Parking facilities
● Roads, bridges and tunnels
● Airports
● Maritime ports and terminals
● Rail and/or mass transit

 

Communications and Social Infrastructure

● Wireless towers, ground leases and rooftop sites
● Cable networks
● Distributed antenna systems
● Data centers
● Education, healthcare and government facilities

 

Water

● Storage
● Treatment
● Water rights
● Desalination
● Distribution

 

Waste Management

● Transfer and disposal sites
● Collection systems
● Waste product recycling
● Waste-to-energy facilities

 

15

 

 

REIT Subsidiaries

 

As noted above, certain of the Fund’s holdings in Real Assets may be held through one or more REIT Subsidiaries that are also managed by the CIM Sub-Adviser. The Fund expects that its investments in REIT Subsidiaries will constitute approximately 25% of its total assets, but will invest no more than 25% of its total assets in any one REIT Subsidiary. Any REIT Subsidiary may also utilize leverage, including by mortgaging properties held by special purpose vehicles, or by acquiring property with existing debt. The Fund will treat such borrowings as senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) for purposes of complying with the 1940 Act’s limitations on leverage. If cash flow is insufficient to pay principal and interest on such borrowings, a default could occur, ultimately resulting in foreclosure of any security instrument securing the debt and a complete loss of the investment, which could result in losses to a REIT Subsidiary and, therefore, to the Fund. Any such leverage will be consolidated with any leverage incurred directly by the Fund and subject to the 1940 Act’s limitations on leverage. Investment through a REIT Subsidiary involves risks, including the risk that failure of the REIT Subsidiary to qualify as a REIT will have adverse tax consequences on the REIT Subsidiary and may adversely affect the performance of the Fund, which are more fully described in “Risks – Risks Associated with the Fund’s Investments in Real Assets.”

 

In order to qualify as a REIT, a REIT Subsidiary must satisfy a number of requirements on a continuing basis, including requirements regarding the composition of its assets, sources of its gross income, distributions and stockholder ownership. Because certain activities, if performed by the REIT Subsidiary, may not be qualifying REIT activities under the Code, the REIT Subsidiary may form taxable REIT subsidiaries, as defined in the Code, to engage in such activities. Even if the REIT Subsidiary qualifies for taxation as a REIT, it may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on its income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. If, for any taxable year, the REIT Subsidiary does not qualify as a REIT, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax and applicable state and local taxes without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. Dividends payable by the REIT Subsidiary to the Fund and, in turn, by the Fund to shareholders generally are not qualified dividends eligible for the reduced rates of tax. Each REIT Subsidiary generally will be organized as a Maryland corporation and will operate so as to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A REIT Subsidiary will be a “wholly-owned subsidiary” of the Fund pursuant to the definition of that term in the Investment Company Act (i.e., the Fund owns 95% or more of the subsidiary’s outstanding voting securities). The Fund will hold all of the common shares of the REIT Subsidiary. In order to satisfy the Code’s 100-shareholder requirement, certain persons unaffiliated with the Adviser will purchase non-voting preferred shares of the REIT Subsidiary. Such non-voting preferred shares are expected to have a nominal value.

 

Other REITs

 

In addition to its investment in the REIT Subsidiaries, the Fund may invest in public REITs (including publicly registered and non-traded REITs) and private REITs. The Fund expects that its investments in other REITs will constitute approximately 5% to 10% of its total assets.

 

REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive most of their income from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Code. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by the Fund. Debt securities issued by REITs are, for the most part, general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs. REITs are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate.

 

The Fund has invested in an affiliated publicly-traded REIT. The Fund would only invest in affiliated REITs that offer their securities to unaffiliated third parties (including to existing security holders) and on the same terms and at the same times as such securities are offered to such unaffiliated third parties. The Fund may only invest in affiliated REITs to the extent permitted by applicable law and related interpretations of the staff of the SEC.

 

Mortgages

 

The Fund will invest in real estate mortgages by engaging in any of the following transactions: directly originating loans, purchasing them from third-party sellers, or investing in or purchasing the securities through a REIT Subsidiary. Opportunities may arise to purchase real estate mortgages, possibly at discounts to par, which will compensate the Fund for the lack of control or structural enhancements typically associated with directly structured investments. The experience of the CIM Sub-Adviser’s management team in both disciplines will provide the Fund flexibility in a variety of market conditions.

 

16

 

 

The Fund will acquire real estate mortgages consisting of the following types:

 

Senior Mortgage Loans: These mortgage loans are typically secured by first liens on commercial properties, including the following property types: office, multifamily, retail, industrial, hospitality and mixed-use. In some cases, first lien mortgages may be divided into an A-Note and a B-Note. The A-Note is typically a privately negotiated loan that is secured by a first mortgage on a commercial property or group of related properties that is senior to a B-Note secured by the same first mortgage property or group.

 

Subordinated Debt: These loans may include structurally subordinated first mortgage loans and junior participations in first mortgage loans or participations in these types of assets. A B-Note is typically a privately negotiated loan that is secured by a first mortgage on a commercial property or group of related properties and is subordinated to an A-Note secured by the same first mortgage property or group. The subordination of a B-Note or junior participation typically is evidenced by participations or intercreditor agreements with other holders of interests in the note. B-Notes are subject to more credit risk with respect to the underlying mortgage collateral than the corresponding A-Notes.

 

Preferred Equity: Preferred equity investments are subordinate to first mortgage loans and are not collateralized by the property underlying the investment. Through preferred equity investments, the Fund seeks to enhance its position with covenants that limit the activities of the entity in which we have an interest and protect our equity by obtaining an exclusive right to control the underlying property after an event of default, should such a default occur on our investment.

 

Mezzanine Loans: Like B-Notes, these loans are also subordinated, but are usually secured by a pledge of the borrower’s equity ownership in the entity that owns the property or by a second lien mortgage on the property. In a liquidation, these loans are generally junior to any mortgage liens on the underlying property, but senior to any preferred equity or common equity interests in the entity that owns the property. Investor rights are usually governed by intercreditor agreements.

 

CMBS

 

CMBS are commercial mortgages pooled in a trust and are principally secured by real property or interests. Accordingly, these securities are subject to all of the risks of the underlying loans. CMBS are structured with credit enhancement, as dictated by the major rating agencies and their proprietary rating methodologies, to protect against potential cash flow delays and shortfalls. This credit enhancement usually takes the form of allocation of loan losses to investors in reverse sequential order of priority (equity to AAA classes), whereas interest distributions and loan prepayments are usually applied sequentially in order of priority (AAA classes to equity).

 

The typical commercial mortgage is a five or ten-year loan, with a 30-year amortization schedule and a balloon principal payment due on the maturity date. Most fixed-rate commercial loans have strong prepayment protection and require prepayment penalty fees or defeasance. The loans are often structured in this manner to maintain the collateral pool’s cash flow or to compensate the investors for foregone interest collections.

 

The Fund may invest in CMBS as well as commercial loans and other commercial real estate debt, including small balance commercial mortgage loans and bridge loans. The Fund may originate commercial loans and other commercial real estate debt or purchase such assets in the secondary market.

 

Credit and Credit-Related Investments

 

Middle-Market Investments

 

The Fund will make investments in and originate loans to U.S. middle-market companies through the OFS Sub-Adviser’s access to a network of financial institutions, private equity sponsors (private equity firms that generally acquire companies through leveraged buyouts with whom we partner for investment purposes), investment banks, consultants and attorneys, and its proprietary database of borrowers developed over the OFS Sub-Adviser’s more than 20 years in lending to middle-market companies. The Fund refers to “Middle-Market” as companies that may exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:

 

 

number of employees between 150 and 2,000;

 

revenues between $15 million and $300 million;

 

annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) between $3 million and $50 million;

 

private companies owned by private equity firms or owners/operators;

 

enterprise value between $10 million and $500 million;

 

effective and experienced management teams;

 

defensible market share;

 

solid historical financial performance (including a steady stream of cash flow);

 

a high degree of recurring revenue;

 

diversity of customers, markets, products and geography;

 

and differentiated products or services.

 

17

 

 

While the Fund believes that the characteristics listed above are important in identifying and originating loans to prospective portfolio companies, not all of these criteria will be met by each prospective portfolio company.

 

The Fund anticipates holding Middle-Market investments with the following characteristics:

 

 

Senior Secured First-Lien Loans. Senior secured first-lien loans obtain security interests in the assets of the portfolio companies as collateral in support of the repayment of these loans (in certain cases, subject to a payment waterfall). The collateral takes the form of first-priority liens on specified assets of the portfolio company borrower and, typically, first-priority pledges of the ownership interests in the borrower. The first-lien loans may provide for moderate loan amortization in the early years of the loan, with the majority of the amortization deferred until loan maturity.

 

 

Senior Secured Unitranche Loans. Unitranche loans are loans that combine both senior and subordinated debt into one loan under which the borrower pays a single interest rate that is intended to reflect the blended relative risk of the secured and unsecured components. Unitranche loans are typically structured as senior secured loans. Security interests are obtained in the assets of these portfolio companies as collateral in support of the repayment of these loans. This collateral takes the form of first-priority liens on the assets of a portfolio company and, typically, first-priority pledges of the ownership interests in the company. Unitranche offers the borrower the convenience of dealing with one lender, which may result in a higher blended rate of interest to the lender than otherwise might be realized in a traditional multi-tranche structure. Unitranche loans typically provide for moderate loan amortization in the initial years of the facility, with the majority of the amortization deferred until loan maturity. Unitranche loans generally allow the borrower to make a large lump sum payment of principal at the end of the loan term, and there is a risk of loss if the borrower is unable to pay the lump sum or refinance the amount owed at maturity. In many cases, the Fund, together with affiliates, as permitted under applicable law, will be the sole lender, of unitranche loans, which can afford the Fund additional influence with a borrower in terms of monitoring and, if necessary, remediation in the event of underperformance.

 

 

Senior Secured Second-Lien Loans. Senior secured second-lien loans obtain security interests in the assets of the portfolio companies as collateral in support of the repayment of such loans. This collateral typically takes the form of second-priority liens on the assets of a portfolio company and may involve entering into an inter-creditor agreement with the holders of the portfolio company’s first-lien senior secured debt. These loans typically provide for no contractual loan amortization in the initial years of the facility, with all amortization deferred until loan maturity.

 

 

Subordinated (“Mezzanine”) Loans. These investments are typically structured as unsecured, subordinated loans that will typically provide for relatively high, fixed interest rates that provide significant current interest income. These loans typically will have interest-only payments (often representing a combination of cash pay and payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest) in the early years, with amortization of principal deferred to maturity. Mezzanine loans generally allow the borrower to make a large lump sum payment of principal at the end of the loan term, and there is a risk of loss if the borrower is unable to pay the lump sum or refinance the amount owed at maturity. Mezzanine investments are generally more volatile than secured loans and may involve a greater risk of loss of principal. Mezzanine loans often include a PIK feature (meaning a feature allowing for the payment of interest in the form of additional principal amount of the loan instead of in cash), which effectively operates as negative amortization of loan principal, thereby increasing credit risk exposure over the life of the loan.

 

 

Equity Securities. Equity securities typically consist of either a direct minority equity investment in common or membership/partnership interests or preferred stock of a portfolio company, and are typically not control-oriented investments. Preferred equity investments typically contain a fixed dividend yield based on the par value of the equity security. Preferred equity dividends may be paid in cash at a stipulated date, usually quarterly, and are participating and/or cumulative. The Fund may structure such equity investments to include provisions protecting its rights as a minority-interest holder, as well as a “put,” or right to sell such securities back to the issuer, upon the occurrence of specified events. In many cases, there may be registration rights in connection with these equity interests, which may include demand and “piggyback” registration rights, which grant the Fund the right to register its equity interest when either the portfolio company or another investor in the portfolio company files a registration statement with the SEC to issue securities. Equity investments typically will be made in connection with debt investments to the same portfolio companies.

 

 

Warrants. In some cases, a transaction may include the receipt of nominally priced warrants to buy a minority equity interest in the portfolio company in connection with a loan. As a result, as a portfolio company appreciates in value, there is an opportunity to achieve additional investment return from this equity interest. The Fund may structure such warrants to include provisions protecting its rights as a minority-interest holder, as well as a put to sell such securities back to the issuer, upon the occurrence of specified events. In many cases, there may be registration rights in connection with these equity interests, which may include demand and “piggyback” registration rights.

 

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Middle-Market investments involve tailoring the terms of each investment to the facts and circumstances of the transaction and the prospective portfolio company, negotiating a structure that protects lender rights and manages lender risk while creating incentives for the portfolio company to achieve its business plan and improve its operating results.

 

Generally, Middle-Market investments are held to maturity (typically 5 to 7 years) or repayment but may be sold earlier if a liquidity event occurs, such as a sale, recapitalization, or worsening of the credit quality of the portfolio company. The Fund may not make loans except as permitted by the 1940 Act, but does not otherwise impose any limits on its loan origination activities.

 

Loan origination to middle-market companies involves a number of significant risks. Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and the Fund will rely on the ability of the OFS Sub-Adviser’s investment professionals to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from originating loans to these companies. If the Fund is unable to uncover all material information about these companies, it may not make a fully informed investment decision, and may lose money on its investments. Middle-market companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their debt securities that the Fund holds, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of realizing any guarantees the Fund has obtained in connection with its investment. Such companies typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. The Fund will originate loans to middle-market companies that issue securities which may be considered lower grade securities, commonly called “junk bonds,” which are either rated below investment grade by one or more nationally-recognized statistical rating agencies at the time of investment, or may be unrated but determined by the OFS Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality. Originating loans to these types of companies may be risky, and such loans may be considered predominantly speculative with respect to the borrower’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default. See “Risks – Middle-Market Lending Risk” and “Risks – Below Investment Grade, or High Yield, Instruments Risk.”

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans (whose features are similar to those described under “Senior Secured First-Lien Loans” and “Senior Secured Second-Lien Loans” above) are typically originated and structured by banks on behalf of large corporate borrowers, typically located within the U.S., with employee counts, revenues, EBITDAs and enterprise values larger than the Middle-Market characteristics described above. The proceeds of Broadly Syndicated Loans are often used for leveraged buyout transactions, mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings, and financing capital expenditures. Broadly Syndicated Loans are typically distributed by the arranging bank to a diverse group of investors, consisting of: CLOs; senior secured loan and high yield bond mutual funds; closed-end funds, hedge funds, banks, and insurance companies; and finance companies.

 

A borrower must comply with various covenants contained in a loan agreement or note purchase agreement between the borrower and the holders of the Broadly Syndicated Loan (the “Loan Agreement”). In a typical Broadly Syndicated Loan, an administrative agent (the “Agent”) administers the terms of the Loan Agreement. In such cases, the Agent is normally responsible for the collection of principal and interest payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the credit of all institutions that are parties to the Loan Agreement. The Fund will generally rely upon the Agent or an intermediate participant to receive and forward to the Fund its portion of the principal and interest payments on the Broadly Syndicated Loan. Additionally, the Fund normally will rely on the Agent and the other loan investors to use appropriate credit remedies against the borrower. The Agent is typically responsible for monitoring compliance with covenants contained in the Loan Agreement based upon reports prepared by the borrower. The Agent may monitor the value of the collateral and, if the value of the collateral declines, may accelerate the Broadly Syndicated Loan, may give the borrower an opportunity to provide additional collateral or may seek other protection for the benefit of the participants in the Broadly Syndicated Loan. The Agent is compensated by the borrower for providing these services under a Loan Agreement, and such compensation may include special fees paid upon structuring and funding the Broadly Syndicated Loan and other fees paid on a continuing basis.

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans typically have rates of interest that are determined daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually by reference to a base lending rate, plus a premium or credit spread. As a result, as short-term interest rates increase, interest payable to the Fund from its investments in Broadly Syndicated Loans should increase, and as short-term interest rates decrease, interest payable to the Fund from its investments in Broadly Syndicated Loans should decrease. These base lending rates are primarily the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and secondarily the prime rate offered by one or more major U.S. banks and the certificate of deposit rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders.

 

The Fund may invest in Broadly Syndicated Loans through assignments of or participations in Broadly Syndicated Loans. In the process of buying, selling and holding Broadly Syndicated Loans, the Fund may receive and/or pay certain fees. These fees are in addition to interest payments received and may include facility fees, commitment fees, amendment fees, commissions and prepayment penalty fees. On an ongoing basis, the Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit portion of a Broadly Syndicated Loan. In certain circumstances, the Fund may receive a prepayment penalty

 

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fee upon the prepayment of a Broadly Syndicated Loan by a borrower. Other fees received by the Fund may include covenant waiver fees, covenant modification fees or other amendment fees. Fees received by the Fund will be deferred and recognized over time on a straight-line basis.

 

Collateralized Loan Obligations

 

The Fund’s investments in CLOs will be comprised primarily of investments in the debt and equity tranches of CLOs (including warehouse facilities for CLOs). The Fund focuses on securitization vehicles that pool portfolios of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans, which pools of underlying assets are often referred to as a CLO’s “collateral.” The vast majority of the portfolio of most CLOs consists of first lien senior secured loans although many CLOs enable the CLO collateral manager to invest up to approximately 10% of the portfolio in other assets, including second lien loans, unsecured loans, DIP loans and fixed rate loans.

 

CLOs are generally required to hold a portfolio of assets that is both highly diversified by underlying borrower and industry and is subject to certain asset concentration limitations. Most CLOs are structured to allow for reinvestment of proceeds of repayments of assets over a specific period of time (typically four to five years). The Fund targets cash flow CLOs, for which the terms and covenants of the structure are typically based on the cash flow generated by, and the par value (as opposed to the market price) of, the CLO collateral. These covenants include collateral coverage tests, interest coverage tests and collateral quality tests. CLO payment provisions are detailed in a CLO’s indenture and are referred to as the “priority of payments” or “waterfall.”

 

A CLO funds the purchase of its investment portfolio through the issuance of CLO equity and debt instruments in the form of multiple, and primarily floating rate debt, tranches. The CLO debt tranches typically have a stated coupon and are rated “AAA” (or its equivalent) at the most senior level down to “BB” or “B” (or its equivalent), which is below investment grade, at the most junior level by Moody’s, S&P and/or Fitch. Unrated and below investment grade securities are sometimes referred to as “junk” securities. CLO debt tranches are not impacted by defaults and realized losses until total losses exceed the value of the equity tranche.

 

The CLO equity tranche, which is in the first loss position, is unrated and subordinated to the debt tranches and typically represents approximately 8% to 11% of a CLO’s capital structure. A CLO’s equity tranche represents the first loss position in the CLO. The holders of CLO equity tranche interests are typically entitled to any cash reserves that form part of the structure when such reserves are permitted to be released. The CLO equity tranche captures available payments at the bottom of the payment waterfall, after operational and administrative costs of the CLO and servicing of the debt securities. Economically, the equity tranche benefits from the difference between the interest received from the investment portfolio and the interest paid to the holders of debt tranches of the CLO structure. Should a default or decrease in expected payments to a particular CLO occur, that deficiency typically first affects the equity tranche in that holders of that position generally will be the first to have their payments decreased by the deficiency.

 

Each tranche within a typical CLO has voting rights on any amendments that would have a material effect on such tranche. Neither the debt tranches nor equity tranche of CLOs have voting rights on the management of the underlying investment portfolio. The holders of the equity tranches of CLOs typically have the right to approve and/or replace the CLO collateral manager after such CLO manager has triggered a default. The equity tranche of a CLO also typically has the ability to call the debt tranches following a non-call period. Debt tranches of CLOs typically do not have the right to call the other CLO security tranches.

 

The CLO structure highlighted below is a hypothetical structure provided for illustrative purposes only and the structure of CLOs in which the Fund invests may vary substantially from the example set forth below.

 

CLOs generally do not face refinancing risk on the CLO debt since a CLO’s indenture requires that the maturity dates of a CLO’s assets (typically 5 – 8 years from the date of issuance of a senior secured loan) be shorter than the maturity date of the CLO’s liabilities (typically 11 – 12 years from the date of issuance). In the current market environment, investment opportunities in CLO equity should present more attractive risk-adjusted returns than CLO debt, although the Fund will likely make investments in CLO debt and related investments, in certain cases, to complement the CLO equity investments that we make. As market conditions change, the Fund’s investment focus may vary from time to time between CLO equity and CLO debt investments.

 

CLOs have two priority-of-payment schedules (commonly called “waterfalls”), which are detailed in a CLO’s indenture, that govern how cash generated from a CLO’s underlying collateral is distributed to the CLO debt and equity investors. One waterfall (the interest waterfall) applies to interest payments received on a CLO’s underlying collateral. The second waterfall (the principal waterfall) applies to cash generated from principal on the underlying collateral, primarily through loan repayments and sales.

 

Through the interest waterfall, any excess interest-related cash flow available after the required quarterly interest payments to CLO debt investors are made and certain CLO expenses (such as administration and management fees) are paid is then distributed to the CLO’s equity investors each quarter, subject to compliance with certain tests. The OFS Sub-Adviser believes that excess interest-related cash flow is an important driver of CLO equity returns. In addition, relative to certain other high-yielding credit

 

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investments, such as mezzanine or subordinated debt, CLO equity is expected to have a shorter payback period with higher front-end loaded quarterly cash flows during the early years of a CLO’s life if there is no disruption in the interest waterfall due to a failure to remain in compliance with certain tests.

 

Most CLOs are revolving structures that generally allow for reinvestment over a specific period of time (typically 3 – 5 years). Specifically, a CLO’s collateral manager normally has broad latitude – within a specified set of asset eligibility and diversity criteria – to manage and modify a CLO’s portfolio over time. The OFS Sub-Adviser believes that skilled CLO collateral managers can provide significant value through a combination of (1) their credit expertise and (2) a strong understanding of how to manage effectively within the rules-based structure of a CLO and optimize CLO equity returns.

 

After the CLO’s reinvestment period has ended, in accordance with the CLO’s principal waterfall, cash generated from principal payments or other proceeds are generally distributed to repay CLO debt investors in order of seniority. That is, the AAA tranche investors are repaid first, the AA tranche investors second and so on, with any remaining principal being distributed to the equity tranche investors. In certain instances, principal may be reinvested after the end of the reinvestment period.

 

CLOs contain a variety of covenants that are designed to enhance the credit protection of CLO debt investors, including overcollateralization tests (“overcollateralization tests”) and interest coverage tests (“IC Tests”). The overcollateralization tests and IC Tests require CLOs to maintain certain levels of overcollateralization (measured as par value of assets to liabilities subject to certain adjustments) and interest coverage, respectively. If a CLO breaches an overcollateralization test or IC Test, excess cash flow that would otherwise be available for distribution to the CLO equity tranche investors is diverted to prepay CLO debt investors in order of seniority until such time as the covenant breach is cured. If the covenant breach is not or cannot be cured, the CLO equity investors (and potentially other debt tranche investors) may experience a partial or total loss of their investment. For this reason, CLO equity investors are often referred to as being in a first loss position.

 

In certain instances, the loans underlying the CLOs in which the Fund will invest will have financial maintenance covenants, which are used to proactively address materially adverse changes in a portfolio company’s financial performance. However, some of the loans underlying the CLOs in which the Fund will invest may be referred to as “covenant-lite” loans. The term “covenant-lite” refers generally to loans that do not have a complete set of financial maintenance covenants. Generally, “covenant-lite” loans provide borrower companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition. Typically, the indenture governing a CLO will permit only a certain percentage of the loans underlying a CLO to be “covenant lite.” Accordingly, to the extent the Fund is exposed to “covenant-lite” loans, it may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants.

 

Some CLOs also have interest diversion tests, which also act to ensure that CLOs maintain adequate overcollateralization. If a CLO breaches an interest diversion test, excess interest cash flow that would otherwise be available for distribution to the CLO equity tranche investors is diverted to acquire new collateral obligations until the test is satisfied. Such diversion would lead to payments to the equity investors being delayed and/or reduced.

 

Cash flow CLOs do not have mark-to-market triggers and, with limited exceptions (such as the proportion of assets rated “CCC+” or lower (or their equivalent) by which such assets exceed a specified concentration limit, discounted purchases and defaulted assets), CLO covenants are calculated using the par value of collateral, not the market value or purchase price. As a result, a decrease in the market price of a CLO’s performing portfolio does not generally result in a requirement for the CLO collateral manager to sell assets (i.e., no forced sales) or for CLO equity investors to contribute additional capital (i.e., no margin calls).

 

Distressed Credit Investments

 

The Fund may invest in distressed investments in U.S. issuers including loans, loan participations, or bonds, many of which are not publicly traded, and which may involve a substantial degree of risk. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for these securities or instruments. In addition, the prices of such securities or instruments may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility. It may be more difficult to value such securities and the spread between the bid and asked prices of such securities may be greater than normally expected. If the OFS Sub-Adviser’s evaluation of the risks and anticipated outcome of an investment in a distressed security should prove incorrect, the Fund may lose a substantial portion or all of the Fund’s investment or the Fund may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than our original investment.

 

Investments in Restructurings

 

The Fund may invest in restructurings that involve, or otherwise invest in the debt securities of, U.S. companies that are experiencing or are expected to experience severe financial difficulties. These severe financial difficulties may never be overcome and may cause such companies to become subject to bankruptcy proceedings. The return on investment sought or targeted by the

 

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Fund in any investment in a restructuring may depend upon the restructuring progressing in a particular manner or resulting in a particular outcome (including regarding the conversion or repayment of the Fund’s investments). There can be no assurance that any such outcome, development or result will occur or be successful and, as a result, the premise underlying the Fund’s investment may never come to fruition and the Fund’s returns may be adversely affected. Investments in restructurings could, in certain circumstances, subject the Fund to certain additional potential liabilities that may exceed the value of the Fund’s original investment therein. For instance, under certain circumstances, payments to the Fund and distributions to shareholders may be reclaimed if any such payment or distribution is later determined to have been a fraudulent conveyance, preferential payment or similar transaction under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws. Furthermore, investments in restructurings may be adversely affected by statutes relating to, among other things, fraudulent conveyances, voidable preferences, lender liability and the court’s discretionary power to disallow, subordinate or disenfranchise particular claims or characterize investments made in the form of debt as equity contributions. For certain restructurings, the Fund may utilize blocker corporations, which may incur U.S. federal and state income taxes. In restructurings, whether constituting liquidation (both in and out of bankruptcy) and other forms of corporate reorganization, there exists the risk that the restructuring either will be unsuccessful (due to, for example, failure to obtain requisite approvals), will be delayed (for example, until various liabilities, actual or contingent, have been satisfied) or will result in a distribution of cash or a new security or instrument the value of which will be less than the purchase price to the Fund of the security in respect to which such distribution was made. The Fund may not be “hedged” against market fluctuations, or, in liquidation situations, may not accurately value the assets of the company being liquidated. This can result in losses, even if the proposed restructuring is consummated. Under certain circumstances, a lender that has inappropriately exercised control of the management and policies of a debtor may have its claims subordinated or disallowed, or may be found liable for damages suffered by parties as a result of such actions.

 

When a company seeks relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or has a petition filed against it), an automatic stay prevents all entities, including creditors, from foreclosing or taking other actions to enforce claims, perfect liens or reach collateral securing such claims. Creditors who have claims against the company prior to the date of the bankruptcy filing must petition the court to permit them to take any action to protect or enforce their claims or their rights in any collateral. Such creditors may be prohibited from doing so if the court concludes that the value of the property in which the creditor has an interest will be “adequately protected” during the proceedings. If the United States Bankruptcy Court’s assessment of adequate protection is inaccurate, a creditor’s collateral may be wasted without the creditor being afforded the opportunity to preserve it. Thus, even if the Fund holds a secured claim, it may be prevented from collecting the liquidation value of the collateral securing its debt, unless relief from the automatic stay is granted by the court. Bankruptcy proceedings are inherently litigious, time consuming, highly complex and driven extensively by facts and circumstances, which can result in challenges in predicting outcomes. The equitable power of bankruptcy judges also can result in uncertainty as to the ultimate resolution of claims.

 

Security interests held by creditors are closely scrutinized and frequently challenged in bankruptcy proceedings and may be invalidated for a variety of reasons. For example, security interests may be set aside because, as a technical matter, they have not been perfected properly under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law. If a security interest is invalidated, the secured creditor loses the value of the collateral and because loss of the secured status causes the claim to be treated as an unsecured claim, the holder of such claim will almost certainly experience a significant loss of its investment. There can be no assurance that the security interests securing the Fund’s claims will not be challenged vigorously and found defective in some respect, or that the Fund will be able to prevail against the challenge.

 

Moreover, debt may be disallowed or subordinated to the claims of other creditors if the creditor is found guilty of certain inequitable conduct resulting in harm to other parties with respect to the affairs of a company filing for protection from creditors under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Creditors’ claims may be treated as equity if they are deemed to be contributions to capital, or if a creditor attempts to control the outcome of the business affairs of a company prior to its filing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Serving on an official or unofficial creditors’ committee, for example, increases the possibility that the Fund will be deemed an “insider” or a “fiduciary” of an issuer it has so assisted and may increase the possibility that the Bankruptcy Court would invoke the doctrine of “equitable subordination” with respect to any claim or equity interest held by the Fund in such issuer and subordinate any such claim or equity interest in whole or in part to other claims or equity interests in such issuer. Claims of equitable subordination may also arise outside of the context of the Fund’s committee activities. If a creditor is found to have interfered with a company’s affairs to the detriment of other creditors or shareholders, the creditor may be held liable for damages to injured parties. While the Fund will attempt to avoid taking the types of action that would lead to equitable subordination or creditor liability, there can be no assurance that such claims will not be asserted or that the Fund will be able to successfully defend against them. In addition, if representation of a creditors’ committee of an issuer causes the Fund or the OFS Sub-Adviser to be deemed an affiliate of such issuer, the securities of such issuer held by the Fund may become restricted securities, which are not freely tradable.

 

While the challenges to security interests and debt described above normally occur in a bankruptcy proceeding, the conditions or conduct that would lead to an attack in a bankruptcy proceeding could in certain circumstances result in actions brought by other creditors of the debtor, shareholders of the debtor or even the debtor itself in other state or U.S. federal proceedings, including pursuant to state fraudulent transfer laws. As is the case in a bankruptcy proceeding, there can be no assurance that such claims will

 

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not be asserted or that the Fund will be able to defend against them successfully. To the extent the Fund assumes an active role in any legal proceeding involving the debtor, the Fund may be prevented from disposing of securities or instruments issued by the debtor due to the Fund’s possession of material, non-public information concerning the debtor.

 

From time to time, the Fund may invest in or extend loans to companies that have filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. These debtor-in-possession or “DIP” loans are most often revolving working-capital facilities put into place at the outset of a Chapter 11 case to provide the debtor with both immediate cash and the ongoing working capital that will be required during the reorganization process. While such loans are generally less risky than many other types of loans as a result of their seniority in the debtor’s capital structure and because their terms have been approved by a federal bankruptcy court order, it is possible that the debtor’s reorganization efforts may fail and the proceeds of the ensuing liquidation of the DIP lender’s collateral might be insufficient to repay in full the DIP loan.

 

Non-Performing Investments

 

The Fund’s portfolio may include investments whose underlying collateral are “nonperforming” and that are typically highly leveraged, with significant burdens on cash flow and, therefore, involve a high degree of financial risk. During an economic downturn or recession, securities of financially troubled or operationally troubled issuers are more likely to go into default than securities or instruments of other issuers. Securities or instruments of financially troubled issuers and operationally troubled issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities or instruments of companies not experiencing financial difficulties. Investment, directly or indirectly in the financially and/or operationally troubled issuers involves a high degree of credit and market risk. These difficulties may never be overcome and may cause borrowers to become subject to bankruptcy or other similar administrative proceedings. There is a possibility that the Fund may incur substantial or total losses on its investments and in certain circumstances, subject the Fund to certain additional potential liabilities that may exceed the value of the Fund’s original investment therein.

 

The Fund may hold direct or indirect interests in non-performing real estate loans. Non-performing real estate loans may require a substantial amount of workout negotiations and/or restructuring, which may entail, among other things, a substantial reduction in the interest rate and a substantial write-down of the principal of such loan and/or purchasing senior loans. In addition, a company may announce a plan of restructuring which promises to enhance value and fail to implement it, resulting in losses to investors. In liquidations and other forms of corporate reorganization, the risk exists that the reorganization either will be unsuccessful, will be delayed or will result in a distribution of cash or a new security, the value of which will be less than the purchase price to the Fund of the investment in respect of which such distribution was made. In addition, certain privately offered commercial real estate investments carry risks of illiquidity and lack of control. It is possible that the applicable Sub-Adviser may find it necessary or desirable to foreclose on collateral securing one or more real estate loans purchased by the Fund. The foreclosure process will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and can be lengthy and expensive. Issuers often resist foreclosure actions by asserting numerous claims, counterclaims and defenses against the holder of a real estate loan, including, without limitation, lender liability claims and defenses, even when such assertions may have no basis in fact, in an effort to prolong the foreclosure action. During the foreclosure proceedings, an issuer may have the ability to file for bankruptcy or its equivalent, potentially staying the foreclosure action and further delaying the foreclosure process. Foreclosure litigation tends to create a negative public image of the collateral property and may result in disrupting ongoing leasing and management of the property. If this were to occur, the Fund may be negatively impacted. Similar risks relate to foreclosure of mezzanine debt and the exercising of remedies in connection with such debt.

 

Swap Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into swap agreements. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns, differentials in rates of return or some other amount earned or realized on the “notional amount” of predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Some swaps are structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors, such as corporate loans, interest rates, commodity prices, non-U.S. currency rates, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, security prices, indexes or inflation rates. Swap agreements may be negotiated bilaterally and traded over-the-counter between two parties or, in some instances, must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Certain risks are reduced (but not eliminated) if a fund invests in cleared swaps. Certain standardized swaps, including certain credit default swaps, are subject to mandatory clearing, and more are expected to be in the future. The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared derivatives, but cleared contracts are not risk-free.

 

The Fund has entered into a total return swap (“TRS”) and may enter into one or more TRS in the future. A TRS is a specific type of swap contract in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the return of the assets underlying the TRS, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate. A TRS is typically used to obtain exposure to a basket

 

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of securities or loans or market without owning or taking physical custody of such securities or loans or investing directly in such market. A TRS effectively adds leverage to the Fund’s portfolio because, in addition to our total net assets, we would be subject to investment exposure on the amount of securities subject to the TRS.

 

Swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund’s investments and the price of Common Shares. The performance of swap agreements may be affected by a change in the specific interest rate, currency or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would likely decline, potentially resulting in losses.

 

Generally, swap agreements have fixed termination dates that are agreed upon by the parties to the swap. The agreement can be terminated before the termination date only under limited circumstances, such as default by or insolvency of one of the parties and can be transferred by a party only with the prior written consent of the other party. The Fund may be able to eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or another counterparty. If the counterparty is unable to meet its obligations under a swap agreement, declares bankruptcy, defaults or becomes insolvent, the Fund may not be able to recover the money it expected to receive under the swap agreement.

 

A swap agreement can be a form of leverage, which can magnify the Fund’s gains or losses. Swap agreements may be considered senior securities under the 1940 Act unless steps are taken to segregate the Fund’s assets or otherwise cover its obligations. To avoid having these instruments considered senior securities, in some cases the Fund segregates liquid assets with a value equal (on a daily mark-to-market basis) to its obligations under these types of transactions, enters into offsetting transactions or otherwise covers such transactions. In cases where the Fund does not cover such transactions, such instruments may be considered senior securities and the Fund’s use of such transactions will be required to comply with the restrictions on senior securities under the 1940 Act. The Fund may be unable to use segregated assets for certain other purposes, which could result in the Fund earning a lower return on its portfolio than it might otherwise earn if it did not have to segregate those assets in respect of or otherwise cover such portfolio positions. To the extent the Fund’s assets are segregated to cover the Fund’s potential exposure, the Fund’s investment flexibility could be limited. Segregating assets and covering positions will not limit or offset losses on related positions.

 

The use of swaps can cause the Fund to be subject to additional regulatory requirements, which may generate additional Fund expenses. The Fund monitors any swaps with a view towards ensuring that the Fund remains in compliance with all applicable regulatory, investment and tax requirements.

 

The Fund intends to conduct its operations to avoid regulation as a commodity pool, and the Adviser has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the futures markets. Pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5, the Fund is not subject to regulation as a commodity pool under the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

Other Investment Companies

 

The Fund expects to invest in securities of other funds, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and other registered closed-end funds, from time to time for liquidity or other investment purposes, such as providing additional diversification within a desired asset class.

 

The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by investment companies in which it invests, in addition to the management fees (and other expenses) paid by the Fund.

 

On October 7, 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 12d1-4”) which allows funds to invest in other investment companies in excess of some of the limitations contained in the 1940 Act, subject to certain limitations and conditions. An acquiring fund relying on Rule 12d-4 must enter into a fund of funds investment agreement with the acquired fund. Rule 12d1-4 outlines the requirements for fund of funds agreements and specifies certain reporting responsibilities of the acquiring fund’s adviser. The Fund may rely on Rule 12d1-4 to the extent the Adviser deems such reliance necessary or appropriate.

 

ETFs are listed on an exchange and trade in the secondary market on a per-share basis. The values of ETFs are subject to change as the values of their respective component securities (or commodities) fluctuate according to market volatility. Investments in ETFs may not exactly match the performance of a direct investment in the respective indices to which they are intended to correspond due to the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or other extraordinary circumstances, such as discrepancies with respect to the weighting of securities.

 

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Investment Policies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its Managed Assets in “Real Assets” and “Credit and Credit-Related Investments.” “Managed Assets” means net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund may utilize leverage through borrowing for investment purposes or to satisfy repurchase requests.

 

The Fund is deemed to concentrate its investments in the real estate industry, because, under normal circumstances, it invests over 25% of its assets in the real estate industry. The Fund’s 80% investment policy may be changed upon 60 days’ advance notice to shareholders. The Fund’s concentration policy is fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund’s SAI contains a list of all of the fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies of the Fund, under the heading “Investment Restrictions.”

 

Investment Process

 

The Fund’s investment process is a collaborative effort between the Sub-Advisers, and the Fund expects to benefit from their combined real estate, credit, transaction expertise, and deal-sourcing capabilities. The Adviser is responsible for overseeing the Fund’s strategies, operations and investment priorities, as well as optimizing the Fund’s capital structure.

 

The Adviser has delegated investment discretion for the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to Real Assets (except for CMBS) to the CIM Sub-Adviser and the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to CMBS and credit and credit-related investments to the OFS Sub-Adviser. The Adviser will determine the amount of the Fund’s total assets that are allocated to each Sub-Adviser, and will review such allocation percentage on an ongoing basis and adjust the allocation percentage as necessary to best achieve the Fund’s investment objective. When the Fund’s total assets are smaller, the OFS Sub-Adviser will manage a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets. As the Fund’s total assets grow, it is expected that the portion of the Fund’s assets that are managed by the CIM Sub-Adviser will be between 30% and 70% of the Fund’s total assets, and that the portion of the Fund’s assets that are managed by the OFS Sub-Adviser will be between 30% and 70% of the Fund’s total assets. The actual percentage of the Fund’s assets that are managed by each Sub-Adviser may from time to time be outside the target levels provided above due to factors such as market conditions and the availability of attractive investment opportunities.

 

CIM Sub-Adviser Investment Process

 

The CIM Sub-Adviser investment process is a collaborative one between the Portfolio Oversight Group of the CIM Sub-Adviser (“Portfolio Oversight”), the Investments Group of the CIM Sub-Adviser (“Investments Group”) and the investment committees of the CIM Sub-Adviser.

 

The CIM Sub-Adviser has an Investment Committee comprised of each of the Principals of CIM Group and a secondee from Mitsui & Co. with one legal observer and one compliance observer. Richard Ressler, as Chairman, heads the Investment Committee. The Investment Committee has delegated its preliminary investment authority with respect to real estate equity investments to the Investment Committee – Preliminary Subcommittee. The Investment Committee has delegated its investment authority with respect to (i) real assets-related debt investments to a credit subcommittee (the “ICCS”) and (ii) investments in publicly traded securities to a subcommittee (the “Publicly Traded Securities Sub-Committee,” and, together with the Investment Committee and the ICCS, the “CIM Sub-Adviser Investment Committees” and each a “CIM Sub-Adviser Investment Committee”). After the initial investment, the Adviser’s Real Assets Management Committee (the “Real Assets Management Committee”), with assistance from Portfolio Oversight and Investments Group, is responsible for overseeing the applicable investments within the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Portfolio Oversight leads the overall strategy for the Fund and is responsible for reviewing and considering potential new acquisitions, working with Investments Group to make key decisions, completing regular hold/sell analyses across the portfolio, and recommending to the Real Assets Management Committee and the applicable CIM Sub-Adviser Investment Committees when to divest of investments, all of which are focused on meeting the investment objectives of the Fund.

 

Investments Group is responsible for the full lifecycle of each asset including sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, acquisition, management and disposition of investments placed into the Fund. The group’s responsibilities include sourcing opportunities both marketed and off-market using CIM Group’s broad network of relationships and performing disciplined due diligence and underwriting on every investment, preparing recommendations and investment business plans for acquisitions for presentation to the applicable CIM Sub-Adviser Investment Committee, overseeing the closing, operation and disposition of each asset, and assists with the management of investments.

 

Portfolio Oversight and Investments Group provide recommendations to the CIM Sub-Adviser Investment Committees, but the applicable CIM Sub-Adviser Investment Committee will make each ultimate investment decision.

 

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Sourcing—Real Assets-related Equity Investments

 

CIM Group believes that it has a significant competitive advantage in sourcing attractive, proprietary opportunities. CIM Group utilizes its broad network of relationships, ranging from sophisticated institutions to smaller family trusts, to identify and acquire assets at a discount to their intrinsic (i.e., expected long-term) values. These opportunities include assets that are publicly marketed for sale as well as those that may become available “off-market,” via a privately negotiated transaction. CIM Group will continue to devote significant resources to generating and fostering opportunities sourced on an “off-market” or proprietary basis outside of formal or public auction processes.

 

Additionally, CIM Group cultivates relationships with local government agencies and works to understand the goals and commitments of each municipality. CIM Group believes that city officials, redevelopment agencies, consultants, prospective partners and industry participants recognize the broad knowledge and depth of experience of CIM Group’s in-house team in all phases of an asset’s lifecycle and CIM’s ability to meet its commitments. Similarly, CIM has strong relationships with lenders, based in part on CIM Group’s ability to perform as CIM Group has never given back a property as a result of loan default. Throughout CIM’s history, particularly during and after the global financial crisis, local government agencies and lenders have served as a tremendous source of deal flow to CIM, Group, as CIM Group believes that it serves as a vital contributor to the overall economic success of their communities throughout its acquisitions.

 

CIM Group believes that competition in metropolitan areas is highly fragmented and that few of its competitors can match its extensive array of value-added capabilities and expertise. The competitive set includes three main groups: (i) companies focused only on specific real estate property types, (ii) local developers with limited access to capital and only a local presence and (iii) entities that allocate capital but have limited real estate staff. In contrast, CIM Group is product non-specific, provides a geographically diverse perspective and is well capitalized. In addition, CIM Group maintains capabilities in a broad array of disciplines, including research, acquisition, development, capital markets, finance, leasing and management, and possesses extensive deal structuring experience and expertise (including expertise in investing in all levels across the capital stack).

 

Furthermore, as part of CIM Group’s community qualification process, CIM Group targets high barrier-to-entry markets and submarkets with high population density and applies rigorous research to qualify for potential acquisitions. As part of the qualification and investment process, CIM Group’s investment professionals spend a substantial portion of their time on the ground in each of the communities in which CIM Group is active getting to know all the major stakeholders, including owners, developers, lenders, brokers, local community groups, government officials, among others which allows CIM Group to gain extensive local market knowledge. As a result of this in-depth research and analysis, CIM Group has been able to source attractive off-market opportunities from its relationships with local stakeholders such as owners and operators.

 

Sourcing—Real Assets-related Debt Investments

 

CIM Group identifies real-estate debt opportunities by leveraging its extensive network of relationships within the real estate and finance industries. As described, above, CIM Group has developed strong relationships with public and private real estate owners, investors, developers and operators with expertise in all commercial real estate asset classes, as well as key intermediaries such as mortgage brokerage firms, commercial banks, leading investment banks and servicers in its Qualified Communities. CIM Group believes that these relationships serve to bolster the scale and scope of the Fund’s loan originations across its target assets. Additionally, CIM Group’s market position as both a developer and capital provider allows the Fund to source and underwrite opportunities earlier in the development/construction cycle than traditional lenders in the space. Developers may approach CIM Group as an equity provider/co-developer first, which provides a significant lead time to assess the risk of a project and determine whether it’s best served by equity or debt.

 

Underwriting—Real Assets-related Equity Investments

 

Investments Group is responsible for the underwriting and due diligence of an asset and underwriting scenarios when evaluating potential acquisition opportunities. The Investments Group underwrites a “current market case” scenario, which generally utilizes current national or submarket specific exit assumptions and interest rates, in order to reflect anticipated results under current market conditions, as well as a “long term average case” scenario.

 

Investments Group prepares a snapshot overview of the potential acquisition and meets with Portfolio Oversights and Principals from Investments team to determine desirability of the asset, market, underwriting assumptions, business plan and preliminary risk-return level in order to pursue further. High-level items presented at this stage include transaction timing, a property overview, market information, business plan, preliminary returns, operating assumptions, a sensitivity analysis and any other pertinent deal-specific information.

 

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After a potential acquisition is identified, Investments Group conducts a thorough property-level review with a multi-disciplinary team, led by one of its investment leads. During the review process, specific factors that are assessed include, but are not limited to, (i) community and political support, (ii) property analysis, (iii) market analysis, (iv) exit strategies and (v) risk assessment and mitigation.

 

Investments Group analyzes the property’s financial performance and carefully reviews its contracts and physical condition. In each case, the Investments Group utilizes professionals within CIM’s Onsite Property Management and Real Estate Services departments to evaluate those aspects of the asset. Finally, in the case of a joint venture with another sponsor, the Investments Group reviews the co-sponsor’s background and qualifications, and Investments team evaluates and negotiates the pricing and terms of the structure.

 

In preparing financial projections, Investments Group first reviews historical property performance based on current leases and existing operating expenses, confirmed by the property’s contractual obligations, and then makes adjustments to reflect changes deemed appropriate or necessary based on the Investments team’s review. Investments Group also prepares a capital budget based on its analysis of the property’s physical condition in light of current and anticipated uses.

 

Acquisition recommendations are presented to the Investment Committee for both preliminary and final approval. Members of the broader CIM Group team involved in the due diligence and underwriting of the transaction attend the presentation as well. The Investment Committee has delegated its preliminary investment authority with respect to real estate equity investments to the Investment Committee – Preliminary Subcommittee. Preliminary approvals occur early in the due diligence process and include a well-conceived draft of the business plan for the proposed acquisition. Final approval includes a review of additional due diligence findings and the final business plan, schedule and budget for the proposed acquisition and a grant of authority to execute the proposed transaction. The full Investment Committee will grant final approval to move forward with an acquisition, including allowing a deposit to go non-refundable on a transaction. Additionally, acquisition opportunities must meet minimum return thresholds under a downside operating plan.

 

Underwriting—Real Assets-related Debt Investments

 

Investments Group employs a value-driven and credit-oriented approach to underwriting and due diligence, consistent with the CIM Group’s disciplined strategy. Detailed financial modeling and analysis is used to assess the cash flow and debt service coverage characteristics of the properties as well as interest rate and prepayment analysis. Investments Group utilizes the in-house expertise of its vertically-integrated team to perform extensive property and market-level due diligence, including site tours, competitive analysis, tenant profile and credit reviews, market and industry research and due diligence on the prospective borrower, which may include performing background and reference checks and reviewing the borrower’s experience and capabilities in managing the collateral and executing the potential business plan. Investments Group may, as appropriate, engage and oversee third party advisors and/or consultants to conduct an engineering and environmental review of the collateral.

 

Recommendations to originate a loan are presented to a team designated by the ICCS (the “Credit Review Team”) for review and to confirm the issuance of a term sheet. Approval from at least a majority of the members is required to issue a term sheet. It is not required for members of the Credit Review Team to meet as a group during preliminary credit review. Alternatively, the investment team may present the transaction to each member individually. The Credit Review Team’s review may include, but is not limited to, a description/overview of the proposed transaction, the transaction P&L/ROC/Debt Yield, including underlying material assumptions, collateral description/valuation, overview of sponsors, ability to syndicate, summary of pros and cons and the recommendation from the investment lead and deal team. After a term sheet has been fully negotiated and prepared for execution by both borrower and lender parties, it is presented to the ICCS for approval. If approved by the Chairman and a majority of the other members of the ICCS, a fully negotiated term sheet may be executed, the terms of which remain subject to, among other things, satisfactory due diligence. Transactions are presented to the ICCS by the investment lead in the form of a Memorandum, which may include, but is not limited to, a description of the proposed investment, including detailed financial information, a description of the investment and the relevant market, a business plan for the investment, analysis of expected returns, including sensitivity analyses of the market case for opportunistic investments and the base and downside cases for stabilized investments, market comparables, risks and mitigants, budget and schedule and other material information. Following completion of due diligence, the Credit Review Team reviews any material changes that deviate from the executed term sheet. If there are any material deviations, the transaction goes back to ICCS for further review. If there are no material deviations, upon the approval from the Credit Review Team and after the definitive loan documentation has been fully negotiated and prepared for execution by both borrower and lender parties, the chairman of the ICCS must approve the closing of the transaction.

 

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Real Asset Management

 

After the initial investment, the Real Assets Management Committee, with assistance from Portfolio Oversight and Investments Group, is responsible for overseeing the asset management of CIM Group’s assets. The Real Assets Management Committee reviews and approves strategic decisions related to financing strategies and hold/sell analyses and tracks performance relative to overall business plan execution. While Portfolio Oversight and Investments Group provide recommendations, the Real Assets Management Committee reviews and approves strategic decisions related to financing strategies and hold/sell analyses.

 

The Real Assets Management Committee conducts an in-depth review of the following key items:

 

 

Overall Portfolio Update: Review Fund-level returns, capital availability and fundraising progress.

 

 

Asset/Portfolio Financing: Discuss upcoming debt maturities and provide recommendations for financing strategy, analyze decisions to add leverage to an asset and determine strategy with respect to corporate-level financings and the fund-level line of credit.

 

 

Material Updates to Asset Performance: Report progress in executing major value-creation projects, deviations from or changes to business plans and changes in market dynamics that may have a material effect on the asset.

 

 

Hold/Sell Recommendations: Evaluate assets that Portfolio Oversight recommends for near-to mid-term sale and discuss exit strategies for those assets. Review sale progress on assets that are currently being marketed for disposition.

 

In addition to reviewing specific property-level conditions and recommendations, the Real Assets Management Committee reviews real estate and related capital market conditions, considers current market trends and monitors fund strategies and portfolio composition.

 

Further, with respect to real assets-related debt investments, the Real Assets Management Committee oversees the servicing and asset management-related functions for the Fund. CIM Group has a fully integrated loan servicing team that is responsible for tracking the financial performance of collateral, monitoring construction progress, cash management and reserve accounts, and ensuring that borrowers remain compliant with the terms of the loans. While the team has the capability to service the loans internally as required, it typically oversees the work of external servicing agencies. The Real Assets Management Committee is comprised of CIM’s Founding Principals, Chief Compliance Officer and Managing Director of Portfolio Oversight and is chaired by Richard Ressler. The Real Assets Management Committee leverages CIM Group’s experience as a developer and operator to ensure that the appropriate controls and rights are in place for approving draw requests and development milestones. In the event that a borrower is unable to perform on the loan and execute the business plan, CIM Group will pursue appropriate work-out solutions for the loan at the direction of the Real Assets Management Committee. If the borrower continues to default on the loan and foreclosure is required, the development and operations experience of CIM Group’s vertically-integrated team leaves the Fund well positioned to complete the intended business plan and ultimately dispose of the underlying real estate asset. The Real Assets Management Committee meets monthly to review loan and property performance.

 

OFS Sub-Adviser Investment Process

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser’s investment committees, which include the pre-allocation investment committee, middle-market investment committee, broadly syndicated investment committee and structured credit investment committee (collectively, the “Credit Investment Committees”) will be responsible for the recommendations of overall asset allocation decisions and the evaluation and approval of credit and credit-related investments and CMBS investments for the Fund.

 

 

Preliminary Investment Review: preliminary review and approval of a potential investment opportunity’s terms. During this stage, the applicable Credit Investment Committee ensures that a potential investment opportunity conforms to the Fund’s investment objective and respective investment strategy, and identifies further analyses to be performed by the underwriting teams prior to final approval.

 

 

Final Approval: final approval of a potential investment opportunity after evaluating all aspects of the investment, including, but not limited to, the return profile, risks, management team credentials, real estate fundamentals, and legal, accounting, and tax issues. During this stage, the applicable Credit Investment Committee makes a final determination regarding whether a particular proposed investment opportunity meets the Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, and policies, and whether to make the proposed investment.

 

 

Ongoing Portfolio Review: on an ongoing basis after an investment is made, the Credit Investment Committee considers each investment’s suitability relative to the investment objective, target investments, return metrics, and risk profile of the Fund, while also weighing the investment’s impact on the Fund’s portfolio, including sector, regional, and manager diversification, and other factors and requirements.

 

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Once the applicable Credit Investment Committee has completed the final review and approval of an investment, the OFS Sub-Adviser will have the discretion to make the investment consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies.

 

Loan Origination Process—OFS Sub-Adviser

 

The Fund seeks to originate loans to middle-market companies that have experienced and incentivized management teams, stable and predictable cash flows and defensible market positions. The Fund underwrites its originated loans with the expectation that the Fund will hold them for a number of years, and structures and documents investments accordingly; however, the Fund may sell positions if circumstances have changed from the time of underwriting or if the Fund deems doing so is in the Fund’s best interest. See “— Disposal or Sale of Loans”.

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser has relationships with several major and regional investment and commercial banks, as well as commercial finance institutions. The OFS Sub-Adviser also has extensive relationships with private equity sponsors, financial intermediaries, family offices, non-traditional sponsors, owners and operators, CLO collateral managers and other members in the lending community. Select investment professionals are also involved in the Fund’s origination and the OFS Sub-Adviser’s sourcing efforts. During a typical week, certain investment professionals are on the road conducting sourcing activities, which include: meetings with loan intermediaries; attending and sponsoring conferences; and meetings with existing and former portfolio companies. Once a new deal has been identified, it is discussed during weekly investment team pipeline calls.

 

The large number of investment opportunities generated by the OFS Sub-Adviser enables it to maintain a portfolio of diverse companies located throughout the United States in industries including, but not limited to, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, high tech industries, transportation and logistics, value-added distribution, business services, telecommunications, industrial and niche manufacturing, specialty chemicals, consumer products and services, aerospace and defense, franchising and food and beverage.

 

Underwriting—OFS Sub-Adviser

 

With respect to loans it originates, the Fund will employ a thorough and disciplined underwriting approach through the OFS Sub-Adviser and a due diligence process that is conducted in accordance with established credit policies and procedures, and that is focused on investment recovery. The OFS Sub-Adviser’s process in advance of the Fund originating a loan involves a comprehensive analysis of a prospective portfolio company’s market, operational, financial, and legal position, as well as its future prospects.

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser’s due diligence and underwriting process typically addresses the following elements (although certain elements may not be included in every due diligence undertaking):

 

 

Prospective Portfolio Company Characteristics: focusing on primary drivers of the company’s revenues and cash flows, including: its key products and services; customer and supplier concentrations, and contractual relationships; depth, breadth, and quality of company management, as well as the extent to which the management team is appropriately compensated with equity incentives; and any regulatory, labor or litigation matters impacting the company.

 

 

Industry and Competitive Overview: an analysis of industry size and the company’s position within that industry; growth potential and barriers to entry; governmental, regulatory, or technological issues potentially affecting the industry; and cyclicality or seasonality risks associated with the industry.

 

 

Financial Analysis: involving an understanding of the company’s historical financial results, focusing on: actual operating trends experienced over time in order to forecast future performance, including in various sensitized performance scenarios; projected cash flows, debt service coverage, and leverage multiples under such scenarios; and an assessment of enterprise valuations and debt repayment/investment recovery prospects given such sensitized performance scenarios.

 

 

Investment Documentation: focusing on obtaining legal protections available to the Fund given its position within the capital structure, including, as appropriate: financial covenants; collateral liens and stock pledges; review of loan documents of portfolio company’s creditors; and negotiation of inter-creditor agreements.

 

The investment teams routinely use third-party sources and market studies to corroborate valuation and industry-specific due diligence, as well as provide quality of earnings analysis. Where applicable, background checks are conducted, and portfolio company tax compliance information may also be requested during the quality of earnings review. In addition, the investment teams may contact customers, suppliers and competitors and, when appropriate, perform on-site visits as part of a routine business due diligence process. Experienced legal counsel is engaged to evaluate regulatory, tax or other company-specific risks.

 

The investment teams will also review and discuss the inclusion of covenants in potential investments. Covenants are contractual restrictions that lenders place on companies to limit the corporate actions a company may pursue. Generally, the loans in which the Fund expects to originate will have financial maintenance covenants, which are used to proactively address materially adverse

 

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changes in a portfolio company’s financial performance. However, to a lesser extent, the Fund may originate “covenant-lite” loans. The Fund uses the term “covenant-lite” to refer generally to loans that do not have a complete set of financial maintenance covenants. Generally, “covenant-lite” loans provide borrower companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition. Accordingly, to the extent the Fund invests in “covenant-lite” loans, it may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants.

 

Potential investments are discussed regularly with members of the investment committees during the underwriting process, and, after the investment teams complete their final due diligence, each proposed investment will be presented to the investment committees and subjected to further extensive discussion and follow-up analysis, if necessary. A formal memorandum for each investment opportunity will typically include the results of business due diligence, multi-scenario financial analysis, risk-management assessment, results of third-party consulting work, background checks (where applicable) and structuring proposals. The investment committee will then vote to approve the investment.

 

Portfolio Review/Risk Monitoring—OFS Sub-Adviser

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser views active portfolio monitoring as a vital part of its loan origination process, and benefits from a portfolio management system that includes daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly components, and that involves comprehensive review of the performance of each of the Fund’s originated loans. As part of the portfolio management process, the OFS Sub-Adviser performs ongoing risk assessments on each of the Fund’s investments that it originates and assigns each loan a credit rating based on an internal ratings scale. The OFS Sub-Adviser generally expects to be the agent for directly originated loans and, as a result, the OFS Sub-Adviser expects to control the loan documentation and negotiation of covenants in those scenarios.

 

Disposal or Sale of Loans—OFS Sub-Adviser

 

The Fund retains the flexibility to dispose of the loans it originates in any manner consistent with applicable law and the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions. For example, the Fund may, among other possibilities (i) hold a loan to maturity; (ii) assign a loan to one or more third parties; (iii) sell participation interests in a loan to one or more third parties, including for example through a competitive bidding process; or (iv) sell loans to a third party that intends to securitize the assets. The Fund may make commitments with respect to indebtedness or securities of a potential portfolio company in excess of the Fund’s final investment. In such situations, while the Fund may initially agree to fund up to a certain dollar amount of an investment it originates, the Fund may subsequently syndicate or sell a portion of such amount such that the Fund is left with a smaller investment than what was reflected in its original commitment.

 

The Fund may originate loans to borrowers that issue illiquid and/or restricted securities. Illiquid and restricted securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when the Fund believes it is desirable to do so. The market price of illiquid and restricted securities generally is more volatile than that of more liquid securities, which may adversely affect the price that the Fund pays for or recovers upon the sale of such securities. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the security is registered, thereby enabling the Fund to sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and acquiror of the securities. In either case, the Fund would bear market risks during that period. Additionally, applicable law, including the 1940 Act, may at times require the Fund to dispose of investments at a time when it otherwise would not dispose of such investment or hold an investment when it would otherwise dispose of it, in each case, in order to comply with applicable law.

 

Co-Investment Transactions

 

For those investments made through joint transactions requiring exemptive relief, the Fund has obtained the Order from the SEC to allow it to co-invest with certain of its affiliates in a manner consistent with its investment objective, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors, subject to compliance with certain conditions. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund is generally permitted to co-invest with certain of its affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of its independent trustees makes certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to the Fund and its shareholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of the Fund or its shareholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of shareholders and is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies.

 

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Risks

 

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company designed as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program and, due to the uncertainty inherent in all investments, there can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. At any point in time an investment in the Common Shares may be worth less than the original amount invested, even after taking into account the distributions paid by and the ability of shareholders to reinvest dividends.

 

Risks Related to the Fund’s Business and Structure

 

Limited Operating History

 

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with a limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have limited track record and history on which to base their investment decision. The Fund is subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that it will not achieve its investment objectives and that the value of an investment could decline substantially or become worthless.

 

Investment and Market Risk

 

An investment in the Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in the Common Shares represents an indirect investment in a portfolio of investments in Real Assets and Credit-related investments owned by the Fund, and the value of these investments may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. At any point in time an investment in the Common Shares may be worth less than the original amount invested, even after taking into account distributions paid by the Fund and the ability of shareholders to reinvest dividends. The Fund may also use leverage, which would magnify the Fund’s investment, market and certain other risks.

 

Economic Recession or Downturn Risk

 

Many of the Fund’s portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay the Fund’s debt investments during these periods. Therefore, the Fund’s non-performing assets are likely to increase, and the value of its portfolio is likely to decrease, during these periods. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of any collateral securing the Fund’s secured loans. A prolonged recession may further decrease the value of such collateral and result in losses of value in the Fund’s portfolio and a decrease in the Fund’s revenues, net income and NAV. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase the Fund’s funding costs, limit the Fund’s access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to it on terms it deems acceptable. These events could prevent the Fund from increasing investments and harm the Fund’s operating results.

 

Global Economic, Political and Market Condition Risk

 

The current worldwide financial market situation, as well as various social and political tensions in the United States and around the world, may contribute to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. The U.S. and global capital markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption during the economic downturn that began in mid-2007, and the U.S. economy was in a recession for several consecutive calendar quarters during the same period. In 2010, a financial crisis emerged in Europe, triggered by high budget deficits and rising direct and contingent sovereign debt, which created concerns about the ability of certain nations to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations. Risks resulting from such debt crisis and any future debt crisis in Europe or any similar crisis elsewhere could have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, sovereign and non-sovereign debt in certain countries and the financial condition of financial institutions generally. In July and August 2015, Greece reached agreements with its creditors for bailouts that provide aid in exchange for certain austerity measures. These and similar austerity measures may adversely affect world economic conditions and have an adverse impact on the Fund’s business and that of its portfolio companies. In the second quarter of 2015, stock prices in China experienced a significant drop, resulting primarily from continued sell-off of shares trading in Chinese markets. In August 2015, Chinese authorities sharply devalued China’s currency. In June 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union, or “Brexit.” Brexit created political and economic uncertainty and instability in the global markets (including currency and credit markets), and especially in the United Kingdom and the European Union, and this uncertainty and instability may last indefinitely. The U.K. formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020. Under the terms of the withdrawal agreement negotiated and agreed between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union was followed by a transition period that ran until December 31, 2020 and during which the United Kingdom continued to apply European Union law and was treated for all material purposes as if it were still a member of the European Union. On December 24, 2020, the European Union and United Kingdom governments signed a trade deal (the “Trade Agreement”) that was provisionally effective from January 1, 2021 until the end of April 2021, when the European Parliament approved the Trade Agreement, and that now governs the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The Trade Agreement implements significant regulation around trade, transport of

 

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goods and travel restrictions between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The longer term economic, legal, political and social framework to be put in place between the United Kingdom and the European Union are unclear at this stage and are likely to lead to ongoing political and economic uncertainty and periods of exacerbated volatility in both the United Kingdom and in wider European markets for some time. In particular, the decision made in the United Kingdom referendum may lead to a call for similar referenda in other European jurisdictions, which may cause increased economic volatility and uncertainty in the European and global markets. In addition, the fiscal policy of foreign nations, such as Russia and China, may have a severe impact on the worldwide and U.S. financial markets.

 

Legislation may be adopted that could significantly affect the regulation of U.S. financial markets. Areas subject to potential change, amendment or repeal include the Dodd-Frank Act and the authority of the Federal Reserve and the Financial Stability Oversight Council. For example, in March 2018, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that eased financial regulations and reduced oversight for certain entities. The United States may also potentially withdraw from or renegotiate various trade agreements and take other actions that would change current trade policies of the United States. The Fund cannot predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the financial stability of the United States. Such actions could have a significant adverse effect on the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Fund cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets or on its investments. The Fund monitors developments and seeks to manage its investments in a manner consistent with achieving its investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.

 

As a result of the November 2020 elections in the United States, the Democratic party gained control of both the Presidency and the Senate from the Republican party. Thus, there are expected to be changes in federal policy, including tax policies, and at regulatory agencies over time. These changes are expected to involve a higher level of oversight and focus on the financial services industry or the tax rates paid by corporate entities. The nature, timing and economic and political effects of potential changes to the current legal and regulatory framework affecting financial institutions remain highly uncertain, however. Uncertainty surrounding future changes may adversely affect our operating environment and therefore our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. See “Risks Related to the Risk Retention Rules—The application of the risk retention rules under Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act and other similar European Union law to CLOs may have broader effects on the CLO and loan markets in general, potentially resulting in fewer or less desirable investment opportunities for us.”

 

Risks related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) will occur that create uncertainty and have significant impacts on issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets, to which companies and their investments are exposed. As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that once had only local impact are now more likely to have regional or even global effects. Events that occur in one country, region or financial market will, more frequently, adversely impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets, including in established markets such as the United States. These impacts can be exacerbated by failures of governments and societies to adequately respond to an emerging event or threat.

 

For example, in December 2019, COVID-19 emerged in China and proceeded to spread rapidly to other countries, including in the United States. General uncertainty surrounding the dangers and impact of COVID-19 (including the preventative measures taken in response thereto) and additional uncertainty regarding new variants of COVID-19, most notably the Delta and Omicron variants, has to date created significant disruption in supply chains and economic activity, contributed to labor difficulties and is having a particularly adverse impact on transportation, hospitality, tourism, entertainment and other industries.

 

This outbreak has led and for an unknown period of time will continue to lead to disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies affected thereby. Many states, including those in which we and our investments operate, have issued orders requiring the closure of, or certain restrictions on the operation of, non-essential businesses and/or requiring residents to stay at home. The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive measures taken to contain or mitigate its spread have caused, and are continuing to cause, business shutdowns, or the re-introduction of business shutdowns, cancellations of events and restrictions on travel, significant reductions in demand for certain goods and services, reductions in business activity and financial transactions, supply chain interruptions and overall economic and financial market instability both globally and in the United States. Such effects will likely continue for the duration of the pandemic, which is uncertain, and for some period thereafter.

 

While several countries, as well as certain states, counties and cities in the United States, began to relax the early public health restrictions with a view to partially or fully reopening their economies, many cities world-wide have since experienced a surge in the reported number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This recent increase in cases led to the re-introduction of restrictions and business shutdowns in certain states, counties and cities in the United States and globally and could continue to lead to the re-introduction of such restrictions and business shutdowns elsewhere. Beginning in December 2020 the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration authorized certain vaccines for emergency use. However, it remains unclear how

 

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quickly the vaccines will continue to be distributed nationwide and globally or when “herd immunity” will be achieved and the restrictions that were imposed to slow the spread of the virus will be lifted entirely. Delays in distributing the vaccines or an actual or perceived failure to achieve “herd immunity” could lead people to continue to self-isolate and not participate in the economy at pre-pandemic levels for a prolonged period of time.

 

The impact of COVID-19 led to significant volatility and declines in the global public equity markets and it is uncertain how long this volatility will continue. As COVID-19 continues to spread, the potential impacts, including a global, regional or other economic recession, are increasingly uncertain and difficult to assess. Some economists and major investment banks have expressed concern that the continued spread of the virus globally could lead to a world-wide economic downturn, the impacts of which could last for some period after the pandemic is controlled and/or abated.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing as of the filing date of this Prospectus, and its extended duration may have further adverse impacts on our business and our portfolio companies, including for the reasons described herein.

 

Shares Not Listed; No Market for Shares

 

The Fund is organized as a closed-end management investment company and designed for long-term investors. Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly known as mutual funds) because investors in a closed-end fund do not have the right to redeem their shares on a daily basis. Unlike most closed-end funds, which typically list their shares on a securities exchange, the Fund does not currently intend to list the Common Shares for trading on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not expect any secondary market to develop for the Common Shares in the foreseeable future. Therefore, an investment in the Fund, unlike an investment in a typical closed-end fund, is not a liquid investment, and shareholders should expect that they will be unable to sell their Common Shares for an indefinite time or at a desired price

 

Repurchase Offers Risk

 

As described under “Prospectus Summary—Periodic Repurchase Offers” above, the Fund is an “interval fund” and, in order to provide liquidity to shareholders, the Fund, subject to applicable law, will conduct quarterly repurchase offers for the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares at NAV. Repurchases will be funded from available cash, cash from the sale of Common Shares or sales of portfolio securities. However, repurchase offers and the need to fund repurchase obligations may affect the ability of the Fund to be fully invested or force the Fund to maintain a higher percentage of its assets in liquid investments, which may harm the Fund’s investment performance. Moreover, diminution in the size of the Fund through repurchases may result in an increased expense ratio for shareholders who do not tender their Common Shares for repurchase, untimely sales of portfolio securities (with associated imputed transaction costs, which may be significant), and may limit the ability of the Fund to participate in new investment opportunities or to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may accumulate cash by (i) holding back (i.e., not reinvesting) payments received in connection with the Fund’s investments and (ii) holding back (i.e., not investing) cash from the sale of Common Shares. The Fund believes that it can meet the maximum potential amount of the Fund’s repurchase obligations. If at any time cash and other liquid assets held by the Fund are not sufficient to meet the Fund’s repurchase obligations, the Fund intends, if necessary, to sell investments. If, as expected, the Fund employs leverage, repurchases of Common Shares would compound the adverse effects of leverage in a declining market. In addition, if the Fund borrows to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect holders of Common Shares who do not tender their Common Shares by increasing the Fund’s expenses and reducing any net investment income.

 

If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed, the Fund may determine to increase the amount repurchased by up to 2% of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares as of the date of the Repurchase Request Deadline. In the event that the Fund determines not to repurchase more than the repurchase offer amount, or if shareholders tender more than the repurchase offer amount plus 2% of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares as of the date of the Repurchase Request Deadline, the Fund will repurchase the Common Shares tendered on a pro rata basis, and shareholders will have to wait until the next repurchase offer to make another repurchase request. As a result, shareholders may be unable to liquidate all or a given percentage of their investment in the Fund during a particular repurchase offer. Some shareholders, in anticipation of proration, may tender more Common Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter, thereby increasing the likelihood that proration will occur. A shareholder may be subject to market and other risks, and the NAV of Common Shares tendered in a repurchase offer may decline between the Repurchase Request Deadline and the date on which the NAV for tendered Common Shares is determined. In addition, the repurchase of Common Shares by the Fund will generally be a taxable event to holders of Common Shares. See “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations — Taxation of U.S. Shareholders.”

 

Exclusive Forum and Jury Trial Waiver Risk

 

The Fund’s amended and restated declaration of trust provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, unless the Fund consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Fund, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a duty owed by any trustee, officer or other agent of

 

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the Fund to the Fund or the Fund’s shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, Delaware statutory or common law, or the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine (for the avoidance of doubt, including any claims brought to interpret, apply or enforce the federal securities laws of the United States, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act or the securities or antifraud laws of any international, national, state, provincial, territorial, local or other governmental or regulatory authority, including, in each case, the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, any other court in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction.

 

The Fund’s Declaration of Trust also includes an irrevocable waiver of the right to trial by jury in all such claims, suits, actions and proceedings. Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any of the Fund’s Common Shares shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to these provisions of the Fund’s Declaration of Trust. These provision may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum or in a manner that it finds favorable for disputes with the Fund or the Fund’s trustees or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find the exclusive forum provision or the jury trial waiver provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Fund may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions or in other manners, which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Fund and any investor in the Fund cannot waive compliance with any provision of the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Risks Related to the Fund’s Investments in Real Assets

 

Real Estate Industry Risk

 

The Fund will invest a substantial portion of its assets in Real Assets within the United States, which includes real estate-related securities. Therefore, the performance of its portfolio will be significantly impacted by the performance of the real estate market in general and the Fund may experience more volatility and be exposed to greater risk than it would be if it held a more diversified portfolio. The Fund will be impacted by factors particular to the real estate industry including, among others: (i) changes in general economic and market conditions; (ii) changes in the value of real estate properties; (iii) risks related to local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition; (iv) increases in operating expenses including property taxes and; (v) changes in zoning laws; (vi) casualty and condemnation losses; (vii) variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; (viii) the availability of financing (ix) changes in interest rates and (x) changes in availability of leverage on loans for or secured by real estate. Changes in U.S. federal tax laws which are being debated or pending as of the date of this prospectus may have a significant impact on the U.S. real estate industry in general, particularly in the geographic markets targeted by Fund investments. The value of securities in the real estate industry may go through cycles of relative under-performance and over-performance in comparison to equity securities markets in general.

 

There are also special risks associated with particular real estate sectors including, but not limited to, those risks described below:

 

Retail Properties. Retail properties are subject to risks that include changes to the overall health of the economy, and may be adversely affected by, among other things, the growth of alternative forms of retailing, bankruptcy, departure or cessation of operations of a tenant, a shift in consumer demand due to demographic changes, changes in spending patterns and lease terminations.

 

Office Properties. Office properties are subject to risks that include changes to the overall health of the economy, and other factors such as a downturn in the businesses operated by their tenants, obsolescence and non-competitiveness.

 

Industrial Properties. Industrial properties are subject to risks that include changes to the overall health of the economy, and other factors such as downturns in the manufacture, processing and shipping of goods.

 

Shopping Centers. Shopping center properties are subject to risks that are principally based on their dependence on the successful operations and financial condition of their tenants, particularly certain of their major tenants, and could be adversely affected by bankruptcy of those tenants. In some cases a tenant may lease a significant portion of the space in one center, and its closure or bankruptcy could cause significant revenue loss, including the loss of revenue from smaller tenants in the same shopping center that may financially struggle due to lower foot traffic in the mall generally, due to loss of the large tenant. Shopping centers also face the need to enter into new leases or renew leases on favorable terms to generate rental revenues and operate profitably. Shopping centers are also subject to risks due to changes in the local markets where their properties are located, as well as by adverse changes in national economic and market conditions.

 

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Self-Storage Properties. The value and successful operation of a self-storage property is subject to risk based on a number of factors, such as the ability of the management team, the location of the property, the presence of competing properties, changes in traffic patterns and effects of general and local economic conditions with respect to rental rates and occupancy levels.

 

Multifamily Properties. The value and successful operation of a multifamily property is subject to risks based on a number of factors, such as the location of the property, the ability of the management team, the level of mortgage interest rates, the presence of competing properties, adverse economic conditions in the locale, oversupply and rent control laws or other laws affecting such properties.

 

Hospitality Properties. The risks of hotel, motel and similar hospitality properties include, among other things, the necessity of a high level of continuing capital expenditures, competition, increases in operating costs which may not be offset by increases in revenues, dependence on business and commercial travelers and tourism, increases in fuel costs and other expenses of travel, and adverse effects of general and local economic conditions. Hotel properties tend to be more sensitive to adverse economic conditions and competition than many other commercial properties.

 

Healthcare Properties. Healthcare properties and healthcare providers are subject to risks arising from a number of several significant factors, including federal, state and local laws governing licenses, certification, adequacy of care, pharmaceutical distribution, rates, equipment, personnel and other factors regarding operations, continued availability of revenue from government reimbursement programs and competition on a local and regional basis. The failure of any healthcare operator to comply with governmental laws and regulations may affect its ability to operate its facility or receive government reimbursements.

 

Other factors may contribute to real estate industry risks and, therefore, to risks associated with investments by the Fund in real estate-related debt and debt securities:

 

Development Issues. Certain real estate borrowers may engage in the development or construction of real estate properties. These companies are exposed to a variety of risks inherent in real estate development and construction, such as the risk of cost overruns, inadequate capital to complete the project, and that there will be insufficient tenant demand at economically profitable rent levels.

 

Inadequate Insurance. Certain real estate borrowers may fail to carry sufficient liability, fire, flood, earthquake extended coverage and rental loss insurance, or any insurance in place may be subject to various policy specifications, limits and deductibles. Should any type of uninsured loss occur, the borrower could lose its investment in, and anticipated profits and cash flows from, a number of properties and, as a result, adversely affect the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Dependence on Tenants. The value and cash flow associated with rental real estate depends upon the ability of the borrower to generate enough rental income in excess of its debt service and other rental real estate expenses. Changes beyond the control of the borrower may occur with its tenants who may suffer economic setbacks which may in turn render them unable to make its lease payment. In that event the borrowers may suffer lower revenues and service its debt owed to the Fund.

 

Financial Leverage. The Fund’s borrowers may be highly leveraged and financial covenants may affect their ability to operate effectively and service its debt owed to the Fund.

 

Acquisition Risks. The Fund may obtain only limited warranties when it invests in a property and will typically have only limited recourse in the event that the Fund’s due diligence did not identify any issues that lower the value of the property.

 

Due Diligence of Properties. Before originating or acquiring any investments, the CIM Sub-Adviser will typically conduct due diligence that it deems reasonable and appropriate based on the facts and circumstances applicable to each potential origination or acquisition, as the case may be. Due diligence may entail evaluation of important and complex business, financial, tax, accounting, environmental and legal issues. Outside consultants, legal advisors, accountants, investment banks and other third parties may be involved in the due diligence process to varying degrees depending on the type of asset, the costs of which will be borne by the Fund. Such involvement of third-party advisors or consultants may present a number of risks primarily relating to the Sub-Adviser’s reduced control of the functions that are outsourced. In addition, if the CIM Sub-Adviser is unable to timely engage third-party providers, its ability to evaluate and make more complex transactions could be adversely affected. When conducting due diligence and making an assessment regarding a potential transaction, the CIM Sub-Adviser will rely on the resources available to it, including information provided by an underlying borrower and, in some circumstances, third-party investigations. The due diligence investigation that the CIM Sub-Adviser carries out with respect to any opportunity may not reveal or highlight all relevant facts that may be necessary or helpful in evaluating such opportunity. Moreover, such an investigation will not necessarily result in an investment being successful. There can be no assurance that attempts to provide downside protection with respect to investments will achieve their desired effect and potential investors should regard participation in the Fund as being speculative and having a high degree of risk.

 

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There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to detect or prevent irregular accounting, employee misconduct or other fraudulent practices during the due diligence phase or during its efforts to monitor investments on an ongoing basis or that any risk management procedures implemented by the CIM Sub-Adviser will be adequate. In the event of fraud by any obligor of a loan originated or acquired by the Fund or any of its affiliates, the Fund may suffer a partial or total loss of its loan made to such obligor. An additional concern is the possibility of material misrepresentation or omission on the part of such obligor. Such inaccuracy or incompleteness may adversely affect the value of investments. The Fund will rely upon the accuracy and completeness of representations made by such obligor in the due diligence process to the extent reasonable when it makes investments, but cannot guarantee such accuracy or completeness.

 

Expedited Transactions. Analyses and decisions by the CIM Sub-Adviser may frequently be required to be undertaken on an expedited basis to take advantage of opportunities. In such cases, the information available to the CIM Sub-Adviser at the time of making a decision may be limited, and the CIM Sub-Adviser may not have access to detailed information regarding the opportunity or the underlying real asset, such as physical and structural condition and characteristics, environmental matters, zoning regulations, or other local conditions affecting the asset. Therefore, no assurance can be given that the CIM Sub-Adviser will have knowledge of all circumstances that may adversely affect an asset. In addition, the CIM Sub-Adviser expects to rely upon certain independent consultants in connection with its evaluation of opportunities. No assurance can be given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by such independent consultants and the Fund may incur liability as a result of such consultants’ actions.

 

Environmental Issues. Environmental laws regulate, and impose liability for, releases of hazardous or toxic substances into the environment. Under some of these laws, an owner or operator of real estate may be liable for costs related to soil or groundwater contamination on or migrating to or from its property. In addition, persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may be liable for the costs of cleaning up contamination at the disposal site. These laws often impose liability regardless of whether the person knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the hazardous or toxic substances that caused the contamination. The presence of, or contamination resulting from, any of these substances, or the failure to properly remediate them, may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to sell or rent any property, to borrow using the property as collateral or create lender’s liability for the Fund. In addition, third parties exposed to hazardous or toxic substances may sue for personal injury damages and or property damages. For example, some laws impose liability for release of or exposure to asbestos-containing materials. As a result, in connection with the Fund’s future ownership, operation, and development of real estate assets, or the Fund’s potential role as a lender for loans secured directly or indirectly by real estate properties, the Fund may be potentially liable for investigation and cleanup costs, penalties and damages under environmental laws.

 

Lending Market Conditions. Instability in the United States, European and other credit markets, at times, can make it more difficult for borrowers to obtain financing or refinancing on attractive terms or at all. In particular, because of conditions in the credit markets, borrowers may be subject to increased interest expenses for borrowed money and tightening underwriting standards. There is also a risk that a general lack of liquidity or other events in the credit markets may adversely affect the ability of issuers in whose securities the Fund invests to finance real estate or refinance completed projects.

 

For example, historically adverse developments relating to sub-prime mortgages have adversely affected the willingness of some lenders to extend credit, in general, which may make it more difficult for homeowners or companies to obtain financing on attractive terms or at all so that they may commence or complete real estate projects, refinance completed projects or purchase real estate. These factors do adversely affect real estate values generally. These factors also may adversely affect the broader economy, which in turn may adversely affect the real estate markets. Accordingly, these factors could, in turn, reduce the number of real estate investment opportunities and reduce the Fund’s investment returns and the Fund may not be able to obtain financing for its liquidity needs in the future at all or sources of financing may not be available on attractive terms. If the Fund cannot obtain additional funding for our long-term liquidity needs, the Fund’s assets may generate lower cash flow or decline in value, or both, which may cause the Fund to sell assets at a time when the Fund would not otherwise do so and could have a material adverse effect on its business.

 

Illiquid / Long Term Investments; Disposition Risks. The Fund may be unable to sell an investment if or when it decides to do so, including as a result of uncertain market conditions. Real estate assets are, in general, relatively illiquid and may become even more illiquid during periods of economic downturn Further, there is no or very limited market for some of the real estate loan investments that the Fund may make. As a result, the Fund may not be able to sell its investments quickly or on favorable terms in response to changes in the economy or other conditions when it otherwise may be prudent to do so. In addition, certain significant expenditures generally do not change in response to economic or other conditions, including debt service obligations, real estate taxes, and operating and maintenance costs. This combination of variable revenue and relatively fixed expenditures may result, under certain market conditions, in reduced earnings. Therefore, the Fund may be unable to adjust its portfolio promptly in response to economic, market or other conditions, Some of the Fund’s leases may not include periodic rental increases, or the rental increases may be less than the fair market rate at a future point in time. In either case, the value of the leased property to a potential purchaser may not increase over time, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to sell that

 

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property, or if the Fund is able to sell that property, may result in a sale price less than the price that the Fund paid to purchase the property or the price that could be obtained if the rental income was at the then-current market rate. The Fund’s ability to dispose of investments on advantageous terms or at all depends on certain factors beyond the Fund’s control, including competition from other sellers and the availability of attractive financing for potential buyers of the Fund’s investments. The Fund cannot predict the various market conditions affecting real estate assets which will exist at any particular time in the future. Due to the uncertainty of market conditions which may affect the disposition of the Fund’s investments, the Fund cannot assure its shareholders that the Fund will be able to sell its investments at a profit or at all in the future. Furthermore, the Fund may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. There can be no assurance that the Fund will have funds available to correct such defects or to make such improvements.

 

Real Estate Taxes. Real-estate related taxes may increase, and if these increases are not passed on to the Fund’s tenants, the Fund’s income will be reduced. The Fund will be required to pay property taxes for properties that it will own, which property taxes can increase as property tax rates increase or as properties are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. In California, pursuant to an existing state law commonly referred to as Proposition 13, all or portions of a property are reassessed to market value only at the time of “change in ownership” or completion of “new construction,” and thereafter, annual property tax increases are limited to 2% of previously assessed values. As a result, Proposition 13 generally results in significant below-market assessed values over time. From time to time, including recently in the November 2020 election in California, lawmakers and political coalitions have initiated efforts to repeal or amend certain provisions of Proposition 13. If successful in the future, these proposals could substantially increase the assessed values and property taxes for any properties that the Fund may own in California. Although some tenant leases may permit pass through such tax increases to the tenants for payment, renewal leases or future leases may not be negotiated on the same basis.

 

In addition, adverse changes in the operation of any property in which the Fund has invested, or the financial condition of any tenant, could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to collect rent payments and, accordingly, on its ability to make distributions to shareholders. A tenant may experience, from time to time, a downturn in its business which may weaken its financial condition and result in its failure to make rental payments when due. At any time, a tenant may seek the protection of applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws, which could result in the rejection and termination of such tenant’s lease or other adverse consequences and thereby cause a reduction in the distributable cash flow of the Fund. If a tenant’s lease is not affirmed following bankruptcy or if a tenant’s financial condition weakens, the Fund’s operating cash flow may be adversely affected. No assurance can be given that tenants will not file for bankruptcy protection in the future or, if they do, that their leases will continue in effect.

 

COVID-19 Real Estate Risks

 

Real estate assets are subject to various risks and fluctuations and cycles in value and demand, many of which are beyond our control. Certain events may decrease cash available for distributions, as well as the value of our properties. These events include adverse changes in economic and socioeconomic conditions (including as a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive measures taken to contain or mitigate its spread have caused, and are continuing to cause, business shutdowns, or the re-introduction of business shutdowns, cancellations of events and restrictions on travel, significant reductions in demand for certain goods and services, reductions in business activity and financial transactions, supply chain interruptions and overall economic and financial market instability both globally and in the United States. Such effects will likely continue for the duration of the pandemic, which is uncertain, and for some period thereafter.. During periods of economic instability or recession, rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decline in rents or an increased incidence of defaults under existing leases. If the properties in which the Fund invests cannot operate so as to meet the Fund’s financial expectations, business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow or ability to satisfy debt service obligations or to maintain our level of distributions on our Common Shares may be negatively impacted.

 

Real estate transaction activity has generally slowed as market participants grappled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the real estate markets. While the Fund is beginning to see increasing levels of transaction activity in the real estate market, the outbreak may continue to make it difficult for the Fund to fully deploy its capital in the manner it would under normal market conditions. As COVID-19 continues to spread, the potential impacts, including a global, regional or other economic recession, are increasingly uncertain and difficult to assess.

 

The profitability of any properties in which the Fund may invest depends, in part, on the financial well-being and success of the tenants of such properties. The economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will likely continue to negatively affect tenants of any properties in which the Fund may invest to the extent of, among other things: (i) the inability of tenants to pay rent, (ii) the deferral of rent payments by tenants, (iii) tenants’ requests to modify terms of their leases in a way that will reduce the economic value of their leases, (iv) an increase in early lease terminations or a decrease in lease renewals and (v) inability to re-lease vacant space due to “shelter in place” or similar orders or a systemic shift in the demand for office space as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the profitability of any retail properties in which the Fund may invest depends, in part, on the willingness of

 

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customers to visit the businesses of the Fund’s tenants. The risk, or public perception of the risk, of a pandemic or media coverage of infectious diseases could cause employees or customers to avoid properties in which the Fund invests, which could adversely affect foot traffic to businesses and tenants’ ability to adequately staff their businesses. Such events could adversely impact tenants’ sales and/or cause the temporary closure or slowdown of the businesses of tenants, which could severely disrupt their operations and have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, the potential effects of quarantined employees of office tenants may adversely impact their businesses and affect their ability to pay rent on a timely basis.

 

Commercial Real Estate Lending Investments Risk

 

The Fund’s commercial real estate loans will be secured by commercial property and will be subject to risks of delinquency and foreclosure, and risks of loss that may be greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the security of single-family residential property. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by an income-producing property typically is dependent upon the successful operation of such property rather than upon the existence of independent income or assets of the borrower. If the net operating income of the property is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Net operating income of an income-producing property can be adversely affected by, among other things,

 

 

tenant mix;

 

success of tenant businesses;

 

property management decisions;

 

property location, condition and design;

 

competition from comparable types of properties;

 

changes in laws that increase operating expenses or limit rents that may be charged;

 

changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, including the credit and securitization markets;

 

declines in regional or local real estate values;

 

declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates;

 

increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses;

 

costs of remediation and liabilities associated with environmental conditions;

 

the potential for uninsured or underinsured property losses;

 

changes in governmental laws and regulations, including fiscal policies, zoning ordinances and environmental legislation and the related costs of compliance; and

 

acts of God, terrorist attacks, social unrest and civil disturbances.

 

In the event of any default under a mortgage loan held directly by the Fund, the Fund will bear a risk of loss of principal to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal and accrued interest of the mortgage loan, which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s cash flow from operations and limit amounts available for distribution to the Fund’s shareholders. In the event of the bankruptcy of a mortgage loan borrower, the mortgage loan to such borrower will be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the underlying collateral at the time of bankruptcy (as determined by the bankruptcy court), and the lien securing the mortgage loan will be subject to the avoidance powers of the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession to the extent the lien is unenforceable under state law. Foreclosure of a mortgage loan can be an expensive and lengthy process, which could have a substantial negative effect on the Fund’s anticipated return on the foreclosed mortgage loan.

 

Real Estate-Related Debt Risk

 

The Fund may invest in commercial real estate-backed non-recourse loans. Such loans involve many significant relatively unique and acute risks and the value of such loans, and whether and to what extent such loans perform as expected, will depend, in part, on the prevailing conditions in the market for real estate generally and, in particular, on the value of the collateral asset. Deterioration of real estate fundamentals may negatively impact the performance of portfolio assets. Whether obligors of loans originated or acquired by the Fund can repay their loans from the Fund will depend on a number of factors including but not limited to general economic and market conditions, local conditions, the quality and philosophy of management, competition based on rental rates, attractiveness and location of the properties, physical condition of the properties, quality of maintenance, insurance and management services and changes in operating costs. Events outside the control of such obligors, such as political action, governmental regulation, demographic changes, economic growth, increasing fuel prices, government regulation (including those governing usage, improvements, zoning and taxes), interest rate levels, the availability of financing, participation by other partners in the financial markets, potential liability under changing laws, bankruptcy or financial difficulty of a major tenant and/or acts of war or terrorism, could significantly reduce the revenues generated or significantly increase the expense of constructing, operating, maintaining or restoring real estate properties. In turn, this may impair such obligors’ ability to repay their loans from the Fund. In addition, there can be no assurance that any insurance required by the Fund to be maintained by obligors of loans originated or acquired by the Fund on real estate-related assets will be sufficient to cover losses suffered by such assets.

 

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While acquisition of real estate properties contain many similar risks, real estate debt involve many unique risks. For instance, many, if not all, of the obligors with respect to loans originated or acquired by the Fund will be special purpose vehicles. With some exceptions, these loans will generally be “non-recourse” loans where the sole recourse for the repayment will be collateral assets. As a result, the ability of such obligors to make payments is dependent upon the underlying collateral assets rather than upon the existence of independent income or assets of such obligors or any parent guarantees. The securities or loans that the Fund originates or acquires in may be subject to early redemption features, refinancing options, pre-payment options or similar provisions which, in each case, could result in obligors of such securities or loans repaying principal to the Fund earlier than expected, resulting in a lower return to the Fund than projected (even taking into consideration any make-whole or similar feature). In addition, certain of the loans or securities that the Fund holds may be structured so that all or a substantial portion of the principal will not be paid until maturity, which increases the risk of default at that time.

 

Construction-Related Investments Risk

 

The Fund may originate or acquire construction loans. Construction lending generally is considered to involve a higher degree of risk of non-payment and loss than other types of lending due to a variety of factors. If the costs to complete a project financed by a construction loan are higher than anticipated, the borrower may not be able to raise sufficient additional capital to complete the project. Similarly, if the time to complete a project is longer than is anticipated, there is a risk that the borrower will not be able to complete by maturity of the loan or that the borrower will not have sufficient funds to pay the carrying costs of the project. Because construction loans depend on timely, successful completion and the lease-up and commencement of operations post-completion, the Fund may need to increase its allowance for loan losses in the future to account for the likely increase in probable incurred credit losses associated with such loans. Further, as the lender under a construction loan, the Fund may be obligated to fund all or a significant portion of the loan at one or more future dates. The Fund may not have the funds available at such future date(s) to meet its funding obligations under the loan. In that event, the Fund would likely be in breach of the loan unless it is able to raise the funds from alternative sources, which it may not be able to achieve on favorable terms or at all. If the Fund fails to fund its commitment on a construction loan or if a borrower otherwise fails to complete the construction of a project, there could be adverse consequences associated with the loan, including: a loss of the value of the property securing the loan, especially if the borrower is unable to raise funds to complete construction from other sources; a borrower’s claim against the Fund for failure to perform under the loan documents; increased costs to the borrower that the borrower is unable to pay; a bankruptcy filing by the borrower; and abandonment by the borrower of the collateral for the loan.

 

The Fund may also extend loans whose purpose is to renovate, refurbish or expand a real estate property. Renovation, refurbishment or expansion of a collateral asset involves risks of cost overruns and non-completion. Costs of construction or renovation to bring a property up to standards established for the market intended for that property may exceed original estimates. Other risks may include: environmental risks, permitting risks, other construction risks and subsequent leasing of the property not being completed on schedule or at projected rental rates. If such construction or renovation is not completed in a timely manner, or if it costs more than expected, the related obligor may experience a prolonged impairment of net operating income and may not be able to make payments of interest or principal to the Fund or necessary expenses to own the asset such as insurance or real estate taxes, which could materially and adversely affect the Fund.

 

Mezzanine and B-Note Debt Risks

 

The Fund may originate as well as acquire mezzanine and/or B-note debt. Mezzanine and B-note loans are typically subject to intercreditor arrangements, the provisions of which may prohibit or restrict the ability of the holder of a mezzanine or B-note loan to (i) exercise remedies against the collateral with respect to their loans; (ii) challenge any exercise of remedies against the collateral by the first lien lenders with respect to their first liens; (iii) challenge the enforceability or priority of the first liens on the collateral; and (iv) exercise certain other secured creditor rights, both before and during a bankruptcy of the borrower. Accordingly, the ability of the Fund to influence an obligor’s affairs, especially during periods of financial distress or following an insolvency, is likely to be substantially less than that of a senior creditor. For example, under terms of intercreditor agreements, senior creditors will typically be able to restrict the exercise by the Fund of its rights as a creditor. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to take the steps necessary to protect its assets in a timely manner or at all. Subordinate securities, such as mezzanine and B-note debt, have a higher risk of loss than more senior securities. Mezzanine and B-note debt securities are also subject to other creditor risks, including (i) the possible invalidation of a transaction as a “fraudulent conveyance” under relevant creditors’ rights laws, (ii) so-called lender liability claims by the issuer of the obligations and (iii) environmental liabilities that may arise with respect to collateral securing the obligations. In some circumstances the only available remedy the holder of the subordinate debt may have is to pay off the senior interests, and the Fund may not have sufficient funds to effectuate such pay offs. In addition, depending on fluctuations of the equity markets and other factors, warrants and other equity securities which might have been issued to the Fund in connection with the origination of such subordinate debt may become worthless. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Fund’s rate of return objectives will be realized.

 

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Further, unlike mortgage financings in which a lender makes a loan to a property owner in exchange for a security interest in the underlying real property, real estate mezzanine financing is generally made to a direct or indirect parent of the property owner in exchange for a direct or indirect pledge of the equity interest in the property owner. The parent of the property owner is commonly set up as a single purpose entity intended to be a “bankruptcy remote” entity which owns only the equity interest in the property owner. In such a circumstance, the Fund’s remedies in the event of non-performance would include foreclosure on the equity interests pledged by the parent of such property. While the foreclosure process on such equity interests is generally less cumbersome and quicker than foreclosure on real property, such foreclosure process may nevertheless involve the risks discussed in the preceding paragraph. Furthermore, such mezzanine financing may involve multiple levels of mezzanine loans to multiple levels of mezzanine borrowers (each pledging its equity interest in the borrower under the more senior financing as collateral) and therefore the real asset may be negatively affected by separate levels of mezzanine financing. There can also be no guarantee that in such circumstances the Fund will be able to negotiate favorable intercreditor rights between itself as mezzanine lender and the senior lenders.

 

Participation Risk

 

The Fund may acquire exposure to commercial real estate loans by acquiring participation interests in such loans. Participations by the Fund in a seller’s portion of a loan typically result in a contractual relationship only with such seller of such participation interest, not with the borrower. In the case of a participation, the Fund will generally have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the seller of such participation and only upon receipt by such seller of such payments from the borrower. By holding a participation in a loan, the Fund generally will have no right to directly enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of set off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the underlying real assets. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the seller of such participation, which will remain the legal owner of record of the applicable loan. In the event of the insolvency of the seller, the Fund, by owning a participation, may be treated as a general unsecured creditor of the seller, and may not benefit from any set off between the seller and the borrower. In addition, the Fund may purchase a participation from a seller that does not itself retain any portion of the applicable loan and, therefore, may have limited interest in monitoring the terms of the loan agreement and the continuing creditworthiness of the borrower. When the Fund holds a participation in a loan, it will not have the right to vote under the applicable loan agreement with respect to every matter that arises thereunder, and it is expected that each seller will reserve the right to administer the loan sold by it as it sees fit and to amend the documentation evidencing such loan in all respects. Sellers voting in connection with such matters may have interests different from those of the Fund and may fail to consider the interests of the Fund in connection with their votes.

 

The purchaser of an assignment of an interest in a loan typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning seller and becomes a lender under the loan agreement with respect to that loan. As a purchaser of an assignment, the Fund generally will have the same voting rights as other lenders under the applicable loan agreement, including the right to vote to waive enforcement of breaches of covenants or to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, and the right to set off claims against the borrower and to have recourse to collateral supporting the loan. Assignments are, however, arranged through private negotiations between assignees and assignors, and in certain cases the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning seller.

 

Assignments and participations are often sold without recourse to the sellers, and the sellers will generally make limited or no representations or warranties about the underlying loan, the borrowers, and the documentation of the loans or any collateral securing the loans. In addition, the Fund will be bound by provisions of the underlying loan agreements, if any, that require the preservation of the confidentiality of information provided by the borrower. Because of certain factors including confidentiality provisions, the unique and customized nature of the loan agreement and the private syndication of the loan, loans are not purchased or sold as easily as are publicly traded securities.

 

Investing in Mortgages Risk

 

Investments in real estate mortgages may be first, second or third mortgages that may or may not be insured or otherwise guaranteed. In general, investments in mortgages include the following risks:

 

 

that the value of mortgaged property may be less than the amounts owed, causing realized or unrealized losses;

 

the borrower may not pay indebtedness under the mortgage when due, requiring the Fund to foreclose, and the amount recovered in connection with the foreclosure may be less than the amount owed;

 

that interest rates payable on the mortgages may be lower than the Fund’s cost of funds; and

 

in the case of junior mortgages, that foreclosure of a senior mortgage would eliminate the junior mortgage.

 

If any of the above were to occur, cash flows from operations and the Fund’s ability to make expected dividends to shareholders could be adversely affected.

 

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Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk

 

Mortgage-backed securities are bonds which evidence interests in, or are secured by, commercial mortgage loans. Accordingly, CMBS are subject to all of the risks of the underlying mortgage loans. In a rising interest rate environment, the value of CMBS may be adversely affected when payments on underlying mortgages do not occur as anticipated. The value of CMBS may also change due to shifts in the market’s perception of issuers and regulatory or tax changes adversely affecting the mortgage securities markets as a whole. In addition, CMBS are subject to the credit risk associated with the performance of the underlying commercial mortgage properties. CMBS are also subject to several risks created through the securitization process.

 

The Fund may invest in the residual or equity tranches of CMBS, which are referred to as subordinate CMBS or interest-only CMBS. Subordinate CMBSs are paid interest only to the extent there are funds available to make payments. There are multiple tranches of CMBS, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine, and subordinated/equity, according to their degree of risk. The most senior tranche of a CMBS has the greatest collateralization and pays the lowest interest rate. If there are defaults or the collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those to subordinated/equity tranches. Lower tranches represent lower degrees of credit quality and pay higher interest rates intended to compensate for the attendant risks. The return on the lower tranches is especially sensitive to the rate of defaults in the collateral pool. The lowest tranche (i.e. the “equity” or “residual” tranche) specifically receives the residual interest payments (i.e., money that is left over after the higher tranches have been paid and expenses of the issuing entities have been paid) rather than a fixed interest rate. As a result, interest only CMBS possess the risk of total loss of investment in the event of prepayment of the underlying mortgages. There is no limit on the portion of the Fund’s total assets that may be invested in interest-only multifamily CMBS.

 

The Fund also may invest in interest-only multifamily CMBS issued by multifamily mortgage loan securitizations. However, these interest-only multifamily CMBS typically only receive payments of interest to the extent that there are funds available in the securitization to make the payment and may introduce increased risks since these securities have no underlying principal cash flows.

 

Investing in REITs Risk

 

The Fund may invest in public (including non-traded REITs) and private REITs. REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests. REITs are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate (as discussed above), as well as additional risks discussed below.

 

REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive most of their income from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Code. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by the Fund. Debt securities issued by REITs are, for the most part, general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs.

 

Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes in interest rates and the ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their obligations. REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are not diversified. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees or borrowers. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as health care, are also subject to risks associated with such industry. REITs are often leveraged or invest in properties that are themselves leveraged, exposing them to the risks of leverage generally. Among other things, leverage will generally increase losses during periods of real estate market declines.

 

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.

 

REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a more limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities.

 

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The Fund may be subject to additional risks with respect to its investments in nonaffiliated private REITs, including but not limited to:

 

 

The CIM Sub-Adviser may have limited or no control over the investment decisions made by any such private nonaffiliated REIT. Even though the private nonaffiliated REITs will be subject to certain constraints, the asset managers may change aspects of their investment strategies at any time. The CIM Sub-Adviser’s ability to withdraw an investment or allocate away from any private nonaffiliated REIT, may be constrained by limitations imposed by the private nonaffiliated REIT, which may prevent the Fund from actively managing its portfolio away from underperforming REITs or in uncertain markets. By investing in the Fund, a shareholder will not be deemed to be an investor in any REIT and will not have the ability to exercise any rights attributable to an investor in any such REIT related to their investment.

 

Because certain investments in private REITs are short-lived, the Fund may be unable to reinvest the distributions received from the private REIT in investments with similar returns, which could adversely impact the Fund’s performance.

 

 

The valuation of the Fund’s investments in private REITs will be impacted by the institutional asset managers of those REITs, which valuation may not be accurate or reliable. While the valuation of the Fund’s publicly traded securities are more readily ascertainable, the Fund’s ownership interests in private REITs are not publicly traded and the Fund will depend on the institutional asset manager to a private REIT to provide an initial valuation of those investments. Moreover, the valuation of the Fund’s investment in a private REIT, as provided by an institutional asset manager for its assets as of a specific date, may vary from the actual sales price of its assets or any secondary market value price for the underlying fund’s interest, if such investments were sold to a third party.

 

 

The Fund’s investments in private REITs may be subject to the credit risks of any borrowers of the debt investments held by certain of the private REITs. There is a risk that borrowers to certain REITs in which the Fund invests will not make payments, resulting in losses to the Fund. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes. Lower credit quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of an investment and in shares of the Fund. Lower credit quality also may affect liquidity and make it difficult to sell the investment. Default could reduce the value and liquidity of securities, thereby reducing the value of an investor’s investment. In addition, default may cause the Fund to incur expenses in seeking recovery of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.

 

Investing in Affiliated REITs Risk

 

In addition to those risks described above with respect to all REITs, investing in affiliated REIT may pose additional risks to the Fund. The Fund would only invest in affiliated REITs that offer their securities to unaffiliated third parties (including to existing security holders) and on the same terms and at the same times as such securities are offered to such unaffiliated third parties. Similarly, the Fund may only redeem shares of an affiliated REIT on the same terms and at the same times as redemptions are offered to such unaffiliated third parties. The Fund may therefore be limited in the affiliated REITs in which it can invest. As a result, the CIM Sub-Adviser may have a conflict of interest in selecting to invest the Fund’s assets in an affiliated REIT. The Fund may only invest in affiliated REITs to the extent permitted by applicable law and related interpretations of the staff of the SEC.

 

Risks Related to the Fund’s Credit and Credit-Related Investments

 

Middle-Market Lending Risk

 

Middle-Market investments involve a number of significant risks. Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and the Fund relies on the ability of the OFS Sub-Adviser’s investment professionals to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If the Fund is unable to uncover all material information about these companies, it may not make a fully informed investment decision, and may lose money on its investments. Middle-Market companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their debt securities that the Fund holds, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of realizing any guarantees the Fund has obtained in connection with its investment. Such companies typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns.

 

Middle-market companies are more likely to be considered lower grade investments, commonly called “junk bonds,” which are either rated below investment grade by one or more nationally-recognized statistical rating agencies at the time of investment, or may be unrated but determined by the OFS Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality. On average, the debt in which the Fund may invest has contractual maturities between four and six years, and typically is not rated by any rating agency. The OFS Sub-Adviser believes, however, that if such investments were rated, they would be below investment grade (rated lower than “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, lower than “BBB-” by Fitch Ratings or lower than “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s). The Fund may invest without limit in debt of any rating, as well as debt that has not been rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

 

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Lower grade securities or comparable unrated securities are considered predominantly speculative regarding the issuer’s ability to pay interest and principal, and are susceptible to default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and business developments. The market values for lower grade debt tend to be very volatile and are less liquid than investment grade securities. For these reasons, an investment in the Fund is subject to the following specific risks: increased price sensitivity to a deteriorating economic environment; greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality; adverse company specific events are more likely to render the issuer unable to make interest and/or principal payments; and if a negative perception of the lower grade debt market develops, the price and liquidity of lower grade securities may be depressed. This negative perception could last for a significant period of time.

 

Additionally, Middle-market companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons. Therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on the Fund’s portfolio company and, in turn, on the Fund. Middle-market companies also may be parties to litigation and may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence. In addition, the Fund’s executive officers, directors and the OFS Sub-Adviser may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from its investments in the portfolio companies.

 

Loan Origination Risk

 

The Fund may seek to originate loans which may be in the form of whole loans, secured and unsecured notes, senior and second lien loans, mezzanine loans or similar investments. The Fund will be subject to the credit risk of borrowers of the loans it originates. See “Middle-Market Lending Risk”. The Fund may subsequently offer such investments for sale to third parties; provided, that there is no assurance that the Fund will complete the sale of such an investment. If the Fund is unable to sell, assign or successfully close transactions for the loans that it originates, the Fund will be forced to hold its interest in such loans for an indeterminate period of time. This could result in the Fund’s investments being over-concentrated in certain borrowers. The Fund will be responsible for any expenses associated with originating a loan and not covered by the borrower (whether or not consummated). This may include significant legal and due diligence expenses, which will be indirectly borne by the Fund and holders of the Common Shares.

 

Loan origination and servicing companies are routinely involved in legal proceedings concerning matters that arise in the ordinary course of their business. These legal proceedings range from actions involving a single plaintiff to class action lawsuits with potentially tens of thousands of class members. In addition, a number of participants in the loan origination and servicing industry (including control persons of industry participants) have been the subject of regulatory actions by state regulators, including state Attorneys General, and by the federal government. Governmental investigations, examinations or regulatory actions, or private lawsuits, including purported class action lawsuits, may adversely affect such companies’ financial results. To the extent the Fund engages in origination and/or servicing directly, or has a financial interest in, or is otherwise affiliated with, an origination or servicing company, the Fund may be subject to enhanced risks of litigation, regulatory actions and other proceedings. As a result, the Fund may be required to pay legal fees, settlement costs, damages, penalties or other charges, any or all of which could materially adversely affect the Fund and its investments.

 

In addition, the portfolios of certain loans that the Fund may originate may be “covenant-lite” loans. The Fund uses the term “covenant-lite” loans to refer generally to loans that do not have a complete set of financial maintenance covenants. Generally, “covenant-lite” loans provide borrower companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition. Accordingly, to the extent the Fund originates “covenant-lite” loans, the Fund may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants.

 

Second Lien Loans Risk

 

Second lien loans generally are subject to the same risks associated with investments in Senior Secured Loans. Because second lien loans and unsecured loans are lower in priority of payment to Senior Secured Loans, they are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and property securing the loan, if any, may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to the senior secured obligations of the borrower. Second lien loans are expected to have greater price volatility than Senior Secured Loans and may be less liquid.

 

Equity Investment Risk

 

The Fund may purchase common stock, preferred stock and warrants in various portfolio companies, typically in connection with debt investments in the same portfolio companies. Although equity securities historically have generated higher average total returns than debt securities over the long term, equity securities may experience more volatility in those returns than debt securities. The equity securities the Fund acquires may fail to appreciate, decline in value or lose all value, and the Fund’s ability to recover

 

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its investment will depend on its portfolio company’s success. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including the risk of further dilution in the event the portfolio company issues additional securities. Investments in preferred securities involve special risks, such as the risk of deferred distributions, illiquidity and limited voting rights.

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans Risk

 

The Broadly Syndicated Loans in which the Fund will invest will primarily be rated below investment grade, but may also be unrated and of comparable credit quality. As a result, the risks associated with such Broadly Syndicated Loans are generally similar to the risks of other below investment grade fixed income instruments, although Broadly Syndicated Loans are senior and typically secured in contrast to other below investment grade fixed income instruments, which are often subordinated or unsecured. Investments in below investment grade Broadly Syndicated Loans are considered speculative because of the credit risk of the borrowers. Such borrowers are more likely than investment grade borrowers to default on their payments of interest and principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults could reduce the Fund’s NAV and income dividends. An economic downturn would generally lead to a higher non-payment rate, and a Broadly Syndicated Loan may lose significant market value before a default occurs. Moreover, any specific collateral used to secure a Broadly Syndicated Loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the Broadly Syndicated Loan’s value. Broadly Syndicated Loans are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this prospectus, including liquidity risk and the risk of investing in below investment grade fixed income instruments.

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the NAV of the Fund. There can be no assurance that the liquidation of any collateral securing a Broadly Syndicated Loan would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal payments, whether when due or upon acceleration, or that the collateral could be liquidated, readily or otherwise. In the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of a borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral, if any, securing a Broadly Syndicated Loan. The collateral securing a Broadly Syndicated Loan, if any, may lose all or substantially all of its value in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a borrower. Some Broadly Syndicated Loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate such Broadly Syndicated Loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of Broadly Syndicated Loans including, in certain circumstances, invalidating such Broadly Syndicated Loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. Additionally, a Broadly Syndicated Loan may be “primed” in bankruptcy, which reduces the ability of the holders of the Broadly Syndicated Loan to recover on the collateral. Priming takes place when a debtor in bankruptcy is allowed to incur additional indebtedness by the bankruptcy court and such indebtedness has a senior or pari passu lien with the debtor’s existing secured indebtedness, such as existing Broadly Syndicated Loans or secured corporate bonds.

 

In addition, some of the Broadly Syndicated Loans in which the Fund may invest may be “covenant-lite” loans. The Fund uses the term “covenant-lite” loans to refer generally to loans that do not have a complete set of financial maintenance covenants. Generally, “covenant-lite” loans provide borrower companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition. Accordingly, to the extent the Fund invests in “covenant-lite” loans, it may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants.

 

There may be less readily available information about most Broadly Syndicated Loans and the borrowers thereunder than is the case for many other types of securities, including securities issued in transactions registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), or registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and borrowers subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 13 of the Exchange Act. Broadly Syndicated Loans may be issued by companies that are not subject to SEC reporting requirements and these companies, therefore, do not file reports with the SEC that must comply with SEC form requirements and in addition are subject to a less stringent liability disclosure regime than companies subject to SEC reporting requirements. As a result, the OFS Sub-Adviser will rely most often on their own evaluation of a borrower’s credit quality rather than on any available independent sources. Therefore, the Fund will be particularly dependent on the analytical abilities of the OFS Sub-Adviser.

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser has observed that borrowers and transaction sponsors have more frequently utilized EBITDA add-backs to demonstrate run-rate profitability and, in some cases, to maintain compliance with leverage covenants. EBITDA add-backs involve a borrower or transaction sponsor adding certain expenses back to EBITDA based on assumptions regarding the anticipated effect of a transaction. In certain cases, borrowers may be permitted flexibility to add-back a variety of expenses to EBITDA, allowing the borrower to increase leverage under restrictive covenants. Additionally, borrowers may be permitted to designate unrestricted subsidiaries under the terms of their financing agreements, which would exclude such unrestricted subsidiaries from restrictive covenants under the financing agreement with the borrower. Without restriction under the financing agreement, the borrower could take various actions with respect to the unrestricted subsidiary including, among other things, incur debt, grant

 

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security on its assets, sell assets, pay dividends or distribute shares of the unrestricted subsidiary to the borrower’s shareholders. Any of these actions could increase the amount of leverage that the borrower is able to incur and increase the risk involved in our Broadly Syndicated Loans accordingly.

 

The secondary trading market for Broadly Syndicated Loans may be less liquid than the secondary trading market for registered investment grade debt securities. No active trading market may exist for certain Broadly Syndicated Loans, which may make it difficult to value them. Illiquidity and adverse market conditions may mean that the Fund may not be able to sell Broadly Syndicated Loans quickly or at a fair price. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain Broadly Syndicated Loans, the market for them may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans and other variable rate debt instruments are subject to the risk of payment defaults of scheduled interest or principal. Such payment defaults would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the NAV of the Fund. Similarly, a sudden and significant increase in market interest rates may increase the risk of payment defaults and cause a decline in the value of these investments and in the Fund’s NAV. Other factors (including, but not limited to, rating downgrades, credit deterioration, a large downward movement in share prices, a disparity in supply and demand of certain securities or market conditions that reduce liquidity) can reduce the value of Broadly Syndicated Loans and other debt obligations, impairing the Fund’s NAV.

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans are subject to legislative risk. If legislation or state or federal regulations impose additional requirements or restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to make loans, the availability of Broadly Syndicated Loans for investment by the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, such requirements or restrictions could reduce or eliminate sources of financing for certain borrowers. This would increase the risk of default. If legislation or federal or state regulations require financial institutions to increase their capital requirements this may cause financial institutions to dispose of Broadly Syndicated Loans that are considered highly levered transactions. Such sales could result in prices that, in the opinions of the Advisers, do not represent fair value. If the Fund attempts to sell a Broadly Syndicated Loan at a time when a financial institution is engaging in such a sale, the price the Fund could receive for the Broadly Syndicated Loan may be adversely affected.

 

The Fund will acquire Broadly Syndicated Loans through assignments and through participations. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, the purchaser’s rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution, and the Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. In general, a participation is a contractual relationship only with the institution participating out the interest, not with the borrower. Sellers of participations typically include banks, broker-dealers, other financial institutions and lending institutions. In purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, (i) the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation; and (ii) both the borrower and the institution selling the participation will be considered issuers for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning industry concentration. See “Investment Restrictions”. Further, in purchasing participations in lending syndicates, the Fund may be more limited than it otherwise would be in its ability to conduct due diligence on the borrower. In addition, as a holder of the participations, the Fund may not have voting rights or inspection rights that the Fund would otherwise have if it were investing directly in the Broadly Syndicated Loan, which may result in the Fund being exposed to greater credit or fraud risk with respect to the borrower or the Broadly Syndicated Loan.

 

Distressed Credit Investments Risk

 

The Fund’s investments in distressed credit investments have significant risk of loss, and the Fund’s efforts to protect its distressed credit investments may involve large costs and may not be successful. The Fund also will be subject to significant uncertainty as to when and in what manner and for what value the distressed credit investments in which the Fund invests will eventually be satisfied (e.g., through liquidation of the obligor’s assets, an exchange offer or plan of reorganization involving the distressed credit securities or a payment of some amount in satisfaction of the obligation). In addition, even if an exchange offer is made or plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to distressed credit investments the Fund holds, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by the Fund in connection with such exchange offer or plan of reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment was made. Moreover, any securities received by the Fund upon completion of an exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. If the Fund participates in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of distressed credit securities, the Fund may be restricted from disposing of such securities.

 

The Fund may hold the debt securities and loans of companies that are more likely to experience bankruptcy or similar financial distress, such as companies that are thinly capitalized, employ a high degree of financial leverage, are in highly competitive or risky businesses, are in a start-up phase, or are experiencing losses. The bankruptcy process has a number of significant inherent

 

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risks. Many events in a bankruptcy proceeding are the product of contested matters and adversarial proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. A bankruptcy filing by a company whose debt the Fund has purchased may adversely and permanently affect such company. If the proceeding results in liquidation, the liquidation value of the company may have deteriorated significantly from what the Fund believed to be the case at the time of the Fund’s initial investment. The duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is also difficult to predict, and a creditor’s return on investment can be adversely affected by delays until a plan of reorganization or liquidation ultimately becomes effective. The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and would be paid out of the debtor’s estate prior to any return to creditors. Because the standards for classification of claims under bankruptcy law are vague, the Fund’s influence with respect to the class of securities or other obligations it owns may be lost by increases in the number and amount of claims in the same class or by different classification and treatment. In the early stages of the bankruptcy process, it is often difficult to estimate the extent of, or even to identify, any contingent claims that might be made. In addition, certain claims that have priority by law (for example, claims for taxes) may be substantial, eroding the value of any recovery by holders of other securities of the bankrupt entity.

 

A bankruptcy court may also re-characterize the Fund’s debt investment as equity, and subordinate all or a portion of the Fund’s claim to that of other creditors. This could occur even if the Fund’s investment had initially been structured as senior debt.

 

Below Investment Grade, or High Yield, Instruments Risk

 

The Fund anticipates that substantially all of the credit and credit-related instruments in which it makes investments will be instruments that are rated below investment grade or are unrated. Below investment grade instruments are commonly referred to as “junk” or high-yield instruments and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Lower grade instruments may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns, which could adversely affect the ability of the issuers of such instruments to repay principal and pay interest thereon, increase the incidence of default for such instruments and severely disrupt the market value of such instruments.

 

Lower grade instruments, though higher yielding, are characterized by higher risk. They may be subject to certain risks with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated instruments. The retail secondary market for lower grade instruments may be less liquid than that for higher rated instruments. As a result, prices of high-yield investments have at times experienced significant and rapid decline when a substantial number of holders (or a few holders of a significantly large “block” of the securities) decided to sell. In addition, the Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain high-yield investments because there may be a limited trading market (or no trading market) for such securities. To the extent that a secondary trading market for non-investment grade high-yield investments does exist, it would not be as liquid as the secondary market for highly rated investments. As secondary market trading volumes increase, new loans frequently contain standardized documentation to facilitate loan trading that may improve market liquidity. There can be no assurance, however, that future levels of supply and demand in loan trading will provide an adequate degree of liquidity or that the current level of liquidity will continue. Because holders of such loans are offered confidential information relating to the borrower, the unique and customized nature of the loan agreement, and the private syndication of the loan, loans are not purchased or sold as easily as publicly traded securities are purchased or sold. Although a secondary market may exist, risks similar to those described above in connection with an investment in high-yield debt investments are also applicable to investments in lower rated loans. Reduced secondary market liquidity would have an adverse impact on the fair value of the securities and on our direct or indirect ability to dispose of particular securities in response to a specific economic event such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer of such securities.

 

Adverse conditions could make it difficult at times for the Fund to sell certain instruments or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Because of the substantial risks associated with investments in lower grade instruments, investors could lose money on their investment in Common Shares of the Fund, both in the short-term and the long-term.

 

Covenant Breach Risk

 

A borrower may fail to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by the Fund or other lenders, which could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize such company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt or equity securities that the Fund holds. The Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting company.

 

Prepayment Risk

 

During periods of declining interest rates, borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled. For corporate bonds, such payments often occur during periods of declining interest rates, which may require the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities, resulting in a possible decline in the Fund’s income and dividends to shareholders. This is known as prepayment or “call” risk. Broadly Syndicated Loans are subject to prepayment risk and typically do not have call features that allow the issuer to redeem the security at dates prior to its stated maturity at a specified price (typically greater than the stated principal

 

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amount) only if certain prescribed conditions are met). The degree to which borrowers prepay Broadly Syndicated Loans, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, may be affected by general business conditions, the financial condition of the borrower and competitive conditions among Broadly Syndicated Loan investors, among others. For these reasons, prepayments cannot be predicted with accuracy. Upon a prepayment, either in part or in full, the outstanding debt from which the Fund derives interest income will be reduced. The Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds received on terms as favorable as the prepaid loan.

 

Additionally, although the OFS Sub-Adviser’s valuations and projections take into account certain expected levels of prepayments, the collateral of a CLO may be prepaid more quickly than expected. As part of the ordinary management of its portfolio, a CLO will typically generate cash from asset repayments and sales and reinvest those proceeds in substitute assets, subject to compliance with its investment tests and certain other conditions. The earnings with respect to such substitute assets will depend on the quality of reinvestment opportunities available at the time. The need to satisfy the CLO’s covenants and identify acceptable assets may require the CLO collateral manager to purchase substitute assets at a lower yield than those initially acquired or require that the sale proceeds be maintained temporarily in cash. Either such action by the CLO collateral manager may reduce the yield that the CLO collateral manager is able to achieve. A CLO’s investment tests may incentivize a CLO collateral manager to buy riskier assets than it otherwise would, which could result in additional losses. These factors could reduce the Fund’s return on investment and may have a negative effect on the fair value of its assets and the market value of its securities.

 

In addition, the reinvestment period for a CLO may terminate early, which may cause the holders of the CLO’s securities to receive principal payments earlier than anticipated. Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in interest rates and a variety of factors beyond the Fund’s control and consequently cannot be accurately predicted. Early prepayments give rise to increased reinvestment risk, as the Fund or a CLO collateral manager might realize excess cash from prepayments earlier than expected. There can be no assurance that the CLO collateral managers will be able to reinvest such amounts in an alternative investment that provides a comparable return relative to the credit risk assumed. If the Fund or a CLO collateral manager is unable to reinvest such cash in a new investment with an expected rate of return at least equal to that of the investment repaid, this may reduce the Fund’s net investment income and the fair value of that asset.

 

Counterparty Risk

 

The Fund may be exposed to counterparty risk in addition to credit risks associated with its lending activities. The Fund expects to conduct transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry. Many of the routine transactions the Fund enters into expose the Fund to significant credit risk in the event of default by one of its counterparties.

 

In the event of bankruptcy of a portfolio company, the Fund may not have full recourse to its assets in order to satisfy its loan, or its loan may be subject to equitable subordination. In addition, certain of the Fund’s loans may be subordinate to other debt of the portfolio company. If a portfolio company defaults on the Fund’s loan or on debt senior to the Fund’s loan, or in the event of a portfolio company bankruptcy, the Fund’s loan will be satisfied only after the senior debt receives payment. Where debt senior to the Fund’s loan exists, the presence of inter-creditor arrangements may limit the Fund’s ability to amend its loan documents, assign its loans, accept prepayments, exercise remedies (through “standstill” periods) and control decisions made in bankruptcy proceedings relating to the portfolio company. Bankruptcy and portfolio company litigation can significantly increase collection losses and the time needed for the Fund to acquire the underlying collateral in the event of a default, during which time the collateral may decline in value, causing the Fund to suffer losses.

 

Borrowers of Broadly Syndicated Loans may be permitted to designate unrestricted subsidiaries under the terms of their financing agreements, which would exclude such unrestricted subsidiaries from restrictive covenants under the financing agreement with the borrower. Without restriction under the financing agreement, the borrower could take various actions with respect to the unrestricted subsidiary including, among other things, incur debt, grant security on its assets, sell assets, pay dividends or distribute shares of the unrestricted subsidiary to the borrower’s shareholders. Any of these actions could increase the amount of leverage that the borrower is able to incur and increase the risk involved in the Fund’s investments in Broadly Syndicated Loans accordingly.

 

If the value of collateral underlying the Fund’s loan declines or interest rates increase during the term of the Fund’s loan, a portfolio company may not be able to obtain the necessary funds to repay the Fund’s loan at maturity through refinancing. Decreasing collateral value and/or increasing interest rates may hinder a portfolio company’s ability to refinance the Fund’s loan because the underlying collateral cannot satisfy the debt service coverage requirements necessary to obtain new financing. If a borrower is unable to repay the Fund’s loan at maturity, the Fund could suffer a loss which may adversely impact its financial performance.

 

Valuation Risk

 

Where possible, the Fund utilizes independent pricing services approved by the Board to value certain portfolio instruments at their market value. If the pricing services are unable to provide a market value or if a significant event occurs such that the valuation(s) provided are deemed unreliable, the Fund may value portfolio instrument(s) at their fair value, which is generally the amount an owner might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale. Valuation risks associated with the Fund’s investments

 

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include, but are not limited to: a limited number of market participants compared to publicly traded investment grade securities, a lack of publicly available information about some borrowers, resale restrictions, settlement delays, corporate actions and adverse market conditions may make it difficult to value or sell such instruments.

 

A large percentage of the Fund’s portfolio investments will not be publicly traded. The fair value of investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. The Fund values these investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to valuation policies and procedures adopted by the Board. The types of factors that may be considered in valuing the Fund’s investments include the enterprise value of the portfolio company (the entire value of the portfolio company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to similar publicly traded securities, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments would trade in their principal markets and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, the Fund considers the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the Fund’s valuation. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, the Fund’s determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed and may differ materially from the values that the Fund may ultimately realize. The Fund’s NAV per each class of Common Shares could be adversely affected if the Fund’s determinations regarding the fair value of these investments are higher than the values that the Fund realizes upon disposition of such investments.

 

Liquidity Risk

 

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities that, at the time of investment, are illiquid (determined using the SEC’s standard applicable to registered investment companies, i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of by the Fund within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities). The Fund may also invest in securities subject to restrictions on resale. Investments in restricted securities could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase these securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for the Fund to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if the Fund is required to liquidate all or a portion of its portfolio quickly, the Fund may realize significantly less than the value at which it has previously recorded these investments.

 

Illiquid and restricted securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when the Fund believes it is desirable to do so. The market price of illiquid and restricted securities generally is more volatile than that of more liquid securities, which may adversely affect the price that the Fund pays for or recovers upon the sale of such securities. Illiquid and restricted securities are also more difficult to value, especially in challenging markets. Each Sub-Adviser’s judgment may play a greater role in the valuation process. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid and restricted securities may restrict the Fund’s ability to take advantage of market opportunities. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the security is registered, thereby enabling the Fund to sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and acquiror of the securities. In either case, the Fund would bear market risks during that period.

 

Some Loans and other instruments are not readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. Loans and other instruments may not be listed on any national securities exchange and no active trading market may exist for certain of the loans and other instruments in which the Fund will invest. Where a secondary market exists, the market for some loans and other instruments may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.

 

Credit Risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that one or more Loans or other floating rate instruments in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in price or fail to pay interest or principal when due because the issuer of the instrument experiences a decline in its financial status. While a senior position in the capital structure of a borrower or issuer may provide some protection with respect to the Fund’s investments in certain Loans, losses may still occur because the market value of Loans is affected by the creditworthiness of borrowers or issuers and by general economic and specific industry conditions and the Fund’s other investments will often be subordinate to other debt in the issuer’s capital structure. To the extent the Fund invests in below investment grade instruments, it will be exposed to a greater amount of credit risk than a fund which invests in investment grade securities. The prices of lower grade instruments are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade instruments. Instruments of below investment grade quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default.

 

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Interest Rate Risk

 

Since the Fund may incur leverage to make investments, the Fund’s net investment income depends, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which it borrows funds and the rate at which it invests those funds. Inflation increased substantially in 2021; in fact, prices rose at the fastest pace in 40 years in December 2021. In late January 2022, the Federal Reserve indicated that it was on track to raise interest rates in March 2022 to, among other things, control inflation. Some market participants believe that the Federal Reserve will continue with additional interest rate increases in 2022. In a rising interest rate environment, any leverage that the Fund incurs may bear a higher interest rate than may currently be available. There may not, however, be a corresponding increase in the Fund’s investment income. Any reduction in the rate of return on new investments relative to the rate of return on current investments, and any reduction in the rate of return on current investments, could adversely impact the Fund’s net investment income, reducing its ability to service the interest obligations on, and to repay the principal of, its indebtedness.

 

The fixed-income instruments that the Fund may invest in are subject to the risk that market values of such securities will decline as interest rates increase. These changes in interest rates have a more pronounced effect on securities with longer durations. Typically, the impact of changes in interest rates on the market value of an instrument will be more pronounced for fixed-rate instruments, such as most corporate bonds, than it will for loans or other floating rate instruments. Fluctuations in the value of portfolio securities will not affect interest income on existing portfolio securities but will be reflected in the Fund’s NAV.

 

A general increase in interest rates may have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser and Sub-Advisers to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net earnings. Given the structure of our Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser, any general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to meet the quarterly hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance on the part of the Adviser. In the current rising interest rate environment, this risk may increase as interest rates continue to rise. In addition, in view of the catch-up provision applicable to income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers could potentially receive a significant portion of the increase in our investment income attributable to such a general increase in interest rates. If that were to occur, our increase in net earnings, if any, would likely be significantly smaller than the relative increase in the Adviser’s income incentive fee resulting from such a general increase in interest rates.

 

The fair value of certain of our investments may be significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Although senior secured loans are generally floating rate instruments, our investments in senior secured loans through CLOs are sensitive to interest rate levels and volatility. Although CLOs are generally structured to mitigate the risk of interest rate mismatch, there may be some difference between the timing of interest rate resets on the assets and liabilities of a CLO. Such a mismatch in timing could have a negative effect on the amount of funds distributed to CLO equity investors. In addition, CLOs may not be able to enter into hedge agreements, even if it may otherwise be in the best interests of the CLO to hedge such interest rate risk. Furthermore, in the event of a significant rising interest rate environment and/or economic downturn, loan defaults may increase and result in credit losses that may adversely affect our cash flow, fair value of our assets and operating results. In the event that our interest expense were to increase relative to income, or sufficient financing became unavailable, our return on investments and cash available for distribution to stockholders or to make other payments on our securities would be reduced. In addition, future investments in different types of instruments may carry a greater exposure to interest rate risk.

 

CLO Risks

 

Investing in senior secured loans indirectly through CLO securities involves particular risks. We are exposed to underlying senior secured loans and other credit investments through investments in CLOs, but may obtain such exposure directly or indirectly through other means from time to time. Loans may become nonperforming or impaired for a variety of reasons. Such nonperforming or impaired loans may require substantial workout negotiations or restructuring that may entail, among other things, a substantial reduction in the interest rate and/or a substantial write-down of the principal of the loan. In addition, because of the unique and customized nature of a loan agreement and the private syndication of a loan, certain loans may not be purchased or sold as easily as publicly-traded securities, and, historically, the trading volume in the loan market has been small relative to other markets. Loans may encounter trading delays due to their unique and customized nature, and transfers may require the consent of an agent bank and/or borrower. Risks associated with senior secured loans include the fact that prepayments generally may occur at any time without premium or penalty. Additionally, under certain circumstances, the equity owners of the borrowers in which CLOs invest may recoup their investments in the borrower, through a dividend recapitalization, before the borrower makes payments to the lender. For these reasons, an investor in a CLO may experience a reduced equity cushion or diminution of value in any debt investment, which may ultimately result in the CLO investor experiencing a loss on its investment before the equity owner of a borrower experiences a loss.

 

In addition, the portfolios of certain CLOs in which we invest may contain middle market loans. Loans to middle market companies may carry more inherent risks than loans to larger, publicly-traded entities. Middle-market companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their debt securities that we hold, which may be accompanied

 

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by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of our realizing any guarantees we may have obtained in connection with our investment. Such companies typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. These companies may also experience substantial variations in operating results. Additionally, middle-market companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons. Therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on a portfolio company and, in turn, on us. Middle-market companies also may be parties to litigation and may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence. Accordingly, loans made to middle market companies may involve higher risks than loans made to companies that have greater financial resources or are otherwise able to access traditional credit sources. Middle market loans are less liquid and have a smaller trading market than the market for broadly syndicated loans and may have default rates or recovery rates that differ (and may be better or worse) than has been the case for broadly syndicated loans or investment grade securities. There can be no assurance as to the levels of defaults and/or recoveries that may be experienced with respect to middle market loans in any CLO in which we may invest. As a consequence of the forgoing factors, the securities issued by CLOs that primarily invest in middle market loans (or hold significant portions thereof) are generally considered to be a riskier investment than securities issued by CLOs that primarily invest in broadly syndicated loans.

 

In addition, the portfolios of certain CLOs in which the Fund may invest may contain “covenant-lite” loans. The Fund uses the term “covenant-lite” loans to refer generally to loans that do not have a complete set of financial maintenance covenants. Generally, “covenant-lite” loans provide borrower companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition. Accordingly, to the extent the Fund is exposed to “covenant-lite” loans, the Fund may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants.

 

The failure by a CLO in which the Fund invests to satisfy financial covenants, including with respect to adequate collateralization and/or interest coverage tests, could lead to a reduction in the CLO’s payments to the Fund. In the event that a CLO fails certain tests, holders of CLO senior debt may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn, reduce the payments the Fund would otherwise be entitled to receive. Separately, the Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting CLO or any other investment the Fund may make. If any of these occur, it could adversely affect the Fund’s operating results and cash flows.

 

Our investments in CLO securities and other structured finance securities involve certain risks. CLOs and structured finance securities are generally backed by an asset or a pool of assets (typically senior secured loans and other credit-related assets in the case of a CLO) that serve as collateral. We and other investors in CLO and other structured finance securities ultimately bear the credit risk of the underlying collateral. In the case of most CLOs, the structured finance securities are issued in multiple tranches, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics, often categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/equity according to their degree of risk. If there are defaults or the relevant collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches of such securities take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches have a priority in right of payment to subordinated/equity tranches.

 

In light of the above considerations, CLO and other structured finance securities may present risks similar to those of the other types of debt obligations and, in fact, such risks may be of greater significance in the case of CLO and other structured finance securities. For example, investments in structured vehicles, including equity and subordinated debt securities issued by CLOs, involve risks, including credit risk and market risk. Changes in interest rates and credit quality may cause significant price fluctuations.

 

In addition to the general risks associated with investing in debt securities, CLO securities carry additional risks, including: (1) the possibility that distributions from collateral assets will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (2) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (3) our investments in CLO equity and subordinated debt tranches will likely be subordinate in right of payment to other more senior classes of CLO debt; and (4) the complex structure of a particular security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. Additionally, changes in the collateral held by a CLO may cause payments on the instruments we hold to be reduced, either temporarily or permanently. Structured investments, particularly the subordinated interests in which we may invest, are less liquid than many other types of securities and may be more volatile than the assets underlying the CLOs we may target. In addition, CLO and other structured finance securities may be subject to prepayment risk. Further, the performance of a CLO or other structured finance security may be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including the security’s priority in the capital structure of the issuer thereof, the availability of any credit enhancement, the level and timing of payments and recoveries on and the characteristics of the underlying receivables, loans or other assets that are being securitized, remoteness of those assets from the originator or transferor, the adequacy of and ability to realize upon any related collateral and the capability of the servicer of the securitized

 

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assets. There are also the risks that the trustee of a CLO does not properly carry out its duties to the CLO, potentially resulting in loss to the CLO. In addition, the complex structure of the security may produce unexpected investment results, especially during times of market stress or volatility. Investments in structured finance securities may also be subject to liquidity risk.

 

Our investments in subordinated or equity CLO securities are more likely to suffer a loss of all or a portion of their value in the event of a default. We invest in subordinated notes issued by a CLO that comprise the equity tranche, which are junior in priority of payment and are subject to certain payment restrictions generally set forth in an indenture governing the notes. In addition, CLO subordinated notes generally do not benefit from any creditors’ rights or ability to exercise remedies under the indenture governing the notes. The subordinated notes are not guaranteed by another party. Subordinated notes are subject to greater risk than the secured notes issued by the CLO. CLOs are typically highly levered, utilizing up to approximately 9-13 times leverage, and therefore subordinated notes are subject to a risk of total loss. There can be no assurance that distributions on the assets held by the CLO will be sufficient to make any distributions or that the yield on the subordinated notes will meet our expectations. In addition, CLO junior debt securities are subject to increased risks of default relative to the holders of superior priority interests in the same securities. In addition, at the time of issuance, CLO equity securities are under-collateralized in that the liabilities of a CLO at inception exceed its total assets. The Fund may recognize phantom taxable income from its investments in the subordinated tranches of CLOs. See “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations—Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company.”

 

CLOs generally may make payments on subordinated notes only to the extent permitted by the payment priority provisions of an indenture governing the notes issued by the CLO. CLO indentures generally provide that principal payments on subordinated notes may not be made on any payment date unless all amounts owing under secured notes are paid in full. In addition, if a CLO does not meet the asset coverage tests or the interest coverage test set forth in the indenture governing the notes issued by the CLO, cash would be diverted from the subordinated notes to first pay the secured notes in amounts sufficient to cause such tests to be satisfied.

 

The subordinated notes are unsecured and rank behind all of the secured creditors, known or unknown, of the issuer, including the holders of the secured notes it has issued. Relatively small numbers of defaults of instruments underlying CLOs in which we hold subordinated notes may adversely impact our returns. The leveraged nature of subordinated notes is likely to magnify the adverse impact on the subordinated notes of changes in the market value of the investments held by the issuer, changes in the distributions on those investments, defaults and recoveries on those investments, capital gains and losses on those investments, prepayments on those investments and availability, prices and interest rates of those investments.

 

CLO subordinated notes do not have a fixed coupon and payments on CLO subordinated notes will be based on the income received from the underlying collateral and the payments made to the secured notes, both of which may be based on floating rates. While the payments on CLO subordinated notes will vary, CLO subordinated notes may not offer the same level of protection against changes in interest rates as other floating rate instruments. An increase in interest rates would materially increase the financing costs of CLOs. Since underlying instruments held by a CLO may have LIBOR floors, there may not be corresponding increases in investment income to the CLO (if LIBOR increases but stays below the LIBOR floor rate of such instruments) resulting in smaller distribution payments on CLO subordinated notes.

 

Subordinated notes are illiquid investments and subject to extensive transfer restrictions, and no party is under any obligation to make a market for subordinated notes. At times, there may be no market for subordinated notes, and we may not be able to sell or otherwise transfer subordinated notes at their fair value, or at all, in the event that it determines to sell them. Investments in CLO subordinated notes may have complicated accounting and tax implications.

 

Our investments in the primary CLO market involve certain additional risks. Between the pricing date and the effective date of a CLO, the CLO collateral manager will generally expect to purchase additional collateral obligations for the CLO. During this period, the price and availability of these collateral obligations may be adversely affected by a number of market factors, including price volatility and availability of investments suitable for the CLO, which could hamper the ability of the collateral manager to acquire a portfolio of collateral obligations that will satisfy specified concentration limitations and allow the CLO to reach the target initial par amount of collateral prior to the effective date. An inability or delay in reaching the target initial par amount of collateral may adversely affect the timing and amount of interest or principal payments received by the holders of the CLO debt securities and distributions of the CLO on equity securities and could result in early redemptions which may cause CLO debt and equity investors to receive less than the face value of their investment.

 

We are subject to risks associated with loan accumulation facilities. We invest capital in loan accumulation facilities, which are short- to medium-term facilities often provided by the bank that will serve as the placement agent or arranger on a CLO transaction and which acquire loans on an interim basis that are expected to form part of the portfolio of such future CLO. Investments in loan accumulation facilities have risks that are similar to those applicable to investments in CLOs as described in this Prospectus. In addition, there is also mark-to-market risk in some loan accumulation facilities, and there typically will be no assurance that the future CLO will be consummated or that the loans held in such a facility are eligible for purchase by the CLO. Furthermore, we

 

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likely will have no consent rights in respect of the loans to be acquired in such a facility and in the event we do have any consent rights, they will be limited. In the event a planned CLO is not consummated, or the loans are not eligible for purchase by the CLO, we may be responsible for either holding or disposing of the loans. This could expose us primarily to credit and/or mark-to-market losses, and other risks. Loan accumulation facilities typically incur leverage from three to six times prior to a CLO’s closing and as such the potential risk of loss will be increased for such facilities that employ leverage.

 

The Fund’s CLO investments are exposed to leveraged credit risk. If certain minimum collateral value ratios and/or interest coverage ratios are not met by a CLO, primarily due to senior secured loan defaults, then cash flow that otherwise would have been available to pay distributions to the Fund on its CLO investments may instead be used to redeem any senior notes or to purchase additional senior secured loans, until the ratios again exceed the minimum required levels or any senior notes are repaid in full.

 

CLO investments involve complex documentation and accounting considerations. CLOs and other structured finance securities in which we expect to invest are often governed by a complex series of legal documents and contracts. As a result, the risk of dispute over interpretation or enforceability of the documentation may be higher relative to other types of investments. For example, some documents governing the loans underlying our CLO investments may allow for “priming transactions,” in connection with which majority lenders or debtors can amend loan documents to the detriment of other lenders, amend loan documents in order to move collateral, or amend documents in order to facilitate capital outflow to other parties/subsidiaries in a capital structure, any of which may adversely affect the rights and security priority of the CLOs in which we are invested.

 

The accounting and tax implications of the CLO investments that we intend to make are complicated and involve assumptions based on management’s judgment. In particular, reported earnings from CLO equity securities under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or “GAAP,” are recognized as an effective yield calculated from estimated total cash flows from the CLO investments over the expected holding periods of the investments, which can be as long as six to seven years. These estimated cash flows require assumptions regarding future transactions and events within the CLO entities concerning their portfolios and will be based upon the best information under the circumstances and may require significant management judgment or estimation. The principal assumptions included in these estimates include, but are not limited to, prepayment rates, interest rate margins on reinvestments, default rates, loss on default, and default recovery period within the CLO entities. If any of these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, the estimated cash flows could also be inaccurate.

 

GAAP earnings are based on the effective yields derived from cash flows from the CLO securities without regard to timing of income recognition for tax purposes, which may cause our GAAP earnings to diverge from our investment company taxable income (“ICTI”) and may result in the characterization of a non-taxable (i.e., return of capital) distribution from CLO investments as interest income in our financial statements. Conversely, events within the CLO, such as gains from restructuring or the prepayment of the underlying loans-which may not impact CLO cash flows, can result in taxable income without similar income recognized for GAAP earnings. These differences between accounting treatment and tax treatment of income from these investments may resolve gradually over time or may resolve through recognition of a capital gain or loss at maturity, while for reporting purposes the totality of cash flows are reflected in a constant yield to maturity. Additionally, under certain circumstances, we may be required to take into account income from CLO investments for tax purposes no later than such income is taken into account for GAAP purposes, which may accelerate our recognition of taxable income.

 

Current taxable earnings on these investments will generally not be determinable until after the end of the tax year of each individual CLO that ends within our fiscal year and the CLO sponsor provides its tax reporting to us, even though the investments will generate cash flow throughout our fiscal year. Since our income tax reporting to stockholders is on a calendar year basis, we will be required to estimate taxable earnings from these investments from October 31st, the end of our fiscal year, through December 31st. Effective execution of our distribution policy will require us to estimate taxable earnings from these investments and pay distributions to our stockholders based on these estimates. If our estimates of taxable earnings are greater than actual taxable earnings from these investments determined as of the end of the calendar year, a portion of the distributions paid during that year may be characterized as a return of capital. If our estimates of taxable earnings are lower than actual taxable earnings as of the end of the calendar year, we may incur excise taxes and/or have difficulties maintaining our tax treatment as a RIC. See “Risks Relating to the Fund’s RIC Status.”

 

Risks Related to Market Size. Increased competition in the market or a decrease in new CLO issuances may result in increased price volatility or a shortage of investment opportunities. In recent years there has been a marked increase in the number of, and flow of capital into, investment vehicles established to pursue investments in CLO securities whereas the size of this market is relatively limited. While we cannot determine the precise effect of such competition, such increase may result in greater competition for investment opportunities, which may result in an increase in the price of such investments relative to the risk taken on by holders of such investments. Such competition may also result under certain circumstances in increased price volatility or decreased liquidity with respect to certain positions.

 

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Risks Related to the Risk Retention Rules

 

The application of the risk retention rules under Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act and other similar European Union law to CLOs may have broader effects on the CLO and loan markets in general, potentially resulting in fewer or less desirable investment opportunities for us. Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act added a provision to the Exchange Act, as amended, requiring the seller, sponsor or securitizer of a securitization vehicle to retain no less than five percent of the credit risk in assets it sells into a securitization and prohibiting such securitizer from directly or indirectly hedging or otherwise transferring the retained credit risk. The responsible federal agencies adopted final rules implementing these restrictions on October 22, 2014. The risk retention rules became effective with respect to CLOs two years after publication in the Federal Register. Under the final rules, the asset manager of a CLO is considered the sponsor of a securitization vehicle and is required to retain five percent of the credit risk in the CLO, which may be retained horizontally in the equity tranche of the CLO or vertically as a five percent interest in each tranche of the securities issued by the CLO. Although the final rules contain an exemption from such requirements for the asset manager of a CLO if, among other things, the originator or lead arranger of all of the loans acquired by the CLO retain such risk at the asset level and, at origination of such asset, takes a loan tranche of at least 20% of the aggregate principal balance, it is possible that the originators and lead arrangers of loans in this market will not agree to assume this risk or provide such retention at origination of the asset in a manner that would provide meaningful relief from the risk retention requirements for CLO managers.

 

Collateral managers of “open market CLOs” are no longer required to comply with the U.S. risk retention rules at this time. On February 9, 2018, a three-judge panel (the “Panel”) of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the “Appellate Court”) ruled in favor of an appeal by the Loan Syndications and Trading Association (the “LSTA”) against the SEC and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Applicable Governmental Agencies”) that managers of so-called “open market CLOs” are not “securitizers” under Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act and, therefore, are not subject to the requirements of the U.S. risk retention rules (the “Appellate Court Ruling”). The LSTA was appealing from a judgment entered by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (the “D.C. District Court”), which granted summary judgment in favor of the SEC and Federal Reserve and against the LSTA with respect to its challenges. On April 5, 2018, the D.C. District Court entered an order implementing the Appellate Court Ruling and thereby vacated the U.S. risk retention rules insofar as they apply to CLO managers of “open market CLOs”.

 

As such, collateral managers of open market CLOs are no longer required to comply with the U.S. risk retention rules at this time. It is possible that some collateral managers of open market CLOs will decide to dispose of the notes constituting the “eligible vertical interest” or “eligible horizontal interest” they were previously required to retain, or decide to take other action with respect to such notes that is not otherwise permitted by the U.S. risk retention rules. As a result of this decision, certain CLO managers of “open market CLOs” will no longer be required to comply with the U.S. risk retention rules solely because of their roles as managers of “open market CLOs”, and there may be no “sponsor” of such securitization transactions and no party may be required to acquire and retain an economic interest in the credit risk of the securitized assets of such transactions.

 

There can be no assurance or representation that any of the transactions, structures or arrangements currently under consideration by or currently used by CLO market participants will comply with the U.S. risk retention rules to the extent such rules are reinstated or otherwise become applicable to open market CLOs. The ultimate impact of the U.S. risk retention rules on the loan securitization market and the leveraged loan market generally remains uncertain, and any negative impact on secondary market liquidity for securities comprising a CLO may be experienced due to the effects of the U.S. risk retention rules on market expectations or uncertainty, the relative appeal of other investments not impacted by the U.S. risk retention rules and other factors.

 

In the European Union, there has also been an increase in political and regulatory scrutiny of the securitization industry. Regulation EU 2017/2402 of the European Parliament and the Council of 12 December 2017 laying down a general framework for securitization and creating a specific framework for simple, transparent and standardized securitization (as may be amended from time to time and including any delegated or implementing legislation with respect thereto, the “Securitization Regulation”) became effective on January 17, 2018 and applies to all new securitizations issued on or after January 1, 2019. The Securitization Regulation repealed and replaced the prior EU risk retention requirements with a single regime that applies to European credit institutions, investment firms, insurance and reinsurance companies, alternative investment fund managers that manage and/or market their alternative investment funds in the EU, undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities regulated pursuant to EU Directive 2009/65/EC and the management companies thereof and, subject to some exceptions, institutions for occupational pension provision (IORPs), each as set out in the Securitization Regulation (such investors, “EU Affected Investors”). Such EU Affected Investors may be subject to punitive capital requirements and/or other regulatory penalties with respect to investments in securitizations that fail to comply with the Securitization Regulation.

 

The Securitization Regulation restricts an EU Affected Investor from investing in securitizations unless, among other things: (a)(i) the originator, sponsor or original lender with respect to the relevant securitization will retain, on an on-going basis, a net economic interest of not less than 5% with respect to certain specified credit risk tranches or securitized exposures and (ii) the risk retention is disclosed to the investor in accordance with the Securitization Regulation; and (b) such investor is able to demonstrate

 

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that it has undertaken certain due diligence with respect to various matters, including the risk characteristics of its investment position and the underlying assets, and that procedures are established for such activities to be monitored on an on-going basis. There are material differences between the Securitization Regulation and the prior EU risk retention requirements, particularly with respect to transaction transparency, reporting and diligence requirements and the imposition of a direct compliance obligation on the “sponsor”, “originator” or “original lender” of a securitization where such entity is established in the EU.

 

CLOs issued in Europe are generally structured in compliance with the Securitization Regulation so that prospective investors subject to the Securitization Laws can invest in compliance with such requirements. To the extent a CLO is structured in compliance with the EU Securitization Laws, our ability to invest in the residual tranches of such CLOs could be limited, or we could be required to hold our investment for the life of the CLO. If a CLO has not been structured to comply with the Securitization Regulation, it will limit the ability of EEA-regulated institutional investors to purchase CLO securities, which may adversely affect the price and liquidity of the securities (including the residual tranche) in the secondary market. Additionally, the Securitization Regulation and any regulatory uncertainty in relation thereto may reduce the issuance of new CLOs and reduce the liquidity provided by CLOs to the leveraged loan market generally. Reduced liquidity in the loan market could reduce investment opportunities for collateral managers, which could negatively affect the return of our investments. Any reduction in the volume and liquidity provided by CLOs to the leveraged loan market could also reduce opportunities to redeem or refinance the securities comprising a CLO in an optional redemption or refinancing and could negatively affect the ability of obligors to refinance of their collateral obligations, either of which developments could increase defaulted obligations above historic levels.

 

The Japanese Financial Services Agency (the “JFSA”) recently published a risk retention rule as part of the regulatory capital regulation of certain categories of Japanese investors seeking to invest in securitization transactions (the “JRR Rule”). The JRR Rule mandates an “indirect” compliance requirement, meaning that certain categories of Japanese investors will be required to apply higher risk weighting to securitization exposures they hold unless the relevant originator commits to hold a retention interest equal to at least 5% of the exposure of the total underlying assets in the transaction (the “Japanese Retention Requirement”) or such investors determine that the underlying assets were not “inappropriately originated.” The Japanese investors to which the JRR Rule applies include banks, bank holding companies, credit unions (shinyo kinko), credit cooperatives (shinyo kumiai), labor credit unions (rodo kinko), agricultural credit cooperatives (nogyo kyodo kumiai), ultimate parent companies of large securities companies and certain other financial institutions regulated in Japan (such investors, “Japanese Affected Investors”). Such Japanese Affected Investors may be subject to punitive capital requirements and/or other regulatory penalties with respect to investments in securitizations that fail to comply with the Japanese Retention Requirement.

 

The JRR Rule became effective on March 31, 2019. At this time, there are a number of unresolved questions and no established line of authority, precedent or market practice that provides definitive guidance with respect to the JRR Rule, and no assurances can be made as to the content, impact or interpretation of the JRR Rule. In particular, the basis for the determination of whether an asset is “inappropriately originated” remains unclear and, therefore, unless the JFSA provides further specific clarification, it is possible that CLO securities we have purchased may contain assets deemed to be “inappropriately originated” and, as a result, may not be exempt from the Japanese Retention Requirement. The JRR Rule or other similar requirements may deter Japanese Affected Investors from purchasing CLO securities, which may limit the liquidity of CLO securities and, in turn, adversely affect the price of such CLO securities in the secondary market. Whether and to what extent the JFSA may provide further clarification or interpretation as to the JRR Rule is unknown.

 

LIBOR Risk

 

The Fund’s debt investments may be based on floating rates, such as London Interbank Offer Rate, or “LIBOR.” LIBOR is the basic rate of interest used in lending transactions between banks on the London interbank market and is widely used as a reference for setting the interest rate on loans globally. After the global financial crisis, regulators globally determined that existing interest rate benchmarks should be reformed based on concerns that LIBOR was susceptible to manipulation. A number of LIBOR panel banks entered into settlements with their regulators and law enforcement agencies with respect to alleged manipulation of LIBOR, and investigations by regulators and governmental authorities in various jurisdictions are ongoing.

 

On March 5, 2021, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that the 1-week and 2-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will cease publication after December 31, 2021 and the overnight 1, 3, 6 and 12 months U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will cease publication after June 30, 2023. However, the FCA has indicated it will not compel panel banks to continue to contribute to LIBOR after the end of 2021 and the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have encouraged banks to cease entering into new contracts that use U.S. dollar LIBOR as a reference rate no later than December 31, 2021. To identify a successor rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”), a U.S.-based group convened by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was formed. On July 29, 2021, the ARRC formally recommended the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as its preferred alternative rate for LIBOR for use in derivatives and other financial contracts currently indexed to LIBOR. SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is

 

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based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions. The ARRC has proposed a paced market transition plan to SOFR from LIBOR. There are significant differences between LIBOR and SOFR, such as LIBOR being an unsecured lending rate while SOFR is a secured lending rate, and SOFR is an overnight rate while LIBOR reflects term rates at different maturities. Although SOFR is the ARRC’s recommended replacement rate, it is also possible that lenders may instead choose alternative replacement rates that may differ from LIBOR in ways similar to SOFR. In addition, the planned discontinuance of LIBOR and/or changes to another index could result in mismatches with the interest rate of some of our investments. The transition from LIBOR to SOFR or other alternative reference rates may also introduce operational risks in our accounting, financial reporting, loan servicing, liability management and other aspects of our business. However, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact of the transition at this time. Although there have been a few issuances utilizing SOFR or the Sterling Over Night Index Average, an alternative reference rate that is based on transactions, it is unknown whether these alternative reference rates will attain market acceptance as replacements for LIBOR.

 

While the ARRC formally announced that it recommends the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s forward-looking SOFR term rates for use in business loans, including securities backed by such assets, forward-looking SOFR term rates will not be representative of three-month LIBOR, and there is no requirement that the Chicago Mercantile Exchange continue to publish forward-looking SOFR term rates, in which case CLOs may be required to use other measurements of SOFR, as applicable.

 

Recently, the CLOs we have invested in have included, or have been amended to include, language permitting the CLO investment manager, to implement a market replacement rate (like those proposed by the ARRC) upon the occurrence of certain material disruption events. However, we cannot ensure that all CLOs in which we are invested will have such provisions, nor can we ensure the CLO investment managers will undertake the suggested amendments when able. However, because the specific effects of a transition away from LIBOR cannot be determined with certainty as of the date of this prospectus supplement, a transition away from LIBOR could:

 

 

adversely impact the pricing, liquidity, value of, return on and trading for a broad array of financial products, including any LIBOR-linked CLO investments;

 

 

require extensive changes to documentation that governs or references LIBOR or LIBOR-based products, including, for example, pursuant to time-consuming renegotiations of existing documentation to modify the terms of outstanding investments;

 

 

result in inquiries or other actions from regulators in respect of our preparation and readiness for the replacement of LIBOR with one or more alternative reference rates;

 

 

result in disputes, litigation or other actions with CLO investment managers, regarding the interpretation and enforceability of provisions in our LIBOR-based CLO investments, such as fallback language or other related provisions, including, in the case of fallbacks to the alternative reference rates, any economic, legal, operational or other impact resulting from the fundamental differences between LIBOR and the various alternative reference rates;

 

 

require the transition and/or development of appropriate systems and analytics to effectively transition our risk management processes from LIBOR-based products to those based on one or more alternative reference rates, which may prove challenging given the limited history of the proposed alternative reference rates; and

 

 

cause us to incur additional costs in relation to any of the above factors.

 

In addition, the effect of a phase out of LIBOR on U.S. senior secured loans, the underlying assets of the CLOs in which we invest, is currently unclear. To the extent that any replacement rate utilized for senior secured loans differs from that utilized for a CLO that holds those loans, the CLO would experience an interest rate mismatch between its assets and liabilities which could have an adverse impact on our net investment income and portfolio returns.

 

The senior secured loans underlying the CLOs in which we invest typically have floating interest rates. A rising interest rate environment may increase loan defaults, resulting in losses for the CLOs in which we invest. In addition, increasing interest rates may lead to higher prepayment rates, as corporate borrowers look to avoid escalating interest payments or refinance floating rate loans. See “—Prepayment Risk”. Further, a general rise in interest rates will increase the financing costs of the CLOs. However, since many of the senior secured loans within CLOs have LIBOR floors, if LIBOR is below the average LIBOR floor, there may not be corresponding increases in investment income resulting in smaller distributions to equity investors in these CLOs.

 

Given the structure of the incentive fee payable to the Advisor, a general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for the Advisor to meet the quarterly hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance on the part of the Advisor.

 

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LIBOR Floor Risk. Because CLOs generally issue debt on a floating rate basis, an increase in LIBOR or its replacement reference rate will increase the financing costs of CLOs. Many of the senior secured loans held by these CLOs have LIBOR floors such that, when LIBOR is below the stated LIBOR floor, the stated LIBOR floor (rather than LIBOR itself) is used to determine the interest payable under the loans. Therefore, if LIBOR increases but stays below the average LIBOR floor rate of the senior secured loans held by a CLO, there would not be a corresponding increase in the investment income of such CLOs. The combination of increased financing costs without a corresponding increase in investment income in such a scenario would result in smaller distributions to equity holders of a CLO. In addition, there may be disputes between market participants regarding the interpretation and enforceability of provisions in our LIBOR-based CLO investments (or lack or such provisions) related to the economic floors in such investments, which may result in a loss or degradation of floor protection in the case of a transition from LIBOR to any one of the various alternative reference rates, including SOFR.

 

LIBOR Mismatch. Many underlying corporate borrowers can elect to pay interest based on 1-month LIBOR, 3-month LIBOR and/or other rates in respect of the loans held by CLOs in which we are invested, in each case plus an applicable spread, whereas CLOs generally pay interest to holders of the CLO’s debt tranches based on 3-month LIBOR plus a spread. The 3-month LIBOR currently exceeds the 1-month LIBOR by a historically high amount, which may result in many underlying corporate borrowers electing to pay interest based on 1-month LIBOR. This mismatch in the rate at which CLOs earn interest and the rate at which they pay interest on their debt tranches negatively impacts the cash flows on a CLO’s equity tranche, which may in turn adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations. Unless spreads are adjusted to account for such increases, these negative impacts may worsen as the amount by which the 3-month LIBOR exceeds the 1-month LIBOR increases.

 

Lender Liability Risk

 

A number of U.S. judicial decisions have upheld judgments obtained by borrowers against lending institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories, collectively termed “lender liability.” Generally, lender liability is founded on the premise that a lender has violated a duty (whether implied or contractual) of good faith, commercial reasonableness and fair dealing, or a similar duty owed to the borrower or has assumed an excessive degree of control over the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or shareholders. Because of the nature of its investments, the Fund may be subject to allegations of lender liability.

 

In addition, under common law principles that in some cases form the basis for lender liability claims, if a lender or bondholder (a) intentionally takes an action that results in the undercapitalization of a borrower to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower, (b) engages in other inequitable conduct to the detriment of such other creditors, (c) engages in fraud with respect to, or makes misrepresentations to, such other creditors or (d) uses its influence as a stockholder to dominate or control a borrower to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower, a court may elect to subordinate the claim of the offending lender or bondholder to the claims of the disadvantaged creditor or creditors, a remedy called “equitable subordination.”

 

Because affiliates of, or persons related to, the Advisers may hold equity or other interests in obligors of the Fund, the Fund could be exposed to claims for equitable subordination or lender liability or both based on such equity or other holdings.

 

Leverage Risk

 

The 1940 Act requires a registered investment company to satisfy an asset coverage requirement of 300% of its indebtedness, including amounts borrowed, measured at the time of incurrence of indebtedness. This means that the value of the Fund’s total indebtedness may not exceed one-third of the value of its total assets, including the value of the assets purchased with the proceeds of its indebtedness. Under current market conditions, the Fund intends to utilize leverage principally through (i) Borrowings in an aggregate amount of up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets (including the assets subject to, and obtained with the proceeds of, such Borrowings) immediately after such Borrowings or (ii) the issuance of preferred shares in an aggregate amount of up to 50% of the Fund’s total assets (including the assets subject to, and obtained with the proceeds of, such issuance) immediately after such issuance. Leverage may result in greater volatility of the NAV and distributions on the Common Shares because changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio investments, including investments purchased with the proceeds from are borne entirely by shareholders. Common Share income may fluctuate if the interest rate on Borrowings changes. In addition, the Fund’s use of leverage will result in increased operating costs. Thus, to the extent that the then-current cost of any leverage, together with other related expenses, approaches the net return on the Fund’s investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to shareholders will be reduced, and if the then-current cost of any leverage together with related expenses were to exceed the net return on the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund’s leveraged capital structure would result in a lower rate of return to shareholders than if the Fund were not so leveraged. In addition, the costs associated with the Fund’s incurrence and maintenance of leverage could increase over time. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful.

 

Any decline in the NAV of the Fund will be borne entirely by shareholders. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s portfolio declines, the Fund’s use of leverage will result in a greater decrease in NAV to shareholders than if the Fund were not leveraged.

 

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Certain types of Borrowings may result in the Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage or portfolio composition or otherwise. In addition, the terms of the credit agreements may also require that the Fund pledge some or all of its assets as collateral.

 

As of December 31, 2021, the Fund has an unsecured credit facility with a bank in place under which the Fund can borrow up to $40 million, subject to a borrowing base calculation. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and the borrowing base calculation, the Fund can increase the amount that it may borrow under the unsecured credit facility to $100 million. Outstanding advances under the unsecured credit facility bear interest at the rate of Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 4.00%. The Fund also pays a quarterly facility fee of 0.125% of the commitment under the unsecured credit facility. The unsecured credit facility contains certain customary covenants, including a maximum debt to asset value ratio covenant and a minimum liquidity requirement. The unsecured credit facility matures in December 2026, provided that the Fund may elect to extend the maturity date for two periods of 12 months each, in each instance upon satisfaction of certain conditions. As of December 31, 2021, no amount was outstanding under the unsecured credit facility.

 

As of December 31, 2021, a subsidiary of the Fund has a mortgage with an outstanding balance of $39.7 million in connection with the acquisition of a real property. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, additional advances can be made under the mortgage, up to an aggregate amount of $41.7 million. The mortgage has an interest rate of SOFR plus 2.95 % and matures in January 2024, provided that, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, there is an option to extend the term for three additional 12-month period. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, the Fund has a small co-investment in a real property that has a mortgage on it.

 

Total Return Swap Risk

 

The Fund has entered, and may enter into additional, total return swap (“TRS”) agreements that would expose the Fund to certain risks, including market risk, liquidity risk and other risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage. A TRS is a contract in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the return of the assets underlying the TRS, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate. A TRS is typically used to obtain exposure to a basket of securities or loans or market without owning or taking physical custody of such securities or loans or investing directly in such market. A TRS effectively adds leverage to our portfolio because, in addition to our total net assets, we would be subject to investment exposure on the amount of securities subject to the TRS. A TRS is also subject to the risk that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations thereunder or that we will not be able to meet our obligations to the counterparty. In addition, because a TRS is a form of synthetic leverage, such arrangements are subject to risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage.

 

Advisory Fee Risk

 

Pursuant to each Advisory Agreement, the Advisers (and indirectly, the Sub-Advisers) are entitled to receive the Management Fee, regardless of our performance. The Adviser is entitled to receive an asset management fee based upon the daily value of the Fund’s net assets. The Adviser’s entitlement to substantial non-performance based compensation might reduce its incentive to devote time and effort to seeking profitable opportunities for the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The incentive fee payable by the Fund to the Adviser (and indirectly to the Sub-Advisers) may create an incentive for the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers to pursue investments on the Fund’s behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. Such a practice could result in the Fund investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. The incentive fee payable to the Adviser (and indirectly to the Sub-Advisers) is based on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as calculated in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement. This may encourage the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers to use leverage to increase the return on investments, even when it may not be appropriate to do so, and to refrain from de-levering when it may otherwise be appropriate to do so. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of the Fund’s securities.

 

Additionally, the Adviser is entitled to incentive compensation for each fiscal quarter based, in part, on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter above a performance threshold for that quarter. Accordingly, since the performance threshold is based on a percentage of NAV, decreases in NAV make it easier to achieve the performance threshold, and the Fund may be required to pay the Adviser incentive compensation for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of the portfolio.

 

Duration and Maturity Risk

 

The Fund has no fixed policy regarding portfolio maturity or duration. Holding long duration and long maturity investments will increase the Fund’s exposure to the credit and interest rate risks described above, including with respect to changes in interest rates through the Fund’s credit and credit-related investments as well as increased exposure to risk of loss.

 

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Potential Conflicts of Interest Risk — Allocation of Personnel

 

The Fund’s executive officers and trustees, and the personnel of the Advisers, serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as the Fund or of investment funds or accounts managed by the Advisers or their affiliates. As a result, they will have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders or could result in actions or inactions that are detrimental to the Fund’s business, strategy and opportunities. Additionally, certain personnel of the Advisers and their management may face conflicts in their time management and commitments. The Advisers may experience conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of the Advisers’ time and resources between the Fund and other investment activities; the allocation of investment opportunities by the Advisers and their affiliates; compensation to the Advisers; services that may be provided by the Advisers and their respective affiliates to issuers in which the Fund invests; investment by the Fund and other clients of the Advisers, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act; the formation of additional investment funds by the Advisers; differing recommendations given by the Advisers to the Fund versus other clients; the Advisers’ use of information gained from issuers in the Fund’s portfolio investments by other clients, subject to applicable law; and restrictions on the Advisers’ use of “inside information” with respect to potential investments by the Fund.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest Risk — Allocation of Investment Opportunities

 

The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser has adopted allocation procedures that are intended to treat each fund they advise in a manner that, over a period of time, is fair and equitable. The Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their respective affiliates currently provide investment advisory and administration services and may provide in the future similar services to other entities (collectively, “Advised Funds”). Certain existing Advised Funds have, and future Advised Funds may have, investment objectives similar to those of the Fund, and such Advised Funds will invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by the Fund. Certain other existing Advised Funds do not, and future Advised Funds may not, have similar investment objectives, but such funds may from time to time invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by the Fund. The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, and in any event consistent with any fiduciary duties owed to the Fund and other clients and in an effort to avoid favoring one client over another and taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances, including (without limitation): (i) differences with respect to available capital, size of client, and remaining life of a client; (ii) differences with respect to investment objectives or current investment strategies, including regarding: (a) current and total return requirements, (b) emphasizing or limiting exposure to the security or type of security in question, (c) diversification, including industry or company exposure, currency and jurisdiction, or (d) rating agency ratings; (iii) differences in risk profile at the time an opportunity becomes available; (iv) the potential transaction and other costs of allocating an opportunity among various clients; (v) potential conflicts of interest, including whether a client has an existing investment in the security in question or the issuer of such security; (vi) the nature of the security or the transaction, including minimum investment amounts and the source of the opportunity; (vii) current and anticipated market and general economic conditions; (viii) existing positions in a borrower/loan/security; and (ix) prior positions in a borrower/loan/security. Nevertheless, it is possible that the Fund may not be given the opportunity to participate in certain investments made by investment funds managed by investment managers affiliated with the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers.

 

In the event investment opportunities are allocated among the Fund and the other Advised Funds, the Fund may not be able to structure its investment portfolio in the manner desired. Furthermore, the Fund and the other Advised Funds may make investments in securities where the prevailing trading activity may make impossible the receipt of the same price or execution on the entire volume of securities purchased or sold by the Fund and the other Advised Funds. When this occurs, the various prices may be averaged, and the Fund will be charged or credited with the average price. Thus, the effect of the aggregation may operate on some occasions to the disadvantage of the Fund. In addition, under certain circumstances, the Fund may not be charged the same commission or commission equivalent rates in connection with a bunched or aggregated order.

 

It is likely that the other Advised Funds may make investments in the same or similar securities at different times and on different terms than the Fund. The Fund and the other Advised Funds may make investments at different levels of a borrower’s capital structure or otherwise in different classes of a borrower’s securities, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Such investments may inherently give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest between or among the various classes of securities that may be held by such entities. Conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding the Fund may benefit the other Advised Funds. For example, the sale of a long position or establishment of a short position by the Fund may impair the price of the same security sold short by (and therefore benefit) one or more Advised Funds, and the purchase of a security or covering of a short position in a security by the Fund may increase the price of the same security held by (and therefore benefit) one or more Advised Funds.

 

Applicable law, including the 1940 Act, may at times prevent the Fund from being able to participate in investments that it otherwise would participate in, and may require the Fund to dispose of investments at a time when it otherwise would not dispose of such investment or hold an investment when it would otherwise dispose of it, in each case, in order to comply with applicable law.

 

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The Adviser, the Sub-Advisers, their affiliates and their clients may pursue or enforce rights with respect to a borrower in which the Fund has invested, and those activities may have an adverse effect on the Fund. As a result, prices, availability, liquidity and terms of the Fund’s investments may be negatively impacted by the activities of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates or their clients, and transactions for the Fund may be impaired or effected at prices or terms that may be less favorable than would otherwise have been the case.

 

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers may have a conflict of interest in deciding whether to cause the Fund to incur leverage or to invest in more speculative investments or financial instruments, thereby potentially increasing the management and incentive fee payable by the Fund and, accordingly, the fees received by the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers. Certain other Advised Funds pay the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates greater performance-based compensation, which could create an incentive for the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or an affiliate to favor such investment fund or account over the Fund.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest Risk – Purchases and Sales by the Fund and Other Clients

 

Conflicts may arise when the Fund makes an investment in conjunction with an investment being made by the Advised Funds or other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates, or in a transaction where another client or client of such affiliates has already made an investment. Investment opportunities are, from time to time, appropriate for more than one client of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates in the same, different or overlapping securities of a portfolio company’s capital structure. Conflicts arise in determining the terms of investments, particularly where these clients may invest in different types of securities in a single portfolio company. Questions arise as to whether payment obligations and covenants should be enforced, modified or waived, or whether debt should be restructured, modified or refinanced.

 

The Fund may invest in debt and other securities of companies in which other clients hold those same securities or different securities, including equity securities. In the event that such investments are made by the Fund, the Fund’s interests will at times conflict with the interests of such other clients or clients of the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliates, particularly in circumstances where the underlying company is facing financial distress. Decisions about what action should be taken, particularly in troubled situations, raises conflicts of interest, including, among other things, whether or not to enforce claims, whether or not to advocate or initiate a restructuring or liquidation inside or outside of bankruptcy, and the terms of any work-out or restructuring. The involvement of multiple clients at both the equity and debt levels could inhibit strategic information exchanges among fellow creditors, including among the Fund, the Advised Funds and other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates. In certain circumstances, the Fund, the Advised Funds or other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates may be prohibited from exercising voting or other rights and may be subject to claims by other creditors with respect to the subordination of their interest.

 

For example, in the event that one client has a controlling or significantly influential position in a portfolio company, that client may have the ability to elect some or all of the board of directors of such a portfolio company, thereby controlling the policies and operations, including the appointment of management, future issuances of securities, payment of dividends, incurrence of debt and entering into extraordinary transactions. In addition, a controlling client is likely to have the ability to determine, or influence, the outcome of operational matters and to cause, or prevent, a change in control of such a portfolio company. Such management and operational decisions may, at times, be in direct conflict with the Fund, the Advised Funds or other clients that have invested in the same portfolio company that do not have the same level of control or influence over the portfolio company.

 

If additional capital is necessary as a result of financial or other difficulties, or to finance growth or other opportunities, the Fund, the Advised Funds or other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates may or may not provide such additional capital, and if provided each client will supply such additional capital in such amounts, if any, as determined by the Adviser, Sub-Advisers and/or their affiliates. Investments by more than one client of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates in a portfolio company also raises the risk of using assets of a client of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates to support positions taken by other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates, or that a client may remain passive in a situation in which it is entitled to vote. In addition, there may be differences in timing of entry into, or exit from, a portfolio company for reasons such as differences in strategy, existing portfolio or liquidity needs, different client mandates or fund differences, or different securities being held. These variations in timing may be detrimental to the Fund.

 

The application of the Fund’s investment mandate as compared to investment mandates of other clients of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates and the policies and procedures of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers and their affiliates are expected to vary based on the particular facts and circumstances surrounding each investment by two or more clients, in particular when those clients are in different classes of an issuer’s capital structure (as well as across multiple issuers or borrowers within the same overall capital structure) and, as such, there may be a degree of variation and potential inconsistencies, in the manner in which potential or actual conflicts are addressed.

 

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Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates Risk

 

The 1940 Act limits the Fund’s ability to enter into certain transactions with certain of its affiliates. As a result of these restrictions, the Fund may be prohibited from buying or selling any security directly from or to any portfolio company of or private equity fund managed by the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers or any of their respective affiliates. However, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, purchase any such portfolio company’s loans or securities in the secondary market, which could create a conflict for the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers between the interests of the Fund and the portfolio company, in that the ability of the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers to recommend actions in the best interest of the Fund might be impaired. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with certain of its affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times). These limitations may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.

 

The Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and certain funds that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers manage have obtained the Order from the SEC to permit the Fund to co-invest in portfolio companies with certain other Advised Funds provided the Fund complies with certain conditions. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund is generally permitted to co-invest with Advised Funds if a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s independent trustees makes certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to the Fund and its shareholders and do not involve overreaching of the Fund or its shareholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of the Fund’s shareholders and is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. As a result of the Order, there could be significant overlap in the Fund’s investment portfolio and the investment portfolio of the Advised Funds and/or other funds established by the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates that could avail themselves of the Order.

 

Dependence on Key Personnel Risk

 

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers are dependent upon the experience and expertise of certain key personnel in providing services with respect to the Fund’s investments. If the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers were to lose the services of these individuals, their ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. As with any managed fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers may not be successful in selecting the best-performing securities or investment techniques for the Fund’s portfolio and the Fund’s performance may lag behind that of similar funds. The Fund’s NAV changes daily based on the performance of the securities and derivatives in which it invests. The Adviser’s and Sub-Advisers’ judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes and securities in which the Fund invests (directly or indirectly) may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have informed the Fund that the investment professionals associated with the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers, as the case may be, are actively involved in other investment activities not concerning the Fund and will not be able to devote all of their time to the Fund’s business and affairs. In addition, individuals not currently associated with the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers may become associated with the Fund and the performance of the Fund may also depend on the experience and expertise of such individuals.

 

Inflation/Deflation Risk

 

Inflation risk is the risk that the value of certain assets or income from the Fund’s investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Shares and distributions on the Common Shares can decline.

 

In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, the dividend rates or borrowing costs associated with the Fund’s use of leverage would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to shareholders. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time—the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Repurchase Agreements Risk

 

Subject to its investment objective and policies, the Fund may invest in repurchase agreements as a buyer for investment purposes. Repurchase agreements typically involve the acquisition by the Fund of debt securities from a selling financial institution such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The agreement provides that the Fund will sell the securities back to the institution at a fixed time in the future. The Fund does not bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under its repurchase obligation. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses, including (1) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period in which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto; (2) possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period; and (3) expenses of enforcing its rights. In addition, as described above, the value of the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement will be at least equal to the repurchase price, including any accrued interest earned on the repurchase agreement. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the

 

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Fund generally will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercise of the 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 were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk

 

The Fund’s use of reverse repurchase agreements involves many of the same risks involved in the Fund’s use of leverage, as the proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements generally will be invested in additional securities. There is a risk that the market value of the securities acquired in the reverse repurchase agreement may decline below the price of the securities that the Fund has sold but remains obligated to repurchase. In addition, there is a risk that the market value of the securities retained by the Fund may decline. If the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement were to file for bankruptcy or experiences insolvency, the Fund may be adversely affected. Also, in entering into reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund would bear the risk of loss to the extent that the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement are less than the value of the underlying securities. In addition, due to the interest costs associated with reverse repurchase agreements transactions, the Fund’s NAV will decline, and, in some cases, the Fund may be worse off than if it had not used such instruments. To the extent not appropriately covered, the Fund’s use of reverse repurchase agreements will be subject to the 33 1/3% or 50.00% limitation on the issuance of senior securities representing indebtedness under the 1940 Act.

 

Payment-In-Kind and Original Issue Discount Risk

 

Certain of the credit or credit-related securities in which the Fund may invest may offer a flexible payment and covenant structure to portfolio companies that may not provide the same level of protection to the Fund as more restrictive conditions that traditional lenders typically impose on borrowers. For example, the Fund’s investments may include an end-of-term payment, payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest payment and/or original issue discount (“OID”). If a portfolio company fails to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by the Fund or other lenders, the company may default on the Fund’s loan which could potentially lead to termination of its loans and foreclosure on its assets. If a portfolio company defaults under the Fund’s loan, this could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize such portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the loans that the Fund holds, including payment to us of the end-of-term payment, PIK interest payment and/or OID. The Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting portfolio company.

 

To the extent that the Fund invests in OID instruments, including PIK loans, zero coupon bonds, and debt securities with attached warrants, investors will be exposed to the risks associated with the inclusion of such non-cash income in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash, including the following risks:

 

 

the interest payments deferred on a PIK loan are subject to the risk that the borrower may default when the deferred payments are due in cash at the maturity of the loan;

 

 

the interest rates on PIK loans are higher to reflect the time-value of money on deferred interest payments and the higher credit risk of borrowers who may need to defer interest payments;

 

 

market prices of OID instruments are more volatile because they are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes than instruments that pay interest periodically in cash;

 

 

PIK instruments may have unreliable valuations because the accruals require judgments about ultimate collectability of the deferred payments and the value of the associated collateral;

 

 

the use of PIK and OID securities may provide certain benefits to the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, including increasing management fees and incentive fees;

 

 

for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund may be required to make distributions of OID income to shareholders without receiving any cash and such distributions have to be paid from offering proceeds or the sale of assets without investors being given any notice of this fact; and

 

 

the required recognition of OID, including PIK, interest for U.S. federal income tax purposes may have a negative impact on liquidity, because it represents a non-cash component of the taxable income that must, nevertheless, be distributed in cash to investors to avoid it being subject to corporate level taxation.

 

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Competition for Investment Opportunities

 

The Fund competes for investments with other closed-end funds and investment funds, as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks and other sources of funding. Moreover, alternative investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, have begun to invest in areas in which they have not traditionally invested. As a result of these new entrants, competition for investment opportunities may intensify. Many of the Fund’s competitors are substantially larger and may have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the Fund. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of capital and access to funding sources that are not available to the Fund. In addition, some of the Fund’s competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than it has. These characteristics could allow the Fund’s competitors to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships and pay more competitive prices for investments than it is able to do. The Fund may lose investment opportunities if it does not match its competitors’ pricing. If the Fund is forced to match its competitors’ pricing, it may not be able to achieve acceptable returns on its investments or may bear substantial risk of capital loss. A significant increase in the number and/or the size of the Fund’s competitors could force it to accept less attractive investment terms. Furthermore, many of the Fund’s competitors have greater experience operating under, or are not subject to, the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on it as a closed-end fund.

 

Inadequate Return Risk

 

No assurance can be given that the returns on the Fund’s investments will be commensurate with the risk of investment in the Common Shares.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk

 

The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year, as well as within a given year. High portfolio turnover may result in the realization of net short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. In addition, a higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund.

 

Lack of Funds to Make Additional Investments Risk

 

The Fund may not have the funds or ability to make additional investments in its portfolio companies. After the Fund’s initial investment in a portfolio company, it may be called upon from time to time to provide additional funds to such company or have the opportunity to increase its investment through the exercise of a warrant to purchase common shares. There is no assurance that the Fund will make, or will have sufficient funds to make, follow-on investments. Any decisions not to make a follow-on investment or any inability on the Fund’s part to make such an investment may have a negative impact on a portfolio company in need of such an investment, may result in a missed opportunity for the Fund to increase its participation in a successful operation or may reduce the expected return on the investment.

 

Uncertain Exit Strategies

 

Due to the illiquid nature of some of the positions that the Fund is expected to acquire, as well as the risks associated with the Fund’s investment strategies, the Fund is unable to predict with confidence what the exit strategy may ultimately be for any given investment, or that one will definitely be available. Exit strategies which appear to be viable when an investment is initiated may be precluded by the time the investment is ready to be realized due to economic, legal, political or other factors.

 

Sourcing of Suitable Assets Risk

 

No assurance can be given the Sub-Advisers will be able to find enough appropriate investments that meet the Fund’s investment criteria.

 

Non-Diversification Risk

 

The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. As a result, it can invest a greater portion of its assets in obligations of a single issuer other than a “diversified” fund. The Fund may therefore be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political or regulatory occurrence. The Fund intends to qualify for the special tax treatment available to “regulated investment companies” under Subchapter M of the Code, and thus intends to satisfy the diversification requirements of Subchapter M, including its less stringent diversification requirements that apply to the percentage of the Fund’s total assets that are represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and certain other securities.

 

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Distribution Payment Risk

 

The Fund cannot assure investors that it will achieve investment results that will allow the Fund to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of the Board and may depend on the Fund’s earnings, the Fund’s net investment income, the Fund’s financial condition, maintenance of the Fund’s RIC status, compliance with applicable regulations and such other factors as the Board may deem relevant from time to time.

 

In the event that the Fund encounters delays in locating suitable investment opportunities, all or a substantial portion of the Fund’s distributions may constitute a return of capital to shareholders. To the extent that the Fund pays distributions that constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it will lower an investor’s adjusted tax basis in his or her Common Shares. A return of capital generally is a return of an investor’s investment, rather than a return of earnings or gains derived from the Fund’s investment activities, and generally results in a reduction of the adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares. As a result of such reduction in adjusted tax basis, shareholders may be subject to tax in connection with the sale of Common Shares, even if such Common Shares are sold at a loss relative to the shareholder’s original investment.

 

Inadequate Network of Broker-Dealer Risk

 

The success of the Fund’s continuous public offering, and correspondingly the Fund’s ability to implement its investment objective and strategies, depends upon the ability of the Dealer Manger to establish, operate and maintain a network of Selling Agents to sell the Common Shares. If the Dealer Manager fails to perform, the Fund may not be able to raise adequate proceeds through the Fund’s continuous public offering to implement the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. If the Fund is unsuccessful in implementing its investment objective and strategies, an investor could lose all or a part of his or her investment in the Fund.

 

“Best-Efforts” Offering Risk

 

This offering is being made on a best efforts basis, whereby the Distributor is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Shares, but will use its best efforts to distribute the Shares. Shares will not be listed on any national securities exchange and the Distributor will not act as a market marker in Shares. To the extent that less than the maximum number of Common Shares is subscribed for, the opportunity for the allocation of the Fund’s investments among various issuers and industries may be decreased, and the returns achieved on those investments may be reduced as a result of allocating all of the Fund’s expenses over a smaller capital base.

 

Investor Dilution Risk

 

Investors in this offering will purchase Common Shares at a price equal to the then current NAV per each class of Common Shares plus the applicable sales load. Additionally, the Fund will bear certain expenses in connection with its organization and the continuous offering of its Common Shares. As a result, investors in this offering will incur immediate dilution of their investment when purchasing Common Shares.

 

In addition, shareholders will not have preemptive rights. The Trust’s declaration of trust authorizes it to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares. If the Fund engages in a subsequent offering of Common Shares or securities convertible into Common Shares, issues additional Common Shares pursuant to its DRP or otherwise issues additional Common Shares, investors who purchase Shares in this offering who do not participate in those other stock issuances will experience dilution in their percentage ownership of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares. Furthermore, an investor may experience a dilution in the value of the Common Shares depending on the terms and pricing of any Share issuances (including the Common Shares being sold in this offering) and the value of the Fund’s assets at the time of issuance.

 

Cyber-Security Risk and Identity Theft Risks

 

Cyber-security incidents and cyber-attacks have been occurring globally at a more frequent and severe level and will likely continue to increase in frequency in the future. The Advisers’ information and technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from computer viruses and other malicious code, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches, usage errors by their respective professionals or service providers, power, communications or other service outages and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. If unauthorized parties gain access to such information and technology systems, they may be able to steal, publish, delete or modify private and sensitive information. Although the Advisers have implemented various measures to manage risks relating to these types of events, such systems could be inadequate and, if compromised, could become inoperable for extended periods of time, cease to function properly or fail to adequately secure private information. Breaches such as those involving covertly introduced malware, impersonation of authorized users and industrial or other espionage may not be identified even with sophisticated prevention and detection systems, potentially resulting in further harm and preventing it from being addressed appropriately. The Advisers and/or the Fund may have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them. The failure of these systems and/or of disaster recovery plans for any reason could cause significant interruptions in the Advisers’, and/or the Fund’s operations and result in a failure to

 

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maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to shareholders and the intellectual property and trade secrets of the Advisers. Such a failure could harm the Advisers’ and/or the Fund’s reputation, subject any such entity and their respective affiliates to legal claims and adverse publicity and otherwise affect their business and financial performance.

 

A disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports the Fund’s business, including a disruption involving electronic communications or other services used by the Fund or by third parties with whom the Fund conducts business, or directly affecting the Fund’s headquarters, could have a material adverse impact on the Fund’s ability to continue to operate its business without interruption. The Fund’s disaster recovery programs may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such a disaster or disruption. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse the Fund for its losses, if at all.

 

Third parties with which the Fund does business may also be sources of cybersecurity or other technological risk. The Fund outsources certain functions and these relationships allow for the storage and processing of its information, as well as client, counterparty, employee, and borrower information. While the Fund engages in actions to reduce its exposure resulting from outsourcing, ongoing threats may result in unauthorized access, loss, exposure, destruction, or other cybersecurity incident that affects its data, resulting in increased costs and other consequences as described above.

 

The Fund and its service providers are currently impacted by quarantines and similar measures being enacted by governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which are obstructing the regular functioning of business workforces (including requiring some employees to work from external locations and their homes). Accordingly, the risks described above may be heightened under current conditions.

 

Risks Relating to the Fund’s RIC Status

 

Although the Fund has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, no assurance can be given that the Fund will be able to qualify for and maintain RIC status. If the Fund qualifies as a RIC under the Code, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income and capital gains that are timely distributed (or deemed distributed) as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to its shareholders. To qualify as a RIC under the Code and to be relieved of U.S. federal income tax at corporate rates on income and gains distributed as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the Fund’s shareholders, the Fund must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income, asset-diversification and distribution requirements. The distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if the Fund timely distributes dividends each tax year for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of the sum of its net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to the Fund’s shareholders.

 

RIC-Related Risks of Investments Generating Non-Cash Taxable Income

 

Certain of the Fund’s investments will require the Fund to recognize taxable income in a tax year in excess of the cash generated on those investments during that year. In particular, the Fund expects to invest in loans and other debt instruments that will be treated as having “market discount” and/or original issue discount (“OID”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because the Fund may be required to recognize income in respect of these investments before, or without receiving, cash representing such income, the Fund may have difficulty satisfying the annual distribution requirements applicable to RICs and avoiding Fund-level U.S. federal income and/or excise taxes. Accordingly, the Fund may be required to sell assets, including at potentially disadvantageous times or prices, raise additional debt or equity capital, make taxable distributions of Common Shares or debt securities, or reduce new investments, to obtain the cash needed to make these income distributions. If the Fund liquidates assets to raise cash, the Fund may realize additional gain or loss on such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes additional net capital gains from such liquidation transactions, shareholders, may receive larger capital gain distributions than it or they would in the absence of such transactions.

 

Instruments that are treated as having OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any collateral. Loans that are treated as having OID generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans. Accruals on such instruments may create uncertainty about the source of Fund distributions to shareholders. OID creates the risk of non-refundable cash payments to the Advisers based on accruals that may never be realized. In addition, the deferral of PIK interest also reduces a loan’s loan-to-value ratio at a compounding rate.

 

Uncertain Tax Treatment

 

The Fund may invest a portion of its net assets in below investment grade instruments. Investments in these types of instruments may present special tax issues for the Fund. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether

 

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exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Fund to the extent necessary in connection with the Fund’s intention to distribute sufficient income each tax year to minimize the risk that it becomes subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

 

CLO Anti-Deferral Provision Risks

 

The Fund has purchased and may in the future purchase residual or subordinated interests in CLOs that are treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as shares in a “passive foreign investment company,” or a “PFIC.” If the Fund acquires shares in a PFIC (including equity tranche investments in CLOs that are PFICs), it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains. This additional tax and interest may apply even if the Fund makes a distribution in an amount equal to any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders. Certain elections may be available to mitigate or eliminate such tax on excess distributions, but such elections (if available) will generally require the Fund to recognize its share of the PFICs’ income for each year regardless of whether it receives any distributions from such PFICs. The Fund must, nonetheless, distribute such income to maintain its tax treatment as a RIC.

 

If the Fund holds more than 10% of the shares in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation, or a “CFC” (including equity tranche investments in a CLO treated as CFC), it may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the corporation’s income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains). If the Fund is required to include such deemed distributions from a CFC in its income, it will be required to distribute such income to maintain RIC tax treatment regardless of whether or not the CFC makes an actual distribution during such year.

 

If the Fund is required to include amounts in income prior to receiving distributions representing such income, it may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices it would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If the Fund is not able to obtain cash from other sources, it may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to U.S. federal income tax at corporate rates.

 

CLO Withholding Tax Risks

 

Legislation commonly referred to as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” or “FATCA,” imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments of U.S. source interest and distributions to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S. financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies with certain reporting requirements. Most CLO vehicles in which the Fund invests will be treated as non-U.S. financial entities for this purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the 30% withholding. If a CLO vehicle in which the Fund invests fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amounts available to distribute to equity and junior debt holders in such CLO vehicle, which could materially and adversely affect the Fund’s operating results and cash flows. See “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations— Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders” for additional discussion regarding FATCA.

 

Risks Related to Dividends-In-Kind

 

The Fund may distribute taxable distributions that are payable in cash or shares of its common stock at the election of each stockholder. Under certain applicable IRS guidance, distributions by RICs that are payable in cash or in shares of stock at the election of stockholders are treated as taxable distributions. The Internal Revenue Service has published guidance indicating that this rule will apply where the total amount of cash to be distributed is not less than 20% (which has been temporarily reduced to 10% for distributions declared on or after November 1, 2021, and on or before June 30, 2022) of the total distribution. Under this guidance, if too many stockholders elect to receive their distributions in cash, the cash available for distribution must be allocated among the shareholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). In no event will any stockholder electing to receive cash, receive less than the lesser of (a) the portion of the distribution such shareholder has elected to receive in cash or (b) an amount equal to his, her or its entire distribution times the percentage limitation on cash available for distribution. If the Fund decides to make any distributions consistent with this guidance that are payable in part in our stock, taxable stockholders receiving such distributions will be required to include the full amount of the distribution (whether received in cash, our stock, or a combination thereof) as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly reported as a capital gain distribution) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. stockholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such distributions in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock it receives as a distribution in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the distribution, depending on the market price of the Fund’s stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to non-U.S. stockholders, the Fund may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such distributions, including in respect of

 

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all or a portion of such distribution that is payable in stock. In addition, if a significant number of the Fund’s stockholders determine to sell shares of the Fund’s stock in order to pay taxes owed on distributions, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of the Fund’s stock.

 

REIT Tax Risk for REIT Subsidiaries

 

Each of the REIT Subsidiaries will elect to be taxed as a REIT beginning with the first year in which it commences material operations. In order for a REIT Subsidiary to qualify and maintain its qualification as a REIT, it must satisfy certain requirements set forth in the Code and Treasury Regulations that depend on various factual matters and circumstances. The Fund and the CIM Sub-Adviser intend to cause any REIT Subsidiary to structure its activities in a manner designed to satisfy all of these requirements. However, the application of such requirements is not entirely clear, and it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may interpret or apply those requirements in a manner that jeopardizes the ability of a REIT Subsidiary to satisfy all of the requirements for qualification as a REIT.

 

If a REIT Subsidiary fails to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year and it does not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, it will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income at the applicable corporate income tax rate. In addition, it would generally be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following any taxable year in which it fails to qualify as a REIT. Loss of REIT status would reduce such REIT Subsidiary’s net earnings available for investment or distribution to the Fund as a result of the imposition of entity-level tax on the REIT Subsidiary. In addition, distributions to the Fund would no longer qualify for the dividends paid deduction, and such REIT Subsidiary would no longer be required to make distributions. If this occurs, the REIT Subsidiary might be required to borrow funds or liquidate some investments in order to pay the applicable tax.

 

To obtain the favorable tax treatment afforded to REITs under the Code, among other things, such REIT Subsidiary generally will be required each year to distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding net capital gain. To the extent that it does not distribute all of its net capital gains, or distributes at least 90%, but less than 100%, of its REIT taxable income, as adjusted, it will have to pay an entity-level tax on amounts retained. Furthermore, if it fails to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of its ordinary income for that year, (b) 95% of its capital gain net income for that year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, it would have to pay a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on the excess of the amounts required to be distributed over the sum of (x) the amounts that it actually distributed and (y) the amounts it retained and upon which it paid income tax at the entity level. These requirements could cause it to distribute amounts that otherwise would be spent on investments in real estate assets, and it is possible that the REIT Subsidiary might be required to borrow funds, possibly at unfavorable rates, or sell assets to fund the required distributions. The Fund will hold all of the common shares of the REIT Subsidiary. In order to satisfy the Code’s 100-shareholder requirement, certain persons unaffiliated with the Advisers will purchase non-voting preferred shares of the REIT Subsidiary. Such non-voting preferred shares are expected to have a nominal value.

 

In order to qualify as a REIT, not more than 50% of the value of each REIT Subsidiary’s shares may be owned, directly or indirectly, through the application of certain attribution rules under the Code, by any five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code to include specified entities, during the last half of any taxable year other than a REIT subsidiary’s first taxable year (the “50% Test”). For purposes of the 50% Test, each REIT Subsidiary will “look through” to the beneficial owners of the Common Shares. Accordingly, if five or fewer individuals or certain specified entities during the last half of any calendar year own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of each REIT Subsidiary’s shares through the Fund, then such REIT Subsidiary’s qualification as a REIT could be jeopardized. The CIM Sub-Adviser intends to monitor all purchases and transfers of each REIT Subsidiary’s shares and the Common Shares by regularly reviewing, among other things, ownership filings required by the U.S. federal securities laws to monitor the beneficial ownership of the REIT Subsidiary’s shares to ensure that each REIT Subsidiary will meet and will continue to meet the 50% Test. However, the CIM Sub-Adviser may not have the information necessary for it to ascertain with certainty whether or not a REIT Subsidiary satisfies the 50% test and may not be able to prevent each REIT Subsidiary from failing the 50% Test. If a REIT Subsidiary fails to satisfy the requirements related to the ownership of its outstanding capital stock, such REIT Subsidiary would fail to qualify as a REIT and the REIT Subsidiary would be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income, and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by it in determining its taxable income.

 

Management of the Fund

 

General

 

Pursuant to the Fund’s declaration of trust and trust agreement (the “Declaration of Trust”), the Fund’s business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board, which has overall responsibility for monitoring and overseeing the Fund’s management and operations. The responsibilities of the Board include, among other things, the appointment of the Fund’s investment adviser and investment sub-advisers, the oversight of the Fund’s investment activities, the valuation of the Fund’s assets, oversight of the Fund’s financing arrangements and corporate governance activities. The Board consists of five members (the “Trustees”), three of whom are not “interested persons” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, of the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers and

 

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are “independent” as determined by the Board (the “Independent Trustees”). The Trustees are subject to removal or replacement in accordance with Delaware law and the Declaration of Trust. The Trustees serving on the Board were elected by the organizational trustee of the Fund. The SAI provides additional information about the Trustees.

 

The Adviser serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement and subject to the authority of, and any policies established by, the Board. The Adviser has engaged the CIM Sub-Adviser to act as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The CIM Sub-Adviser is responsible for identifying and sourcing investment opportunities with respect to investments in Real Assets held by the Fund, either through a REIT Subsidiary or directly. The Adviser has also engaged the OFS Sub-Adviser to act as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The OFS Sub-Adviser is responsible for identifying and sourcing credit and corporate credit-related investment opportunities, including, but not limited to, Middle-Market investments, Broadly Syndicated Loans, investments in the debt and equity tranches of CLOs, opportunistic credit investments, including stressed and distressed credit situations, as well as CMBS, subject to oversight by the CIM Sub-Adviser. Pursuant to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Sub-Advisers manage the Fund’s investment portfolio, direct all purchases and sales of portfolio securities and report thereon to the Fund’s officers and Trustees regularly.

 

The Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, oversees and monitors the Fund’s investment performance and, beginning with the second anniversary of the effective date of the Investment Advisory Agreement , the CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement and the OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, and will annually review the Investment Advisory Agreement and each Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement to determine, among other things, whether the fees payable under such agreements are reasonable in light of the services provided.

 

About our Adviser

 

The Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of CIM Group. The Adviser has no prior experience serving as an investment adviser to a registered investment company. CIM Group was founded in 1994 by Shaul Kuba, Richard Ressler and Avi Shemesh and owned and operated approximately $29.7 billion2 of assets across its vehicles as of September 30, 2021. As of September 30, 2021, CIM Group had over 1,000 employees and more than 570 professionals.

 

CIM Group is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and has offices in Bethesda, Maryland; Dallas, Texas; New York, New York; Chicago, Illinois; Phoenix, Arizona; Orlando, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; and Tokyo, Japan. CIM also maintains additional offices across the United States as well as in Korea, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom to support its platform. CIM Group is led by its three original founders, Richard S. Ressler, Avi Shemesh and Shaul Kuba, who have worked together to own, operate and invest in real assets for over 25+ years. CIM has generated strong risk-adjusted returns across multiple market cycles by focusing on improved asset and community performance, and capitalizing on market inefficiencies and distressed situations. CIM Group’s broad experience includes in-house research, acquisition, credit analysis, development, financing, leasing and onsite property management capabilities, which leverage its deep understanding of real estate and real-estate related securities.

 

The Adviser, together with the Sub-Advisers and subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s business affairs pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement that the Fund has entered into with the Adviser. The Adviser will have no discretion over the Fund’s investments. The Adviser has delegated investment discretion for the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to Real Assets (except for CMBS) to the CIM Sub-Adviser and the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to CMBS and credit and credit-related investments to the OFS Sub-Adviser. The principal business address of the Adviser is 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010.

 

About the CIM Sub-Adviser

 

The CIM Sub-Adviser, subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the investment advisory activities relating to the Fund’s investments in Real Assets (except for CMBS). The CIM Sub-Adviser has no prior experience serving as an investment adviser to a registered investment company.

 

The CIM Sub-Adviser capitalizes on the extensive in-house research, acquisition, credit analysis, development, financing, leasing and onsite property management experience of CIM Group’s professionals.

 

As investment sub-adviser to the Fund, the CIM Sub-Adviser is obligated to allocate investment opportunities among us and any other clients fairly and equitably over time in accordance with its allocation policy. The CIM Sub-Adviser, is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The principal business address of the CIM Sub-Adviser is 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010.

 

 

2

“Assets Owned and Operated” represents the aggregate assets owned and operated by CIM Group on behalf of partners (including where CIM contributes alongside for its own account) and co-investors, whether or not CIM has discretion, in each case without duplication.

 

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About the OFS Sub-Adviser

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser, subject to oversight by the CIM Sub-Adviser and subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the investment advisory activities relating to the Fund’s credit and credit-related investments and CMBS investments.

 

OFS (which refers to the collective activities and operations of OFSAM and its subsidiaries and certain affiliates) is a full-service provider of capital and leveraged finance solutions to U.S. corporations. The OFS Sub-Adviser serves as the investment adviser to BDCs, registered closed-end funds, separately managed, proprietary and sub-advised accounts and as collateral manager to various CLOs.

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser capitalizes on the deal origination and sourcing, credit underwriting, due diligence, investment structuring, execution, portfolio management and monitoring experience of OFS’s professionals. The senior management team at OFS has developed a broad network of contacts within the investment community and possesses an average of over 20 years of experience in credit investments.

 

As investment sub-adviser to the Fund, the OFS Sub-Adviser is obligated to allocate investment opportunities among us and any other clients fairly and equitably over time in accordance with its allocation policy.

 

As of September 30, 2021, OFS had 48 full-time employees. OFS is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and also has offices in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California. The principal business address of the OFS Sub-Adviser is 10 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

 

The following chart shows the structure of the advisory relationships between the Fund and the Advisers:

 

 

The Adviser has delegated investment discretion for the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to Real Assets (except for CMBS) to the CIM Sub-Adviser and the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to CMBS and credit and credit-related investments to the OFS Sub-Adviser. The Adviser will determine the amount of the Fund’s total assets that are allocated to each Sub-Adviser, and will review such allocation percentage on an ongoing basis and adjust the allocation percentage as necessary to best achieve the Fund’s investment objective. When the Fund’s total assets are smaller, the OFS Sub-Adviser will manage a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets. As the Fund’s total assets grow, it is expected that the portion of the Fund’s assets that are managed by the CIM Sub-Adviser will be between 30% and 70% of the Fund’s total assets, and that the portion of the Fund’s assets that are managed by the OFS Sub-Adviser will be between 30% and 70% of the Fund’s total assets. The actual percentage of the Fund’s assets that are managed by each Sub-Adviser may from time to time be outside the target levels provided above due to factors such as market conditions and the availability of attractive investment opportunities. For example, during the Fund’s ramp-up period, meaning the period between the commencement of this offering and the Fund reaching sufficient scale to carry out its investment strategy as intended, and pending the investment of the proceeds of the offering pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective and strategies, the Fund may make a higher percentage of investments in Broadly Syndicated Loans or other credit and credit-related investments.

 

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Competitive Advantages

 

The Fund believes it will benefit from the following three principal competitive advantages that CIM Group and its affiliates have developed over the past 25+ years.

 

Experienced, vertically integrated team with credit expertise. Established in 1994, CIM Group is a vertically integrated owner and operator of urban real estate and real estate-related assets and infrastructure assets. CIM Group’s strategies include metropolitan residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, debt and infrastructure assets as well as other credit strategies. CIM Group’s broad expertise includes in-house research, acquisition, development, finance, leasing and management capabilities. CIM Group employs over 1,000 people, including more than 575 professionals and its 13 Principals. CIM Group is led by its three original founders, Richard S. Ressler, Avi Shemesh and Shaul Kuba, who have worked together to own and operate real assets for over 25+ years. CIM Group’s corporate offices are located in Los Angeles, CA (headquarters), Bethesda, MD, Dallas, TX, Phoenix, AZ, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Orlando, FL, Atlanta, GA and Tokyo, Japan. CIM also maintains additional offices across the United States as well as in Korea, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom to support its platform. As of September 30, 2021, CIM Group, the parent company of the Adviser, has aggregate assets owned and operated of approximately $29.7 billion3 of assets across multiple strategies.

 

Community-focused approach. CIM Group’s successful track record is anchored by CIM’s community-oriented approach as well as several other competitive advantages including its use of low leverage, underwriting approach, disciplined capital deployment, vertically-integrated capabilities and strong network of relationships. CIM Group believes that current market conditions are creating attractive opportunities to acquire real estate with strong fundamentals at a discount to values that CIM will be able to obtain in the long term. CIM Group believes that successful development, re-development, ownership and operation of real estate and infrastructure assets benefits from strong community engagement and support. Since inception, CIM’s unique community qualification process has served as the foundation for its strategy. CIM targets high barrier-to-entry markets and submarkets with high population density and applies rigorous research to qualify for potential acquisitions. Since 1994, CIM has qualified 135 communities in high barrier-to-entry markets and has deployed capital in 75 of the communities. The qualification process generally takes between six months and five years.

 

Over the past 25+ years, CIM Group has principally deployed capital in its Qualified Communities. Qualified Communities are distinct districts that have dedicated resources to become or are currently vibrant communities where people can live, work, shop and be entertained – all within walking distance of, or close proximity to, public transportation. These areas also generally have high barriers to entry, high population density, improving demographic trends and a propensity for growth. Today’s economic environment continues the trend of urbanization that the U.S. has been experiencing over the last two decades fueled by the need for efficient solutions to meet continued population growth and limited natural resources. CIM Group believes that many of the risks associated with acquiring, owning and operating a real asset are mitigated by accumulating local market knowledge of the community where the asset lies. CIM Group typically spends significant time and resources qualifying targeted communities prior to making any acquisitions. The time that CIM Group has spent in its Qualified Communities has historically resulted in a significant number of opportunities sourced on an “off-market” basis outside of formal or public auction processes.

 

Disciplined underwriting process. CIM Group’s disciplined underwriting approach is based on CIM’s adherence to stringent guidelines regardless of market conditions. CIM Group generally employs a “current market case” underwriting scenario, as well as a “long-term average” underwriting scenario and underwrites all of its acquisitions on both a leveraged and unleveraged basis. CIM Group’s experience across multiple market cycles has underscored its long-term average underwriting, which is an evaluation of each asset’s performance assuming financing, managing and selling the asset based on long-term historical averages. CIM believes that its underwriting will assist in accurately assessing potential returns relative to the risk within a range of potential outcomes. CIM Group believes this underwriting discipline provides an advantage that will help the Fund to better identify and price attractive opportunities and to assess the anticipated performance and levels of risk and return that the Fund should expect from its assets.

 

The Fund also believes it will benefit from the following competitive strengths of the OFS Sub-Adviser and its affiliates:

 

Deep Management Team Experienced in All Phases of Investment Cycle and Across All Levels of the Capital Structure. The OFS Sub-Adviser has access to the resources and expertise of OFSAM’s investment professionals. OFSAM’s senior credit and investment professionals (including all investment committee members) have an average of over 15 years of investment experience with strong institutional backgrounds.

 

 

3

Assets Owned and Operated (“AOO”) represents the aggregate assets owned and operated by CIM Group on behalf of partners (including where CIM contributes alongside for its own account) and co-investors, whether or not CIM has discretion, in each case without duplication.

 

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Scalable Infrastructure Supporting the Entire Investment Cycle. The OFS Sub-Adviser believes that its acquisition, origination and sourcing, underwriting, administration and management platform is highly scalable (that is, it can be expanded on a cost-efficient basis within a timeframe that meets the demands of business growth). The OFS Sub-Adviser’s platform extends beyond origination and sourcing and includes a regimented credit monitoring system. The OFS Sub-Adviser believes that its careful approach, which involves ongoing review and analysis by an experienced team of professionals, should enable it to identify problems early and to assist portfolio companies before they face difficult liquidity constraints.

 

Extensive Sourcing Capabilities. The OFS Sub-Adviser gives us access to the deal flow of OFSAM. The OFS Sub-Adviser believes that OFSAM’s 20-year history as a credit platform and its market position make it a leading credit investor, and OFSAM has extensive relationships with potential borrowers and other lenders.

 

Structuring with a High Level of Service and Operational Orientation. The OFS Sub-Adviser provides client-specific and creative financing structures to portfolio companies. Especially as it relates to investing in middle-market companies, the OFS Sub-Adviser believes that the middle-market companies it targets, as well as sponsor groups it may pursue, require a higher level of service, creativity and knowledge than has historically been provided by other service providers more accustomed to participating in commodity-like loan transactions.

 

Rigorous Credit Analysis and Approval Procedures. The OFS Sub-Adviser utilizes the established, disciplined investment process of OFSAM for reviewing investment opportunities, structuring transactions and monitoring investments. Using OFSAM’s disciplined approach to investing, the OFS Sub-Adviser seeks to minimize credit losses through effective underwriting, comprehensive due diligence investigations and structuring.

 

Investment Personnel

 

The management of the Fund’s investment portfolio is the responsibility of each Sub-Adviser.

 

The portfolio managers listed below are personnel of the CIM Sub-Adviser (including certain members of the Investment Committee) and the OFS Sub-Adviser, and receive no direct compensation from the Fund in connection with their portfolio management activities. Below is biographical information relating to the portfolio managers of the Advisers:

 

CIM Sub-Adviser - Members of the CIM Investment Committee and other Professionals

 

Richard Ressler is a Co-Founder and Principal of CIM Group® with more than 30 years of active real estate, infrastructure and lending experience. Since co-founding CIM in 1994, he has been a fundamental influence in shaping the organization and facilitating its growth. He is the chair of CIM’s Executive, Investment, Allocation and Real Assets Management Committees. He leads several teams essential to internal and external operations at CIM. Prior to co-founding CIM, he founded Orchard Capital Corp., and continues to oversee companies in which Orchard Capital or its affiliates invest, including CIM, Orchard First Source Asset Management, a full-service provider of capital and leveraged finance solutions to U.S. corporations, and OCV Management, LLC, an investor, owner, and operator of technology companies. Further, he currently serves as a board member for various public and private entities, including as Chairman of the Board of CIM Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. (“CMFT”), Chairman of the Board of CIM Commercial Trust Corporation (“CMCT”) and Chairman of the Board of Ziff Davis. Additionally, Mr. Ressler has served as Vice Chairman and in various executive capacities of Brooke Group Limited. Prior to Brooke Group he worked as an investment banker at Drexel Burnham Lambert, Inc. and as an attorney at Cravath, Swaine and Moore.

 

Avraham Shemesh is a Co-Founder and Principal of CIM with more than 30 years of active real estate, infrastructure and lending experience. Since co-founding CIM in 1994, he has been instrumental in building the Firm’s real estate, infrastructure and debt platforms. He serves on CIM’s Investment and Real Assets Management Committees, as well as the Investment Committee/Credit Subcommittee (“ICCS”), providing guidance on the diverse opportunities available across CIM’s various platforms. He is responsible for CIM’s long-time relationships with strategic institutions and oversees teams essential to acquisitions, portfolio management and internal and external communication. He serves as the Head of the Investments group and the Director for CMFT and CMCT. Prior to CIM, he was involved in several entrepreneurial real estate endeavors, including co-founding Dekel Development, a developer of commercial and multifamily properties in Los Angeles.

 

Shaul Kuba is a Co-Founder and Principal of CIM with more than 30 years of active real estate, infrastructure and lending experience. Since co-founding CIM in 1994, he has been an integral part of building the Firm’s real estate, infrastructure and debt platforms. He serves on the CIM’s Investment and Real Assets Management Committees, providing guidance on the diverse opportunities available across CIM’s various platforms. As the Head of the development team, he is actively involved in the development, redevelopment and repositioning of CIM’s real estate and infrastructure assets. Additionally, he is instrumental in sourcing new opportunities and establishing and maintaining relationships with national and regional retailers, hospitality brands and restaurateurs. He also serves as the Director for CMCT. Prior to CIM, he was involved in several entrepreneurial real estate endeavors, including co-founding Dekel Development, a developer of commercial and multifamily properties in Los Angeles.

 

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OFS Sub-Adviser Portfolio Managers

 

Bilal Rashid is a Trustee of the Fund, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of OFS Capital Corporation (“OFS Capital”), the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hancock Park Corporate Income, Inc. (“Hancock Park”) and OFS Credit Company, Inc. (“OFS Credit”), President and a Senior Managing Director of the OFS Sub-Adviser, Chief Executive Officer of OFSAM, and a member of OFSAM’s investment and executive committees. Mr. Rashid also serves on the Middle-Market Investment Committee, Broadly Syndicated Investment Committee and Structured Credit Investment Committee of the OFS Sub-Adviser. Prior to joining OFSAM in 2008, Mr. Rashid was a managing director in the global markets and investment banking division at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Rashid has more than 25 years of experience in investment banking, debt capital markets and investing as it relates to corporate credit and structured credit, debt capital markets and investment banking. Over the years, he has advised and arranged financing for investment management companies and commercial finance companies including business development companies. Before joining Merrill Lynch in 2005, he was a vice president at Natixis Capital Markets, which he joined as part of a large team move from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC”). Prior to CIBC, he worked as an investment analyst in the project finance area at the International Finance Corporation, which is part of the World Bank. Prior to that, Mr. Rashid was a financial analyst at Lehman Brothers. Mr. Rashid has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from Columbia University.

 

Jeffrey A. Cerny is a director, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of OFS Capital and OFS Credit, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Hancock Park, a Senior Managing Director of the OFS Sub-Adviser, a Vice President of OFSAM, and a member of OFSAM’s investment and executive committees. Mr. Cerny also serves on the Middle-Market Investment Committee, Broadly Syndicated Investment Committee and Structured Credit Investment Committee of the OFS Sub-Adviser. Mr. Cerny oversees the finance and accounting functions of the OFS Capital, Hancock Park and OFS Credit, as well as underwriting, credit monitoring and CLO portfolio compliance for the OFS Sub-Adviser’s syndicated senior loan business. Prior to joining OFSAM in 1999, Mr. Cerny held various positions at Sanwa Business Credit Corporation, American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago and Charter Bank Group, a multi-bank holding company. Mr. Cerny holds a B.S. in Finance from Northern Illinois University, a Masters of Management in Finance and Economics from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg School of Management, and a J.D. from DePaul University’s School of Law.

 

Kyde Sharp is a Managing Director and member of the Middle Market Investment Committee of the OFS Sub-Adviser. Mr. Sharp is responsible for sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities for the middle market lending business as well as portfolio management. Prior to joining the OFS Sub-Adviser in 2017, Mr. Sharp was a Managing Director of Fifth Street Asset Management (NASDAQ: FSAM), a credit-focused asset manager located in Greenwich, CT. Earlier in his career he was an Associate with The Ben Barnes Group (formerly Entrecorp) where he priced, structured and negotiated equity-based consulting engagements. Mr. Sharp holds a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, a Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Hamilton College.

 

Kenneth A. Brown is a Managing Director of the OFS Sub-Adviser and serves as a member of the Broadly Syndicated Investment Committee and the Structured Credit Investment Committee of the OFS Sub-Adviser. He is responsible for leading the trading, underwriting and credit monitoring functions of the CLOs, as well as maintaining relationships with agent/investment banks. Mr. Brown has over 24 years of experience in leveraged finance and public accounting. Prior to joining the OFS Sub-Adviser in 2007, Mr. Brown was a Vice President at GE Antares Capital, a unit of General Electric Capital Corporation and a leading middle market agent lender for private equity sponsored transactions. Prior to GE Antares, Mr. Brown was at First Source Financial, Inc., a middle market lender focused on direct and participation interests in private equity sponsored transactions, and Arthur Andersen LLP, a national public accounting firm. Mr. Brown has also earned his CPA certification. Mr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Business Administration, with concentrations in Finance and Strategic Management, from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

 

Glen Ostrander is a Managing Director of the OFS Sub-Adviser and focuses on structured products investment activities of the firm, capital markets related activities, fundraising, and strategic initiatives. Mr. Ostrander serves as a member of the Structured Credit Investment Committee of the OFS Sub-Adviser. Mr. Ostrander has more than 19 years of experience in investing, banking and debt capital markets relating to securitization, corporate credit, and structured credit. Mr. Ostrander has been involved in the CLO market since the late 1990s, with experience in the creation and full life cycle of various types of CLOs through multiple credit cycles. Prior to joining the OFS Sub-Adviser, Mr. Ostrander worked within the Global Markets & Investment Banking division at Merrill Lynch. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, he was a Vice President at Wachovia Capital Markets from 1998 to 2006 and worked at International Business Machines and Koch Industries. Throughout his experience at Wachovia Capital Markets, Merrill Lynch, and the OFS Sub-Adviser, Mr. Ostrander has been involved in the structuring of CLO transactions, investing throughout the CLO capital structure, and the creation and vetting of CLO collateral managers. Mr. Ostrander holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Belmont Abbey College.

 

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The SAI provides additional information about the compensation of investment personnel, other accounts managed by investment personnel and ownership of Common Shares by investment personnel.

 

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities

 

As of the January 25, 2022, the Adviser and its affiliates beneficially owned 7% of our outstanding Common Shares. For information regarding the ownership of our securities, see “Control Persons and Principal Stockholders” in the SAI.

 

Custodian, Distribution Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

US Bank, National Association, which has its principal office at 190 S. LaSalle Street, 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603, serves as custodian to the Fund. DST Systems, Inc. (“DST”), which has its principal office at 333 W. 11th Street, 5th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64105, serves as the Fund’s distribution paying agent, transfer agent and registrar.

 

Management and Incentive Fees

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, and in consideration of the advisory services provided by the Adviser to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee consisting of two components — the Management Fee and the Incentive Fee. At the end of each calendar quarter, the Adviser shall designate 50% of the total management fees (base management fees plus any incentive fees) payable to the Adviser by the Company as Sub-Advisory Fees. Pursuant to the CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will pay the CIM Sub-Adviser a percentage of the Sub-Advisory Fees equal to the percentage of unlevered equity capital attributable to all investments in Real Assets identified and sourced by the CIM Sub-Adviser. Pursuant to the OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will pay the OFS Sub-Adviser a percentage of the Sub-Advisory Fees equal to the percentage of unlevered equity capital attributable to all credit and credit-related investments and CMBS identified and sourced by the OFS Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Advisory Fees will be paid by the Adviser out of the fee the Adviser receives from the Fund, and will not impact the Fund’s expenses.

 

Management Fee

 

The Management Fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of the daily value of the Fund’s net assets and is payable quarterly in arrears. Management Fees payable by the Fund will be offset by any advisory fees paid by a REIT Subsidiary. The Adviser has waived its right to receive a Management Fee on the portion of the Fund’s assets invested in an affiliated publicly-traded REIT.

 

Incentive Fee

 

The Incentive Fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals 20% of the Fund’s “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” for the immediately preceding quarter, subject to a preferred return, or “hurdle,” and a “catch up” feature. For this purpose, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from an investment, which are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Fund’s operating expenses for the quarter (including the Management Fee, expenses payable under the Administrative Services Agreement, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income includes accrued income that the Fund has not yet received in cash, as well as any such amounts received (or accrued) in kind. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any capital gains or losses, and no incentive fees are payable in respect of any capital gains and no incentive fees are reduced in respect of any capital losses. For purposes of calculating Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, we will look through derivatives or swaps as if the Fund owned the reference assets directly. Therefore, Net Interest, if any, associated with a derivative or swap (which is defined as the difference between (a) the interest income and fees received in respect of the reference assets of the derivative or swap and (b) all interest and other expenses paid by the Fund to the derivative or swap counterparty) is included in the calculation of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income. We will not include termination payments received related to a derivative or swap position in the calculation of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income. Incentive fees payable to our Adviser will be offset by any incentive fees payable by our REIT Subsidiaries.

 

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to a hurdle of 1.50% of the Fund’s NAV per quarter. For such purposes, the Fund’s quarterly rate of return is determined by dividing its Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income by its average net asset value as of the prior period end.

 

The incentive fee is paid to the Adviser as follows:

 

 

No Incentive Fee is payable in any calendar quarter in which the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the quarterly hurdle rate of 1.50%;

 

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100% of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than or equal to 1.875% in any calendar quarter is payable to the Adviser. This portion of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income which exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than or equal to 1.875% is referred to as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” provision is intended to benefit the Adviser and to provide the Adviser with an incentive fee of 20% on all of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income when the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income reaches 1.875% of our NAV in any calendar quarter; and

 

 

20.0% of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 1.875% in any calendar quarter is payable to the Adviser once the hurdle rate is reached and the catch-up is achieved (20.0% of all the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income thereafter is allocated to the Adviser).

 

You should be aware that a rise in the general level of interest rates may be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to the Fund’s investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates would make it easier for the Fund to meet or exceed the hurdle rate and may result in a substantial increase of the amount of Incentive Fees payable to the Adviser.

 

No Incentive Fee is payable to the Adviser on capital gains, whether realized or unrealized. In addition, the amount of the Incentive Fee is not affected by any realized or unrealized losses that the Fund may suffer. As a result, the Fund may pay Incentive Fees to the Adviser for a quarter in which the Fund experiences a decline in its net asset value.

 

The following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the Incentive Fee:

 

Quarterly Incentive Fee
Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(expressed as a percentage of the value of net assets)

 

 

Percentage of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income allocated to the Incentive Fee.

 

Any returns shown in the graphical representation of the incentive fee are for illustrative purposes only, and actual returns may vary from those shown.

 

Example of Incentive Fee Calculation

 

Assumptions

 

 

Hurdle Rate = 1.50%

 

Management Fee = 1.50%

 

Other estimated expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.)(1) = 1.75%

(1)    Excludes estimated offering expenses and expenses paid directly, or reimbursed by, the Adviser.

 

Alternative 1

 

Additional Assumptions

 

 

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 4.0%

●    Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (investment income – (management fee + other expenses)) = 0.75%

 

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the hurdle rate, therefore there is no incentive fee.

 

Alternative 2

 

Additional Assumptions

 

 

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 5.75%

●    Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (investment income – (management fee + other expenses)) = 2.50%

 

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle rate, therefore there is an incentive fee.

 

Incentive Fee Calculation = 0.50% [0.375% + 0.125%] or [(100%*(1.875% - 1.50%) + 20%*(2.50%-1.875%)]

 

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Approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

Approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement was made in accordance with, and on the basis of an evaluation satisfactory to the Board, as required by Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund’s annual report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.

 

Approval of each of the CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement and the OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement was made in accordance with, and on the basis of an evaluation satisfactory to the Board, as required by Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of each of the CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement and the OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund’s annual report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.

 

Fund Expenses

 

The Advisers bear all of their own costs incurred in providing investment advisory services to the Fund. As described below, however, the Fund bears all other expenses incurred in the business of the Fund, including amounts that the Fund pays to the Adviser (in its capacity as Co-Administrator) for certain administrative services that the Adviser provides pursuant to the Administration Agreement. The services provided pursuant to the Administration Agreement include provisions of clerical and other administrative services, including marketing, investor relations and accounting services and maintenance of certain books and records on our behalf. In addition, the Adviser will perform the calculation and publication of our NAV and oversee the preparation and filing of our tax returns, the payment of our expenses and the performance oversight of various third party service providers. The Adviser will also furnish us with office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the management of our operations.

 

Expenses borne directly by the Fund (and thus indirectly by the shareholders) include:

 

 

the independent audit of the Fund’s seed-stage financial statements and expenses related to its registration under the 1940 Act;

 

 

organization and offering costs of the Fund;

 

 

borrowings and offerings of the Common Shares and other securities and incurrences of any indebtedness, subject to limitations included in the Investment Advisory Agreement;

 

 

the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV, including the cost of any third-party valuation services;

 

 

the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of the Common Shares and other securities and effecting distributions on the Fund’s securities;

 

 

investment advisory fees of the Adviser;

 

 

fees relating to, or associated with, making, monitoring and disposing of investments and valuing investments and enforcing contractual rights, including fees and expenses associated with performing due diligence reviews of prospective investments;

 

 

research and market data (including news and quotation equipment and services and any computer hardware and connectivity hardware (e.g., telephone and fiber optic lines) incorporated into the cost of obtaining such research and market data);

 

 

transfer agent, dividend paying and reinvestment agent and custodial fees;

 

 

fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s marketing efforts;

 

 

interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance the Fund’s investments;

 

 

U.S. federal and state registration fees;

 

 

U.S. federal, state and local taxes;

 

 

the fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees;

 

 

the costs of proxy statements, shareholders’ reports and notices;

 

 

fidelity bond, trustees and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance and other insurance premiums;

 

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direct costs such as printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff costs;

 

 

fees and expenses associated with independent audits, internal audit and outside legal costs;

 

 

the costs associated with the Fund’s reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable federal and state securities laws;

 

 

brokerage commissions for the Fund’s investments; and

 

 

all other fees and expenses incurred by the Advisers, the Fund or any of the Fund’s subsidiaries in connection with administering the Fund’s business, including the reimbursement of the allocable portion of the compensation of the Fund’s principal financial officer, chief compliance officer and administrative support, to the extent they are not controlling persons of the Advisers or any of its affiliates, subject to the limitations included in the Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the Fund will indirectly bear the expenses of the REIT Subsidiary (although any advisory fees paid by the REIT Subsidiary to the Adviser will be offset by a corresponding waiver of the Fund’s advisory fee by the Adviser). Except as otherwise described in this prospectus, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers will each be reimbursed by the Fund for any of the above expenses that they pay on behalf of the Fund, including administrative expenses they incur on such entity’s behalf. The Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers may also perform the Real Estate Services for the Fund’s Real Assets Investments at prevailing market rates. The Fund will also reimburse the Adviser for actual expenses incurred in connection with the Real Estate Services. The Real Estate Services may consist of property management, development management, and/or leasing brokerage services for real estate investments held by the REIT Subsidiary.

 

Property management services are those generally related to the day-to-day physical management of the property, which include:

 

 

arranging for regular maintenance and emergency repairs;

 

preparation of annual capital and operating budgets and monthly operating reports;

 

supervision of onsite personnel;

 

monitoring results and oversight of vendor services, maintenance and capital improvement schedules; and

 

ensuring that revenue objectives are met, lease terms are followed, receivables are collected, preventative maintenance programs are implemented, vendors are evaluated and expenses are controlled.

 

Development management services are those generally related to the oversight and execution of the development plans for the property, which include:

 

 

construction oversight, including adherence to budgets, schedules, quality and scope of a construction project;

 

management of the design, engineering and construction of development opportunities;

 

selection and management of project teams including architects, engineers, design professionals, contractors and other consultants;

 

oversight of project entitlements including site planning, technical studies, project permits and approvals, community outreach, public-private partnerships and government interface;

 

project design management with a focus on programming, integration of uses, efficiencies, aesthetics, sustainability and environmental quality; and

 

management of general contractors and trade subcontractors directed at achieving quality, schedule and budget targets.

 

Leasing and brokerage services are those generally related to leasing property to tenants, which include:

 

 

development of leasing plans; and

 

marketing of available space to prospective tenants.

 

To the extent certain expenses attributable to the Fund are allocated among multiple entities, such expenses related to personnel will be allocated based on the percentage of time spent on each entity (i.e. the allocable portion of the compensation of the Fund’s principal financial officer, chief compliance officer and administrative support), and such expenses related to services used by multiple entities will be allocated based on each entity’s assets under management (i.e. software costs).

 

Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement

 

The Adviser and the Fund have entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) under which the Adviser has agreed contractually to waive its fees and to pay or absorb the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund (including organizational and certain offering expenses, but excluding the incentive fee, the management

 

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fee, the shareholder services fee, fees and expenses associated with the Real Estate Services, the distribution fee, dividend and interest payments (including any dividend payments, interest expenses, commitment fees, or other expenses related to any leverage incurred by the Fund), brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses), to the extent that they exceed 0.75% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). In consideration of the Adviser’s agreement to limit the Fund’s expenses, the Fund has agreed to repay the Adviser in the amount of any fees waived and Fund expenses paid or absorbed, subject to the limitations that: (1) the reimbursement for fees and expenses will be made only if payable not more than thirty-six (36) months from the date which they were incurred; (2) the reimbursement may not be made if it would cause the expense limitation then in effect or in effect at the time the expenses were waived or absorbed to be exceeded; and (3) the reimbursement is approved by the Board. The Expense Limitation Agreement will remain in effect until April 28, 2023. The Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated at any time, and without payment of any penalty, only by the Board, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Adviser. The Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without the consent of the Board. For the year ended September 30, 2021, the Adviser waived fees and reimbursed expenses of $2,851,947.

 

As of September 30, 2021, the following amounts were available for recoupment by the Adviser based upon their potential expiration dates:

 

Expenses waived or reimbursed
as of May 4, 2020
(1)

Expenses waived or reimbursed in period from
May 5, 2020 through September 30, 2020

Expenses waived or reimbursed in period from
October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021

Subject to repayment until maximum
expiration date of May 4, 2024

Subject to repayment until maximum
expiration date of September 30, 2023

Subject to repayment until maximum
expiration date of September 30, 2024

$440,015

$1,305,720

$2,851,947

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on May 5, 2020. Amount reflects remaining repayment related to reimbursement of organization and offering expenses incurred as of May 4, 2020.

 

Organizational and Offering Costs

 

Organization costs include, among other things, the cost of organizing as a Delaware statutory trust, including the cost of legal services and other fees pertaining to the Fund’s organization. The Fund’s offering costs include, among other things, legal, accounting, printing and other expenses pertaining to this offering. Organization costs will be expensed as incurred and offering costs will be capitalized on the Fund’s statement of assets and liabilities as deferred offering costs and will be amortized to deferred offering expense on the Fund’s statement of operations over a twelve-month period commencing at the later of (i) when the expense was incurred and (ii) when operations begin.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers are affiliates as a result of being entities under common control. The Fund’s executive officers and trustees, and the employees of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, serve or may serve as officers, trustees or principals of (i) entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as the Fund, (ii) entities in which the Fund invests or in which the Fund is considering making an investment, or (iii) the Advised Funds.

 

The Sub-Advisers, from time to time may be presented with investment opportunities that fall within the investment objectives of the Fund and the Advised Funds. In such circumstances, the CIM Sub-Adviser or the OFS Sub-Adviser, as applicable, expect to allocate such opportunities among the Fund and the Advised Funds in accordance with their respective allocation policies designed to allocate investment opportunities among their respective Advised Funds in a fair and equitable manner. If an investment opportunity is appropriate for two or more such Advised Funds with similar or overlapping investment strategies, such investment opportunity will be allocated based on the provisions governing allocation of such investment opportunities, if any, in the relevant organizational and operational documents of such Advised Funds. In the absence of such provisions, the investment committees of the CIM Sub-Adviser or the OFS Sub-Adviser, as applicable, will determine the allocation by considering, among other things, the following factors and the weight that should be given with respect thereto: (i) the investment guidelines and/or restrictions set forth in the applicable organizational or operational documents of each such Advised Fund; (ii) the risk and return profile of each such Advised Fund; (iii) the suitability/priority of a particular investment for such Advised Fund, and the applicability of any current investment strategies, including regarding: (a) current and total return requirements, (b) emphasizing or limiting exposure to the security or type of security in question, (c) diversification, including industry or company exposure, currency and jurisdiction, or (d) rating agency ratings; (iv) if applicable, the target position size of the investment for the Advised Fund; (v) the Advised Fund’s level of available cash for investment; (vi) the total amount of funds committed by the Advised Fund, and the Advised Fund’s existing or prior positions in the security or borrower, if any; (vii) the vintage and remaining term of the Advised Fund’s investment period, if any; and (viii) any other consideration deemed relevant by the CIM Sub-Adviser and the OFS Sub-Adviser, as applicable, in good faith. Priority as to acquisitions will generally be given to the Advised Funds that are in their “ramp-up” period over the Advised

 

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Funds that are outside their ramp-up period but still within their investment or re-investment periods. However, application of one or more of the factors listed above, or other factors determined to be relevant or appropriate, may result in the allocation of an investment opportunity to a fund no longer in its ramp-up period over a fund that is still within its ramp-up period.

 

In certain cases, an investment opportunity that is suitable for multiple Advised Funds may not be capable of being shared among some or all of such Advised Funds due to the limited availability of the opportunity or other factors such as regulatory or contractual restrictions imposed upon one or more of such Advised Funds. In situations where co-investment among multiple Advised Funds is not permitted or appropriate, the CIM Sub-Adviser or the OFS Sub-Adviser, as applicable, will need to decide which Advised Fund will participate in the investment. The CIM-Sub Adviser or the OFS Sub-Adviser, as applicable, will allocate investment opportunities across its Advised Funds for which such opportunities are appropriate, consistent with (1) its internal conflict of interest and allocation policies and (2) the requirements of the Advisers Act. The CIM Sub-Adviser or the OFS Sub-Adviser, as applicable, will seek to allocate investment opportunities among such Advised Funds in a manner that is fair and equitable over time and consistent with (i) applicable law, (ii) such allocation procedures it may have in place from time to time as described in its Form ADV and (iii) such other relevant internal policies and procedures of the CIM Sub-Adviser or the OFS Sub-Adviser, as applicable, from time to time. However, there is no assurance that such investment opportunities will be allocated to the Fund fairly or equitably in the short-term or over time and there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to participate in any particular investment opportunities that are suitable for it.

 

The Fund is prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with its affiliates without the prior approval of the Board of Trustees and, in some cases, of the SEC. Those transactions include purchases and sales, and so-called “joint” transactions, in which the Fund and one or more of its affiliates are engaging together in certain types of profit-making activities. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of our outstanding voting securities will be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of the 1940 Act, and the Fund is generally prohibited from engaging in purchases or sales of assets or joint transactions with such affiliates, absent the prior approval of Board. Additionally, without the approval of the SEC, the Fund is prohibited from engaging in purchases or sales of assets or joint transactions with the following affiliated persons: (a) the Fund’s officers, trustees, and employees; (b) the Adviser and its affiliates; (c) the CIM Sub-Adviser or its affiliates; and (d) the OFS Sub-Adviser or its affiliates.

 

The Fund may, however, invest alongside the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and their respective affiliates or their respective other Advised Funds in certain circumstances where doing so is consistent with current law and SEC staff interpretations. For example, the Fund may invest alongside such accounts consistent with guidance promulgated by the SEC staff permitting the Fund and such other accounts to purchase interests in a single class of privately placed securities so long as certain conditions are met, including that the CIM Sub-Adviser or the OFS Sub-Adviser, acting on the Fund’s behalf and on behalf of other clients, negotiates no term other than price. Co-investment with such other accounts is not permitted or appropriate under this guidance when there is an opportunity to invest in different securities of the same issuer or where the different investments could be expected to result in a conflict between our interests and those of other accounts. Moreover, except in certain circumstances, this guidance does not permit the Fund to invest in any issuer in which the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates or an Advised Fund or its affiliates has previously invested.

 

In certain circumstances, negotiated co-investments may be made only in accordance with the terms of the Order that the Fund has obtained from the SEC allow it to co-invest with certain of its affiliates in a manner consistent with its investment objective, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements, the conditions specified in the Order and other pertinent factors. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund is generally permitted to co-invest with certain of its affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of its independent trustees makes certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to the Fund and its shareholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of the Fund or its shareholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of shareholders and is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. As a result of the Order, there could be significant overlap in the Fund’s investment portfolio and the investment portfolio of other funds managed by the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates that can avail themselves of the Order.

 

Conflicts may arise when the Fund makes an investment in conjunction with an investment being made by the Advised Funds or other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates, or in a transaction where another client or client of such affiliates has already made an investment. Investment opportunities are, from time to time, appropriate for more than one client of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates in the same, different or overlapping securities of a portfolio company’s capital structure. Conflicts arise in determining the terms of investments, particularly where these clients may invest in different types of securities in a single portfolio company. Questions arise as to whether payment obligations and covenants should be enforced, modified or waived, or whether debt should be restructured, modified or refinanced.

 

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The Fund may invest in debt and other securities of companies in which other clients hold those same securities or different securities, including equity securities. In the event that such investments are made by the Fund, the Fund’s interests will at times conflict with the interests of such other clients or clients of the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliates, particularly in circumstances where the underlying company is facing financial distress. Decisions about what action should be taken, particularly in troubled situations, raises conflicts of interest, including, among other things, whether or not to enforce claims, whether or not to advocate or initiate a restructuring or liquidation inside or outside of bankruptcy, and the terms of any work-out or restructuring. The involvement of multiple clients at both the equity and debt levels could inhibit strategic information exchanges among fellow creditors, including among the Fund, the Advised Funds and other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates. In certain circumstances, the Fund, the Advised Funds or other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates may be prohibited from exercising voting or other rights and may be subject to claims by other creditors with respect to the subordination of their interest.

 

For example, in the event that one client has a controlling or significantly influential position in a portfolio company, that client may have the ability to elect some or all of the board of directors of such a portfolio company, thereby controlling the policies and operations, including the appointment of management, future issuances of securities, payment of dividends, incurrence of debt and entering into extraordinary transactions. In addition, a controlling client is likely to have the ability to determine, or influence, the outcome of operational matters and to cause, or prevent, a change in control of such a portfolio company. Such management and operational decisions may, at times, be in direct conflict with the Fund, the Advised Funds or other clients that have invested in the same portfolio company that do not have the same level of control or influence over the portfolio company.

 

If additional capital is necessary as a result of financial or other difficulties, or to finance growth or other opportunities, the Fund, the Advised Funds or other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates may or may not provide such additional capital, and if provided each client will supply such additional capital in such amounts, if any, as determined by the Adviser, Sub-Advisers and/or their affiliates. Investments by more than one client of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates in a portfolio company also raises the risk of using assets of a client of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates to support positions taken by other clients of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates, or that a client may remain passive in a situation in which it is entitled to vote. In addition, there may be differences in timing of entry into, or exit from, a portfolio company for reasons such as differences in strategy, existing portfolio or liquidity needs, different client mandates or fund differences, or different securities being held. These variations in timing may be detrimental to the Fund.

 

The application of the Fund’s investment mandate as compared to investment mandates of other clients of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates and the policies and procedures of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers and their affiliates are expected to vary based on the particular facts and circumstances surrounding each investment by two or more clients, in particular when those clients are in different classes of an issuer’s capital structure (as well as across multiple issuers or borrowers within the same overall capital structure) and, as such, there may be a degree of variation and potential inconsistencies, in the manner in which potential or actual conflicts are addressed.

 

The results of the Fund’s investment activities may differ significantly from the results achieved by the Advised Funds. It is possible that one or more of such funds will achieve investment results that are substantially more or less favorable than the results achieved by the Fund. Moreover, it is possible that the Fund will sustain losses during periods in which one or more affiliates achieve significant profits on their trading for proprietary or other accounts. The opposite result is also possible.

 

The Sub-Advisers may enter into transactions and invest in securities, instruments and currencies on behalf of the Fund in which customers of their affiliates, to the extent permitted by applicable law, serve as the counterparty, principal or issuer. In such cases, such party’s interests in the transaction could be adverse to the interests of the Fund, and such party may have no incentive to assure that the Fund obtains the best possible prices or terms in connection with the transaction. In addition, the purchase, holding and sale of such investments by the Fund may enhance the profitability of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates. The Fund may, subject to applicable law, purchase investments that are the subject of an underwriting or other distribution by one or more affiliates of the Adviser and may also enter into transactions with other clients of an affiliate where such other clients have interests adverse to those of the Fund.

 

The Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers, which entities are affiliated with the Adviser, may perform the Real Estate Services for the Fund’s Real Assets Investments at prevailing market rates. This would result in additional fees being paid to the Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers. The provision of the Real Estate Services by the Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers will give rise to conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser may have an incentive to cause the Fund to select an Affiliated Real Estate Service Provider to perform the Real Estate Services for the purpose of generating additional fees or other compensation payable to such Affiliated Real Estate Service Provider (which will not offset any investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Adviser), and there can be no guarantee that the Affiliated Real Estate Service Provider will have a positive impact on the Fund or its investments, or that an Affiliated Real Estate Service Provider produce results better than a third-party service provider would. Additionally, the Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers may have duties to parties other than the Fund, and the Fund may not be able to control or influence the standards or actions of the Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers notwithstanding its affiliation

 

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with the Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers. The fees and expenses paid to the Affiliated Real Estate Service Providers will be determined in the Board’s commercially reasonable discretion, taking into account the relevant facts and circumstances (including a comparison against prevailing market rates for such services) and consistent with the responsibilities of the Board, the Fund and the Adviser.

 

By reason of the various activities of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers and such affiliates may acquire confidential or material non-public information or otherwise be restricted from purchasing certain potential Fund investments that otherwise might have been purchased or be restricted from selling certain Fund investments that might otherwise have been sold at the time.

 

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing proxy voting decisions made on behalf of advisory clients, including the Fund, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with its fiduciary obligations to clients. Nevertheless, notwithstanding such proxy voting policies and procedures, actual proxy voting decisions may have the effect of favoring the interests of other clients, provided that the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers believe such voting decisions to be in accordance with their fiduciary obligations.

 

Plan of Distribution

 

This is a continuous offering of Common Shares as permitted by the U.S. federal securities laws. The Fund is offering on a continuous basis up to $1,000,000,000 in Class I Shares, Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares. The Fund is offering to sell any combination of Common Shares, with an aggregate number of Common Shares up to the maximum offering amount.

 

The table below summarizes the fees generally payable to the Distributor with respect to the Class I Shares, Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares.

 

 

Class I Shares

Class C Shares

Class A Shares

Class L Shares

Sales Load

None

None

5.75%

4.25%

Distribution Fee

None

0.75%

None

0.25%

Servicing Fee

None

0.25%

0.25%

0.25%

 

CCO Capital, LLC serves as the Fund’s Dealer Manager for this offering and receives compensation for certain sales, promotional and marketing services provided to the Fund in connection with the distribution of the Fund’s Common Shares. The Dealer Manager receives a 0.75% Dealer Manager Fee with respect to the Class A and Class L Shares. In connection with the Dealer Manager’s wholesale activities, the Distributor has entered into the Wholesale Marketing Agreement with the Dealer Manager, pursuant to which the Dealer Manager will solicit, through participating dealers, purchasers in the Common Shares and undertake such advertising and promotion as it believes is reasonable in connection with procuring purchasers in the Common Shares.

 

Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class L Shares are available through brokerage, transactional-based accounts and through certain fee-based programs. Class I Shares are generally available only (1) to endowments, foundations, pension funds and other institutional investors for purchase in this offering, (2) through fee-based programs, also known as wrap accounts, that provide access to Class I Shares, (3) through Selling Agents that have alternative fee arrangements with their clients to provide access to Class I Shares, (4) through certain registered investment advisers, (4) through bank trust departments or any other organization or person authorized to act in a fiduciary capacity for its clients or customers or (5) to other categories of investors that the Fund names in an amendment or supplement to this prospectus, or (6) to the Fund’s executive officers and trustees and their immediate family members, as well as officers and employees of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or other affiliates and their immediate family members, and, if approved by the Board, joint venture partners, consultants and other service providers. Your financial intermediary may impose higher investor eligibility standards. The Fund and the Adviser have agreed to indemnify the Distributor against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments the Distributor may be required to make because of any of those liabilities. Such agreement does not include indemnification of the Distributor against liability resulting solely from willful misfeasance, gross negligence or fraud on the part of the Distributor in the performance of its obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement. The Distributor may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform services for the Adviser and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business

 

The Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates, in the Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ discretion and from their own resources, may pay additional compensation to Selling Agents in connection with the sale of the Common Shares (the “Additional Compensation”). In return for the Additional Compensation, the Fund may receive certain marketing advantages, including access to a broker’s or dealer’s registered representatives, placement on a list of investment options offered by a broker or dealer, or the ability to assist in training and educating the broker’s or dealer’s registered representatives. The Additional Compensation may differ among brokers or dealers in amount or in the amount of calculation. Payments of Additional Compensation may be fixed dollar

 

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amounts or, based on the aggregate value of outstanding Common Shares held by shareholders introduced by the broker or dealer, or determined in some other manner. The receipt of Additional Compensation by a selling broker or dealer may create potential conflicts of interest between an investor and its broker or dealer who is recommending the fund over other potential investments.

 

ALPS Distributors, Inc., located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203, is the principal underwriter and acts as the distributor of the Class I Shares, Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares. The Distributor is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Shares, but will use its best efforts to distribute the Shares. Shares will not be listed on any national securities exchange and the Distributor will not act as a market maker in Shares. The Distributor is an affiliate of the ALPS Administrator.

 

Purchasing Shares

 

Investors may purchase shares directly from the Fund in accordance with the instructions below. Investors may buy and sell shares of the Fund through Selling Agents and their representatives that have made arrangements with the Fund and are authorized to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Orders will be priced at the appropriate price next computed after it is received by a Selling Agent. A Selling Agent may hold shares in an omnibus account in the Selling Agent’s name or the Selling Agent may maintain individual ownership records. We may pay the Selling Agent for maintaining individual ownership records as well as providing other shareholder services. Selling Agents may charge fees for the services they provide in connection with processing your transaction order or maintaining an investor’s account with them. Investors should check with their Selling Agent to determine if it is subject to these arrangements. Selling Agents are responsible for placing orders correctly and promptly with the Fund, and for forwarding payment promptly. Orders transmitted with a Selling Agent before the close of regular trading (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on a day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business, will be priced based on the Fund’s NAV determined as of such day, while orders placed with a Selling Agent after the close of regular trading (generally after 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on a day that the NYSE is open for business will be priced based on the Fund’s NAV determined on the day following the date upon which such order is received by the Selling Agent.

 

By Mail

 

To make an initial purchase by mail, complete an account application and mail the application, together with a check made payable to “CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund” or “CIM Fund”, to:

 

Regular Mail

Overnight Mail

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund
Investment Processing Department
c/o DST Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 219312
Kansas City, MO 64121-9312

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund
Investment Processing Department
c/o DST Systems, Inc.
430 W. 7th Street,
Kansas City, MO 64105

 

All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund also does not accept cashier’s checks in amounts of less than $10,000. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will neither accept third-party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares, nor post-dated checks, post-dated on-line bill pay checks, or any conditional purchase order or payment.

 

The transfer agent will charge a $25 fee against an investor’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.

 

By Wire — Initial Investment

 

To make an initial investment in the Fund, the transfer agent must receive a completed account application before an investor wires funds. Investors may mail or overnight deliver an account application to the transfer agent. Upon receipt of the completed account application, the transfer agent will establish an account. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to an investor’s bank to send the wire. An investor’s bank must include both the name of the Fund, the account number, and the investor’s name so that monies can be correctly applied. If you wish to wire money to make an investment in the Fund, please call us at (866) 907-2653 for wiring instructions and to notify us that a wire transfer is coming.

 

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Any commercial bank can transfer same-day funds via wire. The Fund will normally accept wired funds for investment on the day received if they are received by our designated bank before the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Your bank may charge you a fee for wiring same-day funds. The bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

ABA #: (number provided by calling toll-free number above)
Credit: DST Systems, Inc.
Account #: (number provided by calling toll-free number above)
Further Credit: CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund
(shareholder registration)
(shareholder account number)

 

By Wire — Subsequent Investments

 

Before sending a wire, investors must contact the transfer agent to advise them of the intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of the wire. Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund, and its agents, including the transfer agent and custodian, are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Automatic Investment Plan — Subsequent Investments

 

You may participate in the Fund’s Automatic Investment Plan, an investment plan that automatically moves money from your bank account and invests it in the Fund through the use of electronic funds transfers or automatic bank drafts. You may elect to make subsequent investments by transfers of a minimum of $1,000 on specified days of each month into your established Fund account. Please contact the Fund at (866) 907-2653 for more information about the Fund’s Automatic Investment Plan.

 

By Telephone

 

Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling (866) 907-2653. If an investor elected this option on the account application, and the account has been open for at least 15 days, telephone orders will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. Banking information must be established on the account prior to making a purchase. Orders for shares received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time will be purchased at the appropriate price calculated on that day.

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

In compliance with the USA Patriot Act of 2001, the Fund’s transfer agent will verify certain information on each account application or subscription agreement, as applicable. As requested on the applicable document, investors must supply full name, date of birth, social security number and residential street address. Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted. Investors may call Shareholder Relations at (866) 907-2653 for additional assistance when completing an account application or subscription agreement.

 

If the transfer agent does not have a reasonable belief of the identity of a customer, the account will be rejected or the customer will not be allowed to perform a transaction on the account until such information is received. The transfer agent also may reserve the right to close the account within five business days if clarifying information/documentation is not received.

 

Purchase Through Financial Intermediaries

 

You may purchase and redeem Common Shares through certain financial intermediaries that have made arrangements with the Fund or its Distributor to receive purchase and redemption orders. Such financial intermediaries are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund. When you place your order with such a financial intermediary, or its designee, your order is treated as if you had placed it directly with the Fund’s transfer agent, and you will pay or receive the next price calculated by the Fund. The financial intermediary may hold your shares in an omnibus account in its (or its agent’s) name, and, in such case, the financial intermediary maintains your individual ownership records. The Adviser may pay the financial intermediary for maintaining these records as well as providing other shareholder services. The financial intermediary may charge you a fee for handling your order. The financial intermediary is responsible for processing your order correctly and promptly, keeping you advised regarding the status of your individual account, and confirming your transactions.

 

If you decide to purchase Common Shares through a financial intermediary, please carefully review the program materials provided to you by your financial intermediary, because particular brokers may adopt policies or procedures that are separate from those described in this Prospectus.

 

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Purchase requests submitted to a financial intermediary after the financial intermediary’s imposed cut-off time may not be received by the Fund prior to the Fund’s cut-off time at the close of regular trading (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on that day. Such purchase requests will be processed at the NAV calculated at the close of regular trading on the next day that the NYSE is open for business. For more information about your financial intermediary’s rules and procedures, and whether your financial intermediary imposes cut-off times for the receipt of orders that are earlier than the cut-off times established by the Fund, you should contact your financial intermediary directly.

 

About the Dealer Manager

 

CCO Capital, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company that is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and FINRA. The Dealer Manager is an affiliate of the Adviser and is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CIM Group. The Dealer Manager has distributed shares of many of CIM Group’s prior real estate programs, and has built relationships with a large number of broker-dealers throughout the country, which participated in some or all of those prior offerings. The Dealer Manager receives compensation for services relating to this offering and provides certain sales, promotional and marketing services to the Fund in connection with the distribution of the Common Shares offered pursuant to this prospectus.

 

Purchase Terms

 

The minimum initial investment is $2,500 for Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class L Shares and $1,000,000 for Class I Shares. The minimum subsequent investment per account for all classes of Common Shares is $1,000. The Fund reserves the right to waive the investment minimum for Class I Shares, and the minimum subsequent investment for all classes. The Fund may permit a financial intermediary to waive the initial minimum per shareholder for Class I Shares in the following situations: broker-dealers purchasing fund shares for clients in broker-sponsored discretionary fee-based advisory programs; financial intermediaries with clients of a registered investment advisor (RIA) purchasing fund shares in fee based advisory accounts with a $1,000,000 aggregated initial investment across multiple clients; and certain other situations deemed appropriate by the Fund. Your financial intermediary may impose higher minimum investment thresholds. The Fund’s Common Shares are offered for sale through the Distributor at the then-current NAV per each class of Common Shares plus any applicable sales load. The price of the Common Shares during the Fund’s continuous offering will fluctuate over time with the NAV of the Common Shares. The Fund will accept the purchase of Common Shares daily.

 

Share Class Considerations

 

An investment in any share class of the Fund represents an investment in the same assets of the Fund. However, the minimum investment amounts, sales loads, and ongoing fees and expenses for each share class may be different. When selecting a share class, you should consider the following:

 

 

which share classes are available to you;

 

 

how much you intend to invest;

 

 

how long you expect to own the shares; and

 

 

total costs and expenses associated with a particular share class.

 

Each investor’s financial considerations are different. You should speak with your financial advisor to help you decide which share class is best for you. Not all Selling Agents offer all classes of shares. If your Selling Agent offers more than one class of shares, you should carefully consider which class of shares to purchase.

 

Distribution Plan

 

The Fund, with respect to its Class C Shares and Class L Shares, has adopted a “Distribution Plan” to pay the Distributor a Distribution Fee for certain activities relating to the distribution of shares to investors and maintenance of shareholder accounts. These activities include marketing and other activities to support the distribution of Class C Shares and Class L Shares. The Plan operates in a manner consistent with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which regulates the manner in which an open-end investment company may directly or indirectly bear the expenses of distributing its shares. Although the Fund is not an open-end investment company, it has undertaken to comply with the terms of Rule 12b-1 as a condition of the exemptive relief under the 1940 Act which permits it to have a multi-class structure and distribution and shareholder servicing fees. Under the Distribution Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor a Distribution Fee that is calculated monthly and accrued daily at an annualized rate of 0.75% and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Class C Shares and Class L Shares, respectively. The Distributor may pay all or a portion of the Distribution Fee to the Selling Agents that sell Class C Shares and Class L Shares.

 

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Shareholder Services Plan

 

The Fund has adopted a “Shareholder Services Plan” with respect to its Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares under which the Fund may compensate financial industry professionals for providing ongoing services in respect of clients with whom they have distributed shares of the Fund. Such services may include but are not limited to: responding to client inquiries of a general nature regarding the Fund; electronic processing of client orders; electronic fund transfers between clients and the Fund; account reconciliations with the transfer agent; facilitation of electronic delivery to clients of Fund documentation; monitoring client accounts for back-up withholding and any other special tax reporting obligations; maintenance of books and records with respect to the foregoing; and such other information and liaison services as the Fund or the Adviser may reasonably request. Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class C, Class A and Class L Shares will pay the Distributor a Servicing Fee that will accrue at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the respective share class and will be payable on a monthly basis. All or a portion of the Servicing Fee may be used to compensate financial industry professionals for providing ongoing shareholder services. Class I Shares are not subject to a shareholder servicing fee.

 

Sales Load

 

Investors purchasing Class I Shares or Class C Shares will not pay an upfront sales load.

 

Investors purchasing Class A Shares will pay a sales load based on the amount of their investment in the Fund. A reallowance to Selling Agents will be made by the Distributor from the sales load paid by each investor. A portion of the sales load, up to 0.75%, is paid to the Dealer Manager as the Dealer Manager Fee. The sales load payable by each investor depends upon the amount invested by such investor in the Fund, but may range from 1.50% to 5.75% of the offering price, as set forth in the table below:

 

Amount Purchased

Dealer Reallowance(1)

Dealer Manager Fee

Sales Load as a % of
Offering Price

Sales Load as a % of
Amount Invested

Under $100,000

5.00%

0.75%

5.75%

6.10%

$100,000 – $249,999

4.00%

0.75%

4.75%

4.99%

$250,000 – $499,999

3.00%

0.75%

3.75%

3.90%

$500,000 – $999,999

2.00%

0.50%

2.50%

2.56%

$1,000,000 and Above

1.00%

0.50%

1.50%

1.52%

 

 

(1)

Gross Dealer Concession paid to participating broker-dealers.

 

Investors purchasing Class L Shares will pay a Sales Load based on the amount of their investment. The Sales Load payable by each investor depends upon the amount invested by such investor, but may range from 1.25% to 4.25% of the offering price, as set forth in the table below. A reallowance to participating broker-dealers will be made by the Distributor from the sales load paid by each investor. A portion of the sales load, up to 0.75%, is paid to the Dealer Manager as the Dealer Manager Fee. The following table shows the discounted price per Class L Share and the reduced selling commissions payable for volume sales of Class L Shares:

 

Dollar Amount of
Shares Purchased

Dealer Reallowance (1)

Dealer Manager Fee

Sales Load as a % of
Offering Price

Sales Load as a % of
Amount Invested

Under $250,000

3.50%

0.75%

4.25%

4.44%

$250,000 – $499,999

2.50%

0.75%

3.25%

3.36%

$500,000 – $999,999

1.50%

0.50%

2.00%

2.04%

$1,000,000 and Above

1.00%

0.25%

1.25%

1.27%

 

 

(1)

Gross Dealer Concession paid to participating broker-dealers.

 

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates may enter into arrangements to make payments for additional activities to select financial intermediaries intended to result in the sale of Fund shares and/or other shareholder servicing activities out of the Adviser’s own resources (which may include profits from providing advisory services to each Fund). These payments are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments” and the revenue sharing payment amount generally vary by financial intermediary. The aggregate amount of the revenue sharing payments are determined by the Adviser and may be substantial. Revenue sharing payments create no additional cost to each Fund or its applicable shareholders. Revenue sharing payments may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of each Fund to you, rather than shares of another mutual fund. Please contact your financial intermediary’s investment professional for details about revenue sharing payments it may be receiving.

 

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Networking, Sub-Accounting and Administrative Fees

 

Select financial intermediaries may enter into arrangements with the Fund, or its designees, to perform certain networking, recordkeeping, sub-accounting and/or administrative services for shareholders of the Fund. These actives are routinely processed through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Fund/SERV and Trust Networking systems or similar systems. In consideration for providing these services in an automated environment, such financial intermediaries may receive compensation from the Fund. Any such compensation by the Fund to these select financial intermediaries for the aforementioned services are in addition to any distribution related services provided to applicable Fund shareholders.

 

Potential Sales Charge Waiver

 

You may be able to buy Class A or Class L Shares without a sales charge (i.e., “load-waived”) when you are:

 

 

reinvesting distributions;

 

 

participating in an investment advisory or agency commission program under which you pay a fee to an investment advisor or other firm for portfolio management or brokerage services;

 

 

a current or former director or Trustee of the Fund;

 

 

an employee (including the employee’s spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings or any dependent of the employee, as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code) of the Adviser or Sub-Advisers or their affiliates or of a broker-dealer authorized to sell Shares of the Fund; or

 

 

purchasing Shares through a financial services firm (such as a broker-dealer, investment advisor or financial institution) that has a special arrangement with the Fund.

 

In addition, concurrent purchases of Class A or Class L Shares by related accounts may be combined to determine the application of the Sales Load (i.e., available breakpoints or volume discounts). The Fund will combine purchases made by an investor, the investor’s spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children when it calculates the Sales Load.

 

It is the investor’s responsibility to determine whether a reduced Sales Load would apply. The Fund is not responsible for making such determination. To receive a reduced Sales Load, notification must be provided at the time of the purchase order to the Selling Agent through whom the purchase is made so they can notify the Fund.

 

Letter of Intent

 

The letter of intent allows you to count all investments within a 13-month period in Shares of Class A or Class L of the Fund as if you were making them all at once for the purposes of calculating the applicable reduced sales charges. The minimum initial investment under a letter of intent is 5% of the total letter of intent amount. The letter of intent does not preclude the Fund from discontinuing sales of its Common Shares. You may include a purchase not originally made pursuant to a letter of intent under a letter of intent entered into within 90 days of the original purchase. To determine the applicable sales charge reduction, you also may include the cost of Common Shares of the Fund which were previously purchased at a price including a front-end sales charge during the 90-day period prior to the Distributor receiving the letter of intent. You may combine purchases and exchanges by family members (limited to spouse and children, under the age of 21, living in the same household). You should retain any records necessary to substantiate historical costs because the Fund, the transfer agent and any Selling Agents may not maintain this information. Common Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends are not aggregated to achieve the stated investment goal.

 

Right of Accumulation

 

For the purposes of determining the applicable reduced sales charge, the right of accumulation allows you to include prior purchases of Common Shares of the Fund as part of your current investment as well as reinvested dividends. To qualify for this option, you must be either:

 

 

an individual;

 

 

an individual and spouse purchasing shares for your own account or trust or custodial accounts for your minor children; or

 

 

a fiduciary purchasing for any one trust, estate or fiduciary account, including employee benefit plans created under Sections 401, 403 or 457 of the Code, including related plans of the same employer.

 

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If you plan to rely on this right of accumulation, you must notify the Fund’s Distributor at the time of your purchase. You will need to give the Distributor your account numbers. Existing holdings of family members or other related accounts of a shareholder may be combined for purposes of determining eligibility. If applicable, you will need to provide the account numbers of your spouse and your minor children as well as the ages of your minor children.

 

Early Withdrawal Charges

 

Selling brokers, or other financial intermediaries that have entered into selling agreements with the Distributor may receive a commission of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of Class C Shares.

 

Class C Shares will be subject to an early withdrawal charge of 1.0% of the shareholder’s repurchase proceeds in the event that a shareholder tenders his or her Class C Shares for repurchase such that they will have been held less than 365 days after purchase, as of the time of repurchase. The Distributor may waive the imposition of the early withdrawal charge in the following situations: (1) shareholder death or (2) shareholder bankruptcy. The early withdrawal charge may also be waived in connection with a number of additional circumstances, including the following repurchases of shares held by employer sponsored benefit plans: (i) repurchases representing returns of excess contributions to such plans. Any such waiver does not imply that the early withdrawal charge will be waived at any time in the future or that such early withdrawal charge will be waived for any other shareholder. For any waiver request, notification must be made in conjunction with the tender request. If it is not, we reserve the right not to waive.

 

Transfer on Death Designation

 

Registered investors have the option of placing a transfer on death (“TOD”) designation on their Common Shares purchased in this offering. A TOD designation transfers ownership of the Common Shares to a registered investor’s designated beneficiary upon his or her death. This designation may only be made by individuals, not entities, who are the sole or joint owners with right of survivorship of the Common Shares. However, this option is not available to residents of the State of Louisiana. If a registered shareholder who purchased the Common Shares in this offering would like to place a TOD designation on his or her Common Shares, the registered shareholder must complete and return the TOD form available upon request to the Fund in order to effect the designation.

 

Periodic Repurchase Offers

 

The Fund does not intend to list the Common Shares on any securities exchange and does not expect any secondary market for its shares to develop in the foreseeable future. Therefore, shareholders should expect that they will be unable to sell their shares for an indefinite time or at a desired price. No shareholder will have the right to require the Fund to repurchase such shareholder’s shares or any portion thereof. Shareholders may not transfer their investment from the Fund to any other registered investment company. Because no public market exists for the Common Shares, and none is expected to develop in the foreseeable future, shareholders will not be able to liquidate their investment, other than through the Fund’s repurchase program.

 

Shareholders will receive written notice of each quarterly repurchase offer (the “Repurchase Offer Notice”) at least 21 calendar days and not more than 42 calendar days before the date the repurchase offer ends (the “Repurchase Request Deadline”). Shares will be repurchased at the NAV per each class of Common Shares determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange no later than the 14th day after the Repurchase Request Deadline, or the next business day if the 14th day is not a business day (each a “Repurchase Pricing Date”). The Fund will distribute such payment no later than seven calendar days after the Repurchase Pricing Date.

 

The following table summarizes the repurchase offers made by the Fund for the period from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021:

 

Repurchase Notice Date

Repurchase Request Deadline

Repurchase Payment Deadline

Repurchase Offer Amount

September 14, 2020

October 14, 2020

October 21, 2020

$5,014

December 14, 2020

January 13, 2021

January 20, 2021

None

March 15, 2021

April 14, 2021

April 21, 2021

$55,428

June 14, 2021

July 14, 2021

July 21, 2021

$415,410

 

Determination of Repurchase Offer Amount

 

The Board, or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion, will determine the number of the Common Shares that the Fund will offer to repurchase (the “Repurchase Offer Amount”) for a given Repurchase Request Deadline. The Repurchase Offer Amount, however, will be no less than 5% and no more than 25% of the total number of the Common Shares outstanding on the Repurchase Request Deadline.

 

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If shareholders tender for repurchase more than the Repurchase Offer Amount for a given repurchase offer, the Fund will repurchase the Common Shares on a pro rata basis. However, the Fund may accept all Common Shares tendered for repurchase by shareholders who own less than 100 Common Shares and who tender all of their Common Shares, before prorating other amounts tendered.

 

Notice to Shareholders

 

No less than 21 calendar days and no more than 42 calendar days before each Repurchase Request Deadline, the Fund shall send to each shareholder of record and to each beneficial owner of the Common Shares that are the subject of the repurchase offer a notification (“Shareholder Notification”). The Shareholder Notification will contain information shareholders should consider in deciding whether to tender their Common Shares for repurchase. The notice also will include detailed instructions on how to tender the Common Shares for repurchase, state the Repurchase Offer Amount and identify the dates of the Repurchase Request Deadline, the scheduled Repurchase Pricing Date, and the date the repurchase proceeds are scheduled for payment (the “Repurchase Payment Deadline”), as well as the procedures by which shareholders can withdraw or modify their repurchase requests until the Repurchase Request Deadline. The notice also will set forth the NAV that has been computed no more than seven days before the date of notification, and how shareholders may ascertain the NAV after the notification date.

 

Repurchase Price

 

The repurchase price of the Common Shares will be the NAV as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the Repurchase Pricing Date. You may call us at (866) 907-2653 to learn the NAV. The Repurchase Offer Notice also will provide information concerning the NAV, such as the NAV as of a recent date or a sampling of recent NAVs, and a toll-free number for information regarding the repurchase offer.

 

Repurchase Amounts and Payment of Proceeds

 

The Common Shares tendered for repurchase by shareholders prior to any Repurchase Request Deadline will be repurchased subject to the aggregate Repurchase Offer Amount established for that Repurchase Request Deadline. Payment pursuant to the repurchase offer will be made by check to the shareholder’s address of record, or credited directly to a predetermined bank account on the Purchase Payment Date, which will be no more than seven days after the Repurchase Pricing Date. The Board may establish other policies for repurchases of the Common Shares that are consistent with the 1940 Act, regulations thereunder and other pertinent laws.

 

If shareholders tender for repurchase more than the Repurchase Offer Amount for a given repurchase offer, the Fund may, but is not required to, repurchase an additional amount of the Common Shares not to exceed 2.00% of the outstanding Common Shares on the Repurchase Request Deadline. If the Fund determines not to repurchase more than the Repurchase Offer Amount, or if shareholders tender Common Shares in an amount exceeding the Repurchase Offer Amount plus 2.00% of the outstanding Common Shares on the Repurchase Request Deadline, the Fund will repurchase the Common Shares on a pro rata basis. However, the Fund may accept all Common Shares tendered for repurchase by shareholders who own less than 100 Common Shares and who tender all of their Common Shares, before prorating other amounts tendered.

 

Suspension or Postponement of Repurchase Offer

 

The Fund may not suspend or postpone a repurchase offer except pursuant to a vote of a majority of the trustees, including a majority of the independent trustees, and only: (a) if making or effecting the repurchase offer would cause the Fund to lose its status as a RIC under the Code; (b) for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange or any market on which the securities owned by the Fund are principally traded is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which trading in such market is restricted; (c) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable, or during which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (d) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of shareholders of the Fund.

 

Liquidity Requirements

 

The Fund must maintain liquid assets equal to the Repurchase Offer Amount from the time that the notice is sent to shareholders until the Repurchase Pricing Date. The Fund will ensure that a percentage of its net assets equal to at least 100% of the Repurchase Offer Amount consists of assets that can be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the price at which the Fund has valued the investment within the time period between the Repurchase Request Deadline and the Repurchase Payment Deadline. The Board has adopted procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the Fund’s assets are sufficiently liquid so that the Fund can comply with the repurchase offer and the liquidity requirements described in the previous paragraph. Specifically, from the time the Fund sends a Shareholder Notification to shareholders until the Repurchase Pricing Date, a percentage of the Fund’s assets equal to at least 100% of the Repurchase Offer Amount (the “Liquidity Amount”) shall consist of assets that individually can be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business, at approximately the price at which the Fund has valued the investment,

 

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within a period equal to the period between a Repurchase Request Deadline and the Repurchase Payment Deadline, or of assets that mature by the next Repurchase Payment Deadline. This requirement means that individual assets must be salable under these circumstances. The Fund will ensure that it has assets invested in liquid holdings (for example, CLOs, Broadly Syndicated Loans and CMBS) at least equal to the Liquidity Amount.

 

If, at any time, the Fund falls out of compliance with these liquidity requirements, the Board will take whatever action it deems appropriate to ensure compliance.

 

Consequences of Repurchase Offers

 

Repurchase offers will typically be funded from available cash or sales of portfolio securities. Payment for repurchased shares, however, may require the Fund to liquidate portfolio holdings earlier than the Sub-Advisers otherwise would, thus increasing the Fund’s portfolio turnover and potentially causing the Fund to realize losses. The Sub-Advisers intend to take measures to attempt to avoid or minimize such potential losses and turnover, and instead of liquidating portfolio holdings, may borrow money to finance repurchases of shares. If the Fund borrows to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect shareholders who do not tender their shares in a repurchase offer by increasing the Fund’s expenses and reducing any net investment income. To the extent the Fund finances repurchase amounts by selling Fund investments, the Fund may hold a larger proportion of its assets in less liquid securities. The sale of portfolio securities to fund repurchases also could reduce the market price of those underlying securities, which in turn, would reduce the Fund’s NAV.

 

Repurchase of the Fund’s shares will tend to reduce the amount of outstanding shares and, depending upon the Fund’s investment performance, its net assets. A reduction in the Fund’s net assets would increase the Fund’s expense ratio, to the extent that additional shares are not sold and expenses otherwise remain the same (or increase). In addition, the repurchase of shares by the Fund will be a taxable event to shareholders.

 

The Fund is intended as a long-term investment. The Fund’s quarterly repurchase offers are a shareholder’s only means of liquidity with respect to his or her shares. Shareholders have no rights to redeem or transfer their shares, other than limited rights of a shareholder’s descendants to redeem shares in the event of such shareholder’s death, pursuant to certain conditions and restrictions. The shares are not traded on a national securities exchange and no secondary market exists for the shares, nor does the Fund expect a secondary market for its shares to exist in the future.

 

Determination of Net Asset Value

 

The Fund determines the NAV per each class of Common Shares on each day that the NYSE is open for business as of the close of the regular trading session (normally, 4:00 pm eastern time). The Fund calculates NAV per each class of Common Shares on a class-specific basis, by dividing the total value of the Fund’s Managed Assets attributable to the applicable class by the total number of Common Shares of such class outstanding. The Fund’s Managed Assets are determined by subtracting any liabilities (including borrowings for investment purposes) from the total value of its portfolio investments and other assets. Class I and Class C Shares will be offered at NAV. Class A Shares and Class L Shares will be offered at NAV plus the applicable sales load. The Fund’s assets and liabilities are valued in accordance with the principles set forth below.

 

The Valuation Committee, consisting of personnel from the Adviser whose membership on the Valuation Committee was approved by the Board, values the Fund’s assets in good faith pursuant to the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures that were developed by the Valuation Committee and approved by the Board. The Board will approve any changes to the membership of the Valuation Committee. Portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotes are readily available are valued at market value. In circumstances where market quotes are not readily available, the Board has adopted policies and procedures for determining the fair value of such securities and other assets, and has delegated the responsibility for applying the valuation methods to the Valuation Committee. On a quarterly basis, or more frequently if necessary, the Audit Committee reviews and the Board ratifies the valuation determinations made with respect to the Fund’s investments during the preceding period and evaluates whether such determinations were made in a manner consistent with the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures.

 

Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“ASC Topic 820”), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, clarifies the definition of fair value and requires companies to expand their disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities in interim and annual periods subsequent to initial recognition. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, which includes inputs such as quoted prices for similar securities in active markets and quoted prices for identical securities where there is little or no activity in the market; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

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When determining the fair value of an asset, the Valuation Committee seeks to determine the price that would be received from the sale of the asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, in accordance with ASC Topic 820. Fair value determinations are based upon all available inputs that the Valuation Committee deems relevant, which may include indicative dealer quotes, values of like securities, recent portfolio company financial statements and forecasts for the investment, and valuations prepared by independent valuation firms.

 

To the extent that an asset has observable inputs and is therefore deemed to be a Level 1 or Level 2 asset, the Valuation Committee uses observable market quotations as an indicative measure of fair value. Accordingly, debt and equity instruments that are traded in an active market are valued using the prevailing market price. All remaining assets are considered Level 3 Assets in accordance with ASC Topic 820 above, and the Valuation Committee utilizes the assistance of one or more third-party pricing services to value these assets.

 

Credit and Credit-Related Investments: In valuing Level 3 credit and credit-related investments, the third-party pricing service considers, in part, the following:

 

 

macro-economic conditions impacting the private debt and equity markets;

 

 

industry conditions that impact the company;

 

 

assessing credit and company specific risk by assessing company specific factors, which includes its size, leverage, collateral, competitive strengths and weaknesses;

 

 

the borrower’s ability to service its debt; and

 

 

prevailing interest rates and projected volatility in future interest rates;

 

 

pricing of similar debt and equity instruments, including, implied yield of similar securities in the same capital structure;

 

 

relevant terms of the instrument;

 

 

the enterprise value of the company relative to the face amount of its outstanding debt

 

Using these considerations, the third-party pricing service derives a risk adjusted discount rate that it applies to the estimated future cash flow to determine the value of the security.

 

The third-party pricing service periodically monitors and adjusts the fair value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio to consider the following:

 

 

changes in market conditions, including interest rates and yield curves;

 

 

changes in portfolio company information, including changes to its capital structure, liquidity and EBITDA;

 

 

the company’s enterprise value; and

 

 

known or knowable transactions, amendments or other events that are relevant to the valuation

 

All adjustments to the fair value of securities are reviewed and approved by the Valuation Committee.

 

Commercial Real Estate Properties:

 

When determining the fair value of the Fund’s interest in a REIT Subsidiary or a subsidiary that owns commercial real estate properties, the Valuation Committee will monitor the value of each of the real properties held. In connection with such monitoring, the Valuation Committee will rely, in part, on the periodic assessment and valuations estimates of one or more independent valuation experts.

 

Our independent valuation expert will value each of our real estate properties at least on a quarterly basis. The independent valuation expert will collect all reasonably available material information that it deems relevant, including information about the properties from our advisor, the independent valuation expert’s own sources, market information from public sources, the expert’s own proprietary data, and, when deemed necessary by our independent valuation expert, a physical inspection. The independent valuation expert will also review trends in capitalization rates, discount rates, interest rates, leasing rates, as well as a variety of macro- and micro-economic factors.

 

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Based on the available information, the independent valuation expert will estimate the value of that property. The independent valuation expert will consider, as appropriate, valuation methodologies, opinions and judgments, to the extent consistent with our valuation guidelines as adopted by our board of directors, and with the recommendations set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and the requirements of the Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice of the Appraisal Institute.

 

Between valuations, the CIM Sub-Adviser will monitor our real estate assets to determine whether a material event has occurred that our advisor believes may have a material impact on the most recent estimated values provided by our independent valuation expert. If an event has occurred (or the non-occurrence of an event) and is likely to have a material impact on previously provided estimated values of the affected commercial real estate assets, a valuation assessment will be conducted involving the Valuation Committee. Any necessary valuation adjustments will then be incorporated into our NAV. For example, an unexpected termination or renewal of a material lease, a material change in vacancies or an unanticipated structural or environmental event at a property or capital market events may cause the value of a property to change materially. Any such adjustments will be estimates of the market impact of specific events as they occur, based on assumptions and judgments that may or may not prove to be correct, and may also be based on the limited information readily available at that time.

 

Upon acquisition, commercial properties will initially be carried at cost until the earlier of the end of (i) the quarter following the quarter of acquisition or (ii) such time as the CIM Sub-Advisor deems appropriate. Thereafter, each commercial property will be valued at least on a quarterly basis by our independent valuation expert.

 

When determining the fair value of notes receivable and mezzanine loans held for long-term investment, which may be secured directly or indirectly by assets of the borrower, the Valuation Committee will also rely on the assistance of one or more independent valuation experts, which will perform periodic assessments. Typically, acquisition costs will be amortized over the lesser of the remaining life of the loan or a five-year period. Typically, notes receivable will be valued by using a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate the value of the remaining loan payments and any balloon payment at maturity. In projecting the cash flow and the discount rate, various factors will be considered, including among others the quality of the underlying real estate collateral, loan-to-value ratio, payment history and the remaining term of the notes. In addition, consideration will be given to the general real estate market conditions and prevailing interest rates.

 

Distributions

 

The Fund has made and intends to continue to make distributions each month on its Common Shares at an annual dividend rate of 6% per annum (determined based on the closing NAV per class of Common Shares as of a business day that occurs a few business days preceding the date of declaration). However, this distribution rate may be modified by the Board from time to time without any further notice as portfolio and market conditions change, depending on a number of factors, including, without limitation, the amount of the Fund’s undistributed net investment income and net short- and long term capital gains, as well as the costs of any leverage obtained by the Fund. As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of distributions on the Common Shares and the Fund’s dividend policy could change.

 

To permit the Fund to maintain a more stable monthly distribution, the Fund may from time to time distribute less than the entire amount of income earned in a particular period. The undistributed income would be available to supplement future distributions. Alternatively, the Fund has distributed and may from time to time distribute more than the entire amount of its income earned in a particular period. As a result, the distributions paid by the Fund for any particular monthly period may be more or less than the amount of income actually earned by the Fund during that period. Undistributed income will add to the Fund’s NAV (and indirectly benefit the Advisers and the Co-Administrators by increasing the fees to which they are entitled) and, correspondingly, distributions from undistributed income will reduce the Fund’s NAV.

 

To the extent that any portion of the Fund’s monthly distributions are considered a return of capital to shareholders, such portion would not be considered dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and would represent a return of the amounts that such shareholders invested. Although such return of capital distributions are not currently taxable to shareholders, such distributions will have the effect of lowering a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in such Common Shares, and could result in a higher tax liability when the Common Shares are sold, even if they have not increased in value, or in fact, have lost value. The Fund’s final distribution for each tax year is expected to include any remaining investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income undistributed during the tax year, as well as any undistributed net capital gain realized during the tax year. If the total distributions made in any tax year exceed investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gain, such excess distributed amount would be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions

 

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in excess of the earnings and profits would first be a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the adjusted tax basis in the shares. After such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, the distribution would constitute capital gain (assuming the shares are held as capital assets). This distribution policy may, under certain circumstances, have adverse consequences to the Fund and its shareholders because it may result in a return of capital resulting in less of a shareholder’s assets being invested in the Fund and, over time, increase the Fund’s expense ratio. The distribution policy also may cause the Fund to sell securities at a time it would not otherwise do so to manage the distribution of income and gain. The initial distribution will be declared on a date determined by the Board.

 

Unless the registered owner of shares elects to receive cash, all dividends declared on shares will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. See “Dividend Reinvestment Policy.”

 

Our Board of Directors authorized and we declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.129 per share of Class C Common Shares, $0.130 per share of Class A and Class L Common Shares and $0.131 per share of Class I Common Shares for each of January, February and March 2022, representing an annual dividend rate of 6.0% of NAV (as of December 14, 2021) per share. The dividend will be payable as follows: February 3, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 1, 2022; March 3, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2022; and April 5, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2022.

 

The dividend distribution described above may result in the payment of approximately the same amount or percentage to the Fund’s shareholders each month. Section 19(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19a-1 thereunder require the Fund to provide a written statement accompanying any such payment that adequately discloses its source or sources. Thus, if the source of the dividend or other distribution were the original capital contribution of the shareholder, and the payment amounted to a return of capital, the Fund would be required to provide written disclosure to that effect. Nevertheless, persons who periodically receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Shareholders should read any written disclosure provided pursuant to Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1 carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution from the Fund is net profit.

 

Each year, a statement on Form 1099-DIV identifying the sources of the distributions (i.e., paid from ordinary income, paid from net capital gains on the sale of securities, and/or a return of capital, which is a nontaxable distribution) will be furnished to shareholders subject to IRS reporting. Fund ordinary distributions may exceed the Fund’s earnings, especially during the period before the Fund has substantially invested the proceeds from this offering and as a result of receiving distributions from REITs that are return of capital distributions. To the extent that the Fund pays distributions to shareholders using proceeds it receives from Fund contributions, such distributions generally would constitute a return of investor capital and generally will lower an investor’s adjusted tax basis in his or her Common Shares. A return of capital generally is a return of an investor’s investment rather than a return of earnings or gains derived from the Fund’s investment activities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to pay distributions at a specific rate or at all.

 

As discussed in the “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations” section, to qualify for and maintain RIC tax treatment, the Fund is required to distribute on a timely basis with respect to each tax year dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of “investment company taxable income” and 90% of net tax-exempt interest income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, for such tax year. To avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, the Fund is required to distribute in respect of each calendar year dividends of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) generally for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and net capital gain income that the Fund recognized for previous calendar years but were not distributed during such calendar years and on which the Fund paid no U.S. federal income tax. The Fund can offer no assurance that it will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions. If the Fund issues senior securities, the Fund will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes it to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of the Fund’s borrowings. Any such limitations would adversely impact the Fund’s ability to make distributions to shareholders.

 

Distribution Reinvestment Plan

 

Pursuant to the Fund’s distribution reinvestment plan (the “DRP”), all common shareholders will have all dividends, including any capital gain dividends, reinvested automatically in additional Common Shares by DST Systems, Inc., as agent for the common shareholders (the “DRP Agent”), unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. An election to receive cash may be revoked or reinstated at the option of the shareholder. In the case of record shareholders such as banks, brokers or other nominees that hold the Common Shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the DRP Agent will administer the DRP on the basis of the number of the Common Shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder as representing the total amount registered in such shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who are to participate in the DRP. Shareholders whose shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or nominee should contact the bank, broker or nominee for details. Such shareholders may not be able to transfer their shares to another bank or broker and continue to participate in the DRP.

 

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The Common Shares received under the DRP will be issued to you at their NAV on the ex-dividend date; there is no sales or other charge for reinvestment. You are free to withdraw from the DRP and elect to receive cash at any time by giving written notice to the DRP Agent or by contacting your broker or dealer, who will inform the Fund. Your request must be received by the Fund at least ten days prior to the payment date of the distribution to be effective for that dividend or capital gain distribution.

 

The DRP Agent provides written confirmation of all transactions in the shareholder accounts in the DRP, including information you may need for tax records. Any proxy you receive will include all Common Shares you have received under the DRP.

 

Neither the DRP Agent nor the Fund shall have any responsibility or liability beyond the exercise of ordinary care for any action taken or omitted pursuant to the dividend reinvestment policy, nor shall they have any duties, responsibilities or liabilities except such as expressly set forth herein. Neither shall they be liable hereunder for any act done in good faith or for any good faith omissions to act, including, without limitation, failure to terminate a participant’s account prior to receipt of written notice of his or her death or with respect to prices at which shares are purchased or sold for the participant’s account and the terms on which such purchases and sales are made, subject to applicable provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

Automatically reinvested dividends and distributions are taxed in the same manner as cash dividends and distributions. Holders of Common Shares who receive distributions in the form of additional Common Shares will nonetheless be required to pay applicable U.S. federal, state or local taxes on the reinvested dividends, but will not receive a corresponding cash distribution with which to pay any applicable tax. See “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations.” Additionally, dividends reinvested in Common Shares increase the Fund’s gross assets on which a management fee and an incentive fee are payable to the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser.

 

The Fund and the DRP Agent reserve the right to amend or terminate the DRP. There is no direct or indirect service charge to participants in the DRP; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the DRP to include a service charge payable by the participants, and will provide shareholders with a written notification in the event of any such amendment. Additional information about the DRP may be obtained from the DRP Agent.

 

All correspondence concerning the DRP should be directed to the DRP Agent at CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, c/o DST Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 219312, Kansas City, MO 64121-9312. Certain transactions can be performed by calling the toll free number (866) 907-2653.

 

Certain Provisions in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust

 

The following description is based on relevant portions of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and on the Declaration of Trust. This summary is not intended to be complete. Please refer to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and the Declaration of Trust, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, for a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below.

 

The Fund is an unincorporated statutory trust established under the laws of the State of Delaware upon the filing of a Certificate of Trust with the Secretary of State of Delaware on February 4, 2019.

 

Common Shares

 

The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Fund’s issuance of an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, with no par value. There is currently no market for the Common Shares and the Fund does not expect that a market for the Common Shares will develop in the foreseeable future. Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust and as permitted by Delaware law, shareholders are entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations organized for profit under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended and therefore generally will not be personally liable for the Fund’s debts or obligations. Although shareholders of an unincorporated statutory trust established under Delaware law may, in certain limited circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund as though they were general partners, the provisions of the Declaration of Trust described in the foregoing sentence make the likelihood of such personal liability remote.

 

Shares

 

Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust, all Common Shares, when consideration for the Common Shares is received by the Fund, will be fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be paid to shareholders if, as and when authorized and declared by the Board. The Common Shares will have no preference, preemptive, appraisal, conversion, exchange or redemption rights, and will be freely transferable. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Board shall have the power to repurchase or redeem the Common Shares. In the event of the Fund’s dissolution, after the Fund pays or adequately provides for the payment of all claims and obligations of the Fund, and upon the receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements deemed necessary by the Board, each Common Share will be entitled to receive, according to its respective rights, a pro rata portion of the Fund’s assets available for distribution for the applicable class, subject to any preferential rights of holders of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, if any. Each whole Common Shares will be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each

 

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fractional Common Shares will be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. Shareholders shall be entitled to vote on all matters on which a vote of shareholders is required by the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust or a resolution of the Board. There will be no cumulative voting in the election or removal of Trustees. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Fund is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders, and only expects to hold shareholder meetings to the extent required by the 1940 Act or pursuant to special meetings called by the Board or a majority of shareholders.

 

Preferred Shares and Other Securities

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that the Board may, subject to the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions and the requirements of the 1940 Act, authorize and cause the Fund to issue securities of the Fund other than common shares of beneficial interest (including preferred shares, debt securities or other senior securities), by action of the Board without the approval of shareholders. The Board may determine the terms, rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of such securities as the Board sees fit.

 

Preferred shares could be issued with rights and preferences that would adversely affect shareholders. Preferred shares could also be used as an anti-takeover device. Every issuance of preferred shares will be required to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires, among other things, that (i) immediately after the issuance of preferred shares and before any distribution is made with respect to the Common Shares and before any purchase of Common Shares is made, the aggregate involuntary liquidation preference of such preferred shares together with the aggregate involuntary liquidation preference or aggregate value of all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of the Fund’s total assets after deducting the amount of such distribution or purchase price, as the case may be; and (ii) the holders of preferred shares, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two Trustees at all times and to elect a majority of the Trustees if distributions on such preferred shares are in arrears by two years or more. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred shares. The Fund does not plan to issue preferred shares during the twelve months following the date of this prospectus.

 

The following table shows the amounts of the Common Shares that have been authorized and are outstanding as of December 31, 2021:

 

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Title of Class

Amount Authorized

Amount Held by Fund
or for its Account

Amount Outstanding
Excluding Amount
Shown Under (3)

Class I Shares

Unlimited

None

4,514,449

Class C Shares

Unlimited

None

261,553

Class A Shares

Unlimited

None

58,327

Class L Shares

Unlimited

None

11,364

 

Limitation on Liability of Trustees and Officers; Indemnification and Advance of Expenses

 

Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, Trustees and officers of the Fund will not be subject in such capacity to any personal liability to the Fund or shareholders, unless the liability arises from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for the Trustee’s or officer’s duty.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Declaration of Trust, the Fund will indemnify and hold harmless any current or former Trustee or officer of the Fund against any liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees relating to the defense or disposition of any action, suit or proceeding with which such person is involved or threatened), while and with respect to acting in the capacity of a Trustee or officer of the Fund, except with respect to matters in which such person did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Fund, or in the case of a criminal proceeding, matters for which such person had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. In accordance with the 1940 Act, the Fund will not indemnify any Trustee or officer for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties of his or her position. The Fund will provide indemnification to Trustees and officers prior to a final determination regarding entitlement to indemnification as described in the Declaration of Trust.

 

The Fund has entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for its obligations and duties thereunder, the Adviser is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss the Fund suffers.

 

The Adviser has entered into the CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with the CIM Sub-Adviser. The CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct for its obligations and duties thereunder, the CIM Sub-Adviser is not liable to the Adviser for any loss the Adviser suffers.

 

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The Adviser has entered into the OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with the OFS Sub-Adviser. The OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct for its obligations and duties thereunder, the OFS Sub-Adviser is not liable to the Adviser for any loss the Adviser suffers.

 

Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, the Fund will advance the expenses of defending any action for which indemnification is sought if the Fund receives a written undertaking by the indemnitee which provides that the indemnitee will reimburse the Fund unless it is subsequently determined that the indemnitee is entitled to such indemnification.

 

Number of Trustees; Appointment of Trustees; Vacancies; Removal

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that the number of Trustees shall be no less than one and no more than 15, as determined in writing by a majority of the Trustees then in office. As set forth in the Declaration of Trust, a Trustee’s term of office shall continue until his or her death, resignation or removal. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, individuals may be appointed by the Trustees at any time to fill vacancies on the Board by the appointment of such persons by a majority of the Trustees then in office. Each Trustee shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been appointed pursuant to the Declaration of Trust. To the extent that the 1940 Act requires that Trustees be elected by shareholders, any such Trustees will be elected by a plurality of all shares voted at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is present.

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that any Trustee may be removed (provided that after the removal the aggregate number of Trustees is not less than the minimum required by the Declaration of Trust) (i) with cause, by at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the remaining Trustees; or (ii) without cause, by all of the remaining Trustees.

 

Action by Shareholders

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that shareholder action can be taken only at a meeting of shareholders or by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. Subject to the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust or a resolution of the Board specifying a greater or lesser vote requirement, the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the shareholders with respect to any matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders.

 

Amendment of Declaration of Trust

 

Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, the Board may amend the Declaration of Trust without any vote of shareholders.

 

No Appraisal Rights

 

In certain extraordinary transactions, some jurisdictions provide the right to dissenting shareholders to demand and receive the fair value of their shares, subject to certain procedures and requirements set forth in such statute. Those rights are commonly referred to as appraisal rights. The Declaration of Trust provides that Common Shares shall not entitle shareholders to appraisal rights.

 

Conflict with Applicable Laws and Regulations

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that if and to the extent that any provision of the Declaration of Trust conflicts with any provision of the 1940 Act, the provisions under the Code applicable to the Fund as a RIC or other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of the Declaration of Trust; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of the Declaration of Trust or affect the validity of any action taken or omitted to be taken prior to such determination.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust

 

The Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of entities or other persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of the Board, and could have the effect of depriving the Fund’s shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices, if any, by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire control of the Fund, which attempts could have the effect of increasing the expenses of the Fund and interfering with the normal operation of the Fund. The trustees are elected for indefinite terms and do not stand for reelection. A trustee may be removed from office (i) with cause, by at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the remaining Trustees; or (ii) without cause, by all of the remaining Trustees. The Declaration of Trust does not contain any other specific inhibiting provisions that would operate only with respect to an extraordinary transaction such as a merger, reorganization, tender offer, sale or transfer of substantially all of the Fund’s asset, or liquidation. Reference should be made to the Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions.

 

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Exclusive Forum and Jury Trial Waiver

 

The Fund’s amended and restated declaration of trust provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Fund, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a duty owed by any trustee, officer or other agent of the Fund to the Fund or the Fund’s shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, Delaware statutory or common law, or the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine (for the avoidance of doubt, including any claims brought to interpret, apply or enforce the federal securities laws of the United States, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act or the securities or antifraud laws of any international, national, state, provincial, territorial, local or other governmental or regulatory authority, including, in each case, the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, any other court in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction.

 

The Fund’s Declaration of Trust also includes an irrevocable waiver of the right to trial by jury in all such claims, suits, actions and proceedings. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any Common Shares shall be deemed, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to have notice of and consented to these exclusive forum provisions and to have irrevocably submitted to, and waived any objection to, the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in connection with any such action or proceeding and consented to process being served in any such action or proceeding, without limitation, and to have waived any and all right to trial by jury in connection with any such action or proceeding. Alternatively, if a court were to find the exclusive forum provision or the jury trial waiver provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Fund may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions or in other manners, which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Fund and any investor in the Fund cannot waive compliance with any provision of the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations

 

The following discussion is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the Fund and to an investment in the Common Shares. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of the income tax considerations applicable to such an investment. For example, the Fund has not described tax consequences that may be relevant to certain types of holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws, including shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, traders and dealers in securities, persons who hold their shares as part of a straddle or hedge, pension plans and trusts, persons whose functional currency is not United States dollar, regulated investment companies, REITs and financial institutions. This summary assumes that investors hold their Common Shares as capital assets (within the meaning of the Code). The discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations, each as of the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject to change, possibly retroactively, which could affect the continuing validity of this discussion. The Fund has not sought and will not seek any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding this offering. This summary does not discuss any aspects of U.S. estate or gift tax or foreign, state or local tax. It does not discuss the special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws that could result if the Fund invested in tax-exempt securities or certain other investment assets.

 

A “U.S. shareholder” generally is a beneficial owner of the Common Shares who is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

 

a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

 

 

a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;

 

 

a trust, if a court in the United States has primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all decisions of the trust, or the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person; or

 

 

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

 

A “non-U.S. shareholder” generally is a beneficial owner of shares that is neither a U.S. shareholder nor a partnership, or entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective shareholder that is a partner in a partnership holding shares should consult with the shareholder’s tax advisers with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the shares.

 

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Tax matters are complex and the tax consequences to an investor of an investment in Common Shares will depend on the facts of the shareholder’s particular situation. The Fund encourages all investors to consult their respective tax advisers regarding the specific consequences of such an investment, including tax reporting requirements, the applicability of U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax laws, eligibility for the benefits of any applicable tax treaty and the effect of any possible changes in the tax laws.

 

Election to be Taxed as a RIC

 

The Fund has elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intends to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund generally will not have to pay U.S federal income taxes on any income that the Fund timely distributes to its shareholders from the Fund’s tax earnings and profits. To qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset-diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, in order to obtain RIC tax treatment, the Fund must timely distribute to its shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of its “investment company taxable income,” which is generally its net ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”).

 

Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company

 

If the Fund (i) qualifies as a RIC and (ii) satisfies the Annual Distribution Requirement then the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of the Fund’s income distributed (or deemed distributed) to shareholders. The Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gains not distributed (or deemed distributed) to its shareholders. The Fund will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless the Fund distributes, in a timely manner, an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of the Fund’s net ordinary income for each calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of the Fund’s capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (iii) any ordinary income and net capital gain that the Fund recognized in preceding years, but was not distributed in such preceding years, and on which the Fund paid no U.S. federal income tax, (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”). The Fund generally will endeavor in each taxable year to avoid any U.S. federal excise tax on its earnings.

 

In order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund must, among other things:

 

 

derive in each taxable year at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities, loans, gains from the sale of stock or securities, net income from certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” or other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in such stock or securities (the “90% Income Test”); and

 

 

diversify the Fund’s holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:

 

 

at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s assets and more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and

 

 

no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets is invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, in the securities, other than securities of other RICs, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by the Fund and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses, or in the securities of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” (the “Diversification Tests”).

 

The Fund’s intention to qualify for treatment as a RIC may negatively affect the Fund’s return by limiting its ability to acquire or continue to hold positions that would otherwise be consistent with its investment strategy or by requiring it to engage in transactions it would otherwise not engage in, resulting in additional transaction costs.

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which the Fund does not receive a corresponding payment in cash. For example, if the Fund holds debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or debt instruments that were issued with warrants), the Fund must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Fund in the same taxable year. The Fund may also have to include in income other amounts that the Fund has not yet received in cash, such as deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. The Fund anticipates that a portion of the Fund’s income may constitute original issue discount or other income required to be included in taxable income prior to receipt of cash.

 

Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income for the year of the accrual, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to the Fund’s shareholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though the Fund will not have received all of the corresponding cash amount. As a result,

 

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the Fund may have difficulty meeting the Annual Distribution Requirement necessary to qualify for and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. The Fund may have to sell some of the Fund’s investments at times or at prices the Fund would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If the Fund is not able to obtain cash from other sources, the Fund may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to U.S. federal income tax at corporate rates.

 

If the Fund has to borrow funds or sell assets in order to satisfy the annual Distribution Requirements, the Fund may fail to meet the Diversification Tests and the 1940 Act prohibition on making distributions while debt obligations and senior securities are outstanding, unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. Further, if the Fund disposes of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, the Fund may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to make distributions to its stockholders while its debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. If the Fund is prohibited to make distributions, the Fund may fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC and become subject to U.S. federal income tax at corporate rates.

 

The Fund may purchase residual or subordinated interests in collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) that are treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as shares in a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). In such event, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our allocable share of a portion of any “excess distribution” received on, or any gain from the disposition of, such shares. Additional charges in the nature of interest generally will be imposed on us in respect of deferred taxes arising from any such excess distribution or gain. This additional tax and interest may apply even if the Fund makes a distribution in an amount equal to any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders. If the Fund elects to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code (a “QEF”), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the Fund will be required to include in income each year our proportionate share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed by the QEF. Alternatively, the Fund may elect mark-to-market treatment for a PFIC; in this case, the Fund will recognize as ordinary income our allocable share of any increase in the value of such shares, and as ordinary loss our allocable share of any decrease in such value to the extent that any such decrease does not exceed prior increases included in the Fund’s income. Under either election, the Fund may be required to recognize in a year income in excess of distributions from PFICs and proceeds from dispositions of PFIC shares during that year, and the Fund must distribute such income to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement.

 

If the Fund holds more than 10% of the shares in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) (including equity tranche investments in a CLO treated as CFC), the Fund may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal to our pro rata share of the corporation’s income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains), whether or not the corporation makes an actual distribution during such year. This deemed distribution is required to be included in the income of a U.S. Shareholder (as defined below) of a CFC regardless of whether the shareholder has made a QEF election with respect to such CFC. In general, a foreign corporation will be classified as a CFC if more than 50% of the shares of the corporation, measured by reference to combined voting power or value, is owned (directly, indirectly or by attribution) by U.S. Shareholders. A “U.S. Shareholder,” for this purpose, is any U.S. person that possesses (actually or constructively) 10% or more of the combined voting power of all classes of shares of a corporation or 10% or more of the total value of shares of all classes of shares of such corporation. If the Fund are treated as receiving a deemed distribution from a CFC, the Fund will be required to include such distribution in our investment company taxable income regardless of whether the Fund receives any actual distributions from such CFC, and the Fund must distribute such income to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement.

 

Income inclusions from a QEF or a CFC will be “good income” for purposes of the 90% Income Test provided that they are derived in connection with the Fund’s business of investing in stocks and securities or the QEF or the CFC distributes such income to the Fund in the same taxable year to which the income is included in the Fund’s income.

 

Certain of the Fund’s investment practices may be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (1) treat dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income as non-qualified dividend income, (2) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (3) convert lower-taxed long-term capital gain into higher-taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income, (4) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (5) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without receipt of a corresponding distribution of cash, (6) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (7) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (8) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test. The Fund intends to monitor our transactions and may make certain tax elections to mitigate the potential adverse effect of these provisions, but there can be no assurance that any adverse effects of these provisions will be mitigated.

 

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Any investment by the Fund in equity securities of REITs qualifying as such under Subchapter M of the Code may result in the Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings. If the Fund distributes these amounts, these distributions could constitute a return of capital to its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Investments in REIT equity securities also may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In such an event, to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that the Fund otherwise would have continued to hold. Dividends received by the Fund from a REIT will not qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction and generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.

 

The Fund may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”) (including by investing in residual interests in collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) with respect to which an election to be treated as a REMIC is in effect) or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”). Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of the Fund’s income (including income allocated from a REIT or other pass-through entity) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or an equity interest in a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a RIC will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly. In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. A shareholder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such inclusions not withstanding any exemption from such income tax otherwise available under the Code. As a result, an investment in Fund securities may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts. See “Tax-Exempt Shareholders” below.

 

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

 

Distributions by the Fund generally are taxable to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of the Fund’s “investment company taxable income” (which is, generally, the Fund’s net ordinary income plus realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses) will be taxable as ordinary income to U.S. shareholders to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. To the extent such distributions paid by the Fund to non-corporate U.S. shareholders (including individuals) are attributable to dividends from U.S. corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations, such distributions (“Qualifying Dividends”) may be eligible for a current maximum tax rate of 20%. It is anticipated that distributions paid by the Fund will generally not be attributable to dividends and, therefore, generally will not qualify for the current 20% maximum rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends. A corporate U.S. shareholder may be eligible for a dividends received deduction with respect to a portion of an ordinary distribution it receives from the Fund that is attributable to dividends from domestic corporations, provided that the Fund properly reports the eligible portion and the corporate U.S. shareholder satisfies certain holding period requirements. It is not anticipated that a significant portion of distributions paid by the Fund will be attributable to dividends. Distributions of the Fund’s net capital gains (which is generally the Fund’s realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) properly designated by the Fund as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to a U.S. shareholder as long-term capital gains that are currently taxable at a current maximum rate of 20% in the case of individuals, trusts or estates, regardless of the U.S. shareholder’s holding period for these shares and regardless of whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits first will reduce a U.S. shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in such U.S. shareholder’s shares and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such U.S. shareholder.

 

For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, and before January 1, 2026, section 199A of the Code provides individual taxpayers (and certain estates and trusts) with a 20% deduction for qualified business income. Included within the definition of qualified business income are “qualified REIT dividends” and “qualified publicly traded partnership income.” The Code does not specify whether a RIC that earns these types of income may treat a portion of its dividends attributable to such income as eligible for the 20% deduction. The Treasury Department and IRS issued final regulations that generally permit RICs to pay “section 199A dividends” to their non-corporate U.S. shareholders to the extent that such dividends are attributable to qualified REIT dividend income and are reported to U.S. shareholders as eligible for the deduction. In addition, U.S. shareholders must hold their shares in the RIC for at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days before the date on which the share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, and must not be under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. The regulations do not permit RICs to pass through qualified publicly traded partnership income and it is uncertain whether future regulations may allow RICs to pass through such income as eligible for the 20% deduction. As a result, if the Fund were to invest in any publicly

 

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traded partnerships, it is possible that an individual U.S. shareholder would be subject to a higher tax on income attributable to such investment than if the U.S. shareholder invested directly in the publicly traded partnership. Also, there can be no assurance that the Fund will report any of its dividends as “section 199A dividends” eligible for the 20% deduction.

 

The Fund may retain some or all of the Fund’s realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses, but designate the retained net capital gain as a “deemed distribution.” In that case, among other consequences, the Fund will pay tax on the retained amount, each U.S. shareholder will be required to include the U.S. shareholder’s share of the deemed distribution in income as if it had been actually distributed to the U.S. shareholder, and the U.S. shareholder will be entitled to claim a credit equal to the U.S. shareholder’s allocable share of the tax paid thereon by the Fund. To the extent that the amount of tax that a U.S. shareholder is treated as having paid exceeds the tax the U.S. shareholder owes on the capital gain distribution, such excess generally may be refunded or claimed as a credit against the U.S. shareholder’s other U.S. federal income tax obligations. The amount of the deemed distribution net of such tax will be added to the U.S. shareholder’s adjusted tax basis for the U.S. shareholder’s shares. In order to utilize the deemed distribution approach, the Fund must provide written notice to the Fund’s U.S. shareholders prior to the expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant taxable year. The Fund cannot treat any of the Fund’s investment company taxable income as a “deemed distribution.”

 

The Fund does not expect that special share distributions that the Fund pays ratably to all investors from time to time, if any, will be taxable. However, in the future, the Fund may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash or shares at the election of each U.S. shareholder. Under certain applicable provisions of the Code and the Treasury regulations, distributions payable in cash or in shares of stock at the election of U.S. shareholders are treated as taxable dividends whether a U.S. shareholder elects to receive cash or shares. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a revenue procedure indicating that this rule will apply where the total amount of cash to be distributed is not less than 20% (which has been temporarily reduced to 10% for distributions declared on or after November 1, 2021, and on or before June 30, 2022) of the total distribution. Under this revenue procedure, if too many U.S. shareholders elect to receive such shareholders’ distributions in cash, each such shareholder would receive a pro rata share of the total cash to be distributed and would receive the remainder of the shareholder’s distribution in shares. If the Fund decides to make any distributions consistent with this revenue procedure that are payable in part in Common Shares, taxable U.S. shareholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend (whether received in cash, Common Shares, or a combination thereof) as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly reported as a capital gain dividend) to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. shareholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such dividends in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. shareholder sells the Common Shares it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of the Common Shares at the time of the sale.

 

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

 

If an investor purchases Common Shares shortly before the record date of a distribution, the price of the Common Shares will include the value of the distribution and the investor will be subject to tax on the distribution even though economically it may represent a return of that shareholder’s investment.

 

A U.S. shareholder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss if the U.S. shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of the U.S. shareholder’s Common Shares. The amount of gain or loss will be measured by the difference between such shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares sold and the amount of the proceeds received in exchange. Any gain arising from such sale or disposition generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder has held these Common Shares for more than one year. Otherwise, it will be classified as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or disposition of the Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received or undistributed capital gain deemed received, with respect to such Common Shares. In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a disposition of the Common Shares may be disallowed if other Common Shares are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition.

 

In general, individual U.S. shareholders currently are subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20% on their capital gain (i.e., the excess of realized net long-term capital gains over realized net short-term capital losses), including any long-term capital gain derived from an investment in the shares. Such rate is lower than the maximum rate on ordinary income currently payable by individuals. In addition, individuals with income in excess of $200,000 ($250,000 in the case of married individuals

 

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filing jointly) and certain estates and trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% tax on their “net investment income,” which generally includes net income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents, and net capital gains (other than certain amounts earned from trades or businesses).

 

Corporate U.S. shareholders currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on net capital gain at the maximum 21% rate also applied to ordinary income. Non-corporate shareholders with net capital losses for a year (i.e., capital losses in excess of capital gains) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses against their ordinary income each year; any net capital losses of a non-corporate shareholder in excess of $3,000 generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent years as provided in the Code.

 

If the Fund is not a publicly offered RIC for any period, a non-corporate shareholder’s pro rata portion of the Fund’s affected expenses, including the Fund’s management fees, will be treated as an additional dividend to the shareholder and will be deductible by such shareholder only to the extent permitted under the limitations described below. For non-corporate U.S. shareholders, including individuals, trusts, and estates, significant limitations generally apply to the deductibility of certain expenses of a non-publicly offered RIC, including advisory fees. In particular, these expenses, referred to as miscellaneous itemized deductions, currently are not deductible by non-corporate U.S. shareholders (and beginning in 2026, will be deductible only to non-corporate U.S. shareholders to the extent they exceed 2% of such non-corporate U.S. shareholders’ adjusted gross income, and will not be deductible for alternative minimum tax purposes). A “publicly offered” RIC is a RIC whose shares are either (i) continuously offered pursuant to a public offering, (ii) regularly traded on an established securities market or (iii) held by at least 500 persons at all times during the taxable year. While the Fund anticipates that it will constitute a publicly offered RIC for the Fund’s first tax year, there can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact so qualify for any of the Fund’s taxable years.

 

The Fund or the applicable withholding agent will send to each of the Fund’s U.S. shareholders, as promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, a notice reporting the amounts includible in such U.S. shareholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income and as long-term capital gain. In addition, the U.S. federal tax status of each year’s distributions generally will be reported to the IRS (including the amount of dividends, if any, eligible for the current 20% maximum rate). Dividends paid by the Fund generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction or the preferential tax rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends because the Fund’s income generally will not consist of dividends. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on a U.S. shareholder’s particular situation.

 

The Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax, or backup withholding from all distributions to any non-corporate U.S. shareholder (i) who fails to furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number or a certificate that such shareholder is exempt from backup withholding or (ii) with respect to whom the IRS notifies the Fund that such shareholder has failed to properly report certain interest and dividend income to the IRS and to respond to notices to that effect. An individual’s taxpayer identification number generally is the shareholder’s social security number. Any amount withheld under backup withholding is allowed as a credit against the U.S. shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that proper information is provided to the IRS.

 

Tax-Exempt Shareholders

 

Income of a RIC that would be UBTI if earned directly by a tax-exempt entity will not generally be attributed as UBTI to a tax-exempt shareholder of the RIC. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in a Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).

 

A tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if a Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs as described above, if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).

 

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

 

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CRTs and other tax-exempt investors are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in a Fund.

 

Taxation of non-U.S. Shareholders

 

Whether an investment in the Common Shares is appropriate for a non-U.S. shareholder will depend upon that person’s particular circumstances. An investment in the Common Shares by a non-U.S. shareholder may have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. shareholders should consult their respective tax advisers before investing in the Common Shares.

 

Subject to the discussions below concerning backup withholding and FATCA, distributions of the Fund’s investment company taxable income to non-U.S. shareholders (including interest income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized long-term capital losses, which generally would be free of withholding if paid to non-U.S. shareholders directly) will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits unless an applicable exception applies. If the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. shareholder, and, if an income tax treaty applies, attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States, the Fund will not be required to withhold U.S. federal tax if the non-U.S. shareholder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements, although the distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. persons. Special certification requirements apply to a non-U.S. shareholder that is a foreign partnership or a foreign trust, and such entities are urged to consult their own tax advisers.

 

For distributions made to non-U.S. shareholders, no withholding is required and the distributions generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax if (i) the distributions are properly reported to the Fund’s shareholders as “interest-related dividends” or “short-term capital gain dividends,” (ii) the distributions were derived from sources specified in the Code for such dividends and (iii) certain other requirements were satisfied.

 

Subject to the discussion below concerning FATCA, actual or deemed distributions of the Fund’s net capital gains to a non-U.S. shareholder, and gains realized by a non-U.S. shareholder upon the sale of the Common Shares, will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax and generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless (i) the distributions or gains, as the case may be, are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. shareholder and, if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. shareholder in the United States or (ii) such non-U.S. shareholder is an individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the year of the distribution or gain.

 

If the Fund distributes the Fund’s net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions, a non-U.S. shareholder will be entitled to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the shareholder’s allocable share of the tax the Fund pays on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed. In order to obtain the refund, the non-U.S. shareholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a U.S. federal income tax return even if the non-U.S. shareholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a U.S. federal income tax return. For a corporate non-U.S. shareholder, distributions (both actual and deemed) and gains realized upon the sale of the Common Shares that are effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable treaty). Accordingly, investment in the Common Shares may not be appropriate for a non-U.S. shareholder.

 

A non-U.S. shareholder may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on dividends unless the non-U.S. shareholder provides the Fund or the dividend paying agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or an acceptable substitute form) establishing that the shareholder is a non-U.S. shareholder.

 

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

 

If the Fund is a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the exceptions referred to above, under a special “look-through” rule, any distributions by the Fund to a non-U.S. shareholder (including, in certain cases, distributions made by the Fund in redemption of its shares) attributable to gains realized by the Fund on the disposition of USRPIs or to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier RIC or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands, generally would be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, such distributions could result in the non-U.S. shareholder being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a non-U.S. shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the extent of the non U.S. shareholder’s current and past ownership of the Fund.

 

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

 

Foreign shareholders of the Fund also may be subject to special wash sale rules to prevent the avoidance of the tax-filing and payment obligations discussed above through the sale and repurchase of Fund shares.

 

Non-U.S. persons should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax, and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in the Common Shares.

 

FATCA

 

Legislation commonly referred to as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” or “FATCA,” generally imposes a 30% withholding tax on payments of certain types of income to foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”) unless such FFIs either (i) enter into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to report certain required information with respect to accounts held by certain specified U.S. persons (or held by foreign entities that have certain specified U.S. persons as substantial owners) or (ii) reside in a jurisdiction that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement (“IGA”) with the United States to collect and share such information and are in compliance with the terms of such IGA and any enabling legislation or regulations. The types of income subject to the tax include U.S. source interest and dividends. While the Code would also require withholding on payments of the gross proceeds from the sale of any property that could produce U.S. source interest or dividends, the U.S. Treasury Department has indicated its intent to eliminate this requirement in subsequent proposed regulations, which state that taxpayers may rely on the proposed regulations until final regulations are issued. The information required to be reported includes the identity and taxpayer identification number of each account holder that is a specified U.S. person and transaction activity within the holder’s account. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, this legislation also imposes a 30% withholding on certain payments to certain foreign entities that are not FFIs unless the foreign entity certifies that it does not have a greater than 10% owner that is a specified U.S. person or provides the withholding agent with identifying information on each greater than 10% owner that is a specified U.S. person. Depending on the status of a non-U.S. shareholder and the status of the intermediaries through which they hold their shares, non-U.S. shareholders could be subject to this 30% withholding tax with respect to distributions on their Common Shares. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. shareholder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.

 

Failure to Qualify as a RIC

 

If the Fund is unable to qualify for treatment as a RIC, the Fund will be subject to tax on all of the Fund’s taxable income at regular corporate rates, regardless of whether the Fund makes any distributions to the Fund’s shareholders. Distributions would not be required, and any distributions would be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders as ordinary dividend income. Subject to certain limitations in the Code, such distributions would be eligible for the current 20% maximum rate on Qualifying Dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, corporate distributees would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To requalify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under Subchapter M of the Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the non-qualifying year, the Fund could be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held by it during the period in which it failed to qualify as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 5 years, unless the Fund made a special election to pay U.S. federal income tax at corporate rates on such built-in gain at the time of its requalification as a RIC.

 

REIT Subsidiary

 

Taxation of a REIT Subsidiary

 

As discussed above, the Fund may hold certain of its assets, including qualifying real estate investments in the form of debt securities, structured credit, preferred equity and mezzanine investments in real estate properties, through one or more REIT subsidiaries. The Fund intends to monitor the value of the shares of any REIT subsidiary such that not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in REIT subsidiaries.

 

The Fund intends that any REIT subsidiary would elect to be treated, and qualify annually, as a REIT under the Code beginning with the first year in which it commenced material operations. The Fund believes that if a REIT subsidiary were to satisfy the 50% Test (as defined below), that subsidiary would be able to qualify as a REIT. A REIT subsidiary’s ability to satisfy the 50% Test, is

 

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not certain. Given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations and the possibility of future changes in circumstances or applicable law, no assurance can be given that a REIT subsidiary would qualify as a REIT for any particular year.

 

Qualification and taxation as a REIT depends on a REIT subsidiary’s ability to meet, on a continuing basis, through actual results of operations, distribution levels, share ownership and various other qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code. In addition, a REIT subsidiary’s ability to qualify as a REIT may depend in part upon the operating results, organizational structure and entity classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes of certain entities in which the REIT subsidiary invests. A REIT subsidiary’s ability to qualify as a REIT also requires that it satisfy certain asset and income tests, some of which depend upon the fair market value of assets directly or indirectly owned by it or which serve as security for loans made by it. Such values may not be susceptible to a precise determination. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of a REIT subsidiary’s operations for any taxable year will satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.

 

Requirements for Qualification as a REIT

 

To qualify for the beneficial tax regime applicable to REITs, a REIT subsidiary must meet and continue to meet the requirements described below relating to organization, sources of income, nature of assets and distributions of income to its shareholders.

 

Organizational Requirements

 

The Code defines a REIT as a domestic corporation, trust or association:

 

 

(1)

which is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

 

 

(2)

the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;

 

 

(3)

which would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for Sections 856 through 859 of the Code;

 

 

(4)

which is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to certain provisions of the Code;

 

 

(5)

the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons;

 

 

(6)

not more than 50.0% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly applying various attribution rules, by or for five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include for these purposes certain entities) (the “50% Test”);

 

 

(7)

which makes an election to be a REIT (or has made such election for a previous taxable year which has not been revoked or terminated) and satisfies all relevant filing and other administrative requirements established by the IRS that must be met to elect and maintain REIT status;

 

 

(8)

which uses the calendar year as its taxable year; and

 

 

(9)

which meets certain other tests, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions.

 

The Code provides that conditions (1) through (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year, that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months, and that condition (6) must be met during the last half of each taxable year. For purposes of condition (6), the beneficiaries of a pension or profit-sharing trust described in Section 401(a) of the Code, and not the pension or profit-sharing trust itself, are treated as REIT shareholders. Conditions (5) and (6) do not apply to a REIT until the second taxable year in which the REIT has made an election to be treated as such. A REIT subsidiary would be treated as having met condition (6) above for a taxable year if it complied with certain Treasury Regulations for ascertaining the ownership of its stock for such year and if it did not know (or after the exercise of reasonable diligence would not have known) that its stock was sufficiently closely held during such year to cause it to fail condition (6).

 

The Fund intends to structure and operate any REIT subsidiary and conduct its activities in a manner designed to satisfy all of these requirements. However, the application of such requirements is complex, and it is possible that the IRS may interpret or apply those requirements in a manner that jeopardizes the ability of a REIT subsidiary to satisfy all of the requirements for qualification as a REIT or that the REIT subsidiary may be unable to satisfy all of the applicable requirements.

 

To obtain the favorable tax treatment afforded to REITs under the Code, among other things, a REIT subsidiary generally will be required each year to distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding net capital gain. To the extent that it does not distribute all of its net capital gains,

 

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or distributes at least 90%, but less than 100%, of its REIT taxable income, as adjusted, it will have to pay an entity-level tax on amounts retained. Furthermore, if it fails to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of its ordinary income for that year, (b) 95% of its capital gain net income for that year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, it would have to pay a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the amounts required to be distributed over the sum of (x) the amounts that it actually distributed and (y) the amounts it retained and upon which it paid income tax at the entity level.

 

These requirements could cause a REIT subsidiary to distribute amounts that otherwise would be spent on investments in real estate assets, and it is possible that the REIT subsidiary might be required to borrow funds, possibly at unfavorable rates, or sell assets to fund the required distributions.

 

Investment in a REIT Subsidiary

 

Provided that a REIT subsidiary qualifies as a REIT, distributions made to the Fund out of the REIT subsidiary’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, and not designated as capital gain dividends, would generally be taken into account by the Fund as ordinary dividend income and would not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations. In determining the extent to which a distribution with respect to a REIT subsidiary’s common shares constituted a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a REIT subsidiary’s earnings and profits would be allocated first to distributions with respect to the REIT subsidiary’s preferred stock, if any, and then to the REIT subsidiary’s common shares. Dividends received from REITs are generally not eligible to be taxed at the preferential qualified dividend income rates applicable to individual U.S. shareholders who receive dividends from taxable subchapter C corporations.

 

In addition, distributions from a REIT subsidiary that are designated as capital gain dividends will be treated by the Fund as long-term capital gain income, to the extent that they do not exceed the actual net capital gain of the REIT subsidiary for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the Fund has held the REIT subsidiary’s shares. To the extent that a REIT subsidiary elects under the applicable provisions of the Code to retain the REIT subsidiary’s net capital gains, the Fund would be treated as having received, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the REIT subsidiary’s undistributed capital gains as well as a corresponding credit or refund, as the case may be, for taxes paid by the REIT subsidiary on such retained capital gains. The Fund would increase its adjusted tax basis in the REIT subsidiary’s common shares by the difference between its allocable share of such retained capital gain and its share of the tax paid by the REIT subsidiary.

 

Distributions from a REIT subsidiary in excess of the REIT subsidiary’s current or accumulated earnings and profits would not be taxable to the Fund to the extent that they do not exceed the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the REIT subsidiary’s common shares in respect of which the distributions were made, but rather would reduce the adjusted tax basis of these shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the Fund of these shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted tax basis of the Common Shares of the REIT subsidiary’s common shares, they would be included in income as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares have been held for one year or less. In addition, any dividend declared by a REIT subsidiary in October, November or December of any year and payable to the Fund if it is the holder of record on a specified date in any such month would be treated as both paid by the REIT subsidiary and received by the Fund on December 31 of such year if the dividend is actually paid by the REIT subsidiary in January of the following calendar year.

 

To the extent that a REIT subsidiary has available net operating losses and capital losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that must be made in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. Such losses, however, would not be passed through to the Fund and do not offset income of the Fund from other sources, nor do they affect the character of any distributions that are actually made by a REIT subsidiary, which are generally treated as taxable income in the hands of the Fund to the extent that the REIT subsidiary has current or accumulated earnings and profits.

 

Possible Tax Law Changes

 

The foregoing discussion is only a summary and is based upon existing U.S. federal income tax law. Shareholders should recognize that the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in the Fund may be modified at any time by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. Any such changes may have a retroactive effect with respect to existing transactions and investments and may modify the statements made above. In particular, the Tax Act includes sweeping changes to U.S. tax laws and represents the most significant changes to the Code since 1986. Shareholders are urged to consult with their own tax advisor with respect to the impact of recent legislation, including the Tax Act, on their investment in the Common Shares.

 

THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO DESCRIBE FULLY THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND. SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND.

 

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Custodian and Transfer Agent

 

The custodian of the assets of the Fund will be US Bank, National Association located at 190 S. LaSalle Street, 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603. DST Systems, Inc., located at 333 W. 11th Street, 5th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64105, will serve as the Fund’s transfer agent and dividend paying agent with respect to the Common Shares.

 

Legal Matters

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares have been passed upon for the Fund by Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP, 700 Sixth Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001. Certain legal matters regarding the validity of the Common Shares offered hereby have been passed upon for the Fund by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., One Rodney Square, 920 North King Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

 

Privacy Policy

 

Your privacy is very important to the Fund. This Privacy Notice sets forth the Fund’s policies with respect to non-public personal information about the Fund’s shareholders and prospective and former shareholders. These policies apply to shareholders in the Fund and may be changed at any time, provided a notice of such change is given to you.

 

You may provide the Fund with personal information, such as your name, address, e-mail address, social security and/or tax identification number, assets and/or income information: (i) in a trading confirmation or other related account or transaction documentation; (ii) in correspondence and conversations with the Fund and the Fund’s representatives; and (iii) through transactions in the Fund.

 

The Fund does not disclose any of this non-public personal information about the Fund’s shareholders, or prospective or former shareholders to anyone, other than to the Fund’s affiliates, such as the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, and to certain service providers such as the Fund’s accountants, attorneys, auditors and brokers in each case, only as necessary to facilitate the acceptance and management of your investment or account and the Fund’s relationship with you, and to regulators and otherwise as permitted by applicable law. The Fund will comply with all U.S. federal and state laws regarding the protection of consumer information.

 

The Fund will also release information about you if you direct it to do so, if compelled to do so by law, or in connection with any government or self-regulatory organization request or investigation. For example, it may be necessary, under anti-money laundering and similar laws, to disclose information about shareholders in order to accept investments from and provide reports to them.

 

The Fund seeks to carefully safeguard your private information and, to that end, restricts access to non-public personal information about you to those employees and other persons who need to know the information to enable the Fund to provide services to you. The Fund also maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your non-public personal information.

 

If you have any questions regarding this policy or the treatment of your non-public personal information, please contact the Fund’s chief compliance officer at CIM Group, Chief Compliance Officer, 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010.

 

104

 

 

Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

SAI-2

OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES

SAI-3

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

SAI-9

Portfolio Managers SAI-19

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

SAI-23

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

SAI-23

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

SAI-24

CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT

SAI-24

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SAI-24

 

 

 

 

 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund

 

CLASS I COMMON SHARES
CLASS C COMMON SHARES
CLASS A COMMON SHARES
CLASS L COMMON SHARES

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS
January 28, 2022

 

 

 

 

All dealers that buy, sell or trade the Common Shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus in accordance with the terms of the dealers’ agreements with the Fund’s Distributor.

 

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The Fund is not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND

 

Class I, Class C, Class A and Class L Common Shares of Beneficial Interest

 

Statement of Additional Information

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (the “Fund”), a Delaware statutory trust, is a recently organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), that continuously offers its common shares of beneficial interest (the “Common Shares”) and is operated as an “interval fund.”

 

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) relating to Common Shares does not constitute a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectus relating thereto dated January 28, 2022. The Prospectus is hereby incorporated by reference into this SAI (legally made a part of this SAI). This SAI does not include all information that a prospective investor should consider before purchasing Common Shares, and investors should obtain and read the prospectus prior to purchasing such shares. A copy of the prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling (866) 907-2653. You may also obtain a copy of the prospectus on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this SAI have the meanings ascribed to them in the prospectus.

 

This Statement of Additional Information is dated January 28, 2022.

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES SAI-2
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES SAI-3
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND SAI-9
Portfolio Managers SAI-19
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE SAI-23
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES SAI-23
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM SAI-24
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT SAI-24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SAI-24

 

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to generate current income through cash distributions and preserve and protect shareholders’ capital across various market cycles, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve this objective. The Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Fund’s board of trustees (the “Board”) without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however, receive at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in this investment objective.

 

Fundamental Policies

 

Except as described below, the Fund, as a fundamental policy, may not, without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund:

 

(1) invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in any one industry, except the real estate industry (in which it will invest at least 25% of the value of its total assets). This limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. government securities”) and tax-exempt securities of governments or their political subdivisions.

 

(2) issue senior securities or borrow money to purchase additional securities other than as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (which currently limits the issuance of a class of senior securities that is indebtedness to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets or, if the class of senior security is stock, to no more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets);

 

(3) underwrite the securities of other issuers, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities or the sale of its own securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter; or

 

(4) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts or derivative instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).

 

Additionally, as a fundamental policy, the Fund may (i) purchase or sell real estate and real estate mortgage loans and (ii) make loans to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the 1940 Act.

 

Under current law as interpreted by the SEC and its staff, the Fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties (this restriction does not apply to purchases of debt securities or repurchase agreements). Subject to this limitation, the Fund may make loans, for example: (a) by loaning portfolio securities; (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements; (c) by making loans secured by real estate; or (d) by purchasing non-publicly offered debt securities. For purposes of this limitation, the term “loans” shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.

 

Except for the fundamental policies disclosed above and the Fund’s fundamental policy regarding its repurchase offers below, all other policies of the Fund disclosed herein and in the Fund’s prospectus are non-fundamental policies, which may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund without shareholder approval.

 

Repurchase Offer Fundamental Policy

 

The Board has adopted a fundamental policy setting forth that the Fund will conduct quarterly repurchase offers. This fundamental policy may be changed only with the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Fund is required to offer on a quarterly basis to repurchase at least 5% of its outstanding Common Shares at NAV unless suspended or postponed in accordance with regulatory requirements, each repurchase request deadline shall be no sooner than the 21st calendar day and no later than the 42nd calendar day after shareholders are notified in writing of each quarterly repurchase and each repurchase pricing shall occur no later than the 14th day after the applicable repurchase request deadline or the next business day if the 14th is not a business day. The Fund may not offer to repurchase less than 5% nor more than 25% of its outstanding Common Shares in any repurchase offer.

 SAI-2 

 

Other Non-Fundamental Policies

 

In addition to the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund has adopted the following additional investment policy, which may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval:

 

The Fund has adopted a policy to invest, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its Managed Assets in “Real Assets” and “Credit and Credit-Related Investments.” “Managed Assets” means net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund’s investments in Real Assets will consist of (1) direct real estate that may be held through one or more wholly-owned real estate investment trust (“REIT”) subsidiaries (each, a “REIT Subsidiary”), (2) public REITs (including publicly-traded REITs and publicly registered and non-listed REITs) and private REITs, (3) real estate mortgages, (4) commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and (5) infrastructure assets 

The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days’ notice prior to changing the Fund’s non-fundamental policies.

 

The percentage limitations applicable to the Fund’s portfolio described in the prospectus and this SAI apply only at the time of investment and the Fund will not be required to sell securities due to subsequent changes in the value of securities it owns.

 

OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES

 

Temporary Investments

 

During the period in which the net proceeds of this offering of Common Shares are being invested, the Fund may invest, for defensive or diversification purposes, some or all of its assets in U.S. government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest that are either issued or guaranteed by the Treasury or by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities; non-U.S. government securities which have received the highest investment grade credit rating, certificates of deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or a savings and loan association; commercial paper; bankers’ acceptances; bank time deposits; shares of money market funds; credit linked notes; repurchase agreements with respect to any of the foregoing; or any other fixed income securities that the Sub-Advisers consider appropriate under the circumstances. It is impossible to predict when, or for how long, the Fund will use these alternative strategies. There can be no assurance that such strategies will be successful.

 

Commercial Paper. Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by corporations such as banks or bank holding companies and finance companies. The rate of return on commercial paper may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies.

 

Certificates of Deposit. Certificates of deposit are certificates that are issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and that earn a specified return and are normally negotiable. The issuer of a certificate of deposit agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the certificate on the date specified thereon. Certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

 

Fixed Time Deposits. Fixed time deposits are bank obligations payable at a stated maturity date and bearing interest at a fixed rate. Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. There are generally no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a fixed time deposit to a third party, although there is no market for such deposits. The Fund may also hold funds on deposit with its custodian bank in an interest-bearing account for temporary purposes.

 

Bankers’ Acceptances. Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are “accepted” by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity.

 SAI-3 

 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”)

 

RMBS are a type of mortgage-backed security that is backed by mortgages on residential real estate. Credit-related risk on RMBS arises from losses due to delinquencies and defaults by the borrowers in payments on the underlying mortgage loans and breaches by originators and servicers of their obligations under the underlying documentation pursuant to which the RMBS are issued. The rate of delinquencies and defaults on residential mortgage loans and the aggregate amount of the resulting losses will be affected by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, particularly those in the area where the related mortgaged property is located, the level of the borrower’s equity in the mortgaged property and the individual financial circumstances of the borrower. If a residential mortgage loan is in default, foreclosure on the related residential property may be a lengthy and difficult process involving significant legal and other expenses. The net proceeds obtained by the holder on a residential mortgage loan following the foreclosure on the related property may be less than the total amount that remains due on the loan. The prospect of incurring a loss upon the foreclosure of the related property may lead the holder of the residential mortgage loan to restructure the residential mortgage loan or otherwise delay the foreclosure process.

 

Private Real Estate Funds

 

The Fund may invest in private real estate funds managed by institutional investment managers with expertise in managing portfolios of real estate and real estate-related securities. These funds generally have large minimum investment requirements and stringent investor qualification criteria intended to limit their direct investors to mainly institutions such as endowments and pension funds.

 

The Fund’s typical investments in private real estate funds will be made through the purchase of common stock, limited liability company units, or limited partnership interests (or similar interests). Investment criteria will include evaluating a combination of strength of the sponsor and management; prior investment performance of the target fund as well as the performance of other funds managed by the sponsor; the attractiveness of the property sectors and geographical allocations of the fund; expected stability of income; expected capital appreciation, and target leverage levels.

 

Derivatives

 

General Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions. The use of derivatives that are subject to regulation by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) by the Fund could cause the Fund to be a commodity pool, which would require the Fund to comply with certain rules of the CFTC. However, the Fund intends to conduct its operations to avoid regulation as a commodity pool, and the Adviser has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” with the CFTC and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the futures markets. Pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5, the Fund is not subject to regulation as a commodity pool under The Commodity Exchange Act (the “CEA”).

 

Various exchanges and regulatory authorities have undertaken reviews of options and futures trading in light of market volatility. Among the possible actions that have been presented are proposals to adopt new or more stringent daily price fluctuation limits for futures and options transactions and proposals to increase the margin requirements for various types of futures transactions.

 

Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions. The Fund complies with the regulatory requirements of the SEC and the CFTC with respect to coverage of options and futures positions by registered investment companies and, if the guidelines so require, will segregate cash, U.S. government securities, high-grade liquid debt securities and/or other liquid assets permitted by the SEC and CFTC on the Fund’s records in the amount prescribed. Securities segregated on the Fund’s records cannot be sold while the futures or options position is outstanding, unless replaced with other permissible assets, and will be marked-to-market daily.

 

Options. The Fund may purchase put and call options on currencies or securities. A put option gives the purchaser the right to compel the writer of the option to purchase from the option holder an underlying currency or security or its equivalent at a specified price at any time during the option period. In contrast, a call option gives the purchaser the right to buy the underlying currency or security covered by the option or its equivalent from the writer of the option at the stated exercise price.

 SAI-4 

 

As a holder of a put option, the Fund will have the right to sell the currencies or securities underlying the option and as the holder of a call option, the Fund will have the right to purchase the currencies or securities underlying the option, in each case at their exercise price at any time prior to the option’s expiration date. The Fund may seek to terminate its option positions prior to their expiration by entering into closing transactions. The ability of the Fund to enter into a closing sale transaction depends on the existence of a liquid secondary market. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires.

 

Certain Considerations Regarding Options. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities on which the option is based. Imperfect correlation between the options and securities markets may detract from the effectiveness of attempted hedging. Options transactions may result in significantly higher transaction costs and portfolio turnover for the Fund.

 

Some, but not all, of the Fund’s derivative instruments may be traded and listed on an exchange. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.

 

Futures Contracts. The Fund may enter into securities-related futures contracts, including security futures contracts, as an anticipatory hedge. The Fund’s derivative investments may include sales of futures as an offset against the effect of expected declines in securities prices and purchases of futures as an offset against the effect of expected increases in securities prices. The Fund does not enter into futures contracts which are prohibited under the CEA and will, to the extent required by regulatory authorities, enter only into futures contracts that are traded on exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument. A security futures contract is a legally binding agreement between two parties to purchase or sell in the future a specific quantity of a security or of the component securities of a narrow-based security index, at a certain price. A person who buys a security futures contract enters into a contract to purchase an underlying security and is said to be “long” the contract. A person who sells a security futures contract enters into a contract to sell the underlying security and is said to be “short” the contract. The price at which the contract trades (the “contract price”) is determined by relative buying and selling interest on a regulated exchange.

 

Transaction costs are incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. In order to enter into a security futures contract, the Fund must deposit funds with its custodian in the name of the futures commodities merchant equal to a specified percentage of the current market value of the contract as a performance bond. Moreover, all security futures contracts are marked-to-market at least daily, usually after the close of trading. At that time, the account of each buyer and seller reflects the amount of any gain or loss on the security futures contract based on the contract price established at the end of the day for settlement purposes.

 

An open position, either a long or short position, is closed or liquidated by entering into an offsetting transaction (i.e., an equal and opposite transaction to the one that opened the position) prior to the contract expiration. Traditionally, most futures contracts are liquidated prior to expiration through an offsetting transaction and, thus, holders do not incur a settlement obligation. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a gain will be realized; if it is more, a loss will be realized. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a gain will be realized; if it is less, a loss will be realized. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract and the Fund may not be able to realize a gain in the value of its future position or prevent losses from mounting. This inability to liquidate could occur, for example, if trading is halted due to unusual trading activity in either the security futures contract or the underlying security; if trading is halted due to recent news events involving the issuer of the underlying security; if systems failures occur on an exchange or at the firm carrying the position; or, if the position is on an illiquid market. Even if the Fund can liquidate its position, it may be forced to do so at a price that involves a large loss.

 SAI-5 

 

Under certain market conditions, it may also be difficult or impossible to manage the risk from open security futures positions by entering into an equivalent but opposite position in another contract month, on another market, or in the underlying security. This inability to take positions to limit the risk could occur, for example, if trading is halted across markets due to unusual trading activity in the security futures contract or the underlying security or due to recent news events involving the issuer of the underlying security.

 

There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when the Fund seeks to close out a futures contract position. The Fund would continue to be required to meet margin requirements until the position is closed, possibly resulting in a decline in the Fund’s NAV. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.

 

Security futures contracts that are not liquidated prior to expiration must be settled in accordance with the terms of the contract. Depending on the terms of the contract, some security futures contracts are settled by physical delivery of the underlying security. At the expiration of a security futures contract that is settled through physical delivery, a person who is long the contract must pay the final settlement price set by the regulated exchange or the clearing organization and take delivery of the underlying securities. Conversely, a person who is short the contract must make delivery of the underlying securities in exchange for the final settlement price. Settlement with physical delivery may involve additional costs.

 

Depending on the terms of the contract, other security futures contracts are settled through cash settlement. In this case, the underlying security is not delivered. Instead, any positions in such security futures contracts that are open at the end of the last trading day are settled through a final cash payment based on a final settlement price determined by the exchange or clearing organization. Once this payment is made, neither party has any further obligations on the contract.

 

As noted above, margin is the amount of funds that must be deposited by the Fund in order to initiate futures trading and to maintain the Fund’s open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to ensure the Fund’s performance of the futures contract. The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the futures contract is traded and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the futures contract.

 

If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the Fund. In computing its NAV, the Fund marks to market the current value of its open futures contracts. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its margin deposits.

 

Because of the low margin deposits required, futures contracts trading involves an extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in an immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would result in a total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were then closed out. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount initially invested in the futures contract. However, the Fund would presumably have sustained comparable losses if, instead of the futures contract, it had invested in the underlying financial instrument and sold it after the decline.

 

In addition to the foregoing, imperfect correlation between futures contracts and the underlying securities may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. Under certain market conditions, the prices of security futures contracts may not maintain their customary or anticipated relationships to the prices of the underlying security or index. These pricing disparities could occur, for example, when the market for the security futures contract is illiquid, when the primary market for the underlying security is closed, or when the reporting of transactions in the underlying security has been delayed.

 SAI-6 

 

In addition, the value of a position in security futures contracts could be affected if trading is halted in either the security futures contract or the underlying security. In certain circumstances, regulated exchanges are required by law to halt trading in security futures contracts. For example, trading on a particular security futures contract must be halted if trading is halted on the listed market for the underlying security as a result of pending news, regulatory concerns or market volatility. Similarly, trading of a security futures contract on a narrow-based security index must be halted under circumstances where trading is halted on securities accounting for at least 50% of the market capitalization of the index. In addition, regulated exchanges are required to halt trading in all security futures contracts for a specified period of time when the Dow Jones Industrial Average experiences one-day declines of 10%, 20% and 30%. The regulated exchanges may also have discretion under their rules to halt trading in other circumstances, such as when the exchange determines that the halt would be advisable in maintaining a fair and orderly market.

 

A trading halt, either by a regulated exchange that trades security futures or an exchange trading the underlying security or instrument, could prevent the Fund from liquidating a position in security futures contracts in a timely manner, which could expose the Fund to a loss.

 

Each regulated exchange trading a security futures contract may also open and close for trading at different times than other regulated exchanges trading security futures contracts or markets trading the underlying security or securities. Trading in security futures contracts prior to the opening or after the close of the primary market for the underlying security may be less liquid than trading during regular market hours.

 

Equity Swaps. In a typical equity swap, one party agrees to pay another party the return on a security, security index or basket of securities in return for a specified interest rate. By entering into an equity index swap, the index receiver can gain exposure to securities making up the index of securities without actually purchasing those securities. Equity index swaps involve not only the risk associated with investment in the securities represented in the index, but also the risk that the performance of such securities, including dividends, will not exceed the interest that the Fund will be committed to pay under the swap.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to its portfolio investments subject to the investment restrictions set forth herein. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price, date and interest payment. At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it may designate on its books and records liquid instruments having a value not less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest). If the Fund establishes and maintains such a segregated account, a reverse repurchase agreement will not be considered a borrowing by the Fund; however, under certain circumstances in which the Fund does not establish and maintain such a segregated account, such reverse repurchase agreement will be considered a borrowing for the purpose of the Fund’s limitation on borrowings. The use by the Fund of reverse repurchase agreements involves many of the same risks of leverage since the proceeds derived from such reverse repurchase agreements may be invested in additional securities. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities acquired in connection with the reverse repurchase agreement may decline below the price of the securities the Fund has sold but is obligated to repurchase. Also, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained in lieu of sale by the Fund in connection with the reverse repurchase agreement may decline in price.

 

If the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision. Also, the Fund would bear the risk of loss to the extent that the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement are less than the value of the securities subject to such agreement.

 SAI-7 

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a contractual agreement whereby the seller of securities agrees to repurchase the same security at a specified price on a future date agreed upon by the parties. The agreed-upon repurchase price determines the yield during the Fund’s holding period. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans collateralized by the underlying security that is the subject of the repurchase contract. The Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements with registered securities.

 

High Yield Securities

 

The Fund may invest in high yielding, fixed income securities rated below investment grade (e.g., rated below “Baa” by Moody’s or below “BBB” by S&P or Fitch). The Sub-Advisers anticipate investing in securities that are rated CCC or below or their equivalent, or are unrated fixed-income securities. Below investment grade securities are also sometimes referred to as “junk” securities.

 

Debt obligations rated in the lower ratings categories, or which are unrated, involve greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and income. In addition, lower ratings reflect a greater possibility of an adverse change in financial condition affecting the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal.

 

The market price and liquidity of lower rated fixed income securities generally respond to short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than do the price and liquidity of higher rated securities because such developments are perceived to have a more direct relationship to the ability of an issuer of such lower rated securities to meet its ongoing debt obligations.

 

Reduced volume and liquidity in the high yield bond market or the reduced availability of market quotations will make it more difficult to dispose of the bonds and to value accurately our assets. In addition, our investments in high yield securities may be susceptible to adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not justified by fundamental factors.

 

Investment Grade Bonds

 

The Fund may invest in a wide variety of fixed-income securities rated or determined by the Sub-Advisers to be investment grade quality that are issued by corporations and other non-governmental entities and issuers (“Investment Grade Bonds”). Investment Grade Bonds are considered from “extremely strong capacity to meet financial commitments” (AAA or Aaa) down to “adequate capacity to meet financial commitments but more subject to adverse economic conditions” (BBB or Baa). Investment Grade Bonds have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates and varying degrees of credit quality. The values of Investment Grade Bonds, like those of other fixed-income securities, may be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of an issuer. Some Investment Grade Bonds possess speculative characteristics, and may be more sensitive to economic changes and changes in the financial condition of issuers. The market prices of Investment Grade Bonds in the lowest investment grade categories may fluctuate more than higher-quality securities and may decline significantly in periods of general or regional economic difficulty. Investment Grade Bonds in the lowest investment grade categories may be thinly traded, making them difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. Investment Grade Bonds include certain investment grade quality asset-backed securities, and other hybrid securities and instruments that are treated as debt obligations for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 SAI-8 

 

Non-Diversified Status

 

The Fund does not meet the diversification requirements of the 1940 Act as in effect. Because the Fund is “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, it is subject only to certain federal tax diversification requirements. To comply with U.S. federal income tax requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company, the Fund’s investments will be limited in a manner such that at the close of each quarter of each taxable year, (a) no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets are invested (i) in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) of a single issuer or two or more issuers controlled (by owning 20% or more of their voting power) by the Fund and determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or (ii) in the securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined under Section 851(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) and (b) with regard to at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets are invested in cash, cash equivalents, government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, provided that with respect to such other securities, no more than 5% of the value of its total assets are invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) of a single issuer and no investment represents more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. These tax-related limitations may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees only to the extent appropriate in light of changes to applicable tax requirements.

 

Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it can invest a greater percentage of its assets in a single issuer or a group of issuers, and, as a result, may be subject to greater credit, market, and other risks than a diversified fund. The poor performance by a single issuer may have a greater impact on the performance of a non-diversified fund. A non-diversified fund’s shares tend to be more volatile than shares of a diversified fund and are more susceptible to the risks of focusing investments in a small number of issuers or industries, and the risks of a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

The Fund’s business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board, which has overall responsibility for monitoring and overseeing the Fund’s management and operations. The responsibilities of the Board include, among other things, the appointment of the Fund’s investment adviser and investment sub-advisers, oversight of the Fund’s investment activities, approving the valuation of the Fund’s assets, oversight of the Fund’s financing arrangements and corporate governance activities. The Board consists of 5 members (the “Trustees”), 3 of whom are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, of the Fund, the Adviser or of the Sub-Advisers and are “independent” as determined by the Board (the “Independent Trustees”). The Board elects our executive officers, who serve at the discretion of the Board.

 

Board of Trustees

 

Under our Declaration of Trust, each Trustee shall serve during the continued lifetime of the Fund and will not be subject to a term limit. The Trustees are subject to removal or replacement in accordance with Delaware law and the Declaration of Trust. The Trustees serving on the Board were elected by the organizational trustee of the Fund. The Fund does not intend to hold annual meetings of its shareholders.

 SAI-9 

 

Interested Trustees

 

The following Trustees are “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Interested Trustees”).

 

Name   Year of Birth   Trustee Since   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years  

Number of Portfolios in Principal Fund Complex(1)

Overseen by Trustee

  Other Directorships
Held by Trustee

David Thompson 

 

1963 

 

2019 

 

Mr. Thompson is a Principal and Chief Financial Officer of CIM. As a Principal, Mr. Thompson serves on CIM’s Investment Committee. He has also been Chief Executive Officer of CIM Commercial Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCT), a publicly-traded REIT managed by an affiliate of CIM Group, since March 2019. Previously, Mr. Thompson served as the Chief Financial Officer of CIM Commercial Trust from March 2014 to March 2019. 

 

 

None 

Bilal Rashid   1971   2019   Mr. Rashid is President of the OFS Sub-Adviser and a member of the investment and executive committees of the OFS Sub-Adviser. Mr. Rashid also serves as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of OFS Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: OFS), Hancock Park Corporate Income, Inc. and OFS Credit Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: OCCI), each of which is externally managed by OFS Capital Management.   3   OFS Capital Corporation and Hancock Park Corporate Income, Inc., each business development companies managed by the OFS Sub-Adviser, and OFS Credit Company, a registered investment company managed by the OFS Sub-Adviser.

 SAI-10 

 

Independent Trustees

 

The following Trustees are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act.

Name   Year of Birth   Trustee Since   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years   Number of Portfolios in Principal Fund Complex(1) Overseen by Trustee   Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
Stephen O. Evans   1945   2019  

Mr. Evans served as a member of the Board of Directors of CIM Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. (“CMFT”), a non-listed REIT that invests primarily in net lease core real estate assets as well as real estate loans and other credit investments, from December 2020 to December 2021. He served as a member of the board of directors of Cole Office & Industrial REIT(CCIT III), Inc.(“CCIT III”) from July 2016 until CCIT III’s merger with and into CMFT in December 2020. Since 2000, Mr. Evans has served as the president of Evans Realty Associates, a private real estate investment company.

  1   Communities Southwest, Inc., a private real estate developer in Arizona and California

Carol (“Lili”) Lynton 

 

1961 

 

2019 

 

Since 1992, Ms. Lynton has been an operating partner for The Dinex Group, which operates Daniel Boulud branded restaurants, and which she co-founded. Ms. Lynton serves as the chief investment officer of HD American Trust, a family investment office she started in 1987. Ms. Lynton currently serves as the President and Chief Financial Officer of Lezen Acquisition, LLC, owner of Arcadia Publishing Company. 

 

 1

 

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EPL); Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ: GLPI) 

Ashwin Ranganathan,   1969   2019  

Mr. Ranganathan is the Founder and CEO of Sikander Capital, a multi-asset family office focused on equity, venture capital and real estate, which he started in 2013.  Since January 2022, Mr. Ranganathan has been a director of OFS Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: OFS).  

  1   OFS Capital Corporation, a business development company managed by the OFS Sub-Adviser

 

 

(1)The Fund Complex includes the Fund, OFS Capital Corporation, Hancock Park Corporate Income Inc. and OFS Credit Company.

 

The address for each trustee is c/o CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010.

 SAI-11 

 

Experience of Trustees

 

Biographical Information

 

The following is information concerning the business experience of the Board and executive officers. Our trustees have been divided into two groups — Interested Trustees and Independent Trustees. The Board believes that, collectively, the trustees have balanced and diverse experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, which allow our Board to operate effectively in governing the Fund and protecting the interests of its shareholders. Below is a description of the various experiences, qualifications, attributes and/or skills with respect to each trustee considered by the Board.

 

Interested Trustees

 

David Thompson has been a trustee and Chief Executive Officer of the Fund since August 2019. He is also a Principal and Chief Financial Officer of CIM and serves on CIM’s Investment Committee, Valuation Committee and the ICCS. He has also served as CEO of CMCT since March 2019. Prior to joining CIM in November 2009, Mr. Thompson spent 15 years with Hilton Hotels Corporation, most recently as Senior Vice President and Controller. His experience includes billions of dollars of real estate acquisitions and dispositions in the hospitality, gaming and timeshare sectors, as well as significant capital markets experience. Mr. Thompson began his career as a C.P.A. in the Los Angeles office of Arthur Andersen & Co. Mr. Thompson received a B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California.

 

Bilal Rashid has been a trustee of the Fund since August 2019. Mr. Rashid is also President of the OFS Sub-Adviser and a member of the investment and executive committees of the OFS Sub-Adviser. In addition to his investment responsibilities, he is responsible for strategic initiatives and capital markets related activities. Mr. Rashid also serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of OFS Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: OFS), Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hancock Park Corporate Income, Inc. and Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of OFS Credit Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: OCCI), each of which is externally managed by OFS Capital Management.

 

Prior to joining OFS Capital Management in 2008, Mr. Rashid was a Managing Director in the Global Markets & Investment Banking (GMI) division at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Rashid has more than 25 years of experience in investment banking, debt capital markets and investing as it relates to corporate credit and structured credit, debt capital markets and investment banking. Over the years, he has advised and arranged financing for commercial finance companies including business development companies, banks, and asset management companies including hedge funds and private equity firms. Before joining Merrill Lynch, he was a Vice President at Natixis Capital Markets, which he joined in 2005 as part of a large team move from CIBC World Markets. Prior to CIBC, he worked as a Financial Analyst at Lehman Brothers and as an Investment Analyst in the project finance area at the International Finance Corporation, which is part of the World Bank. Mr. Rashid holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from Columbia University.

 

Independent Trustees

 

Stephen O. Evans has been a trustee of the Fund since August 2019. Mr. Evans also served as a member of the board of directors of CIM Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. from December 2020 to December 2021. Mr. Evans previously served as a member of the board of director of Cole Office & Industrial REIT (CCIT III), Inc. (“CCIT III”) from July 2016 to December 2020, having served as a member of its audit committee from July 2016 to December 2020 and as the chairman of its nominating and corporate governance committee and its valuation, compensation and affiliate transactions committee since August 2018 to December 2020. Mr. Evans previously served as CCIT III’s non-executive chairman of the board from July 2016 to August 2018. Since 2000, Mr. Evans has served as the president of Evans Realty Associates, a private real estate investment company. Mr. Evans previously served as an executive committee member and trustee of Equity Residential (EQR), a publicly-traded REIT, from 1998 to June 2010, and as Executive Vice President at Equity Residential from 1998 through 1999. In 1981, Mr. Evans co-founded and served as chief executive officer and chairman of Evans Withycombe Residential, a private multi-family housing investment, development and management company focused in Arizona and Southern California. In 1994, Evans Withycombe Residential (EWR) became a publicly-traded REIT and Mr. Evans served as its chief executive officer and chairman until its merger with Equity Residential in December 1997. Mr. Evans served as a director of the Biltmore Bank of Arizona from 2004 to December 2012, and currently serves as a director of Communities Southwest, a private land investment and development company. His business affiliations have included the Arizona Multi-Housing Association, Urban Land Institute, Lambda Alpha Land Economics Fraternity, National Multi-Housing Council and National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. Mr. Evans currently serves on the Board of Directors of the following non-profit organizations: Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona State University Foundation and Valley of the Sun United Way. Mr. Evans received a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA from Arizona State University.

 SAI-12 

 

Carol (“Lili”) Lynton has been a trustee of the Fund since August 2019. Since 1992, Ms. Lynton has been an operating partner for The Dinex Group, which operates Daniel Boulud branded restaurants, and which she co-founded. Furthermore, since 1987, Ms. Lynton has served as the chief investment officer of HD American Trust, a family investment office. In 1990, Ms. Lynton co-founded Telebank, an internet banking pioneer sold to E*Trade in 1999. From 1987 to 1990, Ms. Lynton was an investment analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein. From 1983 to 1985, Ms. Lynton was an M&A analyst at Lehman Brothers. Ms. Lynton has been a director of El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EPL) since 2016 and a director of Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ: GLPI) since 2019; and is an advisory board member for The Hamilton Project; a member of the boards of trustees for East Harlem Scholars Academy, East Harlem Scholars Academy II, and East Harlem Tutorial Program; a board member for The Bail Project; a board member for the New York City Hospitality Alliance; and a trustee of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. From 2009 to 2011, Ms. Lynton was a senior vice president with the New York City Investment Fund. Ms. Lynton holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

 

Ashwin Ranganathan has been a trustee of the Fund since August 2019. Mr. Ranganathan is the Founder and CEO of Sikander Capital, a multi-asset family office focused on equity, venture capital and real estate, which he started in 2013. Prior to that, he was a partner and managing director at Tudor Capital, a $13 billion global multi-strategy hedge fund, from 2005 until 2013, where he managed a $500 million Asia Pacific long/short equity portfolio, was co-portfolio manager of Tudor’s emerging markets fund and a member of the board of directors of Tudor Capital Singapore. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Ranganathan was a senior vice president and an equity partner at Oaktree Capital Management, a global asset management firm specializing in alternative investment strategies, where he served as head of the global emerging markets group. Mr. Ranganathan began his career at Goldman Sachs Asset Management in 1994, where he worked as a portfolio manager in the firm’s Hong Kong and Singapore offices until 2000 and helped to build its emerging markets equity business. Mr. Ranganathan has served as a member of the Board of Directors, as a member of the Audit Committee, Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee. and as Chairman of the Compensation of OFS Capital Corporation. a business development company managed by the OFS Sub-Adviser since January 2022. Mr. Ranganathan attended the Doon School in India and has bachelor’s degree in English Literature from St. Stephens College, Delhi University, and a master’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Exeter College, Oxford University. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. 

 

Share Ownership
Name of Trustee   Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund(1)(2)(3)
Interested Trustees   $—
Bilal Rashid   $—
David Thompson   $—
Independent Trustees    
Stephen O. Evans   $—
Carol (“Lili”) Lynton   $—
Ashwin Ranganathan   $—

 

 

(1)Dollar ranges are as follows: None, $1 – $10,000, $10,001 – $50,000, $50,001 – $100,000, or Over $100,000.
(2)Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Exchange Act.

(3)The dollar range of equity beneficially owned is based on the current NAV per Class I Share.
 SAI-13 

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

The Fund’s business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board. Among other things, the Board sets broad policies for the Fund and approves the appointment of the Fund’s investment adviser, investment sub-advisers, administrator and officers. The role of the Board, and of any individual Trustee, is one of oversight and not of management of the Fund’s day-to-day affairs.

 

Under the Declaration of Trust, the Chief Executive Officer, or if provided otherwise by the Board, any Trustee chosen by the Board may serve as chair to preside over meetings of the Board and meetings of shareholders and to perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Board. David Thompson will serve as chair of the Board and is an “interested person” by virtue of his role as our Chief Executive Officer.

 

The Board believes that while independent oversight of management is an important component of an effective board of trustees, the most effective leadership structure for the Fund at the present time is for Mr. Thompson to serve as the principal executive officer of the Fund and also serve as Chairman of the Board. The Independent Trustees believe that because Mr. Thompson is ultimately responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Fund and for executing the Fund’s strategy, and because the performance of the Fund is an integral part of Board deliberations, Mr. Thompson is the Trustee best qualified to act as Chairman of the Board. The Board retains the authority to modify this structure to best address the Fund’s unique circumstances, and to advance the best interests of all shareholders, as and when appropriate. In addition, although the Fund does not have a lead independent trustee, the Board believes that the current structure is appropriate, as the Fund has no employees and is externally managed by the Adviser, whereby all operations are conducted by the Adviser or its affiliates with the assistance from the Sub-Advisers.

 

The Fund recognizes that different board leadership structures are appropriate for companies in different situations. The Fund re-examines its corporate governance policies on an ongoing basis to ensure that they continue to meet its needs.

 

All of the Independent Trustees play an active role on the Board. The Independent Trustees compose a majority of the Board and will be closely involved in all material deliberations related to the Fund. The Board believes that, with these practices, each Independent Trustee has an equal involvement in the actions and oversight role of the Board and equal accountability to the Fund and its shareholders. The Independent Trustees are expected to meet separately and with the Fund’s chief compliance officer as part of at least one regular Board meeting each year.

 

The Board believes that its leadership structure is the optimal structure for the Fund at this time. The Board, which will review its leadership structure periodically as part of its annual self-assessment process, further believes that its structure is presently appropriate to enable it to exercise its oversight of the Fund.

 

Compensation of Trustees

 

The fees and expenses of the Trustees are paid by the Fund. Each Interested Trustee receives no compensation from the Fund. The Independent Trustees received from the Fund the amounts set forth below for the twelve months ending September 30, 2021.

 

Name of Trustee 

 

Compensation from the Fund

 

Total Compensation from the Fund and

Fund Complex Paid to Trustees

Independent Trustees:          
Stephen O. Evans  $50,000   $50,000 
Carol (“Lili”) Lynton  $50,000   $50,000 
Ashwin Ranganathan  $50,000   $50,000 
Interested Trustees:          
David Thompson  $—     $—   
Bilal Rashid  $—     $—   

 

The Fund pays every Independent Trustee an annual cash retainer fee, determined based on the Fund’s net assets as of the end of each fiscal quarter. Amounts payable under this arrangement are determined and paid quarterly in arrears as follows:

 SAI-14 

 

Net Asset Value   Annual Cash Retainer
$0 to $125 million   $50,000
$125 to $250 million   $75,000
> $250 million   $90,000

 

Board Committees

 

The Board currently has two committees: an audit committee (the “Audit Committee”) and a nominating and corporate governance committee (the “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee”).

 

Audit Committee. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a charter approved by the Board. The charter sets forth the responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The primary function of the Audit Committee is to serve as an independent and objective party to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for overseeing and monitoring the quality and integrity of the Fund’s financial statements, the adequacy of the Fund’s system of internal controls, the review of the independence, qualifications and performance of the Fund’s registered public accounting firm, and the performance of the Fund’s internal audit function. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include selecting the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing with such independent registered public accounting firm the planning, scope and results of its audit of the Fund’s financial statements, pre-approving the fees for services performed, reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the adequacy of internal control systems and reviewing the Fund’s financial statements and periodic reports. The current members of the Audit Committee are Stephen O. Evans, Carol (“Lili”) Lynton and Ashwin Ranganathan, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. The Board has elected Ms. Lynton as the chair of the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that Ms. Lynton qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under SEC rules.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for selecting, researching, and nominating trustees for election by the Fund’s shareholders, selecting nominees to fill vacancies on the Board or a committee of the Board, developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles and overseeing the evaluation of the Board and the Fund’s management. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider shareholders’ proposed nominations for trustees. Shareholders may recommend individuals to the nominating and corporate governance committee for consideration as potential trustee candidates by submitting their names, together with appropriate biographical information and background materials, to the nominating and corporate governance committee, c/o David Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, 4700 Wilshire Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Assuming that appropriate biographical and background material has been provided on a timely basis, the nominating and corporate governance committee will evaluate shareholder-recommended candidates by following substantially the same process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as it follows for candidates submitted by others. The current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Carol (“Lili”) Lynton and Ashwin Ranganathan, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. Mr. Ranganathan serves as the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board will oversee the Fund’s business and operations, including certain risk management functions. Risk management is a broad concept comprising many disparate elements (for example, investment risk, issuer and counterparty risk, compliance risk, operational risk, and business continuity risk). The Board will implement its risk oversight function both as a whole and through its committees. In the course of providing oversight, the Board and its committees will receive reports on the Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers’ activities, including reports regarding the Fund’s investment portfolio and financial accounting and reporting. The Board will also receive a quarterly report from the Fund’s chief compliance officer, who reports on the Fund’s compliance with the federal and state securities laws and the Fund’s internal compliance policies and procedures as well as those of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers, the Dealer Manager, the Distributor, the transfer agent and other service providers. The Audit Committee’s meetings with the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm will also contribute to its oversight of certain internal control risks. In addition, the Board will meet periodically with the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers to receive reports regarding the Fund’s operations, including reports on certain investment and operational risks, and the Independent Trustees will be encouraged to communicate directly with senior members of the Fund’s management. 

 SAI-15 

 

The Board believes that this role in risk oversight is appropriate. The Fund believes that it has robust internal processes in place and a strong internal control environment to identify and manage risks. However, not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified or eliminated, and some risks are beyond the control of the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and the Fund’s other service providers.

 

Officers of the Fund

 

Executive Officers Who are Not Trustees

 

Information regarding the Fund’s executive officers who are not Trustees is as follows:

 

Name   Year of Birth   Position(s) Held
Nathan D. DeBacker   1980   Chief Financial Officer
Stephen Altebrando   1977   Vice President, Portfolio Oversight
Jordan Dembo   1978   Secretary
Mukya S. Porter   1974   Chief Compliance Officer

 

The address for each executive officer is c/o CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010.

 

The following is information concerning the business experience of our officers:

 

Nathan D. DeBacker has served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Fund since August 2019. Mr. DeBacker is Managing Director of Finance & Accounting at CIM Group and has served as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of each of the public, non-listed REITs sponsored and managed by CIM Group (and, prior to its acquisition by CIM Group, Cole Capital) since August 2016, and as the Chief Financial Officer of CCO Capital, CIM's FINRA registered broker-dealer, from February 2018 until December 2020. Since March 2019, he has also served as Chief Financial Officer of CIM Commercial Trust (Nasdaq: CMCT), and has also served as Secretary since March 2020. From August 2016 to February 2018, Mr. DeBacker served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Cole REITs, of VEREIT. Mr. DeBacker was the principal at CFO Financial Services, LLC, a certified public accounting firm that provided accounting, payroll, tax, forecasting and planning, business valuation and investment advisory services to individuals and business organizations, from May 2014 until August 2016. Mr. DeBacker was also registered as an investment adviser representative with Archer Investment Corporation, an investment advisory firm that partners with accountants and CPAs to provide investment management solutions for their clients, from November 2015 until August 2016. From December 2005 until May 2014, Mr. DeBacker worked at Cole Capital, the predecessor to CCO Group, and, following the merger with VEREIT, most recently served as Vice President of real estate planning and analysis. From 2002 until 2005, Mr. DeBacker worked as an auditor for the independent public accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. DeBacker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona and is a Certified Public Accountant in Arizona.

 

Stephen Altebrando has served as Vice President, Portfolio Oversight of the Fund since October 2019. Mr. Altebrando is Vice President, Portfolio Oversight at CIM Group and is responsible for overseeing the composition, operations and investment priorities of the Fund and CIM Commercial Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCT), a publicly-traded REIT managed by an affiliate of CIM. Mr. Altebrando joined CIM Group in 2015 to oversee public capital markets across real estate and corporate credit strategies. Prior to joining CIM, he spent ten years as a senior research analyst covering the gaming, lodging and leisure sectors at Sidoti & Company, an institutional brokerage firm focused on small and mid-cap U.S. equities. Prior to his role as a sell-side securities analyst, Mr. Altebrando spent six years working in capital market roles at Schwab and the online division of Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette and Brokerage America. Mr. Altebrando earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Villanova University and received an MBA in Finance & Business Economics from the Fordham Graduate School of Business & Economics.

 

Jordan Dembo has served as the Secretary of the Fund since April 2020. Mr. Dembo is a Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer within CIM Group’s legal department. In this capacity, Mr. Dembo oversees fund formation, assists with corporate governance and compliance oversight, and provides general advice on other legal issues affecting CIM Group and its investments. Prior to joining CIM Group in November 2011, Mr. Dembo was a Senior Associate in the Real Estate Department for four years at the Los Angeles office of Katten Muchin Rosenman. Prior to that, from 2005 to 2007, Mr. Dembo was an Associate at Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP. Mr. Dembo holds a B.B.A. in Real Estate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received a J.D. from UCLA, graduating Order of the Coif. Mr. Dembo was named a rising star by Super Lawyers from 2009-2011.

 SAI-16 

 

Mukya S. Porter has served as Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund since August 2019. Ms. Porter is responsible for overseeing CIM’s compliance program and team of professionals. Prior to joining CIM, Ms. Porter served as a Senior Vice President of Compliance at Oaktree Capital Management. Her experience also includes roles at Pacific Investment Management Company, Morgan Stanley Global Wealth Management and Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Ms. Porter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Howard University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

 

The Adviser

 

The Adviser, CIM Capital IC Management, LLC, acts as the Fund’s investment adviser and is primarily responsible for determining the amount of the Fund’s total assets that are allocated to each of the Fund’s sub-advisers, and will review such allocation percentage on an ongoing basis and adjust the allocation percentage as necessary to best achieve the Fund’s investment objective. The Adviser also provides administrative and compliance oversight services to the Fund. Founded in 1994, CIM Group is a vertically-integrated owner and operator of urban real estate and real estate-related assets and infrastructure assets. Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a Japanese trading conglomerate, owns a 20% interest in CIM Group.

 

As of September 30, 2021, CIM Group, the parent company of the Adviser, has aggregate assets owned and operated of approximately $29.7 billion4 across multiple strategies but has not previously managed any registered investment companies. The Adviser will also furnish the Fund with office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the management of Fund operations.

 

The CIM Sub-Adviser

 

The Adviser has engaged the CIM Sub-Adviser, CIM Capital SA Management, LLC, which is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act, to act as investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has engaged the CIM Sub-Adviser to manage the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to Real Assets (except for CMBS).

 

The CIM Sub-Adviser has no prior experience serving as an investment adviser to a registered investment company.

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser

 

The Adviser has engaged the OFS Sub-Adviser, OFS Capital Management, LLC, which is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act, to act as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has engaged the OFS Sub-Adviser to manage the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio that is allocated to credit and credit-related investment opportunities, including, but not limited to, investments in Middle-Market companies, Broadly Syndicated Loans, investments in the debt and equity tranches of CLOs, opportunistic credit investments, including stressed and distressed credit situations, as well as CMBS, subject to oversight by the CIM Sub-Adviser.

 

As of September 30, 2021, the OFS Sub-Adviser had total assets under management of approximately $2.8 billion.

 

 

4 “Assets Owned and Operated” represents the aggregate assets owned and operated by CIM Group on behalf of partners (including where CIM contributes alongside for its own account) and co-investors, whether or not CIM has discretion, in each case without duplication.

 SAI-17 

 

Administrator

 

Under the Administration Agreement that the Fund has entered into with the Adviser (in its capacity as co-administrator), the Adviser will furnish us with the provision of clerical and other administrative services, including marketing, investor relations and accounting services and maintenance of certain books and records on our behalf. In addition, the Adviser (in its capacity as co-administrator) will perform the calculation and publication of our NAV and oversee the preparation and filing of our tax returns, the payment of our expenses and the performance oversight of various third party service providers.

 

Separately, ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (the “ALPS Administrator”), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203, serves as co-administrator and accounting agent of the Fund. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, the ALPS Administrator provides the Fund with certain administration and accounting services.

 

In accordance with the Administration Agreement, the Fund will reimburse the Adviser (in its capacity as co-administrator) for certain expenses incurred by it or its affiliates in connection with the administration of the Fund’s business and affairs. Separately, pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Fund will pay the ALPS Administrator the greater of a minimum fee of $230,000 or fees based on the annual net assets of the Fund plus out of pocket expenses (the “Administration Fee”) in connection with providing services to the Fund.

 SAI-18 

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers

 

The portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund also manage other registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts, as indicated below. The following table identifies, as of September 30, 2021: (i) the number of other registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts managed by each portfolio manager; (ii) the total assets of such companies, vehicles and accounts; and (iii) the number and total assets of such companies, vehicles and accounts that are subject to an advisory fee based on performance.

 

    Number of  Accounts     Assets of  Accounts  (in thousands)    

Number of Accounts Subject to a Performance Fee

    Assets  Subject to a Performance Fee  (in thousands)  
Richard Ressler*                                
Registered Investment Companies     0     $             $  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     66     $ 29,531,000       66     $ 29,531,000  
Other Accounts     1     $ 57,800       1     $ 57,800  
                                 
Avi Shemesh*                                
Registered Investment Companies     0     $             $  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     66     $ 29,531,000       66     $ 29,531,600  
Other Accounts     1     $ 57,800       1     $ 57,800  
                                 
Shaul Kuba*                                
Registered Investment Companies     0     $             $  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     66     $ 29,531,000       66     $ 29,531,000  
Other Accounts     1     $ 57,800       1     $ 57,800  
                                 
Bilal Rashid                                
Registered Investment Companies     3     $ 740,167       3     $ 740,167  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     12     $ 1,955,814       12     $ 1,955,814  
Other Accounts           $             $  
                                 
Jeffrey A. Cerny                                
Registered Investment Companies     3     $ 740,167       3     $ 740,167  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     12     $ 1,955,814       9     $ 1,955,814  
Other Accounts           $             $  
                                 
Kyde Sharp                                
Registered Investment Companies     2     $ 584,148       2     $ 584,148  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     5     $ 845,005       5     $ 845,005  
Other Accounts           $             $  
                                 
Kenneth A. Brown                                
Registered Investment Companies     1     $ 156,019       1     $ 156,019  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     12     $ 1,955,814       12     $ 1,955,814  
Other Accounts           $             $  
                                 
Glen Ostrander                                
Registered Investment Companies     3     $ 740,167       3     $ 740,167  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     12     $ 1,955,814       12     $ 1,955,814  
Other Accounts           $             $  

 SAI-19 

 

*

With respect to the CIM Sub-Advisor: figures represent the aggregate assets owned and operated by CIM Group on behalf of partners (including where CIM contributes alongside for its own account) and co-investors, whether or not CIM has discretion, in each case without duplication but exclude arrangements in which management responsibility is shared with an unaffiliated third party.

 

Portfolio Manager Compensation

 

Each Adviser’s investment personnel are not employed by the Fund and receive no direct compensation from the Fund in connection with their investment management activities.

 

Investment personnel of the Adviser and the CIM Sub-Adviser that are Principals are compensated with a base salary, profit participation and participation in the general partner’s carried interest, or adviser’s incentive fees, as applicable, earned with respect to funds managed by CIM Group and its affiliates. Non-Principal Investment professionals are compensated with a base salary plus bonus, which is determined by both the overall performance of the assets to which such investment professionals are assigned as well as their overall citizenship and contribution to the culture at CIM Group.

 

The OFS Sub-Adviser compensates its investment professionals through a base salary and a discretionary annual bonus based on a number of factors, including job performance, profitability of OFS Sub-Adviser and market conditions. Professional compensation at the OFS Sub-Adviser is structured so that key professionals benefit from strong investment performance generated on the accounts that the OFS Sub-Adviser manages and from their longevity with the OFS Sub-Adviser. In addition, certain of OFS Sub-Adviser’s Portfolio Managers have ownership and financial interests in, and may receive compensation and/or profit distributions from OFSAM and/or its subsidiaries. These individuals receive compensation from OFS Sub-Adviser that includes an annual base salary, an annual discretionary bonus and a portion of the distributions made by OFS Sub-Adviser, a portion of which may relate to incentive fees or carried interest earned by OFS Sub-Adviser in connection with its services.

 

Securities Ownership of Portfolio Managers

Name of Portfolio Manager   Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund(1)(2)(3)
Richard Ressler(4)   Over $1,000,000
Avi Shemesh(4)   Over $1,000,000
Shaul Kuba(4)   Over $1,000,000
Bilal Rashid   None
Jeffrey Cerny   None
Kyde Sharp   None
Kenneth A. Brown   None
Glen Ostrander   None

 

 

(1)Dollar ranges are as follows: None, $1 – $10,000, $10,001 – $50,000, $50,001 – $100,000, $100,001 – $500,000, $500,001 – $1,000,000 or Over $1,000,000.

 

(2)Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Exchange Act.

 

(3)The dollar range of equity beneficially owned is based on the current NAV per each class of Common Shares as of December 31, 2021.

 

(4)

These shares are owned directly by CIM RACR, LLC. CIM Group, LLC is the sole equity member of CIM RACR, LLC. Each of Richard Ressler, Avraham Shemesh and Shaul Kuba may be deemed to beneficially own all of these shares because of their positions with CIM Group, LLC. Each of them disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein, and the inclusion of these shares in this report shall not be deemed an admission of beneficial ownership of all of the reported shares for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act or for any other purpose.

 SAI-20 

 

Portfolio Managers Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

The Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and their respective affiliates will be subject to certain conflicts of interest with the portfolio managers. These conflicts will arise primarily from the involvement of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers, and the Fund Complex in other activities that may conflict with the Fund’s activities. Shareholders should be aware that individual conflicts will not necessarily be resolved in favor of the Fund’s interest.

 

Broad and Wide-Ranging Activities 

 

The Fund Complex, including the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, engage in a broad spectrum of activities. In the ordinary course of its business activities, the Fund Complex may engage in activities where the interests of certain divisions of the Fund Complex or the interests of its clients may conflict with the Fund’s and shareholders’ interests. Other present and future activities of the Fund Complex may give rise to additional conflicts of interest. In the event that a conflict of interest arises, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers will attempt to resolve such conflicts in a fair and equitable manner, subject to applicable law.

 

Policies and Procedures 

 

Specified policies and procedures implemented by the Fund Complex to mitigate potential conflicts of interest and address certain regulatory requirements and contractual restrictions reduce the synergies across the Fund Complex’s various businesses that the Fund expects to draw on for purposes of pursuing attractive investment opportunities. Because the Fund Complex has various asset management, advisory and other businesses, it is subject to a number of actual and potential conflicts of interest, greater regulatory oversight and more legal and contractual restrictions than that to which it would otherwise be subject if it had just one line of business. Additionally, the Fund Complex may limit the Fund and/or its portfolio companies from engagement in agreements with, or related to, companies of an Other Account (defined below) and/or from time to time restrict or otherwise limit the ability of the Fund and/or its portfolio companies to engage in businesses or activities competitive with such companies of Other Accounts, either as a result of contractual restrictions or otherwise. Finally, the Fund Complex has in the past and is likely in the future to enter into one or more strategic relationships in certain regions or with respect to certain types of investments that, although possibly intended to provide greater opportunities for the Fund, may require the Fund to share such opportunities or otherwise limit the amount of an opportunity the Fund can otherwise take.

 

Allocation of Personnel

 

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers and their respective officers, managers, members and employees will devote as much of their time to the Fund’s activities as the Adviser and Sub-Advisers deem necessary and appropriate. Subject to the terms of the applicable offering and/or governing documents, affiliates of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers expect to form additional investment funds, enter into other investment advisory relationships and engage in other business activities, even though such activities may be in competition with the Fund and/or may involve substantial time and resources of the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers. These activities could be viewed as creating a conflict of interest in that the time and effort of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers and their respective officers, managers, members and employees will not be devoted exclusively to the Fund’s business but will be allocated between the Fund’s business and the management of the assets of other clients of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers.

 

Material Non-Public Information

 

The Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or certain of their respective affiliates may come into possession of material non-public information with respect to a borrower or an issuer (or an affiliate). Should this occur, the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers would be restricted from buying or selling securities, derivatives or loans of the borrower or the issuer on behalf of the Fund until such time as the information became public or was no longer deemed material to preclude the Fund from participating in an investment. Disclosure of such information to the personnel responsible for the Fund’s affairs will be limited. Therefore, the Fund may not have access to material non-public information in the possession of the Fund Complex which might be relevant to an investment decision to be made on the Fund’s behalf, and the Adviser or Sub-Advisers may initiate a transaction or sell an investment which, if such information had been known to it, may not have been undertaken. Due to these restrictions, the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers may not be able to initiate a transaction that it otherwise might have initiated and may not be able to sell an investment that it otherwise might have sold.

 SAI-21 

 

To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations and other guidelines of the SEC, the Fund may invest in private and public vehicles sponsored by affiliates of the Adviser and Sub-Advisers. To the extent that the Adviser or Sub-Advisers, as the case may be, were to come into possession of material non-public information relevant to an investment decision in connection with a potential investment or sale of securities of a private or public vehicle sponsored by an affiliate of the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers, the Fund may be precluded from making such investment or sale.

 

Possible Future Activities

 

Affiliates of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers may expand the range of services that they provide over time and will not be restricted in the scope of their business or in the performance of any such services (whether now offered or undertaken in the future) even if such activities could give rise to conflicts of interest, and whether or not such conflicts are described herein. The Fund Complex has, and will continue to develop, relationships with a significant number of companies, financial sponsors and their senior managers, including relationships with clients who may hold or may have held investments similar to those intended to be made by the Fund. These clients may themselves represent appropriate investment opportunities for the Fund or may compete with the Fund for investment opportunities.

 

Proxy Voting Policies

 

The Board has delegated the voting of proxies for Fund securities to the Adviser, with assistance from the Sub-Advisers as appropriate. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the Adviser are set forth below. The guidelines are reviewed periodically by the Adviser and the Fund’s trustees who are not “interested persons,” and, accordingly, are subject to change.

 

Introduction

 

As an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act, the Adviser has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, the Adviser recognizes that it must vote client securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of its clients.

 

These policies and procedures for voting proxies for the Adviser’s investment advisory clients are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act.

 

Proxy Policies

 

The Adviser votes proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio securities in what the Adviser perceives to be the best interest of its clients. The Adviser reviews on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted to a shareholder vote to determine its effect on the portfolio securities held by its clients. In most cases the Adviser will vote in favor of proposals that the Adviser believes are likely to increase the economic value of the underlying portfolio securities held by the Adviser’s clients. Although the Adviser will generally vote against proposals that may have a negative effect on its clients’ portfolio securities, the Adviser may vote for such a proposal if there exist compelling long-term reasons to do so.

 

The Adviser’s proxy voting decisions are made by those senior officers who are responsible for monitoring each of its clients’ investments. When appropriate, the Adviser will solicit assistance from senior officers of the applicable Sub-Adviser in making proxy voting decisions. To ensure that the Adviser’s vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, the Adviser requires that (1) anyone involved in the decision-making process disclose to the Adviser’s chief compliance officer any potential conflict that he or she is aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any interested party regarding a proxy vote; and (2) employees involved in the decision-making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how the Adviser intends to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties. Where conflicts of interest may be present, the Adviser will disclose such conflicts to its client, including with respect to the Fund, the Independent Trustees and the Adviser may request guidance from such persons on how to vote such proxies for their account.

 SAI-22 

 

Proxy Voting Records

 

You may obtain information about how the Adviser voted proxies for the Fund, free of charge, by making a written request for proxy voting information to: CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010, Attention: Shareholder Relations, or by calling the Fund at (866) 907-2653. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains such information.

 

Codes of Ethics

 

The Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers, the Dealer Manager, and the Distributor have each adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. These codes govern personal trading by Fund, Adviser and Sub-Advisers and Distributor personnel, respectively. Among other requirements, the codes require certain persons to report certain of their personal securities transactions and holdings (in reportable securities) to the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or the Fund, and the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and the Fund are required to review such reports. The Fund’s code permits the Fund’s personnel to trade in securities, but prohibits insider trading. These codes of ethics are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Web site (http://www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

 

Since the Fund intends to generally acquire and dispose of its investments in privately negotiated transactions, it expects to infrequently use brokers in the normal course of its business. Subject to policies established by the Board, the CIM Sub-Adviser will be responsible for the execution of the publicly-traded securities portion of the Fund’s portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage commissions. The CIM Sub-Adviser will seek to obtain the best net results for the Fund, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While the CIM Sub-Adviser will generally seek reasonably competitive trade execution costs, the Fund will not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements, the CIM Sub-Adviser may select a broker based partly upon brokerage or research services provided to it and the Fund and any other clients. In return for such services, the Fund may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if the CIM Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

The following table sets forth, as of the date of the SAI, information with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Shares by:

 

each Trustee and executive officer;

 

all of the Trustees and executive officers as a group; and

 

each person known by the Fund to beneficially own 5% or more of the outstanding Common Shares.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the applicable rules of the SEC. There are no Common Shares subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of the SAI.

 SAI-23 

 

    Shares Beneficially Owned  
Name(1)   Class I     Class A     Class C     Class L     Percentage of Total Outstanding Shares(3)  
5% Holders:                                        
CIM RACR, LLC     344,067       4,000       4,000       4,000       7 %
Richard Ressler(2)     348,067       4,000       4,000       4,000       7 %
Avraham Shemesh(2)     348,067       4,000       4,000       4,000       7 %
Shaul Kuba(2)     348,067       4,000       4,000       4,000       7 %
Interested Trustees:                                        
David Thompson                             N/A  
Bilal Rashid                             N/A  
Independent Trustees:                                        
Stephen O. Evans                             N/A  
Carol (“Lili”) Lynton                             N/A  
Ashwin Ranganathan                             N/A  
Executive Officers Who Are Not Trustees:                                        
Nathan D. DeBacker                             N/A  
All trustees and executive officers as a group (6 persons)                             N/A  

 

 

*Less than one percent.
(1)The address of each beneficial owner is c/o CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010.
(2)

The reported shares are owned directly by CIM RACR, LLC. CIM Group, LLC is the sole equity member of CIM RACR, LLC. Each of Richard Ressler, Avraham Shemesh and Shaul Kuba may be deemed to beneficially own all of these shares because of their positions with CIM Group, LLC. Each of them disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent of his indirect pecuniary interest therein.

(3) Based on a total of 4,845,692 of the Fund’s Common Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021.

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The financial statements included in this SAI have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein. Such financial statements are included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT

 

The custodian of the assets of the Fund will be US Bank, National Association, located at 190 S. LaSalle Street, 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603. DST Systems, Inc., located at 333 W. 11th Street, 5th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64105, will serve as the Fund’s transfer agent and dividend paying agent with respect to the Common Shares.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto, relating to the Common Shares offered hereby, has been filed by the Fund with the SEC. The prospectus and this SAI do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, such as the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Fund and the Common Shares offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement. Statements contained in the prospectus and this SAI as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. A copy of the Registration Statement is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov. 

SAI-24
 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (the “Fund”) as of September 30, 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2021 and the consolidated statement of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the year ended September 30, 2021 and for the period May 5, 2020 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2020, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of September 30, 2021, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2021, and the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for the year ended September 30, 2021 and for the period May 5, 2020 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Los Angeles, California

November 24, 2021

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in CIM Group Investment Company Complex since 2019.

F-1 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund

Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2021

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2021

 

   Maturity Date  Rate  Principal   Value 
Bank Loans (8.46%)(a)              
Consumer, Non-cyclical (2.27%)              
MedMark Services, Inc., Delayed Draw Term Loan(b)  06/11/2028  3M US L + 8.50%  $189,394   $188,447 
MedMark Services, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan(b)  06/11/2028  3M US L + 8.50%   378,788    376,894 
RC Buyer, Inc., Second Lien Initial Term Loan(b)  07/30/2029  3M US L + 6.75%   1,016,949    1,018,221 
Spring Education Group, Inc., Second Lien Initial Term Loan(b)  07/30/2026  3M US L + 8.25%   430,240    424,862 
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical              2,008,424 
                 
Industrial (0.87%)                
Energy Acquisition LP, Second Lien Initial Term Loan(b)  06/26/2026  2M US L + 8.50%   500,000    472,500 
Pelican Products, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan(b)  05/01/2026  3M US L + 7.75%   293,750    290,078 
Total Industrial              762,578 
                 
Services, Business (1.69%)                
Avision Intermediate Holdings, LLC, First Amendment Term Loan(b)  07/10/2025  L + 8.50%   492,500    488,708 
Convergint Technologies LLC, Second Lien Term Loan(b)  03/30/2029  1M US L + 6.75%   999,970    1,007,470 
Total Services, Business              1,496,178 
                 
Technology (3.63%)                
Redstone HoldCo 2 LP, Second Lien Initial Term Loan  04/27/2029  3M US L + 7.75%   800,000    782,000 
RumbleON, Inc., First Lien Term Loan(b)  08/31/2026  0.00%   2,500,000    2,428,775 
Total Technology              3,210,775 
                 
TOTAL BANK LOANS (Cost $7,384,083)              7,477,955 
               
Collateralized Loan Obligations - Debt (18.62%)(a)              
Allegro CLO XII, Ltd., Class E(c)  01/21/2032  3M US L + 7.10%   1,000,000    1,001,717 
Barings Middle Market CLO, Ltd. 2021-I, Class D(c)  07/20/2033  3M US L + 8.65%   1,000,000    1,008,163 
Flatiron CLO 20, Ltd., Class E(c)  11/20/2033  3M US L + 7.85%   500,000    510,524 
Ivy Hill Middle Market Credit Fund XVIII, Ltd., Class E(c)  04/22/2033  3M US L + 7.75%   2,000,000    1,923,938 
LCM 31, Ltd., Class E(c)  01/20/2032  3M US L + 7.08%   1,250,000    1,255,955 
Madison Park Funding XLVII, Ltd., Class E(c)  01/19/2034  3M US L + 7.46%   600,000    610,991 
MCF CLO VII LLC, Class ER(c)  07/20/2033  3M US L + 9.15%   2,500,000    2,542,316 
Monroe Capital Mml Clo X, Ltd., Class E(c)  08/20/2031  3M US L + 8.85%   2,050,000    2,049,745 
Northwoods Capital 25, Ltd., Class E(c)  07/20/2034  3M US L + 7.14%   2,250,000    2,193,743 
OCP CLO 2020-20, Ltd., Class E(c)  10/09/2033  3M US L + 7.66%   500,000    507,133 
Regatta Funding LP 2013-2A, Class DR2(c)  01/15/2029  3M US L + 6.95%   400,000    395,926 
Saratoga Investment Corp. CLO 2013-1, Ltd., Class F1R3(c)  04/20/2033  3M US L + 10.00%   2,000,000    1,955,915 
VCP CLO II, Ltd., Class E(c)  04/15/2031  3M US L + 8.40%   500,000    506,278 
TOTAL COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS - DEBT (Cost $16,144,715)         16,462,344 

 

 

F-2 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2021

 

   Maturity Date  Rate  Principal   Value 
Collateralized Loan Obligations - Equity (9.97%)(a)(d)             
Apex Credit Clo 2021, Ltd., Class SUB(c)  07/18/2034  Estimated yield of 14.53%  $2,980,000   $2,421,622 
Atlas Senior Loan Fund XVII, Ltd., Class SUB(b)(c)  10/20/2034  15.68%   3,000,000    2,400,000 
LCM 31, Ltd., Class INC(c)  01/20/2032  15.49%   250,000    216,617 
Marble Point CLO XXI, Ltd., Class INC(c)  10/17/2034  14.36%   2,750,000    2,342,255 
Trinitas Clo VIII, Ltd., Class SUB(c)  07/20/2031  14.28%   2,300,000    1,436,058 
TOTAL COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS - EQUITY (Cost $8,866,202)           8,816,552 
                 
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (6.84%)             
Campus Drive Secured Lease-Backed Pass-Through Trust, Series C(b)(c)  06/15/2058  6.91%   3,688,087    3,598,833 
CSMC 2020-TMIC, Class C(a)(c)  11/15/2023  1M US L + 6.75%   400,000    413,561 
TWO VA Repack Trust Class B-2, Series B2(b)(c)(e)  11/15/2033  0.00%   1,811,000    768,951 
VA Gilbert AZ Subordinated Note Lease-Backed Pass- Through Trust(b)(c)  03/15/2034  13.00%   191,065    261,243 
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust 2021-FCMT, Class F(a)(c)  05/15/2031  1M US L + 5.90%   1,000,000    1,004,298 
TOTAL COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Cost $5,308,708)           6,046,886 
                 
Direct Real Estate (18.65%)(a)             
EPIC Dallas(b)(f)(g)  N/A  N/A   N/A    11,371,495 
Vale at the Parks - DC(b)(f)(g)  N/A  N/A   N/A    5,123,605 
Total              16,495,100 
                 
TOTAL DIRECT REAL ESTATE (Cost $15,222,473)           16,495,100 
                 
Real Estate-Related Securities (16.53%)(a)             
Mortgage Securities (11.03%)             
Society Las Olas - PMG-Greybook Riverfront I LLC(b)  10/07/2023  1.47%   9,886,684    9,751,102 
                 
Preferred Units (5.50%)             
Society Las Olas - 301 SW 1st Avenue Holdings LLC(b)  09/23/2023  8.80%   4,867,648    4,867,648 
                 
TOTAL REAL ESTATE-RELATED SECURITIES (Cost $14,618,750)           14,618,750 
                 
Loan Accumulation Facility (2.83%)(a)(d)             
Atlas Senior Loan Fund XVII, Ltd.  05/21/2022  13.50%   2,500,000    2,500,000 
TOTAL LOAN ACCUMULATION FACILITY (Cost $2,500,000)        2,500,000 

 

F-3 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2021

 

   Shares   Value 
Common Stocks (2.84%)        
CIM Commercial Trust Corp.(f)   277,221   $2,511,622 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $2,117,451)        2,511,622 
           
Warrants (0.12%)          
RumbleON, Inc., Expires 2/23/2023, Strike Price $33.00(b)   7,576    107,000 
TOTAL WARRANTS (Cost $83,469)        107,000 
           
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 84.86% (Cost $72,245,851)       $75,036,209 
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities 15.14%        13,389,404 
NET ASSETS (100.00%)       $88,425,613 

 

(a)Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described above. The rate in effect as of September 30, 2021 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the security's last reset date.
(b)Fair value of this security was determined using significant, unobservable inputs and was determined in good faith under the procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
(c)Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Total market value of Rule 144A securities amounts to $31,325,782, which represented approximately 35.43% of net assets as of September 30, 2021. Such securities may normally be sold to qualified institutional buyers in transactions exempt from registration.
(d)CLO subordinated notes are residual positions in the CLO vehicle. CLO subordinated notes are entitled to distributions that are generally equal to the residual cash flows of the underlying securities less contractual payments to debt holders and fund expenses. The effective yield is estimated based upon the amount and timing of these distributions in addition to the estimated amount of terminal distribution. Effective yields for the CLO equity positions are updated generally once a quarter in connection with a transaction, such as an add-on purchase, refinancing or reset. The estimated yield and investment cost may ultimately not be realized. Estimated yields are periodically adjusted based on information reported by the CLO as of the date of determination.
(e)Zero coupon bond.
(f)Affiliated investments pursuant to the 1940 Act. See Note 5 for more information.
(g)Non-income producing investment.

 

Other than as described above, we do not "control" and are not an "affiliate" of any of our portfolio investments, each as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). In general, under the 1940 Act, we would be presumed to "control" a portfolio investment if we owned 25% or more of its voting securities and would be an "affiliate" of a portfolio investment if we owned 5% or more of its voting securities.

 

Investment Abbreviations:

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate

 

Reference Rates:

1M US L - 1 Month LIBOR as of September 30, 2021 was 0.08%

2M US L - 2 Month LIBOR as of September 30, 2021 was 0.11%

3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of September 30, 2021 was 0.13%

6M US L - 6 Month LIBOR as of September 30, 2021 was 0.16%

12M US L - 12 Month LIBOR as of September 30, 2021 was 0.24%

 

F-4 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2021

 

TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS(a)

 

Counterparty  Reference Entity/Obligation  Notional Amount   Fund Pays  Termination Date  Value   Net Unrealized Appreciation 
Citibank, N.A.  1011778 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, 1M US L + 1.75  $194,192   3M US L + 1.35%  11/19/2026  $194,940   $748 
Citibank, N.A.  Acrisure LLC, 3M US L + 3.75(b)   552,558   3M US L + 1.35%  02/15/2027   556,979    4,421 
Citibank, N.A.  ADMI Corp., 1M US L + 3.50   802,419   3M US L + 1.35%  12/23/2027   807,028    4,609 
Citibank, N.A.  Aegion Corp., 3M US L + 4.75(b)   264,474   3M US L + 1.35%  05/17/2028   265,461    987 
Citibank, N.A.  AHP Health Partners, Inc., 1M US + L 3.50(b)   185,116   3M US L + 1.35%  08/24/2028   186,803    1,687 
Citibank, N.A.  Allen Media LLC, 3M US L + 5.50   727,899   3M US L + 1.35%  02/10/2027   736,402    8,503 
Citibank, N.A.  Allen Media LLC, 3M US L + 5.50   800,689   3M US L + 1.35%  02/10/2027   810,042    9,353 
Citibank, N.A.  AP Core Holdings II LLC, 1M US + 5.50(b)   779,234   3M US L + 1.35%  09/01/2027   795,715    16,481 
Citibank, N.A.  Arches Buyer, Inc., 1M US L + 3.25   602,540   3M US L + 1.35%  12/06/2027   603,035    495 
Citibank, N.A.  Axalta Coating Systems Dutch Holding B B.V., 3M US L + 1.75   122,328   3M US L + 1.35%  06/01/2024   122,627    299 
Citibank, N.A.  Bakemark Holdings, Inc. TL 1L, M US L + 4.00(b)   497,500   3M US L + 1.35%  09/05/2028   500,000    2,500 
Citibank, N.A.  Bausch Health Americas, Inc., 1M US L + 3.00   1,003,344   3M US L + 1.35%  06/02/2025   1,005,350    2,006 
Citibank, N.A.  Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc., 1M US L + 3.00   195,083   3M US L + 1.35%  06/15/2025   195,716    633 
Citibank, N.A.  Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., 1M US L + 2.00   545,882   3M US L + 1.35%  06/24/2028   547,824    1,942 
Citibank, N.A.  Caesars Resort Collection LLC, 1M US L + 2.75   593,915   3M US L + 1.35%  12/23/2024   594,127    212 
Citibank, N.A.  Caesars Resort Collection LLC, 1M US L + 3.50   498,740   3M US L + 1.35%  07/21/2025   499,743    1,003 
Citibank, N.A.  CHG Healthcare Services, Inc., 3M US L + 3.50   351,176   3M US L + 1.35%  09/29/2028   353,887    2,711 
Citibank, N.A.  Core & Main LP, 1M US L + 2.50   415,625   3M US L + 1.35%  07/27/2028   415,713    88 
Citibank, N.A.  Corel Corp., 3M US L + 5.00   538,679   3M US L + 1.35%  07/02/2026   541,035    2,356 
Citibank, N.A.  DexKo Global Inc., Delayed TL, 3M US L + 3.75(b)   131,282   3M US L + 1.35%  09/22/2028   131,337    55 
Citibank, N.A.  DexKo Global Inc., TLB, 3M US L + 3.75 (b)   687,508   3M US L + 1.35%  09/22/2028   689,517    2,009 
Citibank, N.A.  DG Investment Intermediate Holdings 2, Inc., 1M US L + 3.75   1,001,842   3M US L + 1.35%  03/31/2028   1,004,267    2,425 
Citibank, N.A.  DG Investment Intermediate Holdings 2, Inc., 1M US L + 3.75   209,810   3M US L + 1.35%  03/31/2028   211,003    1,193 
Citibank, N.A.  DIRECTV Financing LLC, 3M US L + 5.00   1,105,752   3M US L + 1.35%  08/02/2027   1,110,172    4,420 
Citibank, N.A.  Gainwell Acquisition Corp., 3M US L + 4.00   298,420   3M US L + 1.35%  10/01/2027   298,867    447 
Citibank, N.A.  Garda World Security Corp., 1M US L + 4.25   343,428   3M US L + 1.35%  10/30/2026   343,583    155 
Citibank, N.A.  Help/Systems Holdings, Inc., 3M US L + 4.00   497,475   3M US L + 1.35%  11/19/2026   499,029    1,554 
Citibank, N.A.  ICON Luxembourg SARL, 3M US L + 2.50   297,956   3M US L + 1.35%  07/03/2028   300,783    2,827 
Citibank, N.A.  ICON Luxembourg SARL, 3M US L + 2.50   74,236   3M US L + 1.35%  07/03/2028   74,940    704 
Citibank, N.A.  KKR Apple Bidco LLC, 1M US L + 3.00   831,667   3M US L + 1.35%  09/22/2028   833,629    1,962 
Citibank, N.A.  Liftoff Mobile, Inc., 3M US L + 3.75(b)   498,203   3M US L + 1.35%  10/02/2028   498,908    704 
Citibank, N.A.  Madison IAQ LLC, 6M US L + 3.25   651,545   3M US L + 1.35%  06/21/2028   656,560    5,015 
Citibank, N.A.  Magenta Buyer LLC, 3M US L + 5.00   808,683   3M US L + 1.35%  07/27/2028   812,836    4,153 
Citibank, N.A.  McGraw-Hill Education, Inc., 1M US L + 4.75   885,789   3M US L + 1.35%  07/28/2028   898,570    12,781 
Citibank, N.A.  MH Sub I LLC, 1M US L + 3.75   248,010   3M US L + 1.35%  09/13/2024   248,422    412 
Citibank, N.A.  Mozart Debt Merger Sub, Inc., 3M US L + 3.25(b)   872,266   3M US L + 1.35%  09/30/2028   875,442    3,176 
Citibank, N.A.  Pelican Products, Inc., 6M US L + 3.50(b)   593,931   3M US L + 1.35%  05/01/2025   596,172    2,241 
Citibank, N.A.  PetSmart LLC, 6M US L + 3.75   601,125   3M US L + 1.35%  02/11/2028   602,142    1,017 
Citibank, N.A.  Plaze, Inc., 1M US L + 4.25(b)   794,499   3M US L + 1.35%  08/03/2026   794,833    334 
Citibank, N.A.  Prestige Brands, Inc., 1M US L + 2.00   298,500   3M US L + 1.35%  07/03/2028   300,093    1,593 
Citibank, N.A.  Pretium PKG Holdings, Inc., 6M US L + 4.00   279,298   3M US L + 1.35%  10/02/2028   281,382    2,084 
Citibank, N.A.  Proofpoint, Inc., 3M US L + 3.25   711,071   3M US L + 1.35%  08/31/2028   711,429    358 
Citibank, N.A.  Ring Container Technologies Group LLC, 3M US L + 3.75   234,706   3M US L + 1.35%  08/12/2028   235,853    1,147 
Citibank, N.A.  Rough Country, LLC TL 1L, 2M US L + 3.50(b)   1,281,460   3M US L + 1.35%  07/26/2028   1,284,671    3,211 
Citibank, N.A.  Ryan Specialty Group LLC, 1M US L + 3.00   198,330   3M US L + 1.35%  09/01/2027   198,446    116 
Citibank, N.A.  Sitel Worldwide Corporation, 3M US L + 3.75(b)   682,286   3M US L + 1.35%  07/28/2028   687,429    5,143 
Citibank, N.A.  Sovos Brands Intermediate, Inc., 3M US L + 3.75(b)   223,707   3M US L + 1.35%  06/02/2028   224,781    1,074 

 

F-5 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2021

 

TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS(a) (continued)

 

Counterparty  Reference Entity/Obligation  Notional Amount   Fund Pays  Termination Date  Value   Net Unrealized Appreciation 
Citibank, N.A.  SRS Distribution Inc., 6M US L + 3.75  $363,110   3M US L + 1.35%  06/02/2028  $366,234   $3,124 
Citibank, N.A.  Sunshine Luxembourg VII S.A.R.L., 3M US L + 3.75   971,034   3M US L + 1.35%  10/01/2026   972,735    1,701 
Citibank, N.A.  Sunshine Software Merger Sub, Inc., 3M US L + 3.75 (b)   692,876   3M US L + 1.35%  09/21/2028   695,173    2,297 
Citibank, N.A.  Teneo Holdings LLC, 1M US L + 5.25   708,906   3M US L + 1.35%  07/12/2025   710,833    1,927 
Citibank, N.A.  TGP Holdings III LLC, 3M US L + 3.00   510,422   3M US L + 1.35%  06/29/2028   513,631    3,209 
Citibank, N.A.  TGP Holdings III LLC, 3M US L + 3.00   67,302   3M US L + 1.35%  06/29/2028   67,726    424 
Citibank, N.A.  TransDigm, Inc., 1M US L + 2.25   194,104   3M US L + 1.35%  05/30/2025   194,808    705 
Citibank, N.A.  U.S. Anesthesia Partners, Inc., TL, 3M US L + 4.25   945,743   3M US L + 1.35%  09/22/2028   953,094    7,351 
Citibank, N.A.  Unified Women’s Healthcare LP, 1M US L + 4.25(b)   1,243,750   3M US L + 1.35%  12/20/2027   1,253,593    9,843 
Citibank, N.A.  VT Topco, Inc., 1M US L + 3.75(b)   186,453   3M US L + 1.35%  08/10/2025   187,332    879 
Citibank, N.A.  Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co., 3M US L + 4.00   1,057,626   3M US L + 1.35%  03/02/2028   1,061,813    4,187 
Citibank, N.A.  WW International, Inc., 1M US L + 3.50   1,237,108   3M US L + 1.35%  04/13/2028   1,237,252    144 
Citibank, N.A.  Xperi Holding Corp., 1M US L + 3.50   982,562   3M US L + 1.35%  06/02/2025   986,266    3,704 
      $34,175,174         $34,338,013   $162,839 

 

Counterparty  Reference Entity/Obligation  Notional Amount   Fund Pays  Termination Date  Value   Net Unrealized Depreciation 
Citibank, N.A.  Academy, Ltd., 1M US L + 3.75  $875,057   3M US L + 1.35%  11/05/2027  $873,563   $(1,494)
Citibank, N.A.  Acrisure LLC, 3M US L + 3.50   594,731   3M US L + 1.35%  02/15/2027   592,492    (2,239)
Citibank, N.A.  Applovin Corp., 1M US L + 3.25   197,069   3M US L + 1.35%  08/15/2025   196,946    (123)
Citibank, N.A.  Aramark Intermediate HoldCo Corp., 1M US L + 1.75   197,839   3M US L + 1.35%  03/11/2025   196,062    (1,777)
Citibank, N.A.  Asurion LLC, 1M US L + 3.00   195,931   3M US L + 1.35%  11/03/2024   195,100    (831)
Citibank, N.A.  Autokiniton US Holdings, Inc., 12M US L + 4.50   1,097,860   3M US L + 1.35%  04/06/2028   1,095,794    (2,066)
Citibank, N.A.  CCRR Parent, Inc., 3M US L + 3.75(b)   583,139   3M US L + 1.35%  03/06/2028   582,593    (546)
Citibank, N.A.  Charter Next Generation, Inc., 1M US L + 3.75   499,468   3M US L + 1.35%  12/01/2027   499,172    (296)
Citibank, N.A.  City Brewing Co. LLC, 3M US L + 3.50(b)   223,333   3M US L + 1.35%  04/05/2028   220,648    (2,685)
Citibank, N.A.  Connect Finco Sarl, 1M US L + 3.50   745,566   3M US L + 1.35%  12/12/2026   745,119    (447)
Citibank, N.A.  Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc., 6M US L + 3.75   168,535   3M US L + 1.35%  04/22/2027   168,264    (271)
Citibank, N.A.  CP Atlas Buyer, Inc., 1M US L + 3.75   745,769   3M US L + 1.35%  11/23/2027   744,937    (832)
Citibank, N.A.  KNS Acquisition Corp., 3M US L + 6.25(b)   600,000   3M US L + 1.35%  04/21/2027   598,503    (1,497)
Citibank, N.A.  LBM Acquisition LLC, 3M US L + 3.75   745,605   3M US L + 1.35%  12/18/2027   740,685    (4,920)
Citibank, N.A.  LogMeIn, Inc., 1M US L + 4.75   696,724   3M US L + 1.35%  08/31/2027   696,484    (240)
Citibank, N.A.  MA FinanceCo LLC, 3M US L + 4.25   245,883   3M US L + 1.35%  06/05/2025   245,768    (115)
Citibank, N.A.  Midwest Physician Administrative Services LLC, 3M US L + 3.25   1,155,188   3M US L + 1.35%  03/12/2028   1,150,941    (4,247)
Citibank, N.A.  Redstone Holdco 2 LP, 3M US L + 4.75   715,353   3M US L + 1.35%  04/27/2028   708,126    (7,227)
Citibank, N.A.  TruGreen LP, 1M US L + 4.00   249,017   3M US L + 1.35%  11/02/2027   248,641    (376)
Citibank, N.A.  United Natural Foods, Inc., 1M US L + 3.50   112,590   3M US L + 1.35%  10/22/2025   112,556    (34)
Citibank, N.A.  VT Topco, Inc., 1M US L + 3.75(b)   32,793   3M US L + 1.35%  08/10/2025   32,783    (10)
Citibank, N.A.  Zelis Payments Buyer, Inc., 1M US L + 3.50   994,994   3M US L + 1.35%  09/30/2026   994,595    (399)
      $11,672,444         $11,639,772   $(32,672)
TOTAL     $45,847,618         $45,977,785   $130,167 

 

(a)The Fund's interest in the total return swap transactions are held through a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund, RACR-FS, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company.
(b)Security is classified as Level 3 in the Fund’s hierarchy (see Note 2).

 

F-6 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

September 30, 2021

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities
  September 30, 2021

 

ASSETS    
Investments, at fair value (Cost $54,905,927)  $56,029,487 
Affiliated investments, at fair value (Cost $17,339,924)   19,006,722 
Cash collateral for total return swaps   12,547,202 
Cash   6,732,517 
Receivable for shares sold   510,262 
Interest receivable   456,947 
Receivable for investments sold   216,126 
Unrealized appreciation on total return swap contracts   162,839 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   38,653 
Receivable due from Adviser (Note 6)   4,161 
Total Assets   95,704,916 
LIABILITIES     
Payable for investments purchased   6,643,206 
Professional fees payable   256,835 
Administration fees payable (Note 6)   85,404 
Trustees' fees payable (Note 6)   84,630 
Unrealized depreciation on total return swap contracts   32,672 
Transfer agency fees payable (Note 6)   18,112 
Custody fees payable   6,971 
Distribution fees payable (Note 6)   6,677 
Shareholder servicing fees payable (Note 6)   2,635 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   142,161 
Total Liabilities   7,279,303 
NET ASSETS  $88,425,613 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF     
Paid-in capital  $85,284,841 
Total distributable earnings   3,140,772 
NET ASSETS  $88,425,613 

 

F-7 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities
  September 30, 2021

 

PRICING OF SHARES    
Class A    
Net assets  $1,127,397 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of authorized shares, no par value common stock authorized)   42,619 
Net asset value  $26.45 
Maximum offering price per share (Maximum sales load of 5.75%)  $28.06 
Class C     
Net assets  $5,971,853 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of authorized shares, no par value common stock authorized)   228,241 
Net asset value(a)  $26.16 
Maximum offering price per share  $26.16 
Class I     
Net assets  $81,220,954 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of authorized shares, no par value common stock authorized)   3,060,662 
Net asset value  $26.54 
Maximum offering price per share  $26.54 
Class L     
Net assets  $105,409 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of authorized shares, no par value common stock authorized)   4,000 
Net asset value  $26.35 
Maximum offering price per share (Maximum sales load of 4.25%)  $27.52 

 

(a)Subject to early-withdrawal charge. Redemption price varies based on length of time held (Note 2).

 

 

 

F-8 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class A

   For the Year Ended September 30, 2021   For the Period May 5, 2020 (Commencement of Operations) to September 30, 2020 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $25.16   $25.00 
           
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS          
Net investment income(a)   0.91    0.20 
Net realized and unrealized gain   1.91    0.46 
Total from investment operations   2.82    0.66 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS          
From net investment income   (0.99)   (0.50)
From net realized gain on investments   (0.36)    
Return of capital   (0.18)    
Total distributions   (1.53)   (0.50)
           
Net increase in net asset value   1.29    0.16 
Net asset value, end of period  $26.45   $25.16 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   11.60%   2.67%
           
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA          
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $1,127   $101 
           
Ratios to Average Net Assets          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements   9.94%   45.26%(c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements   1.74%(d)   1.00%(d)(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements   3.53%   1.94%(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   122%   1%(f)

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(b)Total returns have not been annualized and do not reflect the impact of sales load. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived or reimbursed during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
(c)These ratios to average net assets have been annualized except for the non-recurring offering and organizational expenses which have not been annualized.
(d)The Adviser waived the management fees from commencement of operations May 5, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Without this waiver the net expense ratio would have been 2.50%.
(e)Annualized.
(f)Not annualized.

 

F-9 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class C

   For the Year Ended September 30, 2021   For the Period May 5, 2020 (Commencement of Operations) to September 30, 2020 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $25.08   $25.00 
           
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS          
Net investment income(a)   0.70    0.22 
Net realized and unrealized gain   1.90    0.36 
Total from investment operations   2.60    0.58 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS          
From net investment income   (0.98)   (0.50)
From net realized gain on investments   (0.36)    
Return of capital   (0.18)    
Total distributions   (1.52)   (0.50)
           
Net increase in net asset value   1.08    0.08 
Net asset value, end of period  $26.16   $25.08 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   10.73%   2.35%
           
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA          
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $5,972   $572 
           
Ratios to Average Net Assets          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements   11.49%   44.33%(c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements   2.48%(d)   1.75%(d)(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements   2.73%   2.20%(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   122%   1%(f)

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(b)Total returns have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived or reimbursed during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
(c)These ratios to average net assets have been annualized except for the non-recurring offering and organizational expenses which have not been annualized.
(d)The Adviser waived the management fees from commencement of operations May 5, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Without this waiver the net expense ratio would have been 3.25%.
(e)Annualized.
(f)Not annualized.

 

F-10 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class I

   For the Year Ended September 30, 2021   For the Period May 5, 2020 (Commencement of Operations) to September 30, 2020 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $25.18   $25.00 
           
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS          
Net investment income(a)   0.99    0.23 
Net realized and unrealized gain   1.90    0.45 
Total from investment operations   2.89    0.68 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS          
From net investment income   (0.99)   (0.50)
From net realized gain on investments   (0.36)    
Return of capital   (0.18)    
Total distributions   (1.53)   (0.50)
           
Net increase in net asset value   1.36    0.18 
Net asset value, end of period  $26.54   $25.18 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   11.88%   2.75%
           
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA          
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $81,221   $6,259 
           
Ratios to Average Net Assets          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements   9.98%   44.53%(c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements   1.48%(d)   0.75%(d)(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements   3.86%   2.29%(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   122%   1%(f)

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(b)Total returns have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived or reimbursed during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
(c)These ratios to average net assets have been annualized except for the non-recurring offering and organizational expenses which have not been annualized.
(d)The Adviser waived the management fees from commencement of operations May 5, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Without this waiver the net expense ratio would have been 2.25%.
(e)Annualized.
(f)Not annualized.

 

F-11 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class L

   For the Year Ended September 30, 2021   For the Period May 5, 2020 (Commencement of Operations) to September 30, 2020 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $25.13   $25.00 
           
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS          
Net investment income(a)   0.95    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain   1.79    0.46 
Total from investment operations   2.74    0.63 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS          
From net investment income   (0.98)   (0.50)
From net realized gain on investments   (0.36)    
Return of capital   (0.18)    
Total distributions   (1.52)   (0.50)
           
Net increase in net asset value   1.22    0.13 
Net asset value, end of period  $26.35   $25.13 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   11.31%   2.55%
           
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA          
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $105   $101 
           
Ratios to Average Net Assets          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements   17.63%   45.51%(c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements   1.59%(d)   1.25%(d)(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements   3.73%   1.68%(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   122%   1%(f)

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(b)Total returns have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived or reimbursed during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
(c)These ratios to average net assets have been annualized except for the non-recurring offering and organizational expenses which have not been annualized.
(d)The Adviser waived the management fees from commencement of operations May 5, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Without this waiver the net expense ratio would have been 2.75%.
(e)Annualized.
(f)Not annualized.

 

F-12 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

NOTE 1 — Organization and Registration

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (the “Fund”), a Delaware statutory trust, is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund engages in a continuous offering of shares and operates as an interval fund that offers to make quarterly repurchases of shares at net asset value (“NAV”). The Fund’s investment objective is to generate current income through cash distributions and preserve shareholders’ capital across various market cycles, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation.

 

The Fund’s investment adviser is CIM Capital IC Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”) that is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The Adviser is primarily responsible for determining the amount of the Fund’s total assets that are allocated to each of the Fund’s sub-advisers, and will review such allocation percentage on an ongoing basis and adjust the allocation percentage as necessary to best achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

 

The Adviser has engaged CIM Capital SA Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “CIM Sub-Adviser”) that is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act, to act as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The CIM Sub-Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CIM Group, LLC and is an affiliate of the Adviser. The CIM Sub-Adviser is responsible for identifying and sourcing investment opportunities with respect to real assets held by the Fund. The Fund defines “real assets” as assets issued by United States issuers where the underlying interests are investments in real estate or infrastructure in the United States (“Real Assets”).The Fund’s investments in Real Assets will consist of (1) direct real estate that will generally be held through one or more wholly-owned real estate investment trust (“REIT”) subsidiaries (each, a “REIT Subsidiary”), (2) publicly traded REITs and private REITs, (3) real estate mortgages, (4) commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and (5) infrastructure assets that may be held through a REIT Subsidiary. The Fund’s investments in Real Assets will consist of real assets in densely populated qualified communities throughout the United States.

 

The Adviser has also engaged OFS Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “OFS Sub-Adviser”, and, together with the CIM Sub-Adviser, the “Sub-Advisers”) that is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act, to act as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The OFS Sub-Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orchard First Source Asset Management, LLC, and is an affiliate of the Adviser. The OFS Sub-Adviser is responsible for identifying and sourcing credit and credit-related investment opportunities (“Credit and Credit-Related Investments”) as well as investments in CMBS. The Fund intends for its Credit and Credit-Related Investments to consist of (1) investments in floating and fixed rate loans; (2) broadly syndicated senior secured corporate loans; (3) investments in the debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”); and (4) opportunistic credit investments, by which the Fund means stressed and distressed credit situations, restructurings and non-performing loans.

 

The Fund was organized as a statutory trust on February 4, 2019 under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Fund had no operations from that date through May 4, 2020 other than those relating to organizational matters and the registration of its shares under applicable securities laws. During this period, the Adviser purchased 4,000 of the Fund's Class I Common Shares of beneficial interest (the "Class I Shares"), at an aggregate purchase price of $100,000, at a price of $25.00 per share.

 

On May 5, 2020, the Fund commenced a continuous public offering of Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class L Shares. The Fund has received exemptive relief from the SEC to permit the Fund to issue multiple classes of shares and to impose asset-based distribution fees and early withdrawal charges.1 Additionally, on May 5, 2020, an affiliate of the Adviser purchased 188,000 Class I Shares at a price of $25.00 per share, 4,000 Class A Common Shares of beneficial interest (the “Class A Shares”) at a price of $25.00 per share, 4,000 Class C Common Shares of beneficial interest (the “Class C Shares”) at a price of $25.00 per share, and 4,000 Class L Common Shares of beneficial interest (the “Class L Shares”) at a price of $25.00 per share. On January 28, 2021, an affiliate of the Adviser purchased 156,067 Class I Shares. The Adviser and its affiliates own shares in the Fund representing 10.8% and 8.8% of the NAV as of September 30, 2021 and November 19, 2021, respectively.

 

Class C Shares and Class I Shares are offered on a continuous basis at NAV. Class C Shares are subject to a 1.00% early withdrawal charge. Class A Shares are offered at NAV plus a maximum sales load of 5.75% of the offering price. Class L Shares are offered at NAV plus a maximum sales load of 4.25% of the offering price. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and classes are identical except for differences in their sales charge structures, ongoing service and distribution charges and early withdrawal charges. All classes of shares have equal voting privileges except that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its service and/or distribution plans, and other matters that exclusively affect such class, and separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class. The Fund’s income, expenses (other than class-specific distribution fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionately each day based upon the relative net assets of each class.

 

1(CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, et al. (File No. 812-15001, Release No. IC-33659 (Oct. 22, 2019) (order), Release No. IC-33630 (Sep. 23, 2019) (notice))

 

 

F-13 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

NOTE 2 — Significant Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Fund is an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 - Investment Companies.

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Indemnifications

The Fund indemnifies its officers and trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from the performance of their duties to the Fund. In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnities. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, the Fund expects the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities to be remote.

 

Income Tax

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable net income and realized gains, not offset by capital loss carryforwards, if any, to its shareholders. The Fund intends to file U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required.

 

As of September 30, 2021 and for the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns.

 

The Fund intends to change its tax year end from April 30 to September 30, to better align with the Fund's fiscal year end. Accordingly, the disclosures below indicate amounts, as calculated by the Fund, for the tax year May 1, 2020 through April 30, 2021, as well as for the short tax year from May 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. To effect this change, the Fund intends to file Form 1128 with the Internal Revenue Service, which is due no later than the due date of the tax return, as extended. For the tax year ended September 30, 2021, Form 1128 must therefore be filed on or before July 15, 2022.

 

Portfolio Valuation

The Fund determines the NAV per each class of Common Shares on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business as of the close of the regular trading session (normally, 4:00 pm eastern time). The Fund calculates NAV per Common Share on a class-specific basis, by dividing the total value of the Fund’s Managed Assets attributable to the applicable class by the total number of Common Shares of such class outstanding. The Fund’s Managed Assets are determined by subtracting any liabilities (including borrowings for investment purposes) from the total value of its portfolio investments and other assets.

 

In accordance with ASC Topic 820 – Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, and consistent with the Fund’s valuation policy and procedures, portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotes are readily available are valued at market value. In circumstances where market quotes are not readily available, the Fund’s board of trustees (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for determining the fair value of such securities and other assets, and has delegated the responsibility for applying the valuation methods to the Fund’s valuation committee. On a quarterly basis, or more frequently if necessary, the Board ratifies the valuation determinations made with respect to the Fund’s investments during the preceding period and evaluates whether such determinations were made in a manner consistent with the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures.

 

Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act was recently adopted by the SEC and establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. We are evaluating the impact of adopting Rule 2a-5 on the financial statements and intend to comply with the new rule’s requirements on or before the compliance date in September 2022.

 

 

F-14 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with ASC Topic 820 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, a three-tier fair value hierarchy has been established to classify fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 – Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date. An active market is defined as a market in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

Level 2 – Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active (markets with few transactions), inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs, which are only used to the extent that observable inputs are not available, reflect the Fund's assumptions about the pricing of an asset or liability.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2021:

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Bank Loans  $   $782,000   $6,695,955   $7,477,955 
Collateralized Loan Obligations - Debt       16,462,344        16,462,344 
Collateralized Loan Obligations - Equity       8,816,552        8,816,552 
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities       1,417,859    4,629,027    6,046,886 
Direct Real Estate           16,495,100    16,495,100 
Real Estate-Related Securities(1)           14,618,750    14,618,750 
Loan Accumulation Facility           2,500,000    2,500,000 
Common Stocks   2,511,622            2,511,622 
Warrants           107,000    107,000 
Total  $2,511,622   $27,478,755   $45,045,832   $75,036,209 
Other Financial Instruments                    
Assets                    
Total Return Swap Contracts  $   $105,797   $57,042   $162,839 
Liabilities                    
Total Return Swap Contracts  $   $(27,934)  $(4,738)  $(32,672)
Total  $   $77,863   $52,304   $130,167 

 

(1)Asset was held at cost as of September 30, 2021.

 

 

F-15 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

The changes of the fair value of investments for which the Fund has used Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value are as follows:

 

Asset Type  Balance as of September 30, 2020  Accrued Discount/ Premium  Return of Capital  Realized Gain/(Loss)  Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)  Purchases  Sales Proceeds  Transfer into Level 3  Transfer Out of Level 3  Balance as of September 30, 2021  Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) included in the Statements of Operations attributable to Level 3 investments held at September 30, 2021
Bank Loans  $   $8,273   $   $120   $98,094   $6,596,968   $(7,500)  $   $   $6,695,955   $98,094 
Commercial Mortgage–Backed Securities   813,584    52,142        (1,394)   709,396    3,061,045    (5,746)           4,629,027    709,396 
Direct Real Estate(1)                   1,272,627    15,222,473                16,495,100    1,272,627 
Real Estate-Related Securities                       14,618,750                14,618,750     
Loan                                                       
Accumulation                                                       
Facility                       2,500,000                2,500,000     
Warrants                   23,531    83,469                107,000    23,531 
   $813,584   $60,415   $   $(1,274)  $2,103,648   $42,082,705   $(13,246)  $   $   $45,045,832   $2,103,648 

 

(1)Includes $2,757,673 for the minimum Structured Acquisition Payment related to the property held by the Dallas Joint Venture. See Note 4 - Direct Real Estate Investments for a further discussion regarding the Structured Acquisition Payment.

 

The table below provides additional information about the Level 3 Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2021:

 

            Range   
Asset Class  Fair Value  Valuation Technique  Unobservable Inputs  Minimum  Maximum  Weighted Average
Direct Real Estate  $16,495,100   Income Approach  Discount Rate   6.50%   7.25%   7.02%
           Terminal Capitalization Rate   4.75%   5.50%   5.02%
Real Estate Related Securities(1)   14,618,750   Discounted Cash Flow  Transaction Price            
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities   4,629,027   Discounted Cash Flow  Discount Rate   6.02%   8.00%   7.39%
Bank Loans   3,778,472   Third Party Pricing Service  Broker Quote            
Bank Loans   2,917,483   Discounted Cash Flow  Discount Rate   9.86%   11.62%   10.11%
Loan Accumulation Facility(1)   2,500,000   Market Approach  Transaction Price            
Warrants   107,000   Black-Scholes  Volatility   50.00%   80.00%   65.00%
Total  $45,045,832                      

 

(1)Asset was held at cost as of September 30, 2021.

 

The following is a reconciliation for the year ended September 30, 2021 of the total return swap contracts for which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

 

   Total Return Swap Contracts  Total
Balance as of September 30, 2020  $   $ 
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation        
Purchased Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation   52,304    52,304 
Sold Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation        
Transfers In of Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation        
Transfers Out of Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation        
Balance as of September 30, 2021  $52,304   $52,304 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) attributable to Level 3 investments held at September 30, 2021  $52,304   $52,304 

 

F-16 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

Cash

The Fund places its cash with three banking institutions, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout year ended September 30, 2021, the amount on deposit exceeded the FDIC limit and subjected the Fund to credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Fund's investment activities involve executions, settlement and financing of various transactions resulting in receivables from, and payables to, brokers, dealers and the Fund's custodian. These activities may expose the Fund to risk in the event that such parties are unable to fulfill contractual obligations. Management does not anticipate any material losses from counterparties with whom it conducts business. Consistent with standard business practice, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications, and may be engaged from time to time in various legal actions. The maximum exposure of the Fund under these arrangements and activities is unknown. However, the Fund expects the risk of material loss to be remote.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income

Investment security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income (including interest income from payment-in-kind securities), adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults or a credit event occurs that impacts the issuer, the Fund may halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event. Dividend income for public securities is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income for public securities is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income received from the Fund’s two non-controlling interests in direct real estate investments is recorded when distributions are declared by vehicles into which the Fund has invested. During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund did not receive any dividend income related to its direct real estate investments.

 

Distributions to Shareholders

The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income to shareholders in the form of dividends. The Fund has and expects to continue to declare dividends quarterly and pay them out to shareholders monthly. Distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are expected to be declared and paid annually and are recorded on the applicable ex-dividend date. The character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

Early Withdrawal Charge

Selling brokers, or other financial intermediaries that have entered into selling agreements with the ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), may receive a commission of up to 1.0% of the purchase price of Class C Shares. Class C Shares will be subject to an early withdrawal charge of 1.0% of the shareholder’s repurchase proceeds in the event that a shareholder tenders his or her Class C Shares for repurchase such that they will have been held less than 365 days after purchase, as of the time of repurchase. The Distributor may waive the imposition of the early withdrawal charge in the following situations: (1) shareholder death or (2) shareholder bankruptcy. The early withdrawal charge may also be waived in connection with a number of additional circumstances, including the following repurchases of shares held by employer sponsored benefit plans: repurchases representing returns of excess contributions to such plans. Any such waiver does not imply that the early withdrawal charge will be waived at any time in the future or that such early withdrawal charge will be waived for any other shareholder. For any waiver request, notification must be made in conjunction with the repurchase request. If no such notification is received, the Fund reserves the right to reject the request for a waiver.

 

Offering Costs

Offering costs incurred by the Fund of $1,370,241 were treated as deferred charges until operations commenced and were amortized over a 12-month period using the straight-line method. During the year ended September 30, 2021, $812,336 in offering costs were amortized. All offering costs incurred by the Fund and paid for or absorbed by the Adviser pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement (defined below) are subject to reimbursement to the Adviser, subject to the conditions set forth in the Expense Limitation Agreement, as described in Note 6 — Investment Advisory, Related Parties and Other Agreements.

 

NOTE 3 — Derivative Transactions

 

The Fund’s investment objectives allow the Fund to enter into various types of derivative contracts such as total return swaps and forward foreign currency contracts. In doing so, the Fund and RACR-FS, LLC (its “Swap Subsidiary”) will employ strategies in differing combinations to permit it to increase, decrease, or change the level or types of exposure to market factors. Central to those strategies are features inherent to derivatives that make them more attractive for this purpose than equity or debt securities; they require little or no initial cash investment, they can focus exposure only on certain selected risk factors, and they may not require the ultimate receipt or delivery of the underlying security (or securities) to the contract. This may allow the Fund to pursue its objectives more quickly and efficiently than if it were to make direct purchases or sales of securities capable of effecting a similar response to market factors.

 

F-17 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

Risk of Investing in Derivatives – The Fund’s use of derivatives can result in losses due to unanticipated changes in the market risk factors and the overall market.

 

Derivatives may have little or no initial cash investment relative to their market value exposure and therefore can produce significant gains or losses in excess of their cost. This use of embedded leverage allows the Fund to increase its market value exposure relative to its net assets and can substantially increase the volatility of the Fund’s performance.

 

Additional associated risks from investing in derivatives also exist and potentially could have significant effects on the valuation of the derivative and the Fund. Typically, the associated risks are not the risks that the Fund is attempting to increase or decrease exposure to, per their investment objectives, but are the additional risks from investing in derivatives.

 

Examples of these associated risks are liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund will not be able to sell the derivative in the open market in a timely manner, and counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund.

 

Total Return Swap Contract – The Swap Subsidiary has entered into a total return swap referencing a portfolio of bank loans with Citibank, N.A. (“Citi”) as the counterparty. The total return swap allows the Fund to indirectly obtain exposure to a portfolio of bank loans (each a “reference asset”) without owning or taking physical custody of such bank loans. Under the total return swap, Citi has contractually committed to make payments based on the total return (income plus realized appreciation) of each reference asset in exchange for a periodic payment from the Swap Subsidiary based on a floating interest rate and any realized depreciation of each Reference Asset. Additionally, the Swap Subsidiary posts collateral to cover its potential contractual obligations to Citi under the total return swap. The total return swap is marked-to-market daily consistent with the Fund’s Valuation Policy and changes in value are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gain or loss in the consolidated financial statements. If a reference asset is removed from the total return swap, the Fund records a realized gain or loss in the Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the price of such reference asset from the date it was added to the total return swap and the price of the reference asset at the time it was removed from the total return swap. As of September 30, 2021, the total return swap had unrealized appreciation of $130,167.

 

The total return swap effectively adds leverage to the Fund’s portfolio because, in addition to the Fund’s total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the amount of bank loans subject to the total return swap. The total return swap is also subject to the risk that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations thereunder or that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligations to the counterparty. In addition, because the total return swap is a form of synthetic leverage, such arrangement is subject to risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage.

 

Fair values of total return swap contracts on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2021, categorized by risk exposure:

 

Risk Exposure  Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location  Fair Value  Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location  Fair Value
Market and Credit Risk                
(Total Return Swap Contracts)  Unrealized appreciation on total return swap contracts  $162,839   Unrealized depreciation on total return swap contracts  $(32,672)
Total     $162,839      $(32,672)

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the average monthly notional value of total return swap contracts was $13,843,124.

 

F-18 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

The effect of total return swap contracts on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021:

 

Risk Exposure  Consolidated Statement of Operations Location  Realized Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives  Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Market and Credit Risk (Total Return Swap Contracts)  Net realized gain/(loss) on total return swaps / Net change in appreciation/(depreciation) on total return swaps  $1,314   $130,167 
Total     $1,314   $130,167 

 

NOTE 4 — Direct Real Estate Investments

 

During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund invested $7,500,000 for an 8.3% membership interest in a joint venture (the “Dallas Joint Venture”) with affiliates and an unrelated third party ("Unrelated Third Party Joint Venture Partner"). The Dallas Joint Venture acquired an interest in an office property currently under development in Dallas, Texas. As part of its obligation under the limited partnership agreement with the joint venture partners, the Fund is obligated to make a payment (“Structured Acquisition Payment”) to the developer of the underlying property once the main tenant takes possession of the property. Pursuant to the terms of the lease agreement, the premises are to be delivered to the tenant on or before May 31, 2022. The Structured Acquisition Payment will be between $2,757,673 and $9,353,365, determinable by the amount of any additional capital contributions made by the Fund to the property prior to December 31, 2021. The Fund recorded the minimum Structured Acquisition Payment amount as a liability within payable for investments purchased in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities and increased the amortized cost in its investment. As of September 30, 2021, the Fund's amortized cost basis in the property was $10,257,673, net of the Fund's share of an affiliated mortgage note from the Unrelated Third Party Joint Venture Partner of $5,793,430 and the value of the Fund’s investment in the Dallas Joint Venture was $11,371,495, which resulted in an unrealized gain of $1,113,495 being recognized in the statement of operations during the year ended September 30, 2021.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund invested $4,964,800 for an 8.0% membership interest in a joint venture (the “Washington Joint Venture”) with an affiliate. The Washington Joint Venture acquired a multi-family residential property in Washington D.C. As of September 30, 2021, the value of the Fund’s investment in the Washington Joint Venture was $5,123,605, net of the Fund's share of a mortgage note of $5,680,000, which resulted in an unrealized gain of $158,804 being recognized in the statement of operations during the year ended September 30, 2021.

 

NOTE 5 — Investment Transactions

 

Investment transactions for year ended September 30, 2021 were as follows:

 
   Purchases of Investments  Proceeds from Sales of Investments
  $83,562,994   $32,684,366 
 

During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund and an affiliate provided financing to a third-party for the purchase of a multi-family, office and retail building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Fund provided $9,744,889 for a mortgage loan with a face value of $9,886,684 (the “Mortgage Loan”). The Mortgage Loan has a maturity date of October 7th, 2023 and had an all-in rate of 1.57% as of September 30, 2021. In connection with Financing, the Fund purchased preferred interests in the underlying property for $4,850,800 (the “Preferred Units”). The Preferred Units have a mandatory redemption date of June 1, 2022 and had a preferred dividend rate of 8.90% as of September 30, 2021.

 

F-19 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund purchased shares in a publicly-traded REIT that is an affiliate of the Fund pursuant to the 1940 Act. During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund also invested in the Dallas Joint Venture and the Washington Joint Venture, both of which are affiliated investments. These affiliated investments purchases during the year ended September 30, 2021 and the related positions as of September 30, 2021 follow:

 

Security Name  Market Value as of September 30, 2020  Purchases  Sales  Market Value as of September 30, 2021  Share Balance as of September 30,2021  Dividends  Change in Unrealized Gain/(Loss)  Realized Gain/(Loss)
CIM Commercial Trust Corp.  $   $2,117,451   $   $2,511,622    277,221   $5,939   $394,171   $ 
EPIC Dallas       10,257,673        11,371,495    N/A        1,113,822     
Vale at the Parks - DC       4,964,800        5,123,605    N/A        158,805     
                  $19,006,722    277,221   $5,939   $1,666,798   $ 

 

NOTE 6 — Investment Advisory, Related Parties and Other Agreements

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

The Adviser serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”).

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement that the Fund has entered into with the Adviser, and in consideration of the advisory services to be provided by the Adviser to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee consisting of two components - the Management Fee and the Incentive Fee (each as defined below). In addition, the Fund reimburses the Adviser (in its capacity as Co-Administrator) for certain administrative services that the Adviser provides pursuant to the Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement that the Adviser has entered into with the CIM Sub-Adviser (the “CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser pays the CIM Sub-Adviser a portion of the quarterly management and incentive fees payable to the Adviser attributable to all investments in Real Assets identified and sourced by the CIM Sub-Adviser. Pursuant to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement that the Adviser has entered into with the OFS Sub-Adviser (the “OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser pays the OFS Sub-Adviser a portion of the quarterly management and incentive fees payable to the Adviser attributable to all Credit and Credit-Related Investments and CMBS identified and sourced by the Sub-Adviser. The Adviser pays the Sub-Advisers a quarterly fee equal to 50% of the management and incentive fees payable to the Adviser (the “Quarterly Sub-Adviser Fee”). The Quarterly Sub-Adviser Fee is allocated between CIM Sub-Adviser and OFS Sub-Adviser based on the proportionate share of shareholders’ equity that is invested in Real Assets and Credit and Credit-Related Investments, respectively. The Sub-Advisers’ fees are paid by the Adviser out of the fee the Adviser receives from the Fund, and do not otherwise impact the Fund’s expenses.

 

Management Fee

The management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of the daily value of the Fund’s net assets and is payable quarterly in arrears (the “Management Fee”). For the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund incurred a Management Fee of $544,644. The Adviser permanently waived its right to receive the Management Fee from the inception of the Fund through June 30, 2021. For the year ended September 30, 2021, $278,598 in Management Fees were waived by the Adviser. In addition, the Adviser has waived its right to receive a Management Fee on the portion of the Fund’s assets invested in an affiliated publicly-traded REIT.

 

Incentive Fee

The Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser as compensation under the Investment Advisory Agreement a quarterly incentive fee equal to 20% of its “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” for the immediately preceding quarter, subject to a quarterly preferred return, or hurdle, of 1.50% of the NAV (the “Hurdle Rate”) and a catch-up feature. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income includes accrued income that the Fund has not yet received in cash. No incentive fee is payable to the Adviser on realized capital gains. The incentive fee is paid to the Adviser as follows:

 

·No Incentive Fee is payable in any calendar quarter in which the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the Hurdle Rate of 1.50%;

 

·100% of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle Rate but is less than or equal to 1.875% in any calendar quarter is payable to the Adviser. This portion of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income which exceeds the Hurdle Rate but is less than or equal to 1.875% is referred to as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” provision is intended to provide the Adviser with an incentive fee of 20% on all of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income when the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income reaches 1.875% of our NAV in any calendar quarter; and

 

F-20 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

·20% of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 1.875% in any calendar quarter is payable to the Adviser once the Hurdle Rate is reached and the catch-up is achieved (20% of all the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income thereafter is allocated to the Adviser).

 

For the year ended September 30, 2021, there was no incentive fee incurred.

 

Expense Limitation Agreement

The Adviser and the Fund have entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) under which the Adviser has agreed contractually to waive its fees and to pay or absorb the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund (including organizational and offering expenses, but excluding the incentive fee, the management fee, the service fee, fees and expenses associated with property management, development management and leasing brokerage services for real properties owned by the REIT Subsidiary, the distribution fee, dividend and interest payments (including any dividend payments, interest expenses, commitment fees, or other expenses related to any leverage incurred by the fund), brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses), to the extent that they exceed 0.75% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). In consideration of the Adviser’s agreement to limit the Fund’s expenses, the Fund has agreed to repay the Adviser in the amount of any fees waived and Fund expenses paid or absorbed, subject to the limitations that: (1) the reimbursement for fees and expenses will be made only if payable not more than three years from the date which they were incurred; (2) the reimbursement may not be made if it would cause the expense limitation then in effect or in effect at the time the expenses were waived or absorbed to be exceeded; and (3) the reimbursement is approved by the Fund’s Board. The Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated at any time, and without payment of any penalty, by the Board, upon 60 days' written notice to the Adviser. The Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without the consent of the Board. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall continue in effect until April 28, 2022, and shall thereafter continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods with the approval of at least annually of a majority of the Trustees of the Company.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2021, the Adviser waived fees and reimbursed expenses of $2,851,947.

 

As of September 30, 2021, the following amounts were available for recoupment by the Adviser based upon their potential expiration dates:

 

   Expenses waived or reimbursed as of May 4, 2020(1)  Expenses waived or reimbursed in period from May 5, 2020 through September 30, 2020  Expenses waived or reimbursed in the period from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021
   Subject to repayment until maximum expiration date of May 4, 2024  Subject to repayment until maximum expiration date of September 30, 2023  Subject to repayment until maximum expiration date of September 30, 2024
  $440,015   $1,305,720   $2,851,947 

 

(1)The Fund commenced operations on May 5, 2020. Amount reflects remaining repayment related to reimbursement of organization and offering expenses incurred as of May 4, 2020.

 

Fund Administration and Accounting Fees and Expenses

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”), serves as administrator to the Fund. Under an Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement, AFS is responsible for calculating the Fund’s NAV per class of Common Shares, providing additional fund accounting and tax services, and providing fund administration and compliance-related services to the Fund.

 

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Fees and Expenses

The Fund has entered into a distribution agreement with the Distributor, an affiliate of ALPS, to provide distribution services to the Fund. There are no fees paid to the Distributor pursuant to the distribution agreement. The Board has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a distribution and shareholder servicing plan under which the Fund may compensate financial industry professionals for providing ongoing services in respect of clients with whom they have distributed shares of the Fund (the “Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan”). Under the Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor (i) a distribution fee that is calculated monthly and accrued daily at an annualized rate of 0.75% and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Class C Shares and Class L Shares, respectively, and (ii) a Servicing Fee that is paid monthly and that will accrue at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2021, Class C Shares, Class A Shares and Class L Shares incurred shareholder servicing fees of $5,937, $995, and $256, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2021, Class C Shares and Class L Shares incurred distribution fees of $17,810 and $256, respectively.

 

F-21 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

The Distributor acts as the Fund’s principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Fund’s shares. For the year ended September 30, 2021, no fees were retained by the Distributor.

 

Transfer Agency Fees and Expenses

DST Systems, Inc. (“DST”), an affiliate of AFS, serves as the transfer agent for the Fund. Under the Transfer Agency Agreement, DST is responsible for maintaining all shareholder records of the Fund, and receives customary fees from the Fund for such services.

 

Custody Fees and Expenses

U.S. Bank, National Association. serves as the custodian of the Fund and receives customary fees from the Fund for such services.

 

Officer and Trustee Compensation

Each independent trustee receives an annual cash retainer of $50,000, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred attending meetings.

 

David Thompson has been a trustee of the Fund since January 2019 and Chief Executive Officer of the Fund since August 2019. Bilal Rashid has been a trustee of the Fund since August 2019. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Rashid both serve in officer roles at affiliates of the Fund, and are not paid by the Fund for serving as interested trustees.

 

NOTE 7 — Tax Basis Information

 

 

For the year ended September 30, 2021, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect tax character.

 
   Paid-in Capital  Total Distributable Earnings
  $(77,127)  $77,127 
 

The following information is computed on a tax basis for each item as of September 30, 2021:

 

   Undistributed net investment income  Undistributed long-term capital gain  Other cumulative effect of timing differences  Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments  Total
  $   $8,971   $   $3,260,719   $3,269,690 

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis distributable earnings and unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, investments in partnerships and certain other investments. As of September 30, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   Gross Appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  Gross Depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)  Net Appreciation/ (Depreciation) of Foreign Currency  Net Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)  Cost of Investments for Income Tax Purposes
  $3,246,200   $(244,565)  $259,084   $3,260,719   $69,553,411 

 

The tax characteristics of distributions paid were as follows:

 

Year  Ordinary Income  Long-Term Capital Gain  Return of Capital
September 30, 2021  $1,247,040   $   $169,895 
April 30, 2021   637,928        63,904 
April 30, 2020            

 

F-22 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

NOTE 8 — Repurchase offers

 

The Fund has adopted a fundamental investment policy to make quarterly offers to repurchase no less than 5% of its outstanding Common Shares at NAV. As a fundamental policy, it may not be changed without shareholder approval. If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed, the Fund may determine to increase the amount repurchased by up to 2% of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares as of the date of the Repurchase Request Deadline. Any share repurchase offer in excess of 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares is entirely within the discretion of the Fund. Shareholders will receive written notice of each quarterly repurchase offer (the “Repurchase Offer Notice”) at least 21 calendar days and not more than 42 calendar days before the date the repurchase offer ends (the “Repurchase Request Deadline”). Common Shares will be repurchased at the NAV per Common Share determined as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE no later than the 14th day after the Repurchase Request Deadline, or the next business day if the 14th day is not a business day (each “Repurchase Pricing Date”). The Fund will distribute such payment no later than seven calendar days after the Repurchase Pricing Date.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund completed four quarterly repurchase offers. In these offers, the Fund offered to repurchase up to 5% of the number of its outstanding shares as of the Repurchase Request Deadline. With regard to each of the offers, all repurchase requests received by the Fund were fully honored. The result of those repurchase offers were as follows:

 

  Repurchase Offer #1 Repurchase Offer #2 Repurchase Offer #3 Repurchase Offer #4
Repurchase Offer Notice Date  September 14, 2020 December 14, 2020 March 15, 2021 June 14, 2021
Repurchase Request Deadline  October 14, 2020 January 13, 2021  April 14, 2021 July 14, 2021
Repurchase Payment Deadline October 21, 2020  January 20, 2021 April 21, 2021 July 21, 2021
Amount Repurchased  $5,014 None  $55,428  $415,410
Shares Repurchased  199  None  2,170  16,002

 

NOTE 10 — Risk Factors

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund invests in financial instruments and enters into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to such things as changes in the market (market risk) or failure or inability of the other party to a transaction to perform (credit and counterparty risk). Please see below for a detailed description of select principal risks. The following list is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all of the potential risks associated with the Fund. For a more comprehensive list of potential risks the Fund may be subject to, please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

 

COVID-19 Risk

Periods of market volatility may continue to occur in response to pandemics or other events outside of the Fund’s control. These types of events could adversely affect the Fund’s operating results. For example, in November 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus surfaced in Wuhan, China and spread globally. This pandemic has led, and for an unknown period of time will continue to lead, to disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies affected thereby, including a recession and a steep increase in unemployment in the United States.

 

This pandemic has resulted in, and other infectious disease outbreaks in the future could result in the following, among other things: (i) government imposition of various forms of shelter-in-place orders and the closing of “non-essential” businesses, resulting in significant disruption to the businesses of many borrowers including supply chains, demand and practical aspects of their operations, as well as in lay-offs of employees, and, while these effects are hoped to be temporary, some effects could be persistent or even permanent; (ii) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit; (iii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments and waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by such borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing at the maturity dates of their loans; (iv) volatility and disruption of these markets including greater volatility in pricing and spreads and difficulty in valuing loans during periods of increased volatility, and liquidity issues; and (v) rapidly evolving proposals and/or actions by state and federal governments to address problems being experienced by the markets and by businesses and the economy in general which will not necessarily adequately address the problems facing the loan market.

 

Although the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration authorized vaccines beginning in December 2020, and a significant portion of the U.S. population has been vaccinated, it remains unclear how quickly the vaccines will continue to be distributed nationwide and globally, how the emergence of variants will impact the pandemic, or when “herd immunity” will be achieved and the restrictions that were imposed to slow the spread of the virus will be lifted entirely. Delays in distributing or difficulties in accessing the vaccines could lead people to continue to self-isolate and not participate in the economy at pre-pandemic levels for a prolonged period of time. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy and most other major global economies may continue to experience a recession, and we anticipate our business and operations could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged recession in the United States and other major markets.

 

F-23 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and any future pandemic or outbreak could have, an adverse impact on the markets and the economy in general, which could have a material adverse impact on, among other things, the ability of lenders to originate loans, the volume and type of loans originated, and the volume and type of amendments and waivers granted to borrowers and remedial actions taken in the event of a borrower default, each of which could negatively impact the amount and quality of loans available for investment by the Fund and returns to the Fund, among other things. It is impossible to determine the scope of this outbreak, or any future outbreaks, how long any such outbreak, market disruption or uncertainties may last, the effect any governmental actions will have or the full potential impact on us and our portfolio companies. Any potential impact to the Fund’s results of operations will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that could emerge regarding the duration and severity of COVID-19 and any variants thereof, the efficacy of vaccines, and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, all of which are beyond the Fund’s control. These potential impacts, while uncertain, could adversely affect the Fund and its portfolio companies’ operating results.

 

Real Estate Industry Risk

The Fund will invest a substantial portion of its assets in Real Assets within the United States, which includes real estate-related securities. Therefore, the performance of its portfolio will be significantly impacted by the performance of the real estate market in general and the Fund may experience more volatility and be exposed to greater risk than it would be if it held a more diversified portfolio. The Fund will be impacted by factors particular to the real estate industry including, among others: (i) changes in general economic and market conditions; (ii) changes in the value of real estate properties; (iii) risks related to local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition; (iv) increases in operating expenses including property taxes and; (v) changes in zoning laws; (vi) casualty and condemnation losses; (vii) variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; (viii) the availability of financing (ix) changes in interest rates and (x) changes in availability of leverage on loans for or secured by real estate. Changes in federal tax laws which are being debated or pending as of the date of this prospectus may have a significant impact on the U.S. real estate industry in general, particularly in the geographic markets targeted by Fund investments. The value of securities in the real estate industry may go through cycles of relative under-performance and over-performance in comparison to equity securities markets in general.

 

Collateralized Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk

Mortgage-backed securities are bonds which evidence interests in, or are secured by, commercial mortgage loans. Accordingly, collateralized mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) are subject to all of the risks of the underlying mortgage loans. In a rising interest rate environment, the value of CMBS may be adversely affected when payments on underlying mortgages do not occur as anticipated. The value of CMBS may also change due to shifts in the market’s perception of issuers and regulatory or tax changes adversely affecting the mortgage securities markets as a whole. In addition, CMBS are subject to the credit risk associated with the performance of the underlying commercial mortgage properties. CMBS are also subject to several risks created through the securitization process.

 

The Fund may invest in the residual or equity tranches of CMBS, which are referred to as subordinate CMBS or interest-only CMBS. Subordinate CMBSs are paid interest only to the extent there are funds available to make payments. There are multiple tranches of CMBS, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine, and subordinated/equity, according to their degree of risk. The most senior tranche of a CMBS has the greatest collateralization and pays the lowest interest rate. If there are defaults or the collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those to subordinated/equity tranches. Lower tranches represent lower degrees of credit quality and pay higher interest rates intended to compensate for the attendant risks. The return on the lower tranches is especially sensitive to the rate of defaults in the collateral pool. The lowest tranche (i.e. the “equity” or “residual” tranche) specifically receives the residual interest payments (i.e., money that is left over after the higher tranches have been paid and expenses of the issuing entities have been paid) rather than a fixed interest rate. As a result, interest only CMBS possess the risk of total loss of investment in the event of prepayment of the underlying mortgages. There is no limit on the portion of the Fund’s total assets that may be invested in interest-only multifamily CMBS.

 

The Fund also may invest in interest-only multifamily CMBS issued by multifamily mortgage loan securitizations. However, these interest-only multifamily CMBS typically only receive payments of interest to the extent that there are funds available in the securitization to make the payment and may introduce increased risks since these securities have no underlying principal cash flows.

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans Risk

The broadly syndicated senior secured corporate loans (“Broadly Syndicated Loans”) in which the Fund will invest will primarily be rated below investment grade, but may also be unrated and of comparable credit quality. As a result, the risks associated with such Broadly Syndicated Loans are generally similar to the risks of other below investment grade fixed income instruments, although Broadly Syndicated Loans are senior and typically secured in contrast to other below investment grade fixed income instruments, which are often subordinated or unsecured. Investments in below investment grade Broadly Syndicated Loans are considered speculative because of the credit risk of the borrowers. Such borrowers are more likely than investment grade borrowers to default on their payments of interest and principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults could reduce the Fund’s NAV and income dividends. An economic downturn would generally lead to a higher non-payment rate, and a Broadly Syndicated Loan may lose significant market value before a default occurs. Moreover, any specific collateral used to secure a Broadly Syndicated Loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the Broadly Syndicated Loan’s value. Broadly Syndicated Loans are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this prospectus, including liquidity risk and the risk of investing in below investment grade fixed income instruments.

 

F-24 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the NAV of the Fund. There can be no assurance that the liquidation of any collateral securing a Broadly Syndicated Loan would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal payments, whether when due or upon acceleration, or that the collateral could be liquidated, readily or otherwise. In the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of a Borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral, if any, securing a Broadly Syndicated Loan. The collateral securing a Broadly Syndicated Loan, if any, may lose all or substantially all of its value in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a Borrower. Some Broadly Syndicated Loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate such Broadly Syndicated Loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the Borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of Broadly Syndicated Loans including, in certain circumstances, invalidating such Broadly Syndicated Loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the Borrower. Additionally, a Broadly Syndicated Loan may be “primed” in bankruptcy, which reduces the ability of the holders of the Broadly Syndicated Loan to recover on the collateral. Priming takes place when a debtor in bankruptcy is allowed to incur additional indebtedness by the bankruptcy court and such indebtedness has a senior or pari passu lien with the debtor’s existing secured indebtedness, such as existing Broadly Syndicated Loans or secured corporate bonds.

 

There may be less readily available information about most Broadly Syndicated Loans and the borrowers thereunder than is the case for many other types of securities, including securities issued in transactions registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and borrowers subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 13 of the Exchange Act. Broadly Syndicated Loans may be issued by companies that are not subject to SEC reporting requirements and these companies, therefore, do not file reports with the SEC that must comply with SEC form requirements and in addition are subject to a less stringent liability disclosure regime than companies subject to SEC reporting requirements. As a result, the OFS Sub-Adviser will rely most often on their own evaluation of a borrower’s credit quality rather than on any available independent sources. Therefore, the Fund will be particularly dependent on the analytical abilities of the OFS Sub-Adviser.

 

The secondary trading market for Broadly Syndicated Loans may be less liquid than the secondary trading market for registered investment grade debt securities. No active trading market may exist for certain Broadly Syndicated Loans, which may make it difficult to value them. Illiquidity and adverse market conditions may mean that the Fund may not be able to sell Broadly Syndicated Loans quickly or at a fair price. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain Broadly Syndicated Loans, the market for them may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.

 

Broadly Syndicated Loans and other variable rate debt instruments are subject to the risk of payment defaults of scheduled interest or principal. Such payment defaults would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the NAV of the Fund. Similarly, a sudden and significant increase in market interest rates may increase the risk of payment defaults and cause a decline in the value of these investments and in the Fund’s NAV. Other factors (including, but not limited to, rating downgrades, credit deterioration, a large downward movement in share prices, a disparity in supply and demand of certain securities or market conditions that reduce liquidity) can reduce the value of Broadly Syndicated Loans and other debt obligations, impairing the Fund’s NAV.

 

The Fund will acquire Broadly Syndicated Loans through assignments and through participations. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, the purchaser’s rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution, and the Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. In general, a participation is a contractual relationship only with the institution participating out the interest, not with the Borrower. Sellers of participations typically include banks, broker-dealers, other financial institutions and lending institutions. In purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the Borrower with the terms of the loan agreement against the Borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, (i) the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the Borrower and the institution selling the participation; and (ii) both the Borrower and the institution selling the participation will be considered issuers for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning industry concentration. See “Investment Restrictions”. Further, in purchasing participations in lending syndicates, the Fund may be more limited than it otherwise would be in its ability to conduct due diligence on the Borrower. In addition, as a holder of the participations, the Fund may not have voting rights or inspection rights that the Fund would otherwise have if it were investing directly in the Broadly Syndicated Loan, which may result in the Fund being exposed to greater credit or fraud risk with respect to the Borrower or the Broadly Syndicated Loan.

 

Valuation Risk

Where possible, the Fund utilizes independent pricing services approved by the Board to value certain portfolio instruments at their market value. If the pricing services are unable to provide a market value or if a significant event occurs such that the valuation(s) provided are deemed unreliable, the Fund may value portfolio instrument(s) at their fair value, which is generally the amount an owner might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale. Valuation risks associated with the Fund’s investments include, but are not limited to: a limited number of market participants compared to publicly traded investment grade securities, a lack of publicly available information about some borrowers, resale restrictions, settlement delays, corporate actions and adverse market conditions may make it difficult to value or sell such instruments.

 

F-25 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

A large percentage of the Fund’s portfolio investments will not be publicly traded. The fair value of investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. The Fund values these investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to valuation policies and procedures adopted by the Board. The types of factors that may be considered in valuing the Fund’s investments include the enterprise value of the portfolio company (the entire value of the portfolio company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to similar publicly traded securities, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments would trade in their principal markets and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, the Fund considers the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the Fund’s valuation. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, the Fund’s determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed and may differ materially from the values that the Fund may ultimately realize. The Fund’s NAV per each class of Common Shares could be adversely affected if the Fund’s determinations regarding the fair value of these investments are higher than the values that the Fund realizes upon disposition of such investments.

 

Liquidity Risk

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities that, at the time of investment, are illiquid (determined using the SEC’s standard applicable to registered investment companies, i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of by the Fund within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities). The Fund may also invest in securities subject to restrictions on resale. Investments in restricted securities could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase these securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for the Fund to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if the Fund is required to liquidate all or a portion of its portfolio quickly, the Fund may realize significantly less than the value at which it has previously recorded these investments.

 

Illiquid and restricted securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when the Fund believes it is desirable to do so. The market price of illiquid and restricted securities generally is more volatile than that of more liquid securities, which may adversely affect the price that the Fund pays for or recovers upon the sale of such securities. Illiquid and restricted securities are also more difficult to value, especially in challenging markets. Each Sub-Adviser’s judgment may play a greater role in the valuation process. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid and restricted securities may restrict the Fund’s ability to take advantage of market opportunities. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the security is registered, thereby enabling the Fund to sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and acquiror of the securities. In either case, the Fund would bear market risks during that period.

 

Some loans and other instruments are not readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. Loans and other instruments may not be listed on any national securities exchange and no active trading market may exist for certain of the loans and other instruments in which the Fund will invest. Where a secondary market exists, the market for some loans and other instruments may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.

 

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that one or more loans or other floating rate instruments in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in price or fail to pay interest or principal when due because the issuer of the instrument experiences a decline in its financial status. While a senior position in the capital structure of a borrower or issuer may provide some protection with respect to the Fund’s investments in certain loans, losses may still occur because the market value of loans is affected by the creditworthiness of borrowers or issuers and by general economic and specific industry conditions and the Fund’s other investments will often be subordinate to other debt in the issuer’s capital structure. To the extent the Fund invests in below investment grade instruments, it will be exposed to a greater amount of credit risk than a fund which invests in investment grade securities. The prices of lower grade instruments are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade instruments. Instruments of below investment grade quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default.

 

F-26 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

CLO Risk

In addition to the general risks associated with debt securities and structured products discussed herein, CLOs carry additional risks, including, but not limited to (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the possibility that the investments in CLOs are subordinate to other classes or tranches thereof, (iv) the potential of spread compression in the underlying loans of the CLO, which could reduce credit enhancement in the CLOs and (v) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.

 

CLO junior debt securities that the Fund may acquire are subordinated to more senior tranches of CLO debt. CLO junior debt securities are subject to increased risks of default relative to the holders of superior priority interests in the same securities. In addition, at the time of issuance, CLO equity securities are under-collateralized in that the liabilities of a CLO at inception exceed its total assets. Though not exclusively, the Fund will typically be in a first loss or subordinated position with respect to realized losses on the assets of the CLOs in which it is invested. The Fund may recognize phantom taxable income from its investments in the subordinated tranches of CLOs.

 

Between the closing date and the effective date of a CLO, the CLO collateral manager will generally expect to purchase additional collateral obligations for the CLO. During this period, the price and availability of these collateral obligations may be adversely affected by a number of market factors, including price volatility and availability of investments suitable for the CLO, which could hamper the ability of the collateral manager to acquire a portfolio of collateral obligations that will satisfy specified concentration limitations and allow the CLO to reach the initial par amount of collateral prior to the effective date. An inability or delay in reaching the target initial par amount of collateral may adversely affect the timing and amount of interest or principal payments received by the holders of the CLO debt securities and distributions of the CLO on equity securities and could result in early redemptions which may cause CLO debt and equity investors to receive less than the face value of their investment.

 

In addition, the portfolios of certain CLOs in which the Fund may invest may contain “covenant-lite” loans. The Fund uses the term “covenant-lite” loans to refer generally to loans that do not have a complete set of financial maintenance covenants. Generally, “covenant-lite” loans provide borrower companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition. Accordingly, to the extent the Fund is exposed to “covenant-lite” loans, the Fund may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants.

 

The failure by a CLO in which the Fund invests to satisfy financial covenants, including with respect to adequate collateralization and/or interest coverage tests, could lead to a reduction in the CLO’s payments to the Fund. In the event that a CLO fails certain tests, holders of CLO senior debt may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn, reduce the payments the Fund would otherwise be entitled to receive. Separately, the Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting CLO or any other investment the Fund may make. If any of these occur, it could adversely affect the Fund’s operating results and cash flows.

 

The Fund’s CLO investments are exposed to leveraged credit risk. If certain minimum collateral value ratios and/or interest coverage ratios are not met by a CLO, primarily due to senior secured loan defaults, then cash flow that otherwise would have been available to pay distributions to the Fund on its CLO investments may instead be used to redeem any senior notes or to purchase additional senior secured loans, until the ratios again exceed the minimum required levels or any senior notes are repaid in full.

 

Leverage Risk

The 1940 Act requires a registered investment company to satisfy an asset coverage requirement of 300% of its indebtedness, including amounts borrowed, measured at the time of incurrence of indebtedness. This means that the value of the Fund’s total indebtedness may not exceed one-third of the value of its total assets, including the value of the assets purchased with the proceeds of its indebtedness. Under current market conditions, the Fund intends to utilize leverage principally through (i) Borrowings in an aggregate amount of up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets (including the assets subject to, and obtained with the proceeds of, such Borrowings) immediately after such Borrowings or (ii) the issuance of preferred shares in an aggregate amount of up to 50% of the Fund’s total assets (including the assets subject to, and obtained with the proceeds of, such issuance) immediately after such issuance. Leverage may result in greater volatility of the NAV and distributions on the Common Shares because changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio investments, including investments purchased with the proceeds from are borne entirely by shareholders. Common Share income may fluctuate if the interest rate on Borrowings changes. In addition, the Fund’s use of leverage will result in increased operating costs. Thus, to the extent that the then-current cost of any leverage, together with other related expenses, approaches the net return on the Fund’s investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to shareholders will be reduced, and if the then-current cost of any leverage together with related expenses were to exceed the net return on the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund’s leveraged capital structure would result in a lower rate of return to shareholders than if the Fund were not so leveraged. In addition, the costs associated with the Fund’s incurrence and maintenance of leverage could increase over time. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful.

 

F-27 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

Any decline in the NAV of the Fund will be borne entirely by shareholders. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s portfolio declines, the Fund’s use of leverage will result in a greater decrease in NAV to shareholders than if the Fund were not leveraged.

 

Certain types of borrowings may result in the Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage or portfolio composition or otherwise. In addition, the terms of the credit agreements may also require that the Fund pledge some or all of its assets as collateral.

 

Non-Diversification Risk

The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. As a result, it can invest a greater portion of its assets in obligations of a single issuer other than a “diversified” fund. The Fund may therefore be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political or regulatory occurrence. The Fund intends to qualify for the special tax treatment available to “regulated investment companies” under Subchapter M of the Code, and thus intends to satisfy the diversification requirements of Subchapter M, including its less stringent diversification requirements that apply to the percentage of the Fund’s total assets that are represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and certain other securities.

 

Affiliates Risk

Our Adviser and Sub-Advisers will experience conflicts of interest in connection with the management of our business affairs relating to and arising from a number of matters, including: the allocation of investment opportunities by our Adviser and Sub-Advisers and their affiliates; compensation to our Adviser and Sub-Advisers; services that may be provided by our Adviser and Sub-Advisers and their affiliates to issuers in which we invest; investments by us and other clients of our Adviser and Sub-Advisers, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act; the formation of additional investment funds managed by our Adviser or Sub-Advisers; differing recommendations given by our Adviser and Sub-Advisers to us versus other clients; our Adviser’s and Sub-Advisers’ use of information gained from issuers in our portfolio for investments by other clients, subject to applicable law; and restrictions on our Adviser’s and Sub-Advisers’ use of “inside information” with respect to potential investments by us.

 

We may be prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, the prior approval of the SEC. To promote further alignment with other funds managed by CIM and its affiliates, the Fund has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC that allows it to co-invest alongside funds managed by affiliates of our Adviser and the OFS Sub-Adviser, in accordance with the conditions specified in the exemptive relief. We may therefore compete for capital and investment opportunities with other entities managed by our Adviser or Sub-Advisers or their affiliates, subjecting our Adviser and Sub-Advisers and their affiliates to certain conflicts of interest in evaluating the suitability of investment opportunities and making or recommending investments on our behalf.

 

Pursuant to such exemptive relief, we generally are permitted to co-invest with certain of our affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57 of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our shareholders and do not involve overreaching of us or our shareholders on the part of any person concerned, (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our shareholders and is consistent with our investment objective and strategies, and (3) the investment by our affiliates would not disadvantage us, and our participation would not be on a basis different from or less advantageous than that on which our affiliates are investing. As a result of the exemptive relief, there could be significant overlap in our investment portfolio and the investment portfolio of other funds established by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser or their affiliates that could avail themselves of the exemptive relief.

 

LIBOR Risk

Our debt investments may be based on floating rates, such as London Interbank Offer Rate, or “LIBOR.” After the global financial crisis, regulators globally determined that existing interest rate benchmarks should be reformed based on concerns that LIBOR was susceptible to manipulation. A number of LIBOR panel banks entered into settlements with their regulators and law enforcement agencies with respect to alleged manipulation of LIBOR, and investigations by regulators and governmental authorities in various jurisdictions are ongoing.

 

On March 5, 2021, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that all LIBOR settings will either cease to be provided by any administrator, or no longer be representative (i) immediately after December 31, 2021, for all GBP, EUR, CHF and JPY LIBOR settings and one-week and two-month US dollar LIBOR settings, and (ii) immediately after June 30, 2023 for the remaining U.S. dollar LIBOR settings, including one-month U.S. dollar LIBOR. In addition, based on supervisory guidance from U.S. regulators, many banks are expected to cease creation of new LIBOR-referencing contracts by January 1, 2022. Central banks and regulators in a number of major jurisdictions (for example, United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Switzerland and Japan) have convened working groups to find, and implement the transition to, suitable replacements for interbank offered rates. To identify a successor rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”), a U.S.-based group convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was formed. The ARRC has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as its preferred alternative rate for LIBOR. SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions. Although SOFR appears to be the preferred replacement rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, at this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative reference rates or other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United States, United Kingdom or elsewhere or, whether the COVID-19 outbreak will have further effect on LIBOR transition plans.

 

F-28 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

The elimination of LIBOR or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR could have an adverse impact on the market and/or transferability of value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us or on our overall financial condition or results of operations.

 

ETF Risk

The Fund may invest in ETFs. ETFs are traded similarly to stocks of individual companies. The value of ETFs can be expected to increase and decrease in value in proportion to increases and decreases in the indices that they are designed to track. The volatility of different index tracking stocks can be expected to vary in proportion to the volatility of the particular index they track. However, an ETF’s share price may not track its specified market index (if any) and may trade below its NAV. Although an ETF is designed to provide investment performance corresponding to its index, it may not be able to exactly replicate the performance of its index because of its operating expenses and other factors. The underlying indices that an ETF is designed to track may also experience volatility due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other widespread health crises. Any such impact could adversely affect the ETF’s performance and may indirectly lead to losses on your investment in the Fund.

 

Because ETFs trade on a securities exchange, extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. The Fund’s investment in shares of ETFs subject it to the risks of owning the securities underlying the ETF, as well as certain structural risks, including authorized participant concentration risk, market maker risk, premium/discount risk and trading issues risk. As a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund bears its proportionate share of the ETF’s expenses. Certain ETFs use a “passive” investment strategy and do not take defensive positions in volatile or declining markets. Other ETFs in which the Fund may invest are actively managed ETFs (i.e., they do not track a particular benchmark), which indirectly subjects the Fund to active management risk. An active secondary market in ETF shares may not develop or be maintained and may be halted or interrupted due to actions by its listing exchange, unusual market conditions or other reasons. There can be no assurance that an ETF’s shares will continue to be listed on an active exchange. There is a risk that ETFs in which the Fund invests may terminate due to extraordinary events. For example, any of the service providers to ETFs, such as the trustee or sponsor, may close or otherwise fail to perform their obligations to the ETF, and the ETF may not be able to find a substitute service provider. Also, certain ETFs may be dependent upon licenses to use various indexes as a basis for determining their compositions and/or otherwise to use certain trade names. If these licenses are terminated, the ETFs may also terminate. In addition, an ETF may terminate if its net assets fall below a certain amount.

 

Total Return Swap Risk

The Fund has entered, and may enter into additional, total return swap (“TRS”) agreements that would expose the Fund to certain risks, including market risk, liquidity risk and other risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage. A TRS is a contract in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the return of the assets underlying the TRS, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate. A TRS is typically used to obtain exposure to a basket of securities or loans or market without owning or taking physical custody of such securities or loans or investing directly in such market. A TRS effectively adds leverage to our portfolio because, in addition to our total net assets, we would be subject to investment exposure on the amount of securities subject to the TRS. A TRS is also subject to the risk that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations thereunder or that we will not be able to meet our obligations to the counterparty. In addition, because a TRS is a form of synthetic leverage, such arrangements are subject to risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage.

 

Cyber-Security Risk and Identity Theft Risks

Cyber-security incidents and cyber-attacks have been occurring globally at a more frequent and severe level and will likely continue to increase in frequency in the future. The Advisers’ information and technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from computer viruses and other malicious code, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches, usage errors by their respective professionals or service providers, power, communications or other service outages and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. If unauthorized parties gain access to such information and technology systems, they may be able to steal, publish, delete or modify private and sensitive information. Although the Advisers have implemented various measures to manage risks relating to these types of events, such systems could be inadequate and, if compromised, could become inoperable for extended periods of time, cease to function properly or fail to adequately secure private information. Breaches such as those involving covertly introduced malware, impersonation of authorized users and industrial or other espionage may not be identified even with sophisticated prevention and detection systems, potentially resulting in further harm and preventing it from being addressed appropriately. The Advisers and/or the Fund may have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them. The failure of these systems and/or of disaster recovery plans for any reason could cause significant interruptions in the Advisers’, and/or the Fund’s operations and result in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to shareholders and the intellectual property and trade secrets of the Advisers. Such a failure could harm the Advisers’ and/or the Fund’s reputation, subject any such entity and their respective affiliates to legal claims and adverse publicity and otherwise affect their business and financial performance.

 

F-29 

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2021

 

A disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports the Fund’s business, including a disruption involving electronic communications or other services used by the Fund or by third parties with whom the Fund conducts business, or directly affecting the Fund’s headquarters, could have a material adverse impact on the Fund’s ability to continue to operate its business without interruption. The Fund’s disaster recovery programs may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such a disaster or disruption. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse the Fund for its losses, if at all.

 

Third parties with which the Fund does business may also be sources of cybersecurity or other technological risk. The Fund outsources certain functions and these relationships allow for the storage and processing of its information, as well as client, counterparty, employee, and borrower information. While the Fund engages in actions to reduce its exposure resulting from outsourcing, ongoing threats may result in unauthorized access, loss, exposure, destruction, or other cybersecurity incident that affects its data, resulting in increased costs and other consequences as described above.

 

The Fund and its service providers are currently impacted by quarantines and similar measures being enacted by governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which are obstructing the regular functioning of business workforces (including requiring some employees to work from external locations and their homes). Accordingly, the risks described above may be heightened under current conditions.

 

NOTE 11 — Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Financial Statements have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were available to be issued.

 

The Fund completed a quarterly repurchase offer which resulted in 61,272 Fund Class I Shares being repurchased for $1,595,524.

 

The Fund purchased an additional 111,123 shares of the publicly traded REIT that is an affiliate of the Fund for $986,256.

 

The Fund invested an additional $3,971,406 in investments. The Fund also invested in total return swap transactions with a notional amount of $6,218,941.

 

Management has determined that there were no other subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

  

F-30 

 

PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(1)Financial Statements

 

The Registrant’s audited financial statements and the notes thereto for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 are presented in the Statement of Additional Information. 

C-1 

 

(2)Exhibits:

 

(a)(1)   Certificate of Trust of the Registrant (1)
     
(a)(2)   Declaration of Trust of the Registrant (1)
     
(a)(3)   Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Registrant.(2)
     
(d)   Multiple Class Plan.(2)
     
(e)   Distribution Reinvestment Plan of the Registrant.(2)
     
(g)(1)   Investment Advisory Agreement by and between Registrant and CIM Capital IC Management, LLC.(2)
     
(g)(2)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between CIM Capital IC Management, LLC and OFS Capital Management, LLC.(2)
     
(g)(3)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between CIM Capital IC Management, LLC and CIM Capital SA Management, LLC(2)
     
(h)(1)   Dealer Manager Agreement by and between the Registrant and CCO Capital, LLC.(2)
     
(h)(2)   Distribution Agreement by and between the Registrant and ALPS Distributors, Inc.(2)
     
(h)(3)   Form of Participating Dealer Agreement.(2)
     
(h)(4)   Wholesale Marketing Agreement by and between ALPS Distributors, Inc. and CCO Capital, LLC(2)
     
(j)   Custodian Agreement by and between the Registrant and US Bank, National Association. *
     
(k)(1)   Administration Agreement by and between the Registrant and CIM Capital IC Management, LLC.(2)
     
(k)(2)   Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement by and between the Registrant and CIM Capital IC Management, LLC.(2)
     
(k)(3)   Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan of the Registrant.(2)
     
(k)(4)   Services Agreement by and between the Registrant and ALPS Fund Services, Inc.(2)
     
(k)(5)   Investment Advisory Agreement by and between CIM Capital IC Management, LLC and the REIT Subsidiary(2)
     
(k)(6)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between CIM Capital SA Management, LLC and the REIT Subsidiary(2)
     
(k)(7)  

Administration Agreement by and between CIM Capital IC Management, LLC and the REIT Subsidiary(2)

 

(k)(8)

 

Total return swap by and between Citibank, N.A. and RACR-FS, LLC. *

(k)(9)   Credit Agreement between Pacific Western Bank and the Registrant.*
     
(l)   Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (3)
     
(n)(1)   Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (l) hereto). (3)
     
(n)(2)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.*
     
(n)(3)   Power of Attorney.(2)
     
(n)(4)   Consent of Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP. *
     
(r)(1)  

Code of Ethics for CIM Capital IC Management, LLC and CIM Capital SA Management, LLC. *

     

(r)(2)

 

  Code of Ethics for CIM Real Assets and Credit Fund. *
(r)(3)   Written Supervisory Procedures for CCO Capital, LLC. *
     
(r)(4)   Code of Ethics for ALPS Distributors, Inc.*

 

C-2 

 

 

* Filed herewith.
(1) Previously filed on May 30, 2019 with the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-229782 and 811-23425).
(2) Previously filed on March 6, 2020 with Pre-Effective Amendment No.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-229782 and 811-23425).
(3) Previously filed on March 27, 2020 with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-229782 and 811-23425).

 

Item 26. Marketing Arrangements

 

The information contained under the heading “Plan of Distribution” in the Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

Not Applicable 

 

Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control

 

See “Management of the Fund” and “Conflict of Interest” in the Prospectus.

 

Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities

 

The following table sets forth the number of record holders of the Common Shares as of December 31, 2021.

 

Title of Class  

Number of

Record Holders

Class I Shares   1,861
Class C Shares   193
Class A Shares   55
Class L Shares   2

 

Item 30. Indemnification

 

Delaware law permits a Delaware statutory trust to include in its declaration of trust a provision to indemnify and hold harmless any trustee, beneficial owner or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. Except as otherwise provided in the Fund’s declaration of trust, the Fund will indemnify and hold harmless any current or former Trustee or officer of the Fund against any liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees relating to the defense or disposition of any action, suit or proceeding with which such person is involved or threatened), while and with respect to acting in the capacity of a Trustee or officer of the Fund, except with respect to matters in which such person did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Fund, or in the case of a criminal proceeding, matters for which such person had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. In accordance with the 1940 Act, the Fund will not indemnify any Trustee or officer for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties of his or her position. The Fund will provide indemnification to Trustees and officers prior to a final determination regarding entitlement to indemnification as described in the declaration of trust.

C-3 

 

The Fund has entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for its obligations and duties thereunder, the Adviser is not liable for any error or judgment or mistake of law or for any loss the Fund suffers.

 

The Adviser has entered into the CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with the CIM Sub-Adviser. The CIM Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct for its obligations and duties thereunder, the CIM Sub-Adviser is not liable to the Adviser for any loss the Adviser suffers.

 

The Adviser has entered into the OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with the OFS Sub-Adviser. The OFS Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct for its obligations and duties thereunder, the OFS Sub-Adviser is not liable to the Adviser for any loss the Adviser suffers.

 

Pursuant to the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, the Fund will advance the expenses of defending any action for which indemnification is sought if the Fund receives a written undertaking by the indemnitee which provides that the indemnitee will reimburse the Fund unless it is subsequently determined that the indemnitee is entitled to such indemnification.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act, may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Fund pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Fund has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Fund of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Fund in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Fund will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue

 

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Adviser

 

The descriptions of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers under the caption “Management of the Fund” in the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information included in this registration statement are incorporated by reference herein. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and each of their executive officers and directors is or has been, during the last two fiscal years, engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, reference is made to the information set forth in the Adviser’s Form ADV (File No. 801-115272), the CIM Sub-Adviser’s Form ADV (File No. 801-106534) and the OFS Sub-Adviser’s Form ADV (File No. 801-71366), each as filed with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 32. Locations of Accounts and Records

 

All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of:

 

(1)The Fund, CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010;

 

(2)the Fund’s transfer agent, DST Systems, Inc., 1055 Broadway, 7th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64105;

 

(3)the Fund’s Custodian, US. Bank, National Association, 190 S. LaSalle Street, 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603;

 

(4)the Fund’s investment adviser, CIM Capital IC Management, LLC, 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010; and

 

(5)the Fund’s Co-Administrator, ALPS Fund Services, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.

C-4 

 

Item 33. Management Services

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 34. Undertakings

 

(1)Not applicable.

 

(2)Not applicable.

 

(3)Not applicable.

 

(4)The Registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(a)to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement:

 

(1)to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

 

(2)to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

(3)to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

(b)that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

(c)to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

(d)that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

 

1.if the Registrant is relying on Rule 430B [17 CFR 230.430B]: each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (x), or (xi) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or
C-5 

 

2.if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C [17 CFR 230.430C]: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the Securities Act, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use; and

 

(e)that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:

 

(1)any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act;

 

(2)free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;

 

(3)the portion of any other free writing prospectus or advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

(3)any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

 

(5)The Registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(a)for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

 

(b)for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(6)The Registrant hereby undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information.

C-6 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness under Rule 486(b) and has duly caused this amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of California on the 28th day of January, 2022.

 

    CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund
     
  By: /s/ David Thompson
  Name: David Thompson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer and Trustee

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, this Registration Statement on Form N-2 has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant, and in the capacities indicated, on the dates set forth below:

 

Name Title   Date
       
/s/ David Thompson

Chief Executive Officer and Trustee

(Principal Executive Officer)

  January 28, 2022
David Thompson    
       
/s/ Nathan D. DeBacker

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  January 28, 2022
Nathan D. DeBacker    
       
* Trustee   January 28, 2022
Bilal Rashid    
       
* Trustee   January 28, 2022
Stephen O. Evans    
       
* Trustee   January 28, 2022
Carol (“Lili”) Lynton    
       
* Trustee   January 28, 2022
Ashwin Ranganathan    

 

* By: /s/ David Thompson  
  David Thompson, as attorney in fact  

 

  


ISDA®

International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.

 

2002 MASTER AGREEMENT

 

dated as of May 18, 2021

 

Citibank, N.A. and RACR-FS, LLC

 

have entered and/or anticipate entering into one or more transactions (each a “Transaction”) that are or will be governed by this 2002 Master Agreement, which includes the schedule (the “Schedule”), and the documents and other confirming evidence (each a “Confirmation”) exchanged between the parties or otherwise effective for the purpose of confirming or evidencing those Transactions. This 2002 Master Agreement and the Schedule are together referred to as this “Master Agreement”.

 

Accordingly, the parties agree as follows:—

 

1.Interpretation

 

(a)       Definitions. The terms defined in Section 14 and elsewhere in this Master Agreement will have the meanings therein specified for the purpose of this Master Agreement.

 

(b)       Inconsistency. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of the Schedule and the other provisions of this Master Agreement, the Schedule will prevail. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of any Confirmation and this Master Agreement, such Confirmation will prevail for the purpose of the relevant Transaction.

 

(c)       Single Agreement. All Transactions are entered into in reliance on the fact that this Master Agreement and all Confirmations form a single agreement between the parties (collectively referred to as this “Agreement”), and the parties would not otherwise enter into any Transactions.

 

2.Obligations

 

(a)       General Conditions.

 

(i)        Each party will make each payment or delivery specified in each Confirmation to be made by it, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement.

 

(ii)        Payments under this Agreement will be made on the due date for value on that date in the place of the account specified in the relevant Confirmation or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement, in freely transferable funds and in the manner customary for payments in the required currency. Where settlement is by delivery (that is, other than by payment), such delivery will be made for receipt on the due date in the manner customary for the relevant obligation unless otherwise specified in the relevant Confirmation or elsewhere in this Agreement.

 

Copyright © 2002 by International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.

 
 

(iii)       Each obligation of each party under Section 2(a)(i) is subject to (1) the condition precedent that no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default with respect to the other party has occurred and is continuing, (2) the condition precedent that no Early Termination Date in respect of the relevant Transaction has occurred or been effectively designated and (3) each other condition specified in this Agreement to be a condition precedent for the purpose of this Section 2(a)(iii).

 

(b)       Change of Account. Either party may change its account for receiving a payment or delivery by giving notice to the other party at least five Local Business Days prior to the Scheduled Settlement Date for the payment or delivery to which such change applies unless such other party gives timely notice of a reasonable objection to such change.

 

(c)       Netting of Payments. If on any date amounts would otherwise be payable:—

 

(i)        in the same currency; and

 

(ii)        in respect of the same Transaction,

 

by each party to the other, then, on such date, each party’s obligation to make payment of any such amount will be automatically satisfied and discharged and, if the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been payable by one party exceeds the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been payable by the other party, replaced by an obligation upon the party by which the larger aggregate amount would have been payable to pay to the other party the excess of the larger aggregate amount over the smaller aggregate amount.

 

The parties may elect in respect of two or more Transactions that a net amount and payment obligation will be determined in respect of all amounts payable on the same date in the same currency in respect of those Transactions, regardless of whether such amounts are payable in respect of the same Transaction. The election may be made in the Schedule or any Confirmation by specifying that “Multiple Transaction Payment Netting” applies to the Transactions identified as being subject to the election (in which case clause (ii) above will not apply to such Transactions). If Multiple Transaction Payment Netting is applicable to Transactions, it will apply to those Transactions with effect from the starting date specified in the Schedule or such Confirmation, or, if a starting date is not specified in the Schedule or such Confirmation, the starting date otherwise agreed by the parties in writing. This election may be made separately for different groups of Transactions and will apply separately to each pairing of Offices through which the parties make and receive payments or deliveries.

 

(d)       Deduction or Withholding for Tax.

 

(i)       Gross-Up. All payments under this Agreement will be made without any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax unless such deduction or withholding is required by any applicable law, as modified by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, then in effect. If a party is so required to deduct or withhold, then that party (“X”) will:—

 

(1)        promptly notify the other party (“Y”) of such requirement;

 

(2)        pay to the relevant authorities the full amount required to be deducted or withheld (including the full amount required to be deducted or withheld from any additional amount paid by X to Y under this Section 2(d)) promptly upon the earlier of determining that such deduction or withholding is required or receiving notice that such amount has been assessed against Y;

 

(3)        promptly forward to Y an official receipt (or a certified copy), or other documentation reasonably acceptable to Y, evidencing such payment to such authorities; and

 2 ISDA® 2002

 

(4)        if such Tax is an Indemnifiable Tax, pay to Y, in addition to the payment to which Y is otherwise entitled under this Agreement, such additional amount as is necessary to ensure that the net amount actually received by Y (free and clear of Indemnifiable Taxes, whether assessed against X or Y) will equal the full amount Y would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required. However, X will not be required to pay any additional amount to Y to the extent that it would not be required to be paid but for:—

 

(A)        the failure by Y to comply with or perform any agreement contained in Section 4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or 4(d); or

 

(B)        the failure of a representation made by Y pursuant to Section 3(f) to be accurate and true unless such failure would not have occurred but for (I) any action taken by a taxing authority, or brought in a court of competent jurisdiction, after a Transaction is entered into (regardless of whether such action is taken or brought with respect to a party to this Agreement) or (II) a Change in Tax Law.

 

(ii)       Liability. If:—

 

(1)        X is required by any applicable law, as modified by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, to make any deduction or withholding in respect of which X would not be required to pay an additional amount to Y under Section 2(d)(i)(4);

 

(2)        X does not so deduct or withhold; and

 

(3)        a liability resulting from such Tax is assessed directly against X,

 

then, except to the extent Y has satisfied or then satisfies the liability resulting from such Tax, Y will promptly pay to X the amount of such liability (including any related liability for interest, but including any related liability for penalties only if Y has failed to comply with or perform any agreement contained in Section 4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or 4(d)).

 

3.Representations

 

Each party makes the representations contained in Sections 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e) and 3(f) and, if specified in the Schedule as applying, 3(g) to the other party (which representations will be deemed to be repeated by each party on each date on which a Transaction is entered into and, in the case of the representations in Section 3(f), at all times until the termination of this Agreement). If any “Additional Representation” is specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation as applying, the party or parties specified for such Additional Representation will make and, if applicable, be deemed to repeat such Additional Representation at the time or times specified for such Additional Representation.

 

(a)       Basic Representations.

 

(i)       Status. It is duly organised and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organisation or incorporation and, if relevant under such laws, in good standing;

 

(ii)       Powers. It has the power to execute this Agreement and any other documentation relating to this Agreement to which it is a party, to deliver this Agreement and any other documentation relating to this Agreement that it is required by this Agreement to deliver and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and any obligations it has under any Credit Support Document to which it is a party and has taken all necessary action to authorise such execution, delivery and performance;

 3 ISDA® 2002

 

(iii)       No Violation or Conflict. Such execution, delivery and performance do not violate or conflict with any law applicable to it, any provision of its constitutional documents, any order or judgment of any court or other agency of government applicable to it or any of its assets or any contractual restriction binding on or affecting it or any of its assets;

 

(iv)       Consents. All governmental and other consents that are required to have been obtained by it with respect to this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a party have been obtained and are in full force and effect and all conditions of any such consents have been complied with; and

 

(v)       Obligations Binding. Its obligations under this Agreement and any Credit Support Document to which it is a party constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganisation, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to equitable principles of general application (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law)).

 

(b)       Absence of Certain Events. No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default or, to its knowledge, Termination Event with respect to it has occurred and is continuing and no such event or circumstance would occur as a result of its entering into or performing its obligations under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a party.

 

(c)       Absence of Litigation. There is not pending or, to its knowledge, threatened against it, any of its Credit Support Providers or any of its applicable Specified Entities any action, suit or proceeding at law or in equity or before any court, tribunal, governmental body, agency or official or any arbitrator that is likely to affect the legality, validity or enforceability against it of this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a party or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or such Credit Support Document.

 

(d)       Accuracy of Specified Information. All applicable information that is furnished in writing by or on behalf of it to the other party and is identified for the purpose of this Section 3(d) in the Schedule is, as of the date of the information, true, accurate and complete in every material respect.

 

(e)       Payer Tax Representation. Each representation specified in the Schedule as being made by it for the purpose of this Section 3(e) is accurate and true.

 

(f)       Payee Tax Representations. Each representation specified in the Schedule as being made by it for the purpose of this Section 3(f) is accurate and true.

 

(g)       No Agency. It is entering into this Agreement, including each Transaction, as principal and not as agent of any person or entity.

 

4.Agreements

 

Each party agrees with the other that, so long as either party has or may have any obligation under this Agreement or under any Credit Support Document to which it is a party:—

 

(a)       Furnish Specified Information. It will deliver to the other party or, in certain cases under clause (iii) below, to such government or taxing authority as the other party reasonably directs:—

 

(i)        any forms, documents or certificates relating to taxation specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation;

 

(ii)        any other documents specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation; and

 4 ISDA® 2002

 

(iii)       upon reasonable demand by such other party, any form or document that may be required or reasonably requested in writing in order to allow such other party or its Credit Support Provider to make a payment under this Agreement or any applicable Credit Support Document without any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax or with such deduction or withholding at a reduced rate (so long as the completion, execution or submission of such form or document would not materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of the party in receipt of such demand), with any such form or document to be accurate and completed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to such other party and to be executed and to be delivered with any reasonably required certification,

 

in each case by the date specified in the Schedule or such Confirmation or, if none is specified, as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

(b)       Maintain Authorisations. It will use all reasonable efforts to maintain in full force and effect all consents of any governmental or other authority that are required to be obtained by it with respect to this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a party and will use all reasonable efforts to obtain any that may become necessary in the future.

 

(c)       Comply With Laws. It will comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and orders to which it may be subject if failure so to comply would materially impair its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a party.

 

(d)       Tax Agreement. It will give notice of any failure of a representation made by it under Section 3(f) to be accurate and true promptly upon learning of such failure.

 

(e)       Payment of Stamp Tax. Subject to Section 11, it will pay any Stamp Tax levied or imposed upon it or in respect of its execution or performance of this Agreement by a jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, organised, managed and controlled or considered to have its seat, or where an Office through which it is acting for the purpose of this Agreement is located (“Stamp Tax Jurisdiction”), and will indemnify the other party against any Stamp Tax levied or imposed upon the other party or in respect of the other party’s execution or performance of this Agreement by any such Stamp Tax Jurisdiction which is not also a Stamp Tax Jurisdiction with respect to the other party.

 

5.Events of Default and Termination Events

 

(a)       Events of Default. The occurrence at any time with respect to a party or, if applicable, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any Specified Entity of such party of any of the following events constitutes (subject to Sections 5(c) and 6(e)(iv)) an event of default (an “Event of Default”) with respect to such party:—

 

(i)       Failure to Pay or Deliver. Failure by the party to make, when due, any payment under this Agreement or delivery under Section 2(a)(i) or 9(h)(i)(2) or (4) required to be made by it if such failure is not remedied on or before the first Local Business Day in the case of any such payment or the first Local Delivery Day in the case of any such delivery after, in each case, notice of such failure is given to the party;

 

(ii)       Breach of Agreement; Repudiation of Agreement.

 

(1)        Failure by the party to comply with or perform any agreement or obligation (other than an obligation to make any payment under this Agreement or delivery under Section 2(a)(i) or 9(h)(i)(2) or (4) or to give notice of a Termination Event or any agreement or obligation under Section 4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or 4(d)) to be complied with or performed by the party in accordance with this Agreement if such failure is not remedied within 30 days after notice of such failure is given to the party; or

 

(2)        the party disaffirms, disclaims, repudiates or rejects, in whole or in part, or challenges the validity of, this Master Agreement, any Confirmation executed and delivered by that party or any Transaction evidenced by such a Confirmation (or such action is taken by any person or entity appointed or empowered to operate it or act on its behalf);

 5 ISDA® 2002

 

(iii)       Credit Support Default.

 

(1)        Failure by the party or any Credit Support Provider of such party to comply with or perform any agreement or obligation to be complied with or performed by it in accordance with any Credit Support Document if such failure is continuing after any applicable grace period has elapsed;

 

(2)        the expiration or termination of such Credit Support Document or the failing or ceasing of such Credit Support Document, or any security interest granted by such party or such Credit Support Provider to the other party pursuant to any such Credit Support Document, to be in full force and effect for the purpose of this Agreement (in each case other than in accordance with its terms) prior to the satisfaction of all obligations of such party under each Transaction to which such Credit Support Document relates without the written consent of the other party; or

 

(3)        the party or such Credit Support Provider disaffirms, disclaims, repudiates or rejects, in whole or in part, or challenges the validity of, such Credit Support Document (or such action is taken by any person or entity appointed or empowered to operate it or act on its behalf);

 

(iv)       Misrepresentation. A representation (other than a representation under Section 3(e) or 3(f)) made or repeated or deemed to have been made or repeated by the party or any Credit Support Provider of such party in this Agreement or any Credit Support Document proves to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or repeated or deemed to have been made or repeated;

 

(v)       Default Under Specified Transaction. The party, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party:—

 

(l)       defaults (other than by failing to make a delivery) under a Specified Transaction or any credit support arrangement relating to a Specified Transaction and, after giving effect to any applicable notice requirement or grace period, such default results in a liquidation of, an acceleration of obligations under, or an early termination of, that Specified Transaction;

 

(2)       defaults, after giving effect to any applicable notice requirement or grace period, in making any payment due on the last payment or exchange date of, or any payment on early termination of, a Specified Transaction (or, if there is no applicable notice requirement or grace period, such default continues for at least one Local Business Day);

 

(3)       defaults in making any delivery due under (including any delivery due on the last delivery or exchange date of) a Specified Transaction or any credit support arrangement relating to a Specified Transaction and, after giving effect to any applicable notice requirement or grace period, such default results in a liquidation of, an acceleration of obligations under, or an early termination of, all transactions outstanding under the documentation applicable to that Specified Transaction; or

 

(4)       disaffirms, disclaims, repudiates or rejects, in whole or in part, or challenges the validity of, a Specified Transaction or any credit support arrangement relating to a Specified Transaction that is, in either case, confirmed or evidenced by a document or other confirming evidence executed and delivered by that party, Credit Support Provider or Specified Entity (or such action is taken by any person or entity appointed or empowered to operate it or act on its behalf);

 6 ISDA® 2002

 

(vi)       Cross-Default. If “Cross-Default” is specified in the Schedule as applying to the party, the occurrence or existence of:—

 

(l)       a default, event of default or other similar condition or event (however described) in respect of such party, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party under one or more agreements or instruments relating to Specified Indebtedness of any of them (individually or collectively) where the aggregate principal amount of such agreements or instruments, either alone or together with the amount, if any, referred to in clause (2) below, is not less than the applicable Threshold Amount (as specified in the Schedule) which has resulted in such Specified Indebtedness becoming, or becoming capable at such time of being declared, due and payable under such agreements or instruments before it would otherwise have been due and payable; or

 

(2)       a default by such party, such Credit Support Provider or such Specified Entity (individually or collectively) in making one or more payments under such agreements or instruments on the due date for payment (after giving effect to any applicable notice requirement or grace period) in an aggregate amount, either alone or together with the amount, if any, referred to in clause (1) above, of not less than the applicable Threshold Amount;

 

(vii)       Bankruptcy. The party, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party:—

 

(l) is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (2) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due; (3) makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors; (4)(A) institutes or has instituted against it, by a regulator, supervisor or any similar official with primary insolvency, rehabilitative or regulatory jurisdiction over it in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organisation or the jurisdiction of its head or home office, a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation by it or such regulator, supervisor or similar official, or (B) has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation, and such proceeding or petition is instituted or presented by a person or entity not described in clause (A) above and either (I) results in a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an order for relief or the making of an order for its winding-up or liquidation or (II) is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained in each case within 15 days of the institution or presentation thereof; (5) has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (6) seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or substantially all its assets; (7) has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all its assets or has a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal process levied, enforced or sued on or against all or substantially all its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 15 days thereafter; (8) causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in clauses (l) to (7) above (inclusive); or (9) takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing acts; or

 7 ISDA® 2002

 

(viii)       Merger Without Assumption. The party or any Credit Support Provider of such party consolidates or amalgamates with, or merges with or into, or transfers all or substantially all its assets to, or reorganises, reincorporates or reconstitutes into or as, another entity and, at the time of such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, transfer, reorganisation, reincorporation or reconstitution:—

 

(l)        the resulting, surviving or transferee entity fails to assume all the obligations of such party or such Credit Support Provider under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it or its predecessor was a party; or

 

(2)        the benefits of any Credit Support Document fail to extend (without the consent of the other party) to the performance by such resulting, surviving or transferee entity of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

(b)       Termination Events. The occurrence at any time with respect to a party or, if applicable, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any Specified Entity of such party of any event specified below constitutes (subject to Section 5(c)) an Illegality if the event is specified in clause (i) below, a Force Majeure Event if the event is specified in clause (ii) below, a Tax Event if the event is specified in clause (iii) below, a Tax Event Upon Merger if the event is specified in clause (iv) below, and, if specified to be applicable, a Credit Event Upon Merger if the event is specified pursuant to clause (v) below or an Additional Termination Event if the event is specified pursuant to clause (vi) below:—

 

(i)       Illegality. After giving effect to any applicable provision, disruption fallback or remedy specified in, or pursuant to, the relevant Confirmation or elsewhere in this Agreement, due to an event or circumstance (other than any action taken by a party or, if applicable, any Credit Support Provider of such party) occurring after a Transaction is entered into, it becomes unlawful under any applicable law (including without limitation the laws of any country in which payment, delivery or compliance is required by either party or any Credit Support Provider, as the case may be), on any day, or it would be unlawful if the relevant payment, delivery or compliance were required on that day (in each case, other than as a result of a breach by the party of Section 4(b)):—

 

(1)        for the Office through which such party (which will be the Affected Party) makes and receives payments or deliveries with respect to such Transaction to perform any absolute or contingent obligation to make a payment or delivery in respect of such Transaction, to receive a payment or delivery in respect of such Transaction or to comply with any other material provision of this Agreement relating to such Transaction; or

 

(2)        for such party or any Credit Support Provider of such party (which will be the Affected Party) to perform any absolute or contingent obligation to make a payment or delivery which such party or Credit Support Provider has under any Credit Support Document relating to such Transaction, to receive a payment or delivery under such Credit Support Document or to comply with any other material provision of such Credit Support Document;

 

(ii)       Force Majeure Event. After giving effect to any applicable provision, disruption fallback or remedy specified in, or pursuant to, the relevant Confirmation or elsewhere in this Agreement, by reason of force majeure or act of state occurring after a Transaction is entered into, on any day:—

 

(1)        the Office through which such party (which will be the Affected Party) makes and receives payments or deliveries with respect to such Transaction is prevented from performing any absolute or contingent obligation to make a payment or delivery in respect of such Transaction, from receiving a payment or delivery in respect of such Transaction or from complying with any other material provision of this Agreement relating to such Transaction (or would be so prevented if such payment, delivery or compliance were required on that day), or it becomes impossible or impracticable for such Office so to perform, receive or comply (or it would be impossible or impracticable for such Office so to perform, receive or comply if such payment, delivery or compliance were required on that day); or

 8 ISDA® 2002

 

(2)        such party or any Credit Support Provider of such party (which will be the Affected Party) is prevented from performing any absolute or contingent obligation to make a payment or delivery which such party or Credit Support Provider has under any Credit Support Document relating to such Transaction, from receiving a payment or delivery under such Credit Support Document or from complying with any other material provision of such Credit Support Document (or would be so prevented if such payment, delivery or compliance were required on that day), or it becomes impossible or impracticable for such party or Credit Support Provider so to perform, receive or comply (or it would be impossible or impracticable for such party or Credit Support Provider so to perform, receive or comply if such payment, delivery or compliance were required on that day),

 

so long as the force majeure or act of state is beyond the control of such Office, such party or such Credit Support Provider, as appropriate, and such Office, party or Credit Support Provider could not, after using all reasonable efforts (which will not require such party or Credit Support Provider to incur a loss, other than immaterial, incidental expenses), overcome such prevention, impossibility or impracticability;

 

(iii)       Tax Event. Due to (1) any action taken by a taxing authority, or brought in a court of competent jurisdiction, after a Transaction is entered into (regardless of whether such action is taken or brought with respect to a party to this Agreement) or (2) a Change in Tax Law, the party (which will be the Affected Party) will, or there is a substantial likelihood that it will, on the next succeeding Scheduled Settlement Date (A) be required to pay to the other party an additional amount in respect of an Indemnifiable Tax under Section 2(d)(i)(4) (except in respect of interest under Section 9(h)) or (B) receive a payment from which an amount is required to be deducted or withheld for or on account of a Tax (except in respect of interest under Section 9(h)) and no additional amount is required to be paid in respect of such Tax under Section 2(d)(i)(4) (other than by reason of Section 2(d)(i)(4)(A) or (B));

 

(iv)       Tax Event Upon Merger. The party (the “Burdened Party”) on the next succeeding Scheduled Settlement Date will either (1) be required to pay an additional amount in respect of an Indemnifiable Tax under Section 2(d)(i)(4) (except in respect of interest under Section 9(h)) or (2) receive a payment from which an amount has been deducted or withheld for or on account of any Tax in respect of which the other party is not required to pay an additional amount (other than by reason of Section 2(d)(i)(4)(A) or (B)), in either case as a result of a party consolidating or amalgamating with, or merging with or into, or transferring all or substantially all its assets (or any substantial part of the assets comprising the business conducted by it as of the date of this Master Agreement) to, or reorganising, reincorporating or reconstituting into or as, another entity (which will be the Affected Party) where such action does not constitute a Merger Without Assumption;

 

(v)       Credit Event Upon Merger. If “Credit Event Upon Merger” is specified in the Schedule as applying to the party, a Designated Event (as defined below) occurs with respect to such party, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party (in each case, “X”) and such Designated Event does not constitute a Merger Without Assumption, and the creditworthiness of X or, if applicable, the successor, surviving or transferee entity of X, after taking into account any applicable Credit Support Document, is materially weaker immediately after the occurrence of such Designated Event than that of X immediately prior to the occurrence of such Designated Event (and, in any such event, such party or its successor, surviving or transferee entity, as appropriate, will be the Affected Party). A “Designated Event” with respect to X means that:—

 

(1)        X consolidates or amalgamates with, or merges with or into, or transfers all or substantially all its assets (or any substantial part of the assets comprising the business conducted by X as of the date of this Master Agreement) to, or reorganises, reincorporates or reconstitutes into or as, another entity;

 9 ISDA® 2002

 

(2)        any person, related group of persons or entity acquires directly or indirectly the beneficial ownership of (A) equity securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or its equivalent) of X or (B) any other ownership interest enabling it to exercise control of X; or

 

(3)        X effects any substantial change in its capital structure by means of the issuance, incurrence or guarantee of debt or the issuance of (A) preferred stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for debt or preferred stock or (B) in the case of entities other than corporations, any other form of ownership interest; or

 

(vi)       Additional Termination Event. If any “Additional Termination Event” is specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation as applying, the occurrence of such event (and, in such event, the Affected Party or Affected Parties will be as specified for such Additional Termination Event in the Schedule or such Confirmation).

 

(c)       Hierarchy of Events.

 

(i)        An event or circumstance that constitutes or gives rise to an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event will not, for so long as that is the case, also constitute or give rise to an Event of Default under Section 5(a)(i), 5(a)(ii)(1) or 5(a)(iii)(1) insofar as such event or circumstance relates to the failure to make any payment or delivery or a failure to comply with any other material provision of this Agreement or a Credit Support Document, as the case may be.

 

(ii)        Except in circumstances contemplated by clause (i) above, if an event or circumstance which would otherwise constitute or give rise to an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event also constitutes an Event of Default or any other Termination Event, it will be treated as an Event of Default or such other Termination Event, as the case may be, and will not constitute or give rise to an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event.

 

(iii)        If an event or circumstance which would otherwise constitute or give rise to a Force Majeure Event also constitutes an Illegality, it will be treated as an Illegality, except as described in clause (ii) above, and not a Force Majeure Event.

 

(d)       Deferral of Payments and Deliveries During Waiting Period. If an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to a Transaction, each payment or delivery which would otherwise be required to be made under that Transaction will be deferred to, and will not be due until:—

 

(i)        the first Local Business Day or, in the case of a delivery, the first Local Delivery Day (or the first day that would have been a Local Business Day or Local Delivery Day, as appropriate, but for the occurrence of the event or circumstance constituting or giving rise to that Illegality or Force Majeure Event) following the end of any applicable Waiting Period in respect of that Illegality or Force Majeure Event, as the case may be; or

 

(ii)        if earlier, the date on which the event or circumstance constituting or giving rise to that Illegality or Force Majeure Event ceases to exist or, if such date is not a Local Business Day or, in the case of a delivery, a Local Delivery Day, the first following day that is a Local Business Day or Local Delivery Day, as appropriate.

 

(e)       Inability of Head or Home Office to Perform Obligations of Branch. If (i) an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event occurs under Section 5(b)(i)(1) or 5(b)(ii)(1) and the relevant Office is not the Affected Party’s head or home office, (ii) Section 10(a) applies, (iii) the other party seeks performance of the relevant obligation or compliance with the relevant provision by the Affected Party’s head or home office and (iv) the Affected Party’s head or home office fails so to perform or comply due to the occurrence of an event or circumstance which would, if that head or home office were the Office through which the Affected Party makes and receives payments and deliveries with respect to the relevant Transaction, constitute or give rise to an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event, and such failure would otherwise constitute an Event of Default under Section 5(a)(i) or 5(a)(iii)(1) with respect to such party, then, for so long as the relevant event or circumstance continues to exist with respect to both the Office referred to in Section 5(b)(i)(1) or 5(b)(ii)(1), as the case may be, and the Affected Party’s head or home office, such failure will not constitute an Event of Default under Section 5(a)(i) or 5(a)(iii)(1).

 10 ISDA® 2002

 

6.Early Termination; Close-Out Netting

 

(a)       Right to Terminate Following Event of Default. If at any time an Event of Default with respect to a party (the “Defaulting Party”) has occurred and is then continuing, the other party (the “Non-defaulting Party”) may, by not more than 20 days notice to the Defaulting Party specifying the relevant Event of Default, designate a day not earlier than the day such notice is effective as an Early Termination Date in respect of all outstanding Transactions. If, however, “Automatic Early Termination” is specified in the Schedule as applying to a party, then an Early Termination Date in respect of all outstanding Transactions will occur immediately upon the occurrence with respect to such party of an Event of Default specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1), (3), (5), (6) or, to the extent analogous thereto, (8), and as of the time immediately preceding the institution of the relevant proceeding or the presentation of the relevant petition upon the occurrence with respect to such party of an Event of Default specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(4) or, to the extent analogous thereto, (8).

 

(b)       Right to Terminate Following Termination Event.

 

(i)       Notice. If a Termination Event other than a Force Majeure Event occurs, an Affected Party will, promptly upon becoming aware of it, notify the other party, specifying the nature of that Termination Event and each Affected Transaction, and will also give the other party such other information about that Termination Event as the other party may reasonably require. If a Force Majeure Event occurs, each party will, promptly upon becoming aware of it, use all reasonable efforts to notify the other party, specifying the nature of that Force Majeure Event, and will also give the other party such other information about that Force Majeure Event as the other party may reasonably require.

 

(ii)       Transfer to Avoid Termination Event. If a Tax Event occurs and there is only one Affected Party, or if a Tax Event Upon Merger occurs and the Burdened Party is the Affected Party, the Affected Party will, as a condition to its right to designate an Early Termination Date under Section 6(b)(iv), use all reasonable efforts (which will not require such party to incur a loss, other than immaterial, incidental expenses) to transfer within 20 days after it gives notice under Section 6(b)(i) all its rights and obligations under this Agreement in respect of the Affected Transactions to another of its Offices or Affiliates so that such Termination Event ceases to exist.

 

If the Affected Party is not able to make such a transfer it will give notice to the other party to that effect within such 20 day period, whereupon the other party may effect such a transfer within 30 days after the notice is given under Section 6(b)(i).

 

Any such transfer by a party under this Section 6(b)(ii) will be subject to and conditional upon the prior written consent of the other party, which consent will not be withheld if such other party’s policies in effect at such time would permit it to enter into transactions with the transferee on the terms proposed.

 

(iii)       Two Affected Parties. If a Tax Event occurs and there are two Affected Parties, each party will use all reasonable efforts to reach agreement within 30 days after notice of such occurrence is given under Section 6(b)(i) to avoid that Termination Event.

 11 ISDA® 2002

 

(iv)       Right to Terminate.

 

(1)        If:—

 

(A)        a transfer under Section 6(b)(ii) or an agreement under Section 6(b)(iii), as the case may be, has not been effected with respect to all Affected Transactions within 30 days after an Affected Party gives notice under Section 6(b)(i); or

 

(B)        a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional Termination Event occurs, or a Tax Event Upon Merger occurs and the Burdened Party is not the Affected Party,

 

the Burdened Party in the case of a Tax Event Upon Merger, any Affected Party in the case of a Tax Event or an Additional Termination Event if there are two Affected Parties, or the Non-affected Party in the case of a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional Termination Event if there is only one Affected Party may, if the relevant Termination Event is then continuing, by not more than 20 days notice to the other party, designate a day not earlier than the day such notice is effective as an Early Termination Date in respect of all Affected Transactions.

 

(2)        If at any time an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event has occurred and is then continuing and any applicable Waiting Period has expired:—

 

(A)        Subject to clause (B) below, either party may, by not more than 20 days notice to the other party, designate (I) a day not earlier than the day on which such notice becomes effective as an Early Termination Date in respect of all Affected Transactions or (II) by specifying in that notice the Affected Transactions in respect of which it is designating the relevant day as an Early Termination Date, a day not earlier than two Local Business Days following the day on which such notice becomes effective as an Early Termination Date in respect of less than all Affected Transactions. Upon receipt of a notice designating an Early Termination Date in respect of less than all Affected Transactions, the other party may, by notice to the designating party, if such notice is effective on or before the day so designated, designate that same day as an Early Termination Date in respect of any or all other Affected Transactions.

 

(B)        An Affected Party (if the Illegality or Force Majeure Event relates to performance by such party or any Credit Support Provider of such party of an obligation to make any payment or delivery under, or to compliance with any other material provision of, the relevant Credit Support Document) will only have the right to designate an Early Termination Date under Section 6(b)(iv)(2)(A) as a result of an Illegality under Section 5(b)(i)(2) or a Force Majeure Event under Section 5(b)(ii)(2) following the prior designation by the other party of an Early Termination Date, pursuant to Section 6(b)(iv)(2)(A), in respect of less than all Affected Transactions.

 

(c)       Effect of Designation.

 

(i)        If notice designating an Early Termination Date is given under Section 6(a) or 6(b), the Early Termination Date will occur on the date so designated, whether or not the relevant Event of Default or Termination Event is then continuing.

 

(ii)        Upon the occurrence or effective designation of an Early Termination Date, no further payments or deliveries under Section 2(a)(i) or 9(h)(i) in respect of the Terminated Transactions will be required to be made, but without prejudice to the other provisions of this Agreement. The amount, if any, payable in respect of an Early Termination Date will be determined pursuant to Sections 6(e) and 9(h)(ii).

 12 ISDA® 2002

 

(d)       Calculations; Payment Date.

 

(i)       Statement. On or as soon as reasonably practicable following the occurrence of an Early Termination Date, each party will make the calculations on its part, if any, contemplated by Section 6(e) and will provide to the other party a statement (l) showing, in reasonable detail, such calculations (including any quotations, market data or information from internal sources used in making such calculations), (2) specifying (except where there are two Affected Parties) any Early Termination Amount payable and (3) giving details of the relevant account to which any amount payable to it is to be paid. In the absence of written confirmation from the source of a quotation or market data obtained in determining a Close-out Amount, the records of the party obtaining such quotation or market data will be conclusive evidence of the existence and accuracy of such quotation or market data.

 

(ii)       Payment Date. An Early Termination Amount due in respect of any Early Termination Date will, together with any amount of interest payable pursuant to Section 9(h)(ii)(2), be payable (1) on the day on which notice of the amount payable is effective in the case of an Early Termination Date which is designated or occurs as a result of an Event of Default and (2) on the day which is two Local Business Days after the day on which notice of the amount payable is effective (or, if there are two Affected Parties, after the day on which the statement provided pursuant to clause (i) above by the second party to provide such a statement is effective) in the case of an Early Termination Date which is designated as a result of a Termination Event.

 

(e)       Payments on Early Termination. If an Early Termination Date occurs, the amount, if any, payable in respect of that Early Termination Date (the “Early Termination Amount”) will be determined pursuant to this Section 6(e) and will be subject to Section 6(f).

 

(i)       Events of Default. If the Early Termination Date results from an Event of Default, the Early Termination Amount will be an amount equal to (1) the sum of (A) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Close-out Amount or Close-out Amounts (whether positive or negative) determined by the Non-defaulting Party for each Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions, as the case may be, and (B) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to the Non-defaulting Party less (2) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to the Defaulting Party. If the Early Termination Amount is a positive number, the Defaulting Party will pay it to the Non-defaulting Party; if it is a negative number, the Non-defaulting Party will pay the absolute value of the Early Termination Amount to the Defaulting Party.

 

(ii)       Termination Events. If the Early Termination Date results from a Termination Event:—

 

(1)       One Affected Party. Subject to clause (3) below, if there is one Affected Party, the Early Termination Amount will be determined in accordance with Section 6(e)(i), except that references to the Defaulting Party and to the Non-defaulting Party will be deemed to be references to the Affected Party and to the Non-affected Party, respectively.

 

(2)       Two Affected Parties. Subject to clause (3) below, if there are two Affected Parties, each party will determine an amount equal to the Termination Currency Equivalent of the sum of the Close-out Amount or Close-out Amounts (whether positive or negative) for each Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions, as the case may be, and the Early Termination Amount will be an amount equal to (A) the sum of (I) one-half of the difference between the higher amount so determined (by party “X”) and the lower amount so determined (by party “Y”) and (II) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to X less (B) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to Y. If the Early Termination Amount is a positive number, Y will pay it to X; if it is a negative number, X will pay the absolute value of the Early Termination Amount to Y.

 13 ISDA® 2002

 

(3)       Mid-Market Events. If that Termination Event is an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event, then the Early Termination Amount will be determined in accordance with clause (1) or (2) above, as appropriate, except that, for the purpose of determining a Close-out Amount or Close-out Amounts, the Determining Party will:—

 

(A)        if obtaining quotations from one or more third parties (or from any of the Determining Party’s Affiliates), ask each third party or Affiliate (I) not to take account of the current creditworthiness of the Determining Party or any existing Credit Support Document and (II) to provide mid-market quotations; and

 

(B)        in any other case, use mid-market values without regard to the creditworthiness of the Determining Party.

 

(iii)       Adjustment for Bankruptcy. In circumstances where an Early Termination Date occurs because Automatic Early Termination applies in respect of a party, the Early Termination Amount will be subject to such adjustments as are appropriate and permitted by applicable law to reflect any payments or deliveries made by one party to the other under this Agreement (and retained by such other party) during the period from the relevant Early Termination Date to the date for payment determined under Section 6(d)(ii).

 

(iv)       Adjustment for Illegality or Force Majeure Event. The failure by a party or any Credit Support Provider of such party to pay, when due, any Early Termination Amount will not constitute an Event of Default under Section 5(a)(i) or 5(a)(iii)(1) if such failure is due to the occurrence of an event or circumstance which would, if it occurred with respect to payment, delivery or compliance related to a Transaction, constitute or give rise to an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event. Such amount will (1) accrue interest and otherwise be treated as an Unpaid Amount owing to the other party if subsequently an Early Termination Date results from an Event of Default, a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional Termination Event in respect of which all outstanding Transactions are Affected Transactions and (2) otherwise accrue interest in accordance with Section 9(h)(ii)(2).

 

(v)       Pre-Estimate. The parties agree that an amount recoverable under this Section 6(e) is a reasonable pre-estimate of loss and not a penalty. Such amount is payable for the loss of bargain and the loss of protection against future risks, and, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, neither party will be entitled to recover any additional damages as a consequence of the termination of the Terminated Transactions.

 

(f)       Set-Off. Any Early Termination Amount payable to one party (the “Payee”) by the other party (the “Payer”), in circumstances where there is a Defaulting Party or where there is one Affected Party in the case where either a Credit Event Upon Merger has occurred or any other Termination Event in respect of which all outstanding Transactions are Affected Transactions has occurred, will, at the option of the Non-defaulting Party or the Non-affected Party, as the case may be (“X”) (and without prior notice to the Defaulting Party or the Affected Party, as the case may be), be reduced by its set-off against any other amounts (“Other Amounts”) payable by the Payee to the Payer (whether or not arising under this Agreement, matured or contingent and irrespective of the currency, place of payment or place of booking of the obligation). To the extent that any Other Amounts are so set off, those Other Amounts will be discharged promptly and in all respects. X will give notice to the other party of any set-off effected under this Section 6(f).

 

For this purpose, either the Early Termination Amount or the Other Amounts (or the relevant portion of such amounts) may be converted by X into the currency in which the other is denominated at the rate of exchange at which such party would be able, in good faith and using commercially reasonable procedures, to purchase the relevant amount of such currency.

 14 ISDA® 2002

 

If an obligation is unascertained, X may in good faith estimate that obligation and set off in respect of the estimate, subject to the relevant party accounting to the other when the obligation is ascertained.

 

Nothing in this Section 6(f) will be effective to create a charge or other security interest. This Section 6(f) will be without prejudice and in addition to any right of set-off, offset, combination of accounts, lien, right of retention or withholding or similar right or requirement to which any party is at any time otherwise entitled or subject (whether by operation of law, contract or otherwise).

 

7.Transfer

 

Subject to Section 6(b)(ii) and to the extent permitted by applicable law, neither this Agreement nor any interest or obligation in or under this Agreement may be transferred (whether by way of security or otherwise) by either party without the prior written consent of the other party, except that:—

 

(a)        a party may make such a transfer of this Agreement pursuant to a consolidation or amalgamation with, or merger with or into, or transfer of all or substantially all its assets to, another entity (but without prejudice to any other right or remedy under this Agreement); and

 

(b)        a party may make such a transfer of all or any part of its interest in any Early Termination Amount payable to it by a Defaulting Party, together with any amounts payable on or with respect to that interest and any other rights associated with that interest pursuant to Sections 8, 9(h) and 11.

 

Any purported transfer that is not in compliance with this Section 7 will be void.

 

8.Contractual Currency

 

(a)       Payment in the Contractual Currency. Each payment under this Agreement will be made in the relevant currency specified in this Agreement for that payment (the “Contractual Currency”). To the extent permitted by applicable law, any obligation to make payments under this Agreement in the Contractual Currency will not be discharged or satisfied by any tender in any currency other than the Contractual Currency, except to the extent such tender results in the actual receipt by the party to which payment is owed, acting in good faith and using commercially reasonable procedures in converting the currency so tendered into the Contractual Currency, of the full amount in the Contractual Currency of all amounts payable in respect of this Agreement. If for any reason the amount in the Contractual Currency so received falls short of the amount in the Contractual Currency payable in respect of this Agreement, the party required to make the payment will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, immediately pay such additional amount in the Contractual Currency as may be necessary to compensate for the shortfall. If for any reason the amount in the Contractual Currency so received exceeds the amount in the Contractual Currency payable in respect of this Agreement, the party receiving the payment will refund promptly the amount of such excess.

 

(b)       Judgments. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if any judgment or order expressed in a currency other than the Contractual Currency is rendered (i) for the payment of any amount owing in respect of this Agreement, (ii) for the payment of any amount relating to any early termination in respect of this Agreement or (iii) in respect of a judgment or order of another court for the payment of any amount described in clause (i) or (ii) above, the party seeking recovery, after recovery in full of the aggregate amount to which such party is entitled pursuant to the judgment or order, will be entitled to receive immediately from the other party the amount of any shortfall of the Contractual Currency received by such party as a consequence of sums paid in such other currency and will refund promptly to the other party any excess of the Contractual Currency received by such party as a consequence of sums paid in such other currency if such shortfall or such excess arises or results from any variation between the rate of exchange at which the Contractual Currency is converted into the currency of the judgment or order for the purpose of such judgment or order and the rate of exchange at which such party is able, acting in good faith and using commercially reasonable procedures in converting the currency received into the Contractual Currency, to purchase the Contractual Currency with the amount of the currency of the judgment or order actually received by such party.

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(c)       Separate Indemnities. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the indemnities in this Section 8 constitute separate and independent obligations from the other obligations in this Agreement, will be enforceable as separate and independent causes of action, will apply notwithstanding any indulgence granted by the party to which any payment is owed and will not be affected by judgment being obtained or claim or proof being made for any other sums payable in respect of this Agreement.

 

(d)       Evidence of Loss. For the purpose of this Section 8, it will be sufficient for a party to demonstrate that it would have suffered a loss had an actual exchange or purchase been made.

 

9.Miscellaneous

 

(a)       Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter. Each of the parties acknowledges that in entering into this Agreement it has not relied on any oral or written representation, warranty or other assurance (except as provided for or referred to in this Agreement) and waives all rights and remedies which might otherwise be available to it in respect thereof, except that nothing in this Agreement will limit or exclude any liability of a party for fraud.

 

(b)       Amendments. An amendment, modification or waiver in respect of this Agreement will only be effective if in writing (including a writing evidenced by a facsimile transmission) and executed by each of the parties or confirmed by an exchange of telexes or by an exchange of electronic messages on an electronic messaging system.

 

(c)       Survival of Obligations. Without prejudice to Sections 2(a)(iii) and 6(c)(ii), the obligations of the parties under this Agreement will survive the termination of any Transaction.

 

(d)       Remedies Cumulative. Except as provided in this Agreement, the rights, powers, remedies and privileges provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, powers, remedies and privileges provided by law.

 

(e)       Counterparts and Confirmations.

 

(i)        This Agreement (and each amendment, modification and waiver in respect of it) may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by facsimile transmission and by electronic messaging system), each of which will be deemed an original.

 

(ii)        The parties intend that they are legally bound by the terms of each Transaction from the moment they agree to those terms (whether orally or otherwise). A Confirmation will be entered into as soon as practicable and may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by facsimile transmission) or be created by an exchange of telexes, by an exchange of electronic messages on an electronic messaging system or by an exchange of e-mails, which in each case will be sufficient for all purposes to evidence a binding supplement to this Agreement. The parties will specify therein or through another effective means that any such counterpart, telex, electronic message or e-mail constitutes a Confirmation.

 

(f)       No Waiver of Rights. A failure or delay in exercising any right, power or privilege in respect of this Agreement will not be presumed to operate as a waiver, and a single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege will not be presumed to preclude any subsequent or further exercise, of that right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(g)       Headings. The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into consideration in interpreting this Agreement.

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(h)       Interest and Compensation.

 

(i)       Prior to Early Termination. Prior to the occurrence or effective designation of an Early Termination Date in respect of the relevant Transaction:—

 

(1)       Interest on Defaulted Payments. If a party defaults in the performance of any payment obligation, it will, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to Section 6(c), pay interest (before as well as after judgment) on the overdue amount to the other party on demand in the same currency as the overdue amount, for the period from (and including) the original due date for payment to (but excluding) the date of actual payment (and excluding any period in respect of which interest or compensation in respect of the overdue amount is due pursuant to clause (3)(B) or (C) below), at the Default Rate.

 

(2)       Compensation for Defaulted Deliveries. If a party defaults in the performance of any obligation required to be settled by delivery, it will on demand (A) compensate the other party to the extent provided for in the relevant Confirmation or elsewhere in this Agreement and (B) unless otherwise provided in the relevant Confirmation or elsewhere in this Agreement, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to Section 6(c), pay to the other party interest (before as well as after judgment) on an amount equal to the fair market value of that which was required to be delivered in the same currency as that amount, for the period from (and including) the originally scheduled date for delivery to (but excluding) the date of actual delivery (and excluding any period in respect of which interest or compensation in respect of that amount is due pursuant to clause (4) below), at the Default Rate. The fair market value of any obligation referred to above will be determined as of the originally scheduled date for delivery, in good faith and using commercially reasonable procedures, by the party that was entitled to take delivery.

 

(3)       Interest on Deferred Payments. If:—

 

(A)        a party does not pay any amount that, but for Section 2(a)(iii), would have been payable, it will, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to Section 6(c) and clauses (B) and (C) below, pay interest (before as well as after judgment) on that amount to the other party on demand (after such amount becomes payable) in the same currency as that amount, for the period from (and including) the date the amount would, but for Section 2(a)(iii), have been payable to (but excluding) the date the amount actually becomes payable, at the Applicable Deferral Rate;

 

(B)        a payment is deferred pursuant to Section 5(d), the party which would otherwise have been required to make that payment will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, subject to Section 6(c) and for so long as no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default with respect to that party has occurred and is continuing, pay interest (before as well as after judgment) on the amount of the deferred payment to the other party on demand (after such amount becomes payable) in the same currency as the deferred payment, for the period from (and including) the date the amount would, but for Section 5(d), have been payable to (but excluding) the earlier of the date the payment is no longer deferred pursuant to Section 5(d) and the date during the deferral period upon which an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default with respect to that party occurs, at the Applicable Deferral Rate; or

 

(C)        a party fails to make any payment due to the occurrence of an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event (after giving effect to any deferral period contemplated by clause (B) above), it will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, subject to Section 6(c) and for so long as the event or circumstance giving rise to that Illegality or Force Majeure Event continues and no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default with respect to that party has occurred and is continuing, pay interest (before as well as after judgment) on the overdue amount to the other party on demand in the same currency as the overdue amount, for the period from (and including) the date the party fails to make the payment due to the occurrence of the relevant Illegality or Force Majeure Event (or, if later, the date the payment is no longer deferred pursuant to Section 5(d)) to (but excluding) the earlier of the date the event or circumstance giving rise to that Illegality or Force Majeure Event ceases to exist and the date during the period upon which an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default with respect to that party occurs (and excluding any period in respect of which interest or compensation in respect of the overdue amount is due pursuant to clause (B) above), at the Applicable Deferral Rate.

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(4)       Compensation for Deferred Deliveries. If:—

 

(A)        a party does not perform any obligation that, but for Section 2(a)(iii), would have been required to be settled by delivery;

 

(B)        a delivery is deferred pursuant to Section 5(d); or

 

(C)        a party fails to make a delivery due to the occurrence of an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event at a time when any applicable Waiting Period has expired,

 

the party required (or that would otherwise have been required) to make the delivery will, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to Section 6(c), compensate and pay interest to the other party on demand (after, in the case of clauses (A) and (B) above, such delivery is required) if and to the extent provided for in the relevant Confirmation or elsewhere in this Agreement.

 

(ii)       Early Termination. Upon the occurrence or effective designation of an Early Termination Date in respect of a Transaction:—

 

(1)       Unpaid Amounts. For the purpose of determining an Unpaid Amount in respect of the relevant Transaction, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, interest will accrue on the amount of any payment obligation or the amount equal to the fair market value of any obligation required to be settled by delivery included in such determination in the same currency as that amount, for the period from (and including) the date the relevant obligation was (or would have been but for Section 2(a)(iii) or 5(d)) required to have been performed to (but excluding) the relevant Early Termination Date, at the Applicable Close-out Rate.

 

(2)       Interest on Early Termination Amounts. If an Early Termination Amount is due in respect of such Early Termination Date, that amount will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be paid together with interest (before as well as after judgment) on that amount in the Termination Currency, for the period from (and including) such Early Termination Date to (but excluding) the date the amount is paid, at the Applicable Close-out Rate.

 

(iii)       Interest Calculation. Any interest pursuant to this Section 9(h) will be calculated on the basis of daily compounding and the actual number of days elapsed.

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10.Offices; Multibranch Parties

 

(a)        If Section 10(a) is specified in the Schedule as applying, each party that enters into a Transaction through an Office other than its head or home office represents to and agrees with the other party that, notwithstanding the place of booking or its jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation, its obligations are the same in terms of recourse against it as if it had entered into the Transaction through its head or home office, except that a party will not have recourse to the head or home office of the other party in respect of any payment or delivery deferred pursuant to Section 5(d) for so long as the payment or delivery is so deferred. This representation and agreement will be deemed to be repeated by each party on each date on which the parties enter into a Transaction.

 

(b)        If a party is specified as a Multibranch Party in the Schedule, such party may, subject to clause (c) below, enter into a Transaction through, book a Transaction in and make and receive payments and deliveries with respect to a Transaction through any Office listed in respect of that party in the Schedule (but not any other Office unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing).

 

(c)        The Office through which a party enters into a Transaction will be the Office specified for that party in the relevant Confirmation or as otherwise agreed by the parties in writing, and, if an Office for that party is not specified in the Confirmation or otherwise agreed by the parties in writing, its head or home office. Unless the parties otherwise agree in writing, the Office through which a party enters into a Transaction will also be the Office in which it books the Transaction and the Office through which it makes and receives payments and deliveries with respect to the Transaction. Subject to Section 6(b)(ii), neither party may change the Office in which it books the Transaction or the Office through which it makes and receives payments or deliveries with respect to a Transaction without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

11.Expenses

 

A Defaulting Party will on demand indemnify and hold harmless the other party for and against all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including legal fees, execution fees and Stamp Tax, incurred by such other party by reason of the enforcement and protection of its rights under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which the Defaulting Party is a party or by reason of the early termination of any Transaction, including, but not limited to, costs of collection.

 

12.Notices

 

(a)       Effectiveness. Any notice or other communication in respect of this Agreement may be given in any manner described below (except that a notice or other communication under Section 5 or 6 may not be given by electronic messaging system or e-mail) to the address or number or in accordance with the electronic messaging system or e-mail details provided (see the Schedule) and will be deemed effective as indicated:—

 

(i)        if in writing and delivered in person or by courier, on the date it is delivered;

 

(ii)        if sent by telex, on the date the recipient’s answerback is received;

 

(iii)       if sent by facsimile transmission, on the date it is received by a responsible employee of the recipient in legible form (it being agreed that the burden of proving receipt will be on the sender and will not be met by a transmission report generated by the sender’s facsimile machine);

 

(iv)        if sent by certified or registered mail (airmail, if overseas) or the equivalent (return receipt requested), on the date it is delivered or its delivery is attempted;

 

(v)        if sent by electronic messaging system, on the date it is received; or

 19 ISDA® 2002

 

(vi)        if sent by e-mail, on the date it is delivered,

 

unless the date of that delivery (or attempted delivery) or that receipt, as applicable, is not a Local Business Day or that communication is delivered (or attempted) or received, as applicable, after the close of business on a Local Business Day, in which case that communication will be deemed given and effective on the first following day that is a Local Business Day.

 

(b)       Change of Details. Either party may by notice to the other change the address, telex or facsimile number or electronic messaging system or e-mail details at which notices or other communications are to be given to it.

 

13.Governing Law and Jurisdiction

 

(a)       Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law specified in the Schedule.

 

(b)       Jurisdiction. With respect to any suit, action or proceedings relating to any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (“Proceedings”), each party irrevocably:—

 

(i)        submits:—

 

(1)       if this Agreement is expressed to be governed by English law, to (A) the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts if the Proceedings do not involve a Convention Court and (B) the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts if the Proceedings do involve a Convention Court; or

 

(2)        if this Agreement is expressed to be governed by the laws of the State of New York, to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the United States District Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City;

 

(ii)        waives any objection which it may have at any time to the laying of venue of any Proceedings brought in any such court, waives any claim that such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further waives the right to object, with respect to such Proceedings, that such court does not have any jurisdiction over such party; and

 

(iii)       agrees, to the extent permitted by applicable law, that the bringing of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions will not preclude the bringing of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction.

 

(c)       Service of Process. Each party irrevocably appoints the Process Agent, if any, specified opposite its name in the Schedule to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings. If for any reason any party’s Process Agent is unable to act as such, such party will promptly notify the other party and within 30 days appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the other party. The parties irrevocably consent to service of process given in the manner provided for notices in Section 12(a)(i), 12(a)(iii) or 12(a)(iv). Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of either party to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable law.

 

(d)       Waiver of Immunities. Each party irrevocably waives, to the extent permitted by applicable law, with respect to itself and its revenues and assets (irrespective of their use or intended use), all immunity on the grounds of sovereignty or other similar grounds from (i) suit, (ii) jurisdiction of any court, (iii) relief by way of injunction or order for specific performance or recovery of property, (iv) attachment of its assets (whether before or after judgment) and (v) execution or enforcement of any judgment to which it or its revenues or assets might otherwise be entitled in any Proceedings in the courts of any jurisdiction and irrevocably agrees, to the extent permitted by applicable law, that it will not claim any such immunity in any Proceedings.

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14.Definitions

 

As used in this Agreement:—

 

“Additional Representation” has the meaning specified in Section 3.

 

“Additional Termination Event” has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

 

“Affected Party” has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

 

“Affected Transactions” means (a) with respect to any Termination Event consisting of an Illegality, Force Majeure Event, Tax Event or Tax Event Upon Merger, all Transactions affected by the occurrence of such Termination Event (which, in the case of an Illegality under Section 5(b)(i)(2) or a Force Majeure Event under Section 5(b)(ii)(2), means all Transactions unless the relevant Credit Support Document references only certain Transactions, in which case those Transactions and, if the relevant Credit Support Document constitutes a Confirmation for a Transaction, that Transaction) and (b) with respect to any other Termination Event, all Transactions.

 

“Affiliate” means, subject to the Schedule, in relation to any person, any entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by the person, any entity that controls, directly or indirectly, the person or any entity directly or indirectly under common control with the person. For this purpose, “control” of any entity or person means ownership of a majority of the voting power of the entity or person.

 

“Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 1(c).

 

“Applicable Close-out Rate” means:—

 

(a)        in respect of the determination of an Unpaid Amount:—

 

(i)        in respect of obligations payable or deliverable (or which would have been but for Section 2(a)(iii)) by a Defaulting Party, the Default Rate;

 

(ii)        in respect of obligations payable or deliverable (or which would have been but for Section 2(a)(iii)) by a Non-defaulting Party, the Non-default Rate;

 

(iii) in respect of obligations deferred pursuant to Section 5(d), if there is no Defaulting Party and for so long as the deferral period continues, the Applicable Deferral Rate; and

 

(iv)        in all other cases following the occurrence of a Termination Event (except where interest accrues pursuant to clause (iii) above), the Applicable Deferral Rate; and

 

(b)        in respect of an Early Termination Amount:—

 

(i)        for the period from (and including) the relevant Early Termination Date to (but excluding) the date (determined in accordance with Section 6(d)(ii)) on which that amount is payable:—

 

(1)        if the Early Termination Amount is payable by a Defaulting Party, the Default Rate;

 

(2)        if the Early Termination Amount is payable by a Non-defaulting Party, the Non-default Rate; and

 

(3)        in all other cases, the Applicable Deferral Rate; and

 21 ISDA® 2002

 

(ii)        for the period from (and including) the date (determined in accordance with Section 6(d)(ii)) on which that amount is payable to (but excluding) the date of actual payment:—

 

(1)        if a party fails to pay the Early Termination Amount due to the occurrence of an event or circumstance which would, if it occurred with respect to a payment or delivery under a Transaction, constitute or give rise to an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event, and for so long as the Early Termination Amount remains unpaid due to the continuing existence of such event or circumstance, the Applicable Deferral Rate;

 

(2)        if the Early Termination Amount is payable by a Defaulting Party (but excluding any period in respect of which clause (1) above applies), the Default Rate;

 

(3)        if the Early Termination Amount is payable by a Non-defaulting Party (but excluding any period in respect of which clause (1) above applies), the Non-default Rate; and

 

(4)        in all other cases, the Termination Rate.

 

“Applicable Deferral Rate” means:—

 

(a)        for the purpose of Section 9(h)(i)(3)(A), the rate certified by the relevant payer to be a rate offered to the payer by a major bank in a relevant interbank market for overnight deposits in the applicable currency, such bank to be selected in good faith by the payer for the purpose of obtaining a representative rate that will reasonably reflect conditions prevailing at the time in that relevant market;

 

(b)        for purposes of Section 9(h)(i)(3)(B) and clause (a)(iii) of the definition of Applicable Close-out Rate, the rate certified by the relevant payer to be a rate offered to prime banks by a major bank in a relevant interbank market for overnight deposits in the applicable currency, such bank to be selected in good faith by the payer after consultation with the other party, if practicable, for the purpose of obtaining a representative rate that will reasonably reflect conditions prevailing at the time in that relevant market; and

 

(c)        for purposes of Section 9(h)(i)(3)(C) and clauses (a)(iv), (b)(i)(3) and (b)(ii)(1) of the definition of Applicable Close-out Rate, a rate equal to the arithmetic mean of the rate determined pursuant to clause (a) above and a rate per annum equal to the cost (without proof or evidence of any actual cost) to the relevant payee (as certified by it) if it were to fund or of funding the relevant amount.

 

“Automatic Early Termination” has the meaning specified in Section 6(a).

 

“Burdened Party” has the meaning specified in Section 5(b)(iv).

 

“Change in Tax Law” means the enactment, promulgation, execution or ratification of, or any change in or amendment to, any law (or in the application or official interpretation of any law) that occurs after the parties enter into the relevant Transaction.

 

“Close-out Amount” means, with respect to each Terminated Transaction or each group of Terminated Transactions and a Determining Party, the amount of the losses or costs of the Determining Party that are or would be incurred under then prevailing circumstances (expressed as a positive number) or gains of the Determining Party that are or would be realised under then prevailing circumstances (expressed as a negative number) in replacing, or in providing for the Determining Party the economic equivalent of, (a) the material terms of that Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions, including the payments and deliveries by the parties under Section 2(a)(i) in respect of that Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions that would, but for the occurrence of the relevant Early Termination Date, have been required after that date (assuming satisfaction of the conditions precedent in Section 2(a)(iii)) and (b) the option rights of the parties in respect of that Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions.

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Any Close-out Amount will be determined by the Determining Party (or its agent), which will act in good faith and use commercially reasonable procedures in order to produce a commercially reasonable result. The Determining Party may determine a Close-out Amount for any group of Terminated Transactions or any individual Terminated Transaction but, in the aggregate, for not less than all Terminated Transactions. Each Close-out Amount will be determined as of the Early Termination Date or, if that would not be commercially reasonable, as of the date or dates following the Early Termination Date as would be commercially reasonable.

 

Unpaid Amounts in respect of a Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions and legal fees and out-of-pocket expenses referred to in Section 11 are to be excluded in all determinations of Close-out Amounts.

 

In determining a Close-out Amount, the Determining Party may consider any relevant information, including, without limitation, one or more of the following types of information:—

 

(i)        quotations (either firm or indicative) for replacement transactions supplied by one or more third parties that may take into account the creditworthiness of the Determining Party at the time the quotation is provided and the terms of any relevant documentation, including credit support documentation, between the Determining Party and the third party providing the quotation;

 

(ii)        information consisting of relevant market data in the relevant market supplied by one or more third parties including, without limitation, relevant rates, prices, yields, yield curves, volatilities, spreads, correlations or other relevant market data in the relevant market; or

 

(iii)       information of the types described in clause (i) or (ii) above from internal sources (including any of the Determining Party’s Affiliates) if that information is of the same type used by the Determining Party in the regular course of its business for the valuation of similar transactions.

 

The Determining Party will consider, taking into account the standards and procedures described in this definition, quotations pursuant to clause (i) above or relevant market data pursuant to clause (ii) above unless the Determining Party reasonably believes in good faith that such quotations or relevant market data are not readily available or would produce a result that would not satisfy those standards. When considering information described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, the Determining Party may include costs of funding, to the extent costs of funding are not and would not be a component of the other information being utilised. Third parties supplying quotations pursuant to clause (i) above or market data pursuant to clause (ii) above may include, without limitation, dealers in the relevant markets, end-users of the relevant product, information vendors, brokers and other sources of market information.

 

Without duplication of amounts calculated based on information described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, or other relevant information, and when it is commercially reasonable to do so, the Determining Party may in addition consider in calculating a Close-out Amount any loss or cost incurred in connection with its terminating, liquidating or re-establishing any hedge related to a Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions (or any gain resulting from any of them).

 

Commercially reasonable procedures used in determining a Close-out Amount may include the following:—

 

(1)        application to relevant market data from third parties pursuant to clause (ii) above or information from internal sources pursuant to clause (iii) above of pricing or other valuation models that are, at the time of the determination of the Close-out Amount, used by the Determining Party in the regular course of its business in pricing or valuing transactions between the Determining Party and unrelated third parties that are similar to the Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions; and

 23 ISDA® 2002

 

(2)        application of different valuation methods to Terminated Transactions or groups of Terminated Transactions depending on the type, complexity, size or number of the Terminated Transactions or group of Terminated Transactions.

 

“Confirmation” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

“consent” includes a consent, approval, action, authorisation, exemption, notice, filing, registration or exchange control consent.

 

“Contractual Currency” has the meaning specified in Section 8(a).

 

“Convention Court” means any court which is bound to apply to the Proceedings either Article 17 of the 1968 Brussels Convention on Jurisdiction and the Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters or Article 17 of the 1988 Lugano Convention on Jurisdiction and the Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters.

 

“Credit Event Upon Merger” has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

 

“Credit Support Document” means any agreement or instrument that is specified as such in this Agreement.

 

“Credit Support Provider” has the meaning specified in the Schedule.

 

“Cross-Default” means the event specified in Section 5(a)(vi).

 

“Default Rate” means a rate per annum equal to the cost (without proof or evidence of any actual cost) to the relevant payee (as certified by it) if it were to fund or of funding the relevant amount plus 1% per annum.

 

“Defaulting Party” has the meaning specified in Section 6(a).

 

“Designated Event” has the meaning specified in Section 5(b)(v).

 

“Determining Party” means the party determining a Close-out Amount.

 

“Early Termination Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 6(e).

 

“Early Termination Date” means the date determined in accordance with Section 6(a) or 6(b)(iv).

 

“electronic messages” does not include e-mails but does include documents expressed in markup languages, and “electronic messaging system” will be construed accordingly.

 

“English law” means the law of England and Wales, and “English” will be construed accordingly.

 

“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 5(a) and, if applicable, in the Schedule.

 

“Force Majeure Event” has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

 

“General Business Day” means a day on which commercial banks are open for general business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits).

 

“Illegality” has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

 24 ISDA® 2002

 

“Indemnifiable Tax” means any Tax other than a Tax that would not be imposed in respect of a payment under this Agreement but for a present or former connection between the jurisdiction of the government or taxation authority imposing such Tax and the recipient of such payment or a person related to such recipient (including, without limitation, a connection arising from such recipient or related person being or having been a citizen or resident of such jurisdiction, or being or having been organised, present or engaged in a trade or business in such jurisdiction, or having or having had a permanent establishment or fixed place of business in such jurisdiction, but excluding a connection arising solely from such recipient or related person having executed, delivered, performed its obligations or received a payment under, or enforced, this Agreement or a Credit Support Document).

 

“law” includes any treaty, law, rule or regulation (as modified, in the case of tax matters, by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority), and “unlawful” will be construed accordingly.

 

“Local Business Day” means (a) in relation to any obligation under Section 2(a)(i), a General Business Day in the place or places specified in the relevant Confirmation and a day on which a relevant settlement system is open or operating as specified in the relevant Confirmation or, if a place or a settlement system is not so specified, as otherwise agreed by the parties in writing or determined pursuant to provisions contained, or incorporated by reference, in this Agreement, (b) for the purpose of determining when a Waiting Period expires, a General Business Day in the place where the event or circumstance that constitutes or gives rise to the Illegality or Force Majeure Event, as the case may be, occurs, (c) in relation to any other payment, a General Business Day in the place where the relevant account is located and, if different, in the principal financial centre, if any, of the currency of such payment and, if that currency does not have a single recognised principal financial centre, a day on which the settlement system necessary to accomplish such payment is open, (d) in relation to any notice or other communication, including notice contemplated under Section 5(a)(i), a General Business Day (or a day that would have been a General Business Day but for the occurrence of an event or circumstance which would, if it occurred with respect to payment, delivery or compliance related to a Transaction, constitute or give rise to an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event) in the place specified in the address for notice provided by the recipient and, in the case of a notice contemplated by Section 2(b), in the place where the relevant new account is to be located and (e) in relation to Section 5(a)(v)(2), a General Business Day in the relevant locations for performance with respect to such Specified Transaction.

 

“Local Delivery Day” means, for purposes of Sections 5(a)(i) and 5(d), a day on which settlement systems necessary to accomplish the relevant delivery are generally open for business so that the delivery is capable of being accomplished in accordance with customary market practice, in the place specified in the relevant Confirmation or, if not so specified, in a location as determined in accordance with customary market practice for the relevant delivery.

 

“Master Agreement” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

“Merger Without Assumption” means the event specified in Section 5(a)(viii).

 

“Multiple Transaction Payment Netting” has the meaning specified in Section 2(c).

 

“Non-affected Party” means, so long as there is only one Affected Party, the other party.

 

“Non-default Rate” means the rate certified by the Non-defaulting Party to be a rate offered to the Non-defaulting Party by a major bank in a relevant interbank market for overnight deposits in the applicable currency, such bank to be selected in good faith by the Non-defaulting Party for the purpose of obtaining a representative rate that will reasonably reflect conditions prevailing at the time in that relevant market.

 

“Non-defaulting Party” has the meaning specified in Section 6(a).

 

“Office” means a branch or office of a party, which may be such party’s head or home office.

 

“Other Amounts” has the meaning specified in Section 6(f).

 25 ISDA® 2002

 

“Payee” has the meaning specified in Section 6(f).

 

“Payer” has the meaning specified in Section 6(f).

 

“Potential Event of Default” means any event which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

“Proceedings” has the meaning specified in Section 13(b).

 

“Process Agent” has the meaning specified in the Schedule.

 

“rate of exchange” includes, without limitation, any premiums and costs of exchange payable in connection with the purchase of or conversion into the Contractual Currency.

 

“Relevant Jurisdiction” means, with respect to a party, the jurisdictions (a) in which the party is incorporated, organised, managed and controlled or considered to have its seat, (b) where an Office through which the party is acting for purposes of this Agreement is located, (c) in which the party executes this Agreement and (d) in relation to any payment, from or through which such payment is made.

 

“Schedule” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

“Scheduled Settlement Date” means a date on which a payment or delivery is to be made under Section 2(a)(i) with respect to a Transaction.

 

“Specified Entity” has the meaning specified in the Schedule.

 

“Specified Indebtedness” means, subject to the Schedule, any obligation (whether present or future, contingent or otherwise, as principal or surety or otherwise) in respect of borrowed money.

 

“Specified Transaction” means, subject to the Schedule, (a) any transaction (including an agreement with respect to any such transaction) now existing or hereafter entered into between one party to this Agreement (or any Credit Support Provider of such party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party) and the other party to this Agreement (or any Credit Support Provider of such other party or any applicable Specified Entity of such other party) which is not a Transaction under this Agreement but (i) which is a rate swap transaction, swap option, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate swap transaction, currency option, credit protection transaction, credit swap, credit default swap, credit default option, total return swap, credit spread transaction, repurchase transaction, reverse repurchase transaction, buy/sell-back transaction, securities lending transaction, weather index transaction or forward purchase or sale of a security, commodity or other financial instrument or interest (including any option with respect to any of these transactions) or (ii) which is a type of transaction that is similar to any transaction referred to in clause (i) above that is currently, or in the future becomes, recurrently entered into in the financial markets (including terms and conditions incorporated by reference in such agreement) and which is a forward, swap, future, option or other derivative on one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity securities or other equity instruments, debt securities or other debt instruments, economic indices or measures of economic risk or value, or other benchmarks against which payments or deliveries are to be made, (b) any combination of these transactions and (c) any other transaction identified as a Specified Transaction in this Agreement or the relevant confirmation.

 

“Stamp Tax” means any stamp, registration, documentation or similar tax.

 

“Stamp Tax Jurisdiction” has the meaning specified in Section 4(e).

 26 ISDA® 2002

 

“Tax” means any present or future tax, levy, impost, duty, charge, assessment or fee of any nature (including interest, penalties and additions thereto) that is imposed by any government or other taxing authority in respect of any payment under this Agreement other than a stamp, registration, documentation or similar tax.

 

“Tax Event” has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

 

“Tax Event Upon Merger” has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

 

“Terminated Transactions” means, with respect to any Early Termination Date, (a) if resulting from an Illegality or a Force Majeure Event, all Affected Transactions specified in the notice given pursuant to Section 6(b)(iv), (b) if resulting from any other Termination Event, all Affected Transactions and (c) if resulting from an Event of Default, all Transactions in effect either immediately before the effectiveness of the notice designating that Early Termination Date or, if Automatic Early Termination applies, immediately before that Early Termination Date.

 

“Termination Currency” means (a) if a Termination Currency is specified in the Schedule and that currency is freely available, that currency, and (b) otherwise, euro if this Agreement is expressed to be governed by English law or United States Dollars if this Agreement is expressed to be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

“Termination Currency Equivalent” means, in respect of any amount denominated in the Termination Currency, such Termination Currency amount and, in respect of any amount denominated in a currency other than the Termination Currency (the “Other Currency”), the amount in the Termination Currency determined by the party making the relevant determination as being required to purchase such amount of such Other Currency as at the relevant Early Termination Date, or, if the relevant Close-out Amount is determined as of a later date, that later date, with the Termination Currency at the rate equal to the spot exchange rate of the foreign exchange agent (selected as provided below) for the purchase of such Other Currency with the Termination Currency at or about 11:00 a.m. (in the city in which such foreign exchange agent is located) on such date as would be customary for the determination of such a rate for the purchase of such Other Currency for value on the relevant Early Termination Date or that later date. The foreign exchange agent will, if only one party is obliged to make a determination under Section 6(e), be selected in good faith by that party and otherwise will be agreed by the parties.

 

“Termination Event” means an Illegality, a Force Majeure Event, a Tax Event, a Tax Event Upon Merger or, if specified to be applicable, a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional Termination Event.

 

“Termination Rate” means a rate per annum equal to the arithmetic mean of the cost (without proof or evidence of any actual cost) to each party (as certified by such party) if it were to fund or of funding such amounts.

 

“Threshold Amount” means the amount, if any, specified as such in the Schedule.

 

“Transaction” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

“Unpaid Amounts” owing to any party means, with respect to an Early Termination Date, the aggregate of (a) in respect of all Terminated Transactions, the amounts that became payable (or that would have become payable but for Section 2(a)(iii) or due but for Section 5(d)) to such party under Section 2(a)(i) or 2(d)(i)(4) on or prior to such Early Termination Date and which remain unpaid as at such Early Termination Date, (b) in respect of each Terminated Transaction, for each obligation under Section 2(a)(i) which was (or would have been but for Section 2(a)(iii) or 5(d)) required to be settled by delivery to such party on or prior to such Early Termination Date and which has not been so settled as at such Early Termination Date, an amount equal to the fair market value of that which was (or would have been) required to be delivered and (c) if the Early Termination Date results from an Event of Default, a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional Termination Event in respect of which all outstanding Transactions are Affected Transactions, any Early Termination Amount due prior to such Early Termination Date and which remains unpaid as of such Early Termination Date, in each case together with any amount of interest accrued or other compensation in respect of that obligation or deferred obligation, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 9(h)(ii)(1) or (2), as appropriate. The fair market value of any obligation referred to in clause (b) above will be determined as of the originally scheduled date for delivery, in good faith and using commercially reasonable procedures, by the party obliged to make the determination under Section 6(e) or, if each party is so obliged, it will be the average of the Termination Currency Equivalents of the fair market values so determined by both parties.

 27 ISDA® 2002

 

“Waiting Period” means:—

 

(a)       in respect of an event or circumstance under Section 5(b)(i), other than in the case of Section 5(b)(i)(2) where the relevant payment, delivery or compliance is actually required on the relevant day (in which case no Waiting Period will apply), a period of three Local Business Days (or days that would have been Local Business Days but for the occurrence of that event or circumstance) following the occurrence of that event or circumstance; and

 

(b)       in respect of an event or circumstance under Section 5(b)(ii), other than in the case of Section 5(b)(ii)(2) where the relevant payment, delivery or compliance is actually required on the relevant day (in which case no Waiting Period will apply), a period of eight Local Business Days (or days that would have been Local Business Days but for the occurrence of that event or circumstance) following the occurrence of that event or circumstance.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this document on the respective dates specified below with effect from the date specified on the first page of this document.

 

Citibank, N.A.   RACR-FS, LLC
(Name of Party)   (Name of Party)
         
By:     By:  
  Name: Daniel Whitney     Name:
  Title: Vice President     Title:
  Date: 5/18/2021     Date:
 28 ISDA® 2002

 

compensation in respect of that obligation or deferred obligation, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 9(h)(ii)(1) or (2), as appropriate. The fair market value of any obligation referred to in clause (b) above will be determined as of the originally scheduled date for delivery, in good faith and using commercially reasonable procedures, by the party obliged to make the determination under Section 6(e) or, if each party is so obliged, it will be the average of the Termination Currency Equivalents of the fair market values so determined by both parties.

 

“Waiting Period” means:—

 

(a)       in respect of an event or circumstance under Section 5(b)(i), other than in the case of Section 5(b)(i)(2) where the relevant payment, delivery or compliance is actually required on the relevant day (in which case no Waiting Period will apply), a period of three Local Business Days (or days that would have been Local Business Days but for the occurrence of that event or circumstance) following the occurrence of that event or circumstance; and

 

(b)       in respect of an event or circumstance under Section 5(b)(ii), other than in the case of Section 5(b)(ii)(2) where the relevant payment, delivery or compliance is actually required on the relevant day (in which case no Waiting Period will apply), a period of eight Local Business Days (or days that would have been Local Business Days but for the occurrence of that event or circumstance) following the occurrence of that event or circumstance.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this document on the respective dates specified below with effect from the date specified on the first page of this document.

 

Citibank, N.A.   RACR-FS, LLC
(Name of Party)   (Name of Party)
         
By:     By:  
  Name:     Name: Nathan DeBacker
  Title:     Title: Chief Financial Officer
  Date:     Date:
 29 ISDA® 2002

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

SCHEDULE

 

to the

 

ISDA 2002 Master Agreement

 

dated as of May 18, 2021

 

between

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States

("Party A")

 

and

 

RACR-FS, LLC

a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware

("Party B")

 

Part 1

Termination Provisions

 

In this Agreement:

 

(a)"Specified Entity" means:

 

(i)        in relation to Party A, for the purpose of Section 5(a)(v) of this Agreement, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Commercial Corp., Citicorp Securities Services, Inc., Citibank Europe PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Deutschland AG, Citigroup Energy Inc., Citibank Japan Ltd., Citibank Canada, Citigroup Energy Canada ULC and Citigroup Financial Products Inc. (individually a "Section 5(a)(v) Affiliate"), and for all other purposes not applicable; and

 

(ii)        in relation to Party B, for the purpose of Sections 5(a)(v), 5(a)(vi), 5(a)(vii) and 5(b)(v) of this Agreement, CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, a statutory trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the ''Party B Investor'').

 

(b)        "Specified Transaction" will have the meaning specified in Section 14 of this Agreement. For purposes of clause (c) of such definition, Specified Transaction includes any securities options, margin loans, short sales, and any other similar transaction now existing or hereafter entered into between Party A or any Section 5(a)(v) Affiliate, on the one hand, and Party B or any Specified Entity of Party B, on the other hand.

 1 

 

(c)The "Cross Default" provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) will apply to Party A and will apply to Party B.

 

For purposes of Section 5(a)(vi), the following provisions apply:

 

"Specified Indebtedness" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14 of this Agreement; provided that Specified Indebtedness shall not include deposits received in the course of a party's ordinary banking business.

 

"Threshold Amount" means

 

(i) with respect to Party A, 2% of the stockholders' equity of Party A; and

(ii) with respect to Party B, USD100,000;

(iii) with respect to the Party B Investor, the lesser of USD10,000,000 and 2% of the Net Asset Value of the Party B Investor,

 

including the U.S. Dollar equivalent on the date of any default, event of default or other similar condition or event of any obligation stated in any other currency.

 

For purposes of the above, "stockholders' equity" shall be determined by reference to the relevant party's most recent consolidated (quarterly, in the case of a U.S. organized party) balance sheet and shall include, in the case of a U.S. organized party, legal capital, paid-in capital, retained earnings and cumulative translation adjustments. Such balance sheet shall be prepared in accordance with accounting principles that are generally accepted in such party's country of organization.

 

For purposes of the above, (A) "Net Asset Value" of the Party B Investor means as of any date the Total Assets of the Party B Investor minus the Total Liabilities of the Party B Investor, in each case as of such date, (B) "Total Assets" means, at any date, all assets of the Party B Investor which in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles would be classified as assets upon a balance sheet of the Party B Investor prepared as of such date, (C) "Total Liabilities" means, at any date, all liabilities of the Party B Investor which in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles would be classified as liabilities upon a balance sheet of the Party B Investor prepared as of such date and (D) Net Asset Value shall be determined by reference to the most recent NAV and Performance Statement (as defined in Part 3) delivered to Party A.

 

(d)        The "Credit Event Upon Merger" provisions of Section 5(b)(v) of this Agreement will apply to Party A and will apply to Party B.

 

(e)        The "Automatic Early Termination" provisions of Section 6(a) will not apply to Party A and will not apply to Party B; provided, however, that with respect to a party, where the Event of Default specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1), (3), (4), (5), (6) or to the extent analogous thereto, (8) is governed by a system of law which does not permit termination to take place after the occurrence of the relevant Event of Default, then the Automatic Early Termination provisions of Section 6(a) will apply to such party.

 2 

 

(f)        "Termination Currency" means United States Dollars.

 

(g)        "Additional Termination Event": The following shall constitute Additional Termination Events with respect to Party B (and Party B will be the sole Affected Party, and all Transactions will be Affected Transactions, with respect to each such Additional Termination Event):

 

(1)        Without Party A's prior written consent, (x) Party B changes its jurisdiction of organization and/or organizational form from a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or (y) any amendment, supplement or other modification is made to any of the constitutional documents of Party B, in each case, to the extent such change, amendment, supplement or other modification has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(2)        Without Party A's prior written consent, (x) the Party B Investor changes its jurisdiction of organization and/or organizational form from a statutory trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or (y) any amendment, supplement or other modification is made to any of the constitutional documents of the Party B Investor, in each case, to the extent such change, amendment, supplement or other modification has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(3)        The Party B Investor fails to be the sole owner, beneficially and of record, of all of the equity ownership interests (other than nominal shares not representing any participation in the profits of Party B) issued by Party B.

 

(4)        OFS Capital Management, LLC, or any successor thereto acceptable to Party A in its sole discretion, fails to be a sub-adviser (the "Sub-Adviser") to the investment adviser to the Party B Investor, with investment responsibility for credit and credit-related assets (including total return swaps on such assets) as well as investments in commercial-backed mortgage securities held by Party B.

 

(5)        Party B incurs, assumes or otherwise becomes liable in respect of any Specified Indebtedness (other than any Specified Indebtedness arising under any Transaction hereunder).

 

(6)        Party B shall be a party to any transaction of the type described in the definition of "Specified Transaction", whether or not entered into with Party A or any Section 5(a)(v) Affiliate of Party A, other than a Transaction hereunder.

 

(7)        The Net Asset Value of the Party B Investor (i) falls below USD 30,000,000 (the "Net Asset Value Termination Level"), or (ii) declines (exclusive of redemptions and withdrawals) by 25 percent or more in any calendar month.

 

(8)        There occurs any material change to or departure from a fundamental policy of Party B which relates to Party B’s performance of its obligations under the Agreement without the prior consent of Party A (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).

 

(9)        Party B violates Section 18 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

 3 

 

(10)       Party B shall dissolve or liquidate.

 

As used herein:

 

"Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on (a) the ability of Party B or any Credit Support Provider of Party B to perform any of its payment or delivery obligations under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which Party B or any Credit Support Provider of Party B is a party, (b) the rights of or benefits available to Party A under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which Party B or any Credit Support Provider of Party B is a party, (c) the authority of the Party B Investor to act as Party B's agent in entering into and confirming Transactions and in receiving notices to Party B under this Agreement or (d) whether any Transaction shall be consistent with the then-current and applicable investment policies, trading strategies and/or restrictions of Party B or the Party B Investor.

 

"Net Asset Value" of the Party B Investor means as of any date the Total Assets of the Party B Investor minus the Total Liabilities of the Party B Investor, in each case as of such date. "Total Assets" means, at any date, all assets of the Party B Investor which in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles would be classified as assets upon a balance sheet of the Party B Investor prepared as of such date. "Total Liabilities" means, at any date, all liabilities of the Party B Investor which in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles would be classified as liabilities upon a balance sheet of the Party B Investor prepared as of such date and (D) Net Asset Value shall be determined by reference to the most recent NAV and Performance Statement (as defined in Part 3) delivered to Party A.

 

Part 2

Tax Representations

 

(a)        Payer Representations. For the purpose of Section 3(e) of this Agreement, Party A will make the following representation and Party B will make the following representation:

 

It is not required by any applicable law, as modified by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, of any Relevant Jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax from any payment (other than interest under Section 9(h) of this Agreement) to be made by it to the other party under this Agreement. In making this representation, it may rely on (i) the accuracy of any representations made by the other party pursuant to Section 3(f) of this Agreement, (ii) the satisfaction of the agreement contained in Section 4(a)(i) or 4(a)(iii) of this Agreement and the accuracy and effectiveness of any document provided by the other party pursuant to Section 4(a)(i) or 4(a)(iii) of this Agreement and (iii) the satisfaction of the agreement of the other party contained in Section 4(d) of this Agreement, except that it will not be a breach of this representation where reliance is placed on clause (ii) above and the other party does not deliver a form or documents under Section 4(a)(iii) by reason of material prejudice to its legal or commercial position.

 

(b)        Payee Representations. For the purpose of Section 3(f) of this Agreement, Party A and Party B make the representations specified below, if any:

 

The following representations will apply to Party A:

 4 

 

It is a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States, and its U.S. taxpayer identification number is 13-5266470.

 

It is "exempt" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation sections 1.6041-3(p) and 1.6049-4(c) from information reporting on Form 1099 and backup withholding.

 

The following representations will apply to Party B:

 

It is a disregarded entity of a United States person (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) (the "Owner") for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, and the U.S. taxpayer identification number of the Owner is 83-3579026. The Owner is "exempt" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Sections 1.6041-3(p) and 1.6049-4(c) from information reporting on Form 1099 and backup withholding.

 

The Owner is a regulated investment company for U.S. Federal income tax purposes.

 

Part 3

Agreement to Deliver Documents

 

For the purpose of Section 4(a) of this Agreement:

 

I.Tax forms, documents or certificates to be delivered are:

 

Party required to deliver document   Form/Document/ Certificate   Date by which to Be delivered
         
Party A   A fully completed and duly executed IRS Form W-9 (or any successor form) (together with any required attachments) with respect to Party A   Upon execution and delivery of this Agreement; and promptly upon learning that any form previously provided by such party has become obsolete or incorrect.
         
Party B   A fully completed and duly executed IRS Form W-9 (or any successor form) (together with any required attachments) with respect to Party B   Upon execution and delivery of this Agreement; and promptly upon learning that any form previously provided by such party has become obsolete or incorrect.

 5 

 

II.Other documents to be delivered are:

 

Party required to deliver document   Form/Document/ Certificate   Date by which to be delivered   Covered by Section 3(d)
             
Party A and Party B   Evidence reasonably satisfactory to the other party of the (i) authority of such party to enter into this Agreement and any Transactions and (ii) the authority and genuine signature of the individual signing this Agreement on behalf of such party to execute the same.   Upon execution and delivery of this Agreement and, if requested by the other party, as soon as practicable after execution of any Confirmation of any other Transaction.   Yes
             
Party B   The annual report of the Party B Investor containing audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles that are generally accepted in the United States of America and certified by independent certified public accountants for each fiscal year.   As soon as available and in any event within 120 days (or as soon as practicable after becoming publicly available) after the end of each of Party B investor's fiscal years.   Yes; provided that the phrase "is, as of the date of the information, true, accurate and complete in every material respect" in Section 3(d) shall be deleted and the phrase "fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations as of their respective dates and for the respective periods covered thereby" shall be inserted in lieu thereof

 6 

 

 

Party B   The unaudited consolidated financial statements, the consolidated balance sheet and related statements of income of the Party B Investor for each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year prepared in accordance with accounting principles that are generally accepted in the United States of America.   As soon as available and in any event within 60 days (or as soon as practicable after becoming publicly available) after the end of each of Party B investor's fiscal quarters.   Yes; provided that the phrase "is, as of the date of the information, true, accurate and complete in every material respect" in Section 3(d) shall be deleted and the phrase "fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations as of their respective dates and for the respective periods covered thereby" shall be inserted in lieu thereof
             
Party B   Certified copies of (a) the constitutional documents of Party B and (b) the Sub-Advisory Agreement dated as of February 28, 2020 between the investment advisor to Party B Investor and the Sub-Adviser.   Upon execution and delivery of this Agreement and as soon as practicable after any material amendment, supplement or other modification of any thereof.   Yes
             
Party A and Party B   A duly executed copy of each of the Credit Support Documents specified in Part 4(f) of this Schedule.   Upon execution and delivery of this Agreement.   No
             
Party B   A statement including a calculation of Party B Investor's Net Asset Value and Performance as of the end of each calendar month (the "NAV and Performance Statement").   No later than two Business Days after the same is made available by or on behalf of Party B Investor to any direct or indirect investors in the Party B Investor.   Yes

 7 

 

Party B   Such other documents that may be reasonably requested by Party A from time to time.   As soon as practicable following receipt of the written request by Party A.   Yes

 

Part 4

Miscellaneous

 

(a)Addresses for Notices. For the purpose of Section 12(a) of this Agreement:

 

Address for notices or communications to Party A:

 

Address: Capital Markets Documentation Unit      
  388 Greenwich Street, 17th Floor    
  New York, New York  10013    
  Attention: Director Derivatives Operations  
       
  Facsimile No.: (212) 816-5550  
       
  (For all purposes)    

 

Address for notices or communications to Party B:

 

Address: RACR-FS, LLC  
  c/o CIM Group  
  4700 Wilshire Boulevard  
  Los Angeles, CA 90010  
     
  Attention: David Thompson, Steve Altebrando, Nate DeBacker  
  Email: RACR_TRS@cimgroup.com  

 

(b)Process Agent. For the purpose of Section 13(c) of this Agreement:

 

Party A appoints as its Process Agent: Not Applicable Party B appoints as its Process Agent: Not Applicable

 

(c)Offices. The provisions of Section 10(a) will apply to this Agreement.

 

(d)Multibranch Party. For the purpose of Section 10(b) of this Agreement:

 

Party A is a Multibranch Party and may enter into a Transaction through any of the following offices: New York, London, Singapore and Sydney.

 

Party B is not a Multibranch Party.

 8 

 

(e)        Calculation Agent. The Calculation Agent will be Party A unless otherwise specified in a Confirmation in reference to the relevant Transaction.

 

(f)        Credit Support Document.

 

(i)       In relation to Party A, the Credit Support Annex dated as of the date hereof and attached hereto between the parties hereto; and

 

(ii) In relation to Party B, the Credit Support Annex dated as of the date hereof and attached hereto between the parties hereto and the Account Control Agreement dated as of the date hereof, between Party A, Party B and Citibank, N.A., acting through its Agency & Trust Division.

 

(g)        Credit Support Provider.

 

(i)       In relation to Party A, none; and

 

(ii)       In relation to Party B, none.

 

(h)        Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and this Agreement and all matters arising out of or relating in any way whatsoever to this Agreement (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) shall be governed by, the law of the State of New York.

 

(i)        Jurisdiction. Section 13(b)(i) of this Agreement is hereby amended by deleting in line 2 of paragraph 2 the word "non-" and by deleting paragraph (iii) thereof. The following shall be added at the end of Section 13(b): "Nothing in this provision shall prohibit a party from bringing an action to enforce a money judgment in any other jurisdiction."

 

(j)        "Affiliate" will have the meaning specified in Section 14 of this Agreement.

 

(k)        Absence of Litigation. For the purpose of Section 3(c), "Specified Entity" means in relation to Party A, none, and in relation to Party B, each Specified Entity referred to in Part 1 of this Schedule.

 

(l)        No Agency. The provisions of Section 3(g) will apply to this Agreement.

 

(m)       Additional Representation will apply. Section 3(a) of this Agreement is hereby amended by the deletion of "and" at the end of Section 3(a)(iv); the substitution of a semi-colon for the period at the end of Section 3(a)(v) and the addition of Sections 3(a)(vi) to (viii), as follows:

 

"(vi)      Relationship Between Parties. Each party will be deemed to represent to the other party on the date on which it enters into a Transaction that (absent a written agreement between the parties that expressly imposes affirmative obligations to the contrary for that Transaction):

 

(1)       No Reliance. It is acting for its own account, and it has made its own independent decisions to enter into that Transaction and as to whether that Transaction is appropriate or proper for it based upon its own judgment and upon advice from such advisors as it has deemed necessary. It is not relying on any communication (written or oral) of the other party as investment advice or as a recommendation to enter into that Transaction; it being understood that information and explanations related to the terms and conditions of a Transaction shall not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to enter into that Transaction. It has not received from the other party any assurance or guarantee as to the expected results of that Transaction.

 9 

 

(2)       Evaluation and Understanding. It is capable of evaluating and understanding (on its own behalf or through independent professional advice), and understands and accepts, the terms, conditions and risks of that Transaction. It is also capable of assuming, and assumes, the financial and other risks of that Transaction.

 

(3)       Status of Parties. The other party is not acting as a fiduciary for or an advisor to it in respect of that Transaction.

 

(vii)       Eligible Contract Participant. At the time of each Transaction entered into under this Agreement, each of Party A and Party B represents to the other that it is an eligible contract participant as defined in Section 1a(18) of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") and any regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to such definition in the context of security-based swaps (an "ECP").

 

(viii)       ERISA. The assets that are used in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transactions entered into pursuant hereto are not (i) the assets of an “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(3)) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) or other plan subject to Title

I of ERISA, (ii) a plan described in Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (iii) an entity whose underlying assets include “plan assets” by reason of Department of Labor regulation section 2510.3-101 (as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA), or (iv) a governmental plan that is subject to any federal, state, or local law that is substantially similar to the provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code."

 

(n)        "Netting of Payments" Either party may notify the other in writing, not less than one Local Business Day in advance of one or more Scheduled Payment Dates, that with regard to payments due on that date, Multiple Transaction Payment Netting will apply; provided that no such notice shall be required with respect to any Transaction if the related Confirmation expressly provides that Multiple Transaction Payment Netting will apply. Except to the extent that such advance written notice shall have been given or as is specified in a related Confirmation, subparagraph Multiple Transaction Payment Netting will not apply for purposes of Section 2(c) of this Agreement.

 

Part 5

Other Provisions

 

(a)        Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT THAT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY PROCEEDING.

 

(b)        Severability. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 5(b)(i) or 5(b)(ii) in the event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties shall endeavor, in good faith negotiations, to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 10 

 

(c)        Netting. In the event that any Terminated Transaction cannot be aggregated and netted against all other Terminated Transactions under Section 6(e) of this Agreement, such excluded Terminated Transactions shall be aggregated and netted amongst themselves to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

(d)        Escrow Payments. If by reason of the time difference between the cities in which payments are to be made, it is not possible for simultaneous payments to be made on any date on which both parties are required to make payments hereunder, either party may at its option and in its sole discretion notify the other party that payments on that date are to be made in escrow. In this case the deposit of the payment due earlier on that date shall be made by 2:00 p.m. (local time at the place for the earlier payment) on that date with an escrow agent selected by the party giving the notice, accompanied by irrevocable payment instructions (i) to release the deposited payment to the intended recipient upon receipt by the escrow agent of the required deposit of the corresponding payment from the other party on the same date accompanied by the irrevocable payment instructions to the same effect or (ii) if the required deposit of the corresponding payment is not made on that same date, to return the payment deposited to the party that paid it into escrow. The party that elects to have payments made in escrow shall pay the costs of the escrow arrangements and shall cause those arrangements to provide that the intended recipient of the payment due to be deposited first shall be entitled to interest on that deposited payment for each day in the period of its deposit at the rate offered by the escrow agent for that day for overnight deposits in the relevant currency in the office where it holds that deposited payment (at 11:00 a.m. local time on that day) if that payment is not released by 5:00 p.m. on the date it is deposited for any reason other than the intended recipients' failure to make the escrow deposit it is required to make hereunder in a timely fashion.

 

(e)        Recording of Conversations. Each party hereto consents to the recording of its telephone conversations relating to this Agreement or any potential Transaction.

 

(f)        2002 Master Agreement Protocol. The parties agree that the definitions and provisions contained in Annexes 1 to 16 and Section 6 of the 2002 Master Agreement Protocol published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. on 15th July 2003 are incorporated into and apply to this Agreement.

 

(g)        Additional Party B Representations. Section 3 of this Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following representations (which shall be made solely by Party B to Party A):

 

(h)        Compliance with Investment Policies. The execution, delivery, and performance by Party B of this Agreement and each Confirmation does not conflict with or violate the investment policies, trading strategies and/or restrictions of Party B or the Party B Investor as set forth in the offering and/or organizational documents, in each case as in effect from time to time, of Party B or the Party B investor, as the case may be.

 11 

 

(i)        Party B Investor . The Party B Investor, in its capacity as sole member of Party B, is duly authorized to enter into and confirm Transactions on behalf of Party B and receive notices to Party B under this Agreement.

 

(j)        Obligations Pari Passu. The obligations of Party B to Party A under this Agreement rank at least pari passu with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of Party B.

 

Party B covenants that (i) it will not take any action during the term of any Transaction that would render any of the representations and warranties in this Part 5(g) untrue and (ii) it will take all necessary action during the term of each Transaction to cause such representations and warranties to continue at all times to be true.

 

(k)       Party B Investor Representations. The following representations shall be made by the Party B Investor in accordance with Section 3 of the Agreement as if the Party B Investor was a party to this Agreement:

 

"(i) Party B Investor Representations. The Party B Investor represents and warrants to Party A (x) that it is duly authorized to enter into and confirm Transactions and receive notices on behalf of Party B under this Agreement, and (y) that any Transaction shall be entered into in accordance with the applicable investment policies, trading strategies and/or restrictions of Party B as are then in effect.

 

(ii) No Investment Advice from Party A. The Party B Investor represents and agrees that no advice given by Party A or its Affiliates shall form a primary basis for any decision by or on behalf of the Party B Investor relating to any Transaction under or in connection with this Agreement, that neither Party A nor any of its Affiliates is or shall be a fiduciary or advisor with respect to Party B or the Party B Investor and that no amounts paid or to be paid to Party A or its Affiliates are attributable to any advice provided by Party A or its Affiliates."

 

(l)        Additional Party B Covenant. For purposes of Section 4 of this Agreement, the following shall be added immediately following paragraph (e) thereof:

 

"(f) Notification Requirements. Party B shall notify Party A in writing as soon as practicable upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a responsible officer of Party B or the Party B Investor obtains actual knowledge of any Additional Termination Event in relation to Party B, (ii) the entry by Party B or the Party B Investor into an agreement that would result in the merger, change in control or reorganization of Party B or the Party B Investor; (iii) responsible officer of Party B or the Party B Investor obtains actual knowledge of the commencement of litigation or regulatory action against Party B, its investment adviser or the Sub-Adviser that has, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect; or (iv) the independent public accountant of Party B or the Party B Investor resigns, is dismissed, or issues a report on its financial statements that contains an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, or issues an opinion that is qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or audit principles."

 

(m)       Confirmation Procedures. Except as otherwise expressly provided in a Confirmation with respect to a Transaction, for each Transaction that Party A and Party B enter hereunder, Party A shall promptly send to Party B a Confirmation setting forth the terms of such Transaction. Party B shall promptly execute and return the Confirmation to Party A or request correction of any error. Failure of Party B to respond shall not affect the validity or enforceability of such Transaction and shall be deemed to be an affirmation and acceptance of such terms.

 12 

 

(n)        Recourse Limited to Party B. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Agreement, the Schedule or any Confirmation or other document issued or delivered in connection with any Transaction entered into under this Agreement, (i) any amounts owed or liabilities incurred by Party B hereunder or in respect of any Transaction entered into under this Agreement, shall be satisfied solely from the assets of Party B and (ii) no recourse, whether by set-off or otherwise, shall be had to the assets of the Party B Investor or any of the Affiliates of Party B or any director, officer or employee or partner of Party B, the Party B Investor or any of the Affiliates of Party B, except that the foregoing will not limit service of process on Party B by delivery of notice on its behalf to Party B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this limited recourse provision shall not be deemed as a waiver of any valid claim or cause of action Party A or any of Party A’s Affiliates may otherwise have against the Party B Investor or Party B independent of Party B's obligations hereunder.

 

(o)        Limitation on Damages. No party shall be required to pay or be liable to the other party for any consequential, indirect or punitive damages, opportunity costs or lost profits; provided that the foregoing shall not limit any party's obligation to make any amount otherwise payable in accordance with the express provisions of this Agreement.

 

(p)        Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. The parties agree that the definitions and provisions contained in the ISDA 2012 FATCA Protocol as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. on August 15, 2012, are incorporated into and apply to the Agreement as if set forth in full herein.

 

(q)        HIRE Act Protocols. The parties agree that, solely as between Party A and Party B, the definitions and provisions contained in the (x) Attachment to the ISDA 2010 Short Form HIRE Act Protocol and (y) 2015 Section 871(m) Protocol, in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. ("Protocol Attachment") will be deemed to be incorporated herein, mutatis mutandis, as though such definitions and provisions were set out in full herein, with any such conforming changes as are necessary to deal with what would otherwise be inappropriate or incorrect cross references. The parties further agree that the Implementation Date (as such term is defined in the Protocol Attachment) shall be the date of execution of this Agreement.

 

(r)        Notification of Right To Segregate Independent Amounts. With respect to funds or other property provided to margin, guarantee or secure obligations for Uncleared Swaps entered into under this Agreement, to the extent mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act, Party B has the right to require segregation of such funds or other property (other than variation margin) at an independent third party custodian. This notification is deemed repeated each time Party B enters into an Uncleared Swap with Party A. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “Uncleared Swap” means a Transaction that is a “swap” as defined in the CEA section 1(a)(47) and CFTC regulation 1.3(xxx) that is not subject to the CFTC’s mandatory clearing requirement under CEA section 2(h) and CFTC regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(s)        Affiliate Revenue Sharing Disclosure. In connection with the transactions and services contemplated under this Agreement, certain Affiliates may provide product and sales services (“Services”), collectively with the services provided by Party A, to Party B. Each such Affiliate provides such Services on its own behalf. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Party A and certain of its Affiliates have previously agreed to share revenue in respect of any transaction or service contemplated under this Agreement based on their respective contributions to such transaction or Service. Accordingly, a portion of the revenue received by Party A from Party B under any transaction or Service contemplated by this Agreement is allocable to such Affiliate(s) and is received by us on behalf of such Affiliate(s). For a list of Affiliates providing Services in specific countries, please see https://www.citibank.com/icg/docs/Affiliates.pdf.

 13 

 

(t)        Electronic Signatures. Each party acknowledges and agrees that it may execute this Agreement, any Transaction and any variation or amendment to the same, by electronic instrument. Each party agrees that its electronic signature appearing on the document shall have the same effect as a handwritten signature and its use of an electronic signature on this Agreement or any Confirmation shall have the same validity and legal effect as the use of a signature affixed by hand and is made with the intention of authenticating this Agreement or any Confirmation, and evidencing that party’s intention to be bound by the terms and conditions contained herein or therein. Each party represents and warrants that it has the authority to enter into this Agreement and any Transaction using an electronic signature and is not prevented from doing so pursuant to its constitutional documents, corporate authorities, internal requirements or otherwise.

 

(u)        Certain Permitted Disclosures. Party A is required to report information related to swap, derivatives and other transactions with counterparties to appropriate regulators. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any agreement, including, without limitation, any non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement between Party A and Party B, as a counterparty to a swap, derivatives, or other transaction, Party B hereby consents to the disclosure of information: (a) to the extent required or permitted by any applicable law, rule or regulation which mandates reporting and/or retention of transaction and similar information or to the extent required by order or directive regarding reporting and/or retention of transaction or similar information issued by any authority, body or agency in accordance with which Party A is required or accustomed to act, including, without limitation, reporting required to be made to swap or trade data repositories or systems or services operated by such repositories (“Reporting Requirements”) or (b) to and between Party A’s head office, branches or Affiliates, or any persons or entities who provide services to such other party or its head office, branches or Affiliates, in each case, in connection with such Reporting Requirements.

 

Part 6

U.S. QFC Mandatory Contractual Requirements

 

(a)       Recognition of U.S. Special Resolution Regimes. (i) In the event Party A becomes subject to a proceeding under the FDI Act or OLA (together, the "U.S. Special Resolution Regimes"), the transfer of this Agreement or any other Relevant Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under, and any property securing, this Agreement or such other Relevant Agreement, from Party A will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement or such other Relevant Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under, and any property securing, this Agreement or such other Relevant Agreement, as the case may be, were governed by the laws of the United States or a State of the United States. (ii) In the event Party A or any Party A Affiliate becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights with respect to this Agreement or any other Relevant Agreement that may be exercised against Party A are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under such U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement or such other Relevant Agreement as the case may be, were governed by the laws of the United States or a State of the United States.

 14 

 

(b)        Limitation on Exercise of Certain Default Rights Related to a Party A Affiliate’s Entry Into Insolvency Proceedings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other agreement, the parties hereto expressly acknowledge and agree that, subject to Part 6(c), Party B shall not be permitted to exercise any Default Right against Party A with respect to this Agreement or any other Relevant Agreement that is related, directly or indirectly, to a Party A Affiliate becoming subject to an Insolvency Proceeding.

 

(c)        General Creditor Protections. Nothing in Part 6(b) shall restrict the exercise by Party B of any Default Right against Party A with respect to this Agreement or any other Relevant Agreement that arises as a result of:

 

(i)Party A becoming subject to an Insolvency Proceeding; or

 

(ii)        Party A not satisfying a payment or delivery obligation pursuant to (A) this Agreement or any other Relevant Agreement, or (B) another contract between Party A and Party B that gives rise to a Default Right under this Agreement or any other Relevant Agreement.

 

(d)       Burden of Proof. After a Party A Affiliate has become subject to an Insolvency Proceeding, if Party B seeks to exercise any Default Right with respect to this Agreement or any other Relevant Agreement, Party B shall have the burden of proof, by clear and convincing evidence, that the exercise of such Default Right is permitted hereunder or thereunder.

 

(e)       General Conditions

 

(i) Prior Adherence to the U.S. Protocol. If Party A and Party B have adhered to the ISDA U.S. Protocol prior to the date of this Agreement, the terms of the ISDA U.S. Protocol shall be incorporated into and form a part of this Agreement and shall replace the terms of this Part 6. For purposes of incorporating the ISDA U.S. Protocol, Party A shall be deemed to be a Regulated Entity, Party B shall be deemed to be an Adhering Party and the Agreement shall be deemed to be a Protocol Covered Agreement.

 

(ii) Subsequent Adherence to the U.S. Protocol. If, after the date of this Agreement, both Party A and Party B shall have become adhering parties to the ISDA U.S. Protocol, the terms of the ISDA U.S. Protocol will supersede and replace this Part 6.

 

(f)       Definitions. For the purposes of Part 6, the following definitions apply:

 

     “BHC Affiliate” has the same meaning as the term “affiliate” as defined in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1813(w) and 12 U.S.C. 1841(k).

 

     Consolidated Affiliate has the same meaning specified in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. 252.81, 12 C.F.R. 382.1 and 12 C.F.R. 47.2.

 15 

 

Credit Enhancement means, with respect to this Agreement or any other Relevant Agreement, any credit enhancement or other credit support arrangement in support of the obligations of Party A or Party B hereunder or thereunder or with respect hereto or thereto, including any guarantee or collateral arrangement (including any pledge, charge, mortgage or other security interest in collateral or title transfer arrangement), trust or similar arrangement, letter of credit, transfer of margin or any similar arrangement.

 

Default Right means, with respect to this Agreement (including any Transaction or Confirmation hereunder) or any other Relevant Agreement, any:

 

(i) right of a party, whether contractual or otherwise (including, without limitation, rights incorporated by reference to any other contract, agreement, or document, and rights afforded by statute, civil code, regulation, and common law), to liquidate, terminate, cancel, rescind, or accelerate such agreement or transactions thereunder, set off or net amounts owing in respect thereto (except rights related to same-day payment netting), exercise remedies in respect of collateral or other credit support or property related thereto (including the purchase and sale of property), demand payment or delivery thereunder or in respect thereof (other than a right or operation of a contractual provision arising solely from a change in the value of collateral or margin or a change in the amount of an economic exposure), suspend, delay, or defer payment or performance thereunder, or modify the obligations of a party thereunder, or any similar rights; and

 

(ii) right or contractual provision that alters the amount of collateral or margin that must be provided with respect to an exposure thereunder, including by altering any initial amount, threshold amount, variation margin, minimum transfer amount, the margin value of collateral, or any similar amount, that entitles a party to demand the return of any collateral or margin transferred by it to the other party or a custodian or that modifies a transferee’s right to reuse collateral or margin (if such right previously existed), or any similar rights, in each case, other than a right or operation of a contractual provision arising solely from a change in the value of collateral or margin or a change in the amount of an economic exposure; but

 

(iii) solely with respect to Part 6(b) does not include any right under a contract that allows a party to terminate the contract on demand or at its option at a specified time, or from time to time, without the need to show cause.

 

“FDI Act” means the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

“Financial Counterparty” has the meaning given to such term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. 252.81, 12 C.F.R. 382.1 and 12 C.F.R. 47.2.

 

“Insolvency Proceeding” means a receivership, insolvency, liquidation, resolution, or similar proceeding.

 

ISDA U.S. Protocol means the ISDA 2018 U.S. Resolution Stay Protocol, as published by ISDA on July 31, 2018.

 16 

 

“OLA” means Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

“Party A Affiliate” means, with respect to Party A, a BHC Affiliate of that party.

 

“Party B Affiliate” means a Consolidated Affiliate of Party B.

 

“QFC Stay Rules” means the regulations codified at 12 C.F.R. 252.81 8 (the “Federal Reserve Rule”), 12 C.F.R. 382.1-7 (the “FDIC Rule”) and 12 C.F.R. 47.1-8 (the “OCC Rule”), respectively. All references herein to the specific provisions of the Federal Reserve Rule, the FDICs Rule and the OCC Rule shall be construed, with respect to Party A, to the particular QFC Stay Rule(s) applicable to it.

 

“Relevant Agreement” means this Agreement (including all Transactions and Confirmations hereunder) and any Credit Enhancement relating hereto or thereto .

 

“Small Financial Institution” has the meaning given to such term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. 252.81, 12 C.F.R. 382.1 and 12 C.F.R. 47.2.

 

State means any state, commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, or the United States Virgin Islands.

 

[signature page follows]

 17 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this document on the respective dates specified below with effect from the date specified on the first page of this document.

 

CITIBANK, N.A.   RACR-FS, LLC
     
By:     By:  
  Name: Daniel Whitney     Name:  
  Title: Vice President     Title:  

 

ISDA Master Schedule – Signature Page

 
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this document on the respective dates specified below with effect from the date specified on the first page of this document. 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.   RACR-FS, LLC
       
By:     By:  
  Name:       Name: Nathan DeBacker
  Title:       Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Page to ISDA Master Schedule]

 

 

Citibank, N.A.

390 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013

 

 

 

Execution Copy

 

Date: May 18, 2021 (amended and restated as of December 16, 2021)
   
To: RACR-FS, LLC
  c/o OFS Capital Management, LLC
  10 South Wacker Drive
  Suite 2500
  Chicago, IL 60606
  Attention: Ken Brown, John Yi
  kbrown@ofsmanagement.com
  jyi@ofsmanagement.com
  RACR_TRS@cimgroup.com
   
From: Citibank, N.A.
  388 Greenwich Street
  11th Floor
  New York, New York 10013
  Attention: Director Derivative Operations
  Facsimile: 212-615-8594

 

Transaction Reference Number:                          

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The purpose of this letter agreement is to set forth the terms and conditions of the Transactions entered into between Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank") and RACR-FS, LLC, a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware ("Counterparty"), in relation to the Trade Date specified below (each, a "Transaction" and, collectively, the "Transactions"). This letter constitutes a "Confirmation" as referred to in the Master Agreement specified below.

 

The definitions and provisions contained in the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the "Definitions"), as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., are incorporated into this Confirmation. In the event of any inconsistency between the Definitions and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Confirmation have the meanings assigned to them in Annex A. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Confirmation or in Annex A have the meanings assigned to them in the Definitions.

 

With effect from the First Amendment Effective Date specified below, this Confirmation amends and restates the prior Confirmation dated May 18, 2021, relating to the Transactions described therein (the "Original Confirmation"), which Original Confirmation (with respect to the period from and after the First Amendment Effective Date) is hereby superseded and shall be of no further force or effect.

Page 1 

 

1.       AGREEMENT

 

This Confirmation supplements, forms a part of and is subject to, the ISDA 2002 Master Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2021 (as amended, supplemented and otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the "Master Agreement"), between Citibank and Counterparty. All provisions contained in the Master Agreement govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified below.

 

2.TERMS OF TRANSACTIONS

 

The terms of the particular Transactions to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:

 

General Terms:  
   
Trade Date: May 18, 2021
   
Effective Date: May 18, 2021
   
First Amendment Effective Date: December 16, 2021
   
Scheduled Termination Date: The latest date for the final scheduled payment (or, if there is only one scheduled payment, for the scheduled payment) of principal of any Reference Obligation at any time included in the Reference Portfolio.
   
Termination Date: The final Scheduled Settlement Date (as defined in the Master Agreement) with respect to all Transactions (other than any Counterparty Fourth Floating Rate Payer Payment Date). The obligations of the parties to make payments required to be made hereunder shall survive the Termination Date.
   
Obligation Termination Date: (a) In relation to any Repaid Obligation, the related Repayment Date; and
   
  (b) In relation to any Terminated Obligation, the related Termination Settlement Date.
   
Reference Portfolio: As of any date of determination, all Reference Obligations with respect to all Transactions outstanding on such date.
   
Reference Obligation: Each obligation listed on Annex I (as revised from time to time by the Calculation Agent in accordance with this Confirmation) having a Reference Amount equal to the "Reference Amount" indicated on Annex I for such obligation (and, in the case of a Committed Obligation, having an Outstanding Principal Amount equal to the "Outstanding Principal Amount" indicated on Annex I for such Committed Obligation), in each case, subject to adjustment by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the terms of this Confirmation.

Page 2 

 

  Each Transaction entered into under this Confirmation will reference an individual Reference Obligation, and Annex I constitutes a supplemental Confirmation under the Master Agreement with respect to each such Transaction.
   
  Counterparty may, by notice to Citibank on any Business Day (each, an "Obligation Trade Date"), on or after the Trade Date and prior to the Ramp-Down Period designate that any obligation (each, a "Reference Obligation") shall become the subject of a Transaction hereunder. Any such notice shall specify the proposed Reference Obligation, Reference Entity, Reference Amount and Initial Price in relation to such Transaction.
   
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such designation by Counterparty will be effective unless (a) Citibank, in its sole discretion, consents on or prior to the Obligation Trade Date to the relevant Reference Obligation becoming the subject of a Transaction hereunder with effect as set forth in the immediately succeeding paragraph, (b) on the Obligation Trade Date (i) the relevant Reference Obligation satisfies the Obligation Criteria set forth in Annex II and (ii) the Portfolio Criteria set forth in Annex II are satisfied immediately after giving effect to such designation and (c) immediately prior to such designation, there remains no unsatisfied obligation of Counterparty under the Credit Support Annex to Transfer a Delivery Amount (each as defined in the Credit Support Annex).
   
  On the Obligation Trade Date for a Transaction, the Reference Amount of such Transaction shall, for all purposes hereof other than calculating Rate Payments, be increased by the "Reference Amount" specified in such notice from Counterparty.  The "Obligation Settlement Date" for a Transaction shall be the date following the Obligation Trade Date for such Transaction that is customary for settlement of the related Reference Obligation substantially in accordance with the then-current market practice in the principal market for the related Reference Obligation (as determined by the Calculation Agent).  On the Obligation Settlement Date for a Transaction, the Reference Amount of such Transaction shall, solely for the purposes of calculating Rate Payments, be increased by the "Reference Amount" specified in such notice from Counterparty.

Page 3 

 

  Once a Reference Obligation becomes the subject of a Transaction hereunder (and in any event within one Business Day after the related Obligation Trade Date), the Calculation Agent shall prepare and deliver to Counterparty a revised Annex I reflecting the Reference Portfolio as of the related Obligation Trade Date.
   
  If any payment of interest on a Reference Obligation that would otherwise be made during the period from and including the Obligation Trade Date to but excluding the Termination Trade Date is not made but is capitalized as additional principal (without default), then the amount of interest so capitalized as principal shall become a new Transaction hereunder (a "PIK Transaction") having the same terms and conditions as the Transaction relating to the Reference Obligation in respect of which such interest is capitalized, except that (1) each of the Initial Price and the Current Price in relation to such PIK Transaction shall be zero, (2) the Obligation Trade Date and Obligation Settlement Date for such PIK Transaction shall be the date on which such interest is capitalized and (3) the Reference Amount of such PIK Transaction will be the amount of interest so capitalized as principal. Citibank shall give prompt notice to Counterparty within one Business Day after a PIK Transaction becomes outstanding as provided above, which notice shall set forth the information in the foregoing clauses (2) and (3).
   
Reference Entity: The borrower of the Reference Obligation identified as such in Annex I (as revised from time to time by the Calculation Agent in accordance with this Confirmation). In addition, "Reference Entity", unless the context otherwise requires, shall also refer to any guarantor of or other obligor on the Reference Obligation.
   
Ramp-Up Period: The period from and including the Effective Date and ending on and including the date 60 days after the Effective Date.
   
Ramp-Down Period: The period from and including the date 30 days prior to the Scheduled Termination Date and ending on and including the Scheduled Termination Date.

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Portfolio Notional Amount: As of any date of determination, the sum of the Notional Amounts for all Reference Obligations as of such date.
   
Notional Amount: (a) In relation to any Transaction (other than in relation to any Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation), as of any date of determination, the Reference Amount of the related Reference Obligation as of such date multiplied by the Initial Price in relation to such Reference Obligation; and
   
  (b) In relation to any Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation, the amount of the reduction in the Reference Amount of the related Reference Obligation determined, in the case of a Terminated Obligation, pursuant to Clause 3 or, in the case of a Repaid Obligation, pursuant to Clause 5, in each case multiplied by the Initial Price in relation to the related Reference Obligation.
   
Outstanding Principal Amount: In relation to any Reference Obligation as of any date of determination, the outstanding principal amount of such obligation as shown in the then-current Annex I, as increased pursuant to this Clause 2 (or, in the case of any Committed Obligation, pursuant to any borrowing in respect of such Committed Obligation after the Obligation Settlement Date) and reduced pursuant to Clauses 3 and 5.  Except as otherwise expressly provided below with respect to Counterparty First Floating Amounts, the Outstanding Principal Amount of any Committed Obligation on any date shall include the aggregate stated face amount of all letters of credit, bankers' acceptances and other similar instruments issued in respect of such Committed Obligation to the extent that the holder of such Committed Obligation is obligated to extend credit in respect of any drawing or other similar payment thereunder.
   
Commitment Amount: In relation to any Reference Obligation that is a Committed Obligation (and the related Transaction) as of any date of determination, the maximum outstanding principal amount of such Reference Obligation that a registered holder thereof would on such date be obligated to fund (including all amounts previously funded and outstanding, whether or not such amounts, if repaid, may be reborrowed).
   
Notional Funded Amount:
 
In relation to any Reference Obligation that is a Committed Obligation (and the related Transaction) as of any date of determination, the greater of (a) zero and
(b) the sum of (i) the Outstanding Principal Amount of such Reference Obligation as of the Obligation Trade Date multiplied by the Initial Price minus (ii) the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the Commitment Amount of such Reference Obligation as of the Obligation Trade Date over the Outstanding Principal Amount of such Reference Obligation as of the Obligation Trade Date multiplied by (y) 100% minus the Initial Price plus (iii) any increase in the Outstanding Principal Amount of such Reference Obligation during the period from but excluding the Obligation Trade Date to and including such date of determination minus (iv) any decrease in the Outstanding Principal Amount of such Reference Obligation during the period from but excluding the Obligation Trade Date to and including such date of determination.

Page 5 

 

 

 

In relation to any Reference Obligation that is a Term Obligation (and the related Transaction) as of any date of determination, the Notional Amount of such Reference Obligation.
   
Portfolio Notional Funded Amount: As of any date of determination, the aggregate of all Notional Funded Amounts with respect to all Reference Obligations in the Reference Portfolio on such date of determination.
   
Reference Amount: In relation to (a) any Term Obligation (and the related Transaction), the Outstanding Principal Amount of such Term Obligation and (b) any Committed Obligation (and the related Transaction), the Commitment Amount of such Committed Obligation.
   
Utilization Amount: In relation to any Calculation Period, the daily average of the Portfolio Notional Funded Amount during such Calculation Period.
   
Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount: USD60,000,000; provided that:
   
  (a) each of Counterparty and Citibank may from time to time agree in writing (including by e-mail) to an increase in the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount by an integral multiple of USD10,000,000;
   
  (b)  no such increase shall cause the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount to be greater than USD100,000,000;
   
  (c) if the Utilization Amount for any Monthly Period ending after the six-month anniversary of the Effective

Page 6 

 

  Date is less than the Minimum Portfolio Notional Amount then in effect, the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount shall be reduced (effective on the first day of the immediately succeeding Monthly Period) to an amount equal to (i) the Utilization Amount for such Monthly Period divided by (ii) 85%; and
   
  (d) if the Utilization Amount for any Monthly Period ending after the six-month anniversary of the Effective Date is less than USD4,000,000, the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount shall be reduced (effective on the first day of the immediately succeeding Monthly Period) to an amount equal to zero.
   
  If the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount varies during any Calculation Period, then the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount for such Calculation Period (solely for purposes of determining the Counterparty Second Floating Amount and Counterparty Third Floating Amount and their component definitions) shall be equal to the daily average of the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount during such Calculation Period.
   
Minimum Portfolio Notional Amount: On any date of determination, 85% of the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount then in effect.
   
Business Day: New York.
   
Business Day Convention: Following (which shall apply to any date specified herein for the making of any payment or determination or the taking of any action which falls on a day that is not a Business Day).
   
  If any anniversary date specified herein would fall on a day on which there is no corresponding day in the relevant calendar month, then such anniversary date shall be the last day of such calendar month.
   
Floating Rate Index: Whenever in this Confirmation reference is made to any Floating Rate Option or to USD-LIBOR-BBA (each, a "Floating Rate Index"), in no event may such Floating Rate Index be less than zero.
   
Monthly Period: Each period from but excluding the 10th day of any calendar month to and including the same day of the immediately succeeding calendar month.
   
Calculation Agent: Citibank; provided that, if an Event of Default described in Section 5(a)(i) or 5(a)(vii) occurs with respect to Citibank as Defaulting Party and no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to Counterparty as Defaulting Party, then Counterparty may designate any of Bank of America, NA, The Bank of Montreal, Barclays Bank plc, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank AG, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., UBS AG and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Calculation Agent, which designation shall be effective only (a) if such designated entity accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the duties of the Calculation Agent hereunder and (b) so long as such Event of Default with respect to Citibank as Defaulting Party continues. Unless otherwise specified, the Calculation Agent shall make all determinations, calculations and adjustments required pursuant to this Confirmation in good faith and on a commercially reasonable basis. The Calculation Agent shall provide Counterparty with any supplementary or supporting information (other than confidential or proprietary information) relating to any such determination, calculation or adjustment promptly following receipt of a notice from Counterparty reasonably requesting the same.

Page 7 

 

Calculation Agent City: New York
   
Initial Price: In relation to any Reference Obligation (and the related Transaction), the Initial Price specified in Annex I (as revised from time to time by the Calculation Agent in accordance with this Confirmation). The Initial Price will be determined as of the related Obligation Trade Date exclusive of accrued interest and will be expressed as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount.  The Initial Price will be determined exclusive of expenses that would be incurred by a buyer in connection with any purchase of the Reference Obligation and exclusive of any Delay Compensation.
   
Payments by Counterparty  
   
Counterparty First Floating Amounts:  
   
First Floating Amount Payer: Counterparty
   
First Floating Amount: In relation to any First Floating Rate Payer Payment Date, the sum, for each Transaction for which such date is a First Floating Rate Payer Payment Date, of the products of (a) the First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Amount for such Transaction for the related First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period multiplied by (b) the Floating Rate Option for such Transaction during the related First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period plus the Spread multiplied by (c) the Floating Rate Day Count Fraction; provided that, for purposes of the foregoing calculation, the percentage specified in the foregoing clause (b) shall be the Spread (and not the Floating Rate Option plus the Spread) with respect to any portion of a First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Amount constituting the undrawn stated face amount of all letters of credit, bankers' acceptances and other similar instruments issued in respect of a related Committed Obligation.

Page 8 

 

  If the Floating Rate Option in relation to any Transaction varies during any First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period, then the Floating Rate Option for such Calculation Period shall be equal to (a) the sum, for each day during such Calculation Period, of the products of the Notional Funded Amount of such Transaction for such day multiplied by the Floating Rate Option in effect on such day divided by (b) the sum of the Notional Funded Amount of such Transaction on each day during such Calculation Period.
   
First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Amount: In relation to any First Floating Rate Payer Payment Date and any Transaction, the daily average of the Notional Funded Amount of such Transaction during the related First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period.
   
First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period: In relation to any Transaction, each Monthly Period, except that (a) the initial First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period will commence on, and include, the related Obligation Settlement Date and (b) the final First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period will end on, but exclude, the related Obligation Termination Date.

Page 9 

 

First Floating Rate Payer Payment Dates:

(a) In relation to any Transaction (other than in relation to any Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation), the fifth Business Day following the last day of any Monthly Period during which any payment of interest is scheduled or otherwise required to be made on the related Reference Obligation, commencing with the first such date after the Obligation Settlement Date for such Transaction and ending with the last such date occurring prior to the related Obligation Termination Date; and
   
  (b) In relation to any Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation, the related Total Return Payment Date.
   
Floating Rate Option: In relation to any Transaction, USD-LIBOR-BBA.
   
Designated Maturity: In relation to any Transaction, three months.
   
Spread: 1.35%
   
Floating Rate Day Count Fraction: In relation to any Transaction, the Floating Rate Day Count Fraction will be Actual/360.
   
Reset Dates: In relation to any Transaction, the first day of each First Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period.
   
Compounding: Inapplicable
   
Counterparty Second Floating Amounts:  
   
Second Floating Amount Payer: Counterparty
   
Second Floating Amount: In relation to any Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Date, the product of (a) the Second Floating Rate Payer Calculation Amount for the related Second Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period multiplied by (b) the Spread multiplied by (c) the Floating Rate Day Count Fraction.
   
  No Second Floating Amount shall be payable, and no amount shall be payable under Clause 4(c), on any date occurring on or after the designation of an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Master Agreement by reason of an Event of Default under Section 5(a)(i) or 5(a)(vii) of the Master Agreement in relation to Citibank as the Defaulting Party.

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Second Floating Rate Payer  Calculation Amount: In relation to any Second Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period, the excess, if any, of (a) the Minimum Portfolio Notional Amount over (b) the Utilization Amount for such Second Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period.
   
Second Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period: Each Monthly Period; provided that (a) the initial Second Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period shall begin on the last day of the Ramp-Up Period and (b) the final Second Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period shall end on the last Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Date.
   
Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Dates: The fifth Business Day following the last day of each Monthly Period; provided that (a) the initial Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Date will be the first such Business Day after the last day of the Ramp-Up Period and (b) the final Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Date will be the Scheduled Termination Date (whether or not the Termination Date occurs prior to the final Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Date).
   
Spread: 1.60%
   
Floating Rate Day  Count Fraction: Actual/360.
   
Compounding: Inapplicable
   
Counterparty Third Floating Amounts:  
   
Third Floating Amount Payer: Counterparty
   
Third Floating Amount: In relation to any Third Floating Rate Payer Payment Date, the product of (a) the Third Floating Rate Payer Calculation Amount for the related Third Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period multiplied by (b) the Spread multiplied by (c) the Floating Rate Day Count Fraction.
   
Third Floating Rate Payer  Calculation Amount: In relation to any Third Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period, the excess, if any, of (a) the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount over (b) the greater of (i) the Utilization Amount for such Third Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period and (ii) the Minimum Portfolio Notional Amount.
   
Third Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period: Each Monthly Period; provided that (a) the initial Third Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period shall begin on, and include, the last day of the Ramp-Up Period and (b) the final Third Floating Rate Payer Calculation Period shall end on, but exclude, the last Third Floating Rate Payer Payment Date.

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Third Floating Rate Payer Payment Dates: The fifth Business Day following the last day of each Monthly Period; provided that (a) the initial Third Floating Rate Payer Payment Date will be the first such Business Day after the last day of the Ramp-Up Period and (b) the final Third Floating Rate Payer Payment Date will be the final Total Return Payment Date.
   
Spread: 0.15%
   
Floating Rate Day
Count Fraction:
Actual/360.
   
Compounding: Inapplicable
   
Counterparty Fourth Floating Amounts  
   
Fourth Floating Amount Payer: Counterparty
   
Fourth Floating Amount: Each Expense or Other Payment.
   
Fourth Floating Rate Payer Payment Dates: In relation to any Transaction, (a) the fifth Business Day following the last day of each Monthly Period, beginning with the first such Business Day after the Obligation Settlement Date for such Transaction, (b) the related Obligation Termination Date and (c) after the related Obligation Termination Date, the fifth Business Day after notice of a Fourth Floating Amount from Citibank to Counterparty; provided that, prior to the fifth Business Day after the related Obligation Termination Date, if Counterparty has received fewer than five Business Days' notice from Citibank that such Fourth Floating Amount is due and payable, such Fourth Floating Rate Payer Payment Date shall be the fifth Business Day following the last day of the next succeeding Monthly Period. The obligation of Counterparty to pay Fourth Floating Amounts in respect of any Transaction shall survive the related Obligation Termination Date.

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Counterparty Fifth Floating Amounts:  
   
Fifth Floating Amount Payer: Counterparty
   
Fifth Floating Amount: In relation to any Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation, Capital Depreciation, if any.
   
Fifth Floating Rate Payer Payment Dates: Each Total Return Payment Date.
   
Payments by Citibank:  
   
Citibank Fixed Amounts:  
   
Fixed Amount Payer: Citibank
   
Fixed Amount: In relation to any Transaction, the Interest and Fee Amount with respect to such Transaction for the related Fixed Amount Payer Payment Date.
   
Fixed Amount Payer Calculation Periods: In relation to each Reference Obligation in the Reference Portfolio, each period from and including any date upon which a payment of interest is made on such Reference Obligation to but excluding the next such date; provided that (a) the initial Fixed Amount Payer Calculation Period shall commence on and include the Obligation Settlement Date for such Reference Obligation and (b) the final Fixed Amount Payer Calculation Period shall end on, but exclude, the related Obligation Termination Date (or, in the case of a Terminated Obligation, if the related Obligation Termination Date is not a date upon which interest thereon is paid, the next date after the related Obligation Termination Date on which interest thereon is paid).
   
Fixed Amount Payer Payment Dates: (a) In relation to any Transaction (other than in relation to any Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation), the fifth Business Day following the last day of any Monthly Period during which any payment of interest is made on the related Reference Obligation, commencing with the first such date after the Obligation Settlement Date for such Transaction and ending with the last such date occurring prior to the related Obligation Termination Date; and
   
  (b) In relation to any Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation, the related Total Return Payment Date (and, in the case of a Terminated Obligation, if the related Obligation Termination Date is not a date upon which interest thereon is paid, the fifth Business Day following the last day of the Monthly Period that includes the next date after the related Obligation Termination Date on which interest thereon is paid).

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  The obligation of Citibank to pay Citibank Fixed Amounts in respect of any Transaction shall survive the related Obligation Termination Date.
   
Citibank Floating Amounts:  
   
Floating Amount Payer: Citibank
   
Floating Amount: In relation to any Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation, Capital Appreciation, if any.
   
Floating Rate Payer Payment Dates: Each Total Return Payment Date.

 

3.REFERENCE OBLIGATION REMOVAL; ACCELERATED TERMINATION.

 

Reference Obligation Removal

 

(a)        A Transaction may be terminated in whole by either party (or in part by Counterparty) in accordance with this Clause 3 by the giving of notice (an "Accelerated Termination Notice") to the other party (each such termination, an "Accelerated Termination").

 

(i)Counterparty shall be entitled to terminate any Transaction or any portion thereof by delivering an Accelerated Termination Notice to Citibank that is given (i) on the proposed Termination Trade Date and (ii) no fewer than seven Business Days prior to the proposed Termination Settlement Date; provided that (x) the Portfolio Criteria set forth in Annex II would be satisfied on the proposed Termination Trade Date (immediately after giving effect to such termination) and (y) immediately after giving effect to such termination, no Delivery Amount (as defined in the Credit Support Annex) would be required under the Credit Support Annex to be Transferred (as defined in the Credit Support Annex) by Counterparty. The Accelerated Termination Notice shall specify the Reference Obligation that is the subject of such Accelerated Termination, the Reference Amount of the Terminated Obligation, the proposed Termination Trade Date and the proposed Termination Settlement Date.

 

(ii)Following the occurrence of a Credit Event (as determined by the Calculation Agent) with respect to the related Reference Entity (including any guarantor or other obligor referred to in the definition thereof), Citibank shall, at any time after the Obligation Trade Date for the Reference Obligation, be entitled to terminate the related Transaction by delivering an Accelerated Termination Notice to Counterparty that is given (i) on the proposed Termination Trade Date and (ii) no fewer than seven Business Days prior to the proposed Termination Settlement Date. The Accelerated Termination Notice shall specify the Reference Obligation that is the subject of such Accelerated Termination, the Reference Amount of the Terminated Obligation, the Termination Trade Date and the Termination Settlement Date.

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(iii)If Counterparty fails to make, by the deadline specified therefor and after giving effect to any grace period or notice requirement, any Transfer (as defined in the Credit Support Annex) required under the Credit Support Annex to be made by Counterparty, then Citibank shall be entitled to terminate each Transaction that is the subject of this Confirmation by delivering an Accelerated Termination Notice to Counterparty that is given, as to any Terminated Obligation, (i) on the proposed Termination Trade Date and (ii) no fewer than seven Business Days prior to the proposed Termination Settlement Date. The Accelerated Termination Notice shall specify, as to each Terminated Obligation, the Reference Obligation that is the subject of such Accelerated Termination, the Reference Amount of the Terminated Obligation, the Termination Trade Date and the Termination Settlement Date.

 

Elective Termination by Citibank due to Portfolio Non-Compliance

 

(b)        If (i) the Reference Portfolio fails to satisfy the Portfolio Criteria at any time or (ii) any Reference Obligation fails to satisfy the Obligation Criteria at any time, then Citibank may notify Counterparty in writing of such non-compliance. If Counterparty fails to correct such non-compliance within 30 days following the delivery of such notice (any such failure to correct such non-compliance, a "Portfolio Non-Compliance"), Citibank will then have the right but not the obligation to terminate each Transaction that is the subject of this Confirmation. Citibank can exercise this termination right with respect to each Terminated Obligation by delivering an Accelerated Termination Notice to Counterparty that is given, as to any Terminated Obligation, (i) on the proposed Termination Trade Date and (ii) no fewer than seven Business Days prior to the proposed Termination Settlement Date. The Accelerated Termination Notice shall, with respect to any Reference Obligation that is the subject of such Accelerated Termination, specify such Reference Obligation, the Reference Amount of the Terminated Obligation, the Termination Trade Date and the Termination Settlement Date.

 

Early Termination by Citibank with respect to Citibank Call Date

 

(c)         Citibank will have the right, but not the obligation, to terminate any Transaction that is the subject of this Confirmation or any portion thereof, effective on any Business Day occurring on or after the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date (the "Citibank Call Date"). Citibank can exercise this termination right with respect to any Terminated Obligation by delivering an Accelerated Termination Notice to Counterparty that is given no fewer than 10 days prior to the proposed Termination Trade Date specified in the related Accelerated Termination Notice. The Accelerated Termination Notice shall specify the Reference Obligation that is the subject of such Accelerated Termination, the Reference Amount of the Terminated Obligation, the proposed Termination Trade Date and the proposed Termination Settlement Date. If Citibank does not exercise its right to terminate a Transaction that is the subject of this Confirmation on or before the date occurring 10 days prior to the Citibank Call Date, then Citibank will have the right, but not the obligation, to propose, by notice to Counterparty, to amend and restate one or more material terms of such Transaction, including, without limitation, the Spread, the Independent Amount Percentage and the application of the Obligation Criteria and Portfolio Criteria to such Transaction. If Citibank provides a notice to Counterparty proposing to amend and restate one or more material terms of a Transaction as provided above and Counterparty does not agree in writing to such amended and restated terms within 10 Business Days after Citibank provides such notice to Counterparty, such Transaction shall terminate, and the Termination Trade Date shall be such tenth Business Day. In the event of any such termination, Citibank shall deliver an Accelerated Termination Notice to Counterparty, which shall specify the Reference Obligation that is the subject of such Accelerated Termination, the Reference Amount of the Terminated Obligation, the proposed Termination Trade Date and the proposed Termination Settlement

Page 15 

 

Date. Even if a Termination Trade Date has been designated with respect to a Transaction or portion thereof pursuant to this Clause 3(c), such designation will not prevent Citibank or Counterparty from subsequently designating an earlier Termination Trade Date to the extent Citibank or Counterparty, as the case may be, is entitled to designate such earlier Termination Trade Date pursuant to this Confirmation. Notwithstanding anything in this Confirmation to the contrary:

 

(i)if Citibank elects to exercise its termination right under this Clause 3(c) with respect to all Transactions that are then the subject of this Confirmation, then each reference to the term "Scheduled Termination Date" in Clauses 4 (other than Clause 4(c)), 5 and 9 and in the definitions of "Ramp-Down Period" and "Termination Trade Date" will instead be a reference to the date 30 days after the Termination Trade Date specified in such notice; and

 

(ii)whether or not Citibank elects to exercise its termination right under this Clause 3(c), each reference to the term "Scheduled Termination Date" in the definition of "Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Date" (and in the provisions of Clause 4(c) dealing with the payment of the discounted present value of Second Floating Amounts) will be a reference to the Citibank Call Date.

 

Designation of Early Termination Date

 

(d)        In the event that an Early Termination Date is designated by either party pursuant to Section 6(a) or 6(b) of the Master Agreement, then, with respect to the Transactions to which this Confirmation relates, (i) the "Final Price" in relation to each Reference Obligation (as if each Reference Obligation were a "Terminated Obligation") shall be determined pursuant to Clause 4(a) or 4(b), as applicable, (ii) such Early Termination Date shall be the "Termination Trade Date" with respect to each Reference Obligation (as if each Reference Obligation were a "Terminated Obligation"), (iii) each amount that becomes payable by reason of the occurrence of the Termination Trade Date shall be an "Unpaid Amount" and (iv) the foregoing shall not limit the effect of Clause 4(c).

 

Effect of Termination

 

(e)        With respect to any Transaction terminated in whole pursuant to this Clause 3, (i) as of the relevant Termination Trade Date the Reference Amount, for all purposes hereof other than calculating Rate Payments, shall be reduced to zero (and, in the case of a Committed Obligation, the Outstanding Principal Amount thereof shall be reduced to zero) and (ii) as of the relevant Termination Settlement Date the Reference Amount, for purposes of calculating Rate Payments, shall be reduced to zero (and, in the case of a Committed Obligation, the Outstanding Principal Amount thereof shall be reduced to zero). With respect to any Transaction terminated in part pursuant to this Clause 3, (i) as of the relevant Termination Trade Date the Reference Amount, for all purposes hereof other than calculating Rate Payments, shall be reduced by the amount of the reduction of the Reference Amount specified in the Accelerated Termination Notice (and, in the case of a Committed Obligation, the Outstanding Principal Amount shall be reduced by an amount equal to the product of the Outstanding Principal Amount in effect immediately prior to such reduction multiplied by the amount of the reduction of the Reference Amount divided by the Reference Amount in effect immediately prior to such reduction) and (ii) as of the relevant Termination Settlement Date the Reference Amount, for purposes of calculating Rate Payments, shall be reduced by the amount of the reduction of the Reference Amount specified in the Accelerated Termination Notice (and, in the case of a Committed Obligation, the Outstanding Principal Amount shall be reduced by an amount equal to the product of the Outstanding Principal Amount in effect immediately prior to such reduction multiplied by the amount of the reduction of the Reference Amount divided by the Reference Amount in effect immediately prior to such reduction). Following any Termination Trade Date (other than the Termination Trade Date in respect of the Termination Date) (and in any event within one Business Day after the related Termination Trade Date), the Calculation Agent shall prepare and deliver to Counterparty a revised Annex I.

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4.FINAL PRICE DETERMINATION

 

Following the termination of any Transaction in whole or in part pursuant to Clause 3 or by reason of the occurrence of the Scheduled Termination Date (other than in connection with a Repayment), the Final Price in relation to the relevant Terminated Obligation will be determined in accordance with this Clause 4.

 

Determination by Counterparty

 

(a)        In order to determine the Final Price in relation to any Terminated Obligation then held by or on behalf of Citibank as a hedge for the related Transaction, Counterparty may arrange for the sale of such Terminated Obligation by giving notice of such sale to Citibank; provided that Counterparty shall have no right to arrange a sale of a Terminated Obligation pursuant to this Clause 4(a) in connection with the termination of a Transaction: (i) in the case of a termination pursuant to Clause 3(a)(iii) or 3(b); (ii) in the case of a termination pursuant to Clause 3(d) in connection with an Early Termination Date designated by reason of an Event of Default as to which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Credit Event Upon Merger or Additional Termination Event as to which Counterparty is the Affected Party; or (iii) immediately after giving effect to such termination, a Delivery Amount (as defined in the Credit Support Annex) would be required under the Credit Support Annex to be Transferred (as defined in the Credit Support Annex) by Counterparty. Such notice must be given (i) no later than 10:00 a.m. New York time on the Termination Trade Date and no fewer than seven Business Days prior to the proposed Termination Settlement Date in the case of any Terminated Obligation and (ii) at least 30 days prior to the Scheduled Termination Date if all Transactions are to be terminated in connection with the Scheduled Termination Date. Any sale (i) must be to (x) an Approved Buyer or (y) any other buyer approved in advance of the Termination Trade Date by Citibank and (ii) must be scheduled to occur no later than the date customary for settlement, substantially in accordance with the then-current market practice in the principal market for such Terminated Obligation (as determined by the Calculation Agent), following the Termination Trade Date and on or prior to the Scheduled Termination Date if all Transactions are to be terminated in connection with the Scheduled Termination Date. If Counterparty so arranges any sale, the net cash proceeds received from the sale of any Terminated Obligation, net of the related Costs of Assignment and adjusted by any Delay Compensation as provided in Clause 6(b), shall be the "Final Price" in relation to that Terminated Obligation.

 

Determination by Calculation Agent

 

(b)        If the Final Price in relation to any Terminated Obligation is not determined according to Clause 4(a), the Calculation Agent shall attempt to obtain Firm Bids for such Terminated Obligation with respect to the applicable Termination Trade Date from three or more Dealers. The Calculation Agent will give Counterparty notice of its intention to obtain Firm Bids pursuant to this Clause 4(b) (such notice to be given telephonically and via electronic mail) not later than one hour prior to the bid submission deadline specified below. By notice to Citibank not later than 30 minutes prior to the bid submission deadline specified below, Counterparty may, but shall not be obligated to, designate (i) any Approved Buyer or (ii) any Dealer of credit standing acceptable to Citibank in the exercise of its reasonable discretion to provide a Firm Bid (and the Calculation Agent will seek a Firm Bid from such Dealer if so designated by Counterparty on a timely basis); provided that any such Firm Bid shall be to purchase the entire Reference Amount of each Terminated Obligation at such time. A "Firm Bid" shall be a good and irrevocable bid for value, to purchase all or a portion of the applicable Terminated Obligation, expressed as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount and exclusive of accrued interest, for scheduled settlement substantially in accordance with the then-current market practice in the principal market for such Terminated Obligation, as determined by the Calculation Agent, submitted by a Dealer as of 11 a.m. New York time or as soon as practicable thereafter. If there is more than one Terminated Obligation at any time, then the Calculation Agent may in its sole discretion obtain Firm Bids with respect to each separate Terminated Obligation or any group or groups of such Terminated Obligations. Citibank may, but is not obligated to, sell or cause the sale of any portion of any Terminated Obligation to any Dealer that provides a Firm Bid.

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If the Calculation Agent is unable to obtain from Dealers at least one Firm Bid or combination of Firm Bids for all of the Reference Amount of any Terminated Obligation with respect to the relevant Termination Trade Date, the Calculation Agent will attempt to obtain a Firm Bid or combination of Firm Bids for all of the Reference Amount of such Terminated Obligation from three or more Dealers until the earlier of (i) the second Business Day (inclusive) following such Termination Trade Date and (ii) the date a Firm Bid or combination of Firm Bids is obtained for all of the Reference Amount of such Terminated Obligation.

 

If the Calculation Agent is able to obtain at least one Firm Bid or combination of Firm Bids for all of the Reference Amount of any Terminated Obligation, the Final Price in relation to such Terminated Obligation shall be determined by reference to such Firm Bid or Firm Bids. If no Firm Bids are obtained on or before such second Business Day for all or a portion of the applicable Terminated Obligation, the Final Price shall be deemed to be zero with respect to such Terminated Obligation (or portion thereof) for which no Firm Bid was obtained. The Calculation Agent will conduct the bid process in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Clause 4(b) and otherwise in a commercially reasonable manner.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein,

 

(i)the Calculation Agent shall be entitled to disregard any Firm Bid submitted by a Dealer if, in the Calculation Agent's commercially reasonable judgment, (x) such Dealer may be ineligible to accept assignment or transfer of the related Terminated Obligation or portion thereof, as applicable, substantially in accordance with the then-current market practice in the principal market for the Terminated Obligation, as determined by the Calculation Agent, or (y) such Dealer would not, through the exercise of its commercially reasonable efforts, be able to obtain any consent required under any agreement or instrument governing or otherwise relating to the related Terminated Obligation to the assignment or transfer of the related Terminated Obligation or portion thereof, as applicable, to it; and

 

(ii)if the Calculation Agent determines that the highest Firm Bid obtained in connection with any Termination Trade Date is not bona fide, including, without limitation, due to (x) the insolvency of the bidder, (y) the inability, failure or refusal of the bidder to settle the purchase of the related Terminated Obligation or portion thereof, as applicable, or otherwise settle transactions in the relevant market or perform its obligations generally or (z) the Calculation Agent having other reasonable grounds for insecurity concerning the bidder's ability to settle the purchase of the related Terminated Obligation or portion thereof, as applicable,

 

that Firm Bid shall be disregarded and the Calculation Agent shall designate a new Termination Trade Date; provided that the Calculation Agent shall designate a new Termination Trade Date pursuant to this paragraph only once. If the highest Firm Bid for any portion of the related Terminated Obligation determined in connection with the second Termination Trade Date is disregarded pursuant to this paragraph, the Calculation Agent shall have no obligation to obtain further bids, and the applicable "Final Price" in relation to the portion which was so disregarded shall be deemed to be zero.

 

Citibank and Counterparty will make commercially reasonable efforts to accomplish the assignment to Counterparty of any Terminated Obligation held by the Citibank Holder on the Termination Trade Date for which the Final Price is deemed to be zero as provided in this Clause 4(b); provided that (i) Citibank shall not be liable for any losses related to any delay in or failure of such assignment (other than as a result of any gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud on the part of the Citibank Holder) and (ii) Citibank shall have no obligation to accomplish any such assignment if (x) Counterparty has failed to make, when due (without giving effect to any grace period), any payment or delivery under this Agreement (including under the Credit Support Annex) or (y) an Early Termination Date has been designated and any amount that has or may become payable by Counterparty in connection therewith has not been paid.

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If Citibank transfers, or causes the transfer of, the Terminated Obligation to the Dealer or Dealers providing the highest Firm Bid or combination of Firm Bids, the net cash proceeds received from the sale of such Terminated Obligation (which sale shall be scheduled to settle substantially in accordance with the then-current market practice in the principal market for the related Reference Obligation as determined by the Calculation Agent), net of the related Costs of Assignment and adjusted by any Delay Compensation as provided in Clause 6(b), shall be the "Final Price" in relation to that Terminated Obligation (or the portion thereof that is sold).

 

If Citibank determines, in its sole discretion, not to sell or cause the sale of any portion of any Terminated Obligation to the entity or entities providing the highest Firm Bid or combination of Firm Bids, the "Final Price" in relation to such unsold portion shall be equal to the greater of (a) zero and (b) the sum of (i) the Outstanding Principal Amount of such Terminated Obligation as of the Termination Trade Date multiplied by the highest Firm Bid or combination of Firm Bids for all of the Reference Amount of such Terminated Obligation minus (ii) the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the Commitment Amount of such Terminated Obligation as of the Termination Trade Date over the Outstanding Principal Amount of such Terminated Obligation as of the Termination Trade Date multiplied by (y) 100% minus the highest Firm Bid or combination of Firm Bids for all of the Reference Amount of such Terminated Obligation. The Calculation Agent may perform any of its duties under this Clause 4(b) through any Affiliate designated by it, but no such designation shall relieve the Calculation Agent of its duties under this Clause 4(b).

 

Early Termination of Facility

 

(c)        For the avoidance of doubt, if the Termination Date occurs prior to the Scheduled Termination Date, each Counterparty Second Floating Amount shall continue to be payable by Counterparty on each subsequent Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Date occurring on or prior to the Scheduled Termination Date; provided that, if either party shall so specify in writing to the other party prior to any final Termination Trade Date, then on such final Termination Trade Date (i) the obligation of Counterparty to continue to pay each Counterparty Second Floating Amount on each subsequent Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Date occurring on or prior to the Scheduled Termination Date shall terminate and be replaced by the obligation in the following clause and (ii) Counterparty shall pay to Citibank an amount equal to the present value (as calculated by the Calculation Agent with discounting on a continuous basis) of each Counterparty Second Floating Amount payable (without regard to the termination of such obligation under the foregoing clause) on each subsequent Second Floating Rate Payer Payment Date occurring on or prior to the Scheduled Termination Date, discounted to such final Termination Trade Date at a discount rate per annum equal to the Discount Rate. For this purpose, the "Discount Rate" means the zero coupon swap rate (as determined by the Calculation Agent) implied by the fixed rate offered to be paid by Citibank under a fixed for floating interest rate swap transaction with a remaining Term equal to the period from such final Termination Trade Date to the Scheduled Termination Date in exchange for the receipt of monthly payments indexed to one-month USD-LIBOR-BBA.

 

5.REPAYMENT.

 

If all or a portion of the Reference Amount of any Reference Obligation is repaid or otherwise reduced (in the case of a Committed Obligation, only if the Reference Amount thereof is permanently reduced) (including, without limitation, through any exercise of any right of set-off, reduction, or counterclaim that results in the satisfaction of the obligations of such Reference Entity to pay any principal owing in respect of such Reference Obligation) on or prior to the Scheduled Termination Date (the amount of such repayment or other reduction, a "Repayment"; the portion of the related Reference Obligation so repaid or otherwise reduced, a "Repaid Obligation"; and the date of such Repayment, the "Repayment Date"):

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(a)the Total Return Payment Date with respect to the Repaid Obligation will be the fifth Business Day next succeeding the last day of the Monthly Period in which the Repayment Date occurred;

 

(b)as of the related Repayment Date, the Reference Amount of such Reference Obligation shall be decreased by an amount equal to the principal amount of the Repaid Obligation; and

 

(c)the related Final Price of the Repaid Obligation shall be (i) in the case of a Committed Obligation, the amount of principal and premium in respect of principal paid by such Reference Entity on the Repaid Obligation to holders thereof on such Repayment Date (but only in respect of a permanent reduction of principal) and (ii) in the case of a Term Obligation, the amount of principal and premium in respect of principal paid by such Reference Entity on the Repaid Obligation to holders thereof on such Repayment Date. Following any Repayment Date (and in any event within one Business Day after such Repayment Date), the Calculation Agent shall prepare and deliver to Counterparty a revised Annex I showing the revised Reference Amount for the related Reference Obligation.

 

6.ADJUSTMENTS.

 

(a)        If any Reference Obligation or any portion thereof is irreversibly converted or exchanged into or for any securities, obligations, cash or other assets or property ("Exchange Consideration"), thereafter such Exchange Consideration will constitute such Reference Obligation or portion thereof, and the Calculation Agent shall adjust the terms of any Transaction relating to such Reference Obligation as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to preserve the theoretical value of such Transaction to the parties immediately prior to such exchange or, if such exchange results in a change in value, the proportionate post-exchange value, and determine the effective date of such adjustments.

 

(b)        Delay Compensation (as defined below) shall result in an adjustment (i) as contemplated by the definition of "Interest and Fee Amount" in connection with the establishment by the Citibank Holder of a related hedge in respect of a Transaction, if the actual settlement of the purchase of the related hedge occurs after the date scheduled for the settlement of such purchase and (ii) of a Final Price with respect to a Terminated Obligation in connection with the termination by the Citibank Holder of a related hedge, if the actual settlement of the sale of the related hedge occurs after the date scheduled for the settlement of such sale; provided that (x) Delay Compensation shall not accrue or apply in connection with the establishment by the Citibank Holder of a related hedge in respect of a Transaction through a purchase in the primary loan market and (y) Delay Compensation shall be payable in connection with any such termination only to the extent the related Final Price does not already reflect such adjustment for Delay Compensation. "Delay Compensation" shall accrue (x) in the case of clause (i) above, from and including the date scheduled for the settlement of the purchase effected to establish the related hedge to but excluding the actual settlement of such purchase (and, during such period, (A) the Counterparty First Floating Amount shall be calculated by reference to the Spread and not the Floating Rate Option and (B) Interest and Fee Amounts will be determined without regard to payments in respect of the interest rate index used in the Reference Obligation Agreement to calculate interest payments in respect of the related Reference Obligation and in effect during such period) and (y) in the case of clause (ii) above, from and including the date scheduled for the sale effected to terminate the related hedge to but excluding the actual settlement of such sale (and, during such period, (A) the Counterparty First Floating Amount shall be calculated by reference to the Floating Rate

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Option and not the Spread and (B) Interest and Fee Amounts shall be reduced by interest accrued during such period in excess of the interest rate index used in the Reference Obligation Agreement to calculate interest payments in respect of the related Reference Obligation and in effect during such period). In connection with any adjustment by reason of Delay Compensation, (i) any initial Payment Date in this Confirmation determined by reference to the "Obligation Settlement Date" shall be determined as if the Obligation Settlement Date were the actual settlement of the purchase of the related hedge and (ii) any final Payment Date in this Confirmation determined by reference to the "Termination Settlement Date" shall be determined as if the Termination Settlement Date were the actual settlement of the termination of the related hedge.

 

(c)        If (i) Citibank elects to establish a hedge as a result of the addition or increase in the Reference Amount of any Reference Obligation that is the subject of a Transaction and (ii) the Citibank Holder is unable after using commercially reasonable efforts to effect the settlement of such hedge by becoming the registered owner of the amount of such addition or increase in the Reference Amount of such Reference Obligation, then, by notice to Counterparty, Citibank may in its sole discretion specify that such addition or increase in the Reference Amount of such Reference Obligation will not be effective. If (i) Citibank elects to establish a hedge as a result of the addition or increase in the Reference Amount of any Reference Obligation that is the subject of a Transaction, (ii) such hedge is to be effected by a purchase in the primary loan market and (iii) settlement of such purchase is delayed beyond the Obligation Settlement Date, then, solely for the purposes of determining Rate Payments, such Transaction will not become effective until the actual date of settlement of such purchase.

 

(d)        If (i) Citibank establishes a hedge as a result of the addition or increase in the Reference Amount of any Reference Obligation that is the subject of a Transaction and (ii) in connection with the termination of such Transaction, the Citibank Holder is unable after using commercially reasonable efforts to effect the sale of all or any portion of a Terminated Obligation at the Final Price determined pursuant to Clause 4(a) or 4(b), as the case may be, then, by notice to Counterparty, Citibank may in its sole discretion specify that such termination will not be effective for any purpose of this Confirmation.

 

(e)        Citibank will promptly respond to any notice from Counterparty requesting that Citibank identify whether Citibank is holding, or causing to be held, the relevant Reference Obligation as a hedge for one or more Transactions identified in such notice from Counterparty.

 

7.REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS.

 

(a)        Each party hereby agrees as follows, so long as either party has or may have any obligation under any Transaction:

 

(i)Non-Reliance. It is acting for its own account, and it has made its own independent decisions to enter into such Transaction and as to whether such Transaction is appropriate or proper for it based upon its own judgment and upon advice from such advisors as it has deemed necessary. It is not relying on any communication (written or oral) of the other party as investment advice or as a recommendation to enter into such Transaction; it being understood that information and explanations related to the terms and conditions of such Transaction shall not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to enter into such Transaction. It has not received from the other party any assurance or guarantee as to the expected results of such Transaction;

 

(ii)Evaluation and Understanding. It is capable of evaluating and understanding (on its own behalf or through independent professional advice), and understands and accepts, the terms, conditions and risks of such Transaction. It is also capable of assuming, and assumes, the financial and other risks of such Transaction;

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(iii)Status of Parties. The other party is not acting as a fiduciary or an advisor for it in respect of such Transaction; and

 

(iv)Reliance on its Own Advisors. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in making its decision to enter into, and thereafter to maintain, administer or terminate, such Transaction, it will not rely on any communication from the other party as, and it has not received any representation or other communication from the other party constituting, legal, accounting, business or tax advice, and it will consult its own legal, accounting, business and tax advisors concerning the consequences of such Transaction.

 

(b)        Each party acknowledges and agrees that, so long as either party has or may have any obligation under any Transaction:

 

(i)such Transaction does not create any direct or indirect obligation of any Reference Entity or any direct or indirect participation in any Reference Obligation or any other obligation of any Reference Entity;

 

(ii)each party and its Affiliates may deal in any Reference Obligation and may accept deposits from, make loans or otherwise extend credit to, and generally engage in any kind of commercial or investment banking or other business with any Reference Entity, any Affiliate of any Reference Entity, any other person or entity having obligations relating to any Reference Entity and may act with respect to such business in the same manner as if such Transaction did not exist and may originate, purchase, sell, hold or trade, and may exercise consensual or remedial rights in respect of, obligations, securities or other financial instruments of, issued by or linked to any Reference Entity, regardless of whether any such action might have an adverse effect on such Reference Entity, the value of the related Reference Obligation or the position of the other party to such Transaction or otherwise;

 

(iii)except as provided in Clause 7(d)(iv), each party and its Affiliates and the Calculation Agent may, whether by virtue of the types of relationships described herein or otherwise, at the date hereof or at any time hereafter, be in possession of information regarding any Reference Entity or any Affiliate of any Reference Entity that is or may be material in the context of such Transaction and that may or may not be publicly available or known to the other party. In addition, except as provided in Clause 7(b)(vii), this Confirmation does not create any obligation on the part of such party and its Affiliates to disclose to the other party any such relationship or information (whether or not confidential);

 

(iv)neither Citibank nor any of its Affiliates shall be under any obligation to hedge such Transaction or to own or hold any Reference Obligation as a result of such Transaction, and Citibank and its Affiliates may establish, maintain, modify, terminate or re-establish any hedge position or any methodology for hedging at any time without regard to Counterparty. Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that it is not relying on any representation, warranty or statement by Citibank or any of its Affiliates as to whether, at what times, in what manner or by what method Citibank or any of its Affiliates may engage in any hedging activities;

 

(v)notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation or any other document, Citibank and Counterparty (and each employee, representative, or other agent of Citibank or Counterparty) may each disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. tax treatment and U.S. tax structure of the transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to them relating to such U.S. tax treatment and U.S. tax structure (as those terms are used in Treasury Regulations under Sections 6011, 6111 and 6112 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")), other than any information for which nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable securities laws. To the extent not inconsistent with the previous sentence, Citibank and Counterparty will each keep confidential (except as required by law) all information unless the other party has consented in writing to the disclosure of such information;

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(vi)if Citibank chooses to hold a Reference Obligation as a result of any Transaction, Citibank shall hold such Reference Obligation directly or through an entity in which Citibank or an Affiliate of Citibank is the sole economic investor (Citibank or such entity, the "Citibank Holder"). The Citibank Holder may deal with such Reference Obligation as if the related Transaction did not exist, provided that, so long as the Citibank Holder remains the lender of record with respect to such Reference Obligation, upon any occasion permitting the Citibank Holder to exercise any right in relation to such Reference Obligation to give or withhold consent (an "Election") to an action proposed to be taken (or to be refrained from being taken), the Citibank Holder shall, insofar as permitted under (x) applicable laws, rules and regulations and (y) each provision of any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing such Reference Obligation (and, in the case of any participation interest, governing such participation interest), give its consent to the action proposed to be taken (or to be refrained from being taken), unless (A) Counterparty, by timely notice to Citibank, requests (a "Counterparty Election Request") that the Citibank Holder withhold such consent and (B) the Citibank Holder, in its sole discretion, elects to withhold such consent in accordance with the Counterparty Election Request. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (1) the Citibank Holder shall have no obligation to respond to, or consult with Counterparty in relation to, a Counterparty Election Request (failure to respond to a Counterparty Election Request being deemed a denial); (2) the Citibank Holder shall have no other duties or obligations to Counterparty of any nature with respect to any Election or any Counterparty Election Request; (3) the Citibank Holder shall not be liable to Counterparty or any of its Affiliates for the consequences of any consent given or withheld by the Citibank Holder in connection with such Reference Obligation (whether or not pursuant to a Counterparty Election Request); and (4) if the Citibank Holder elects in its sole discretion to withhold its consent in accordance with a Counterparty Election Request, the Citibank Holder may subsequently determine to give such consent at any time without notice to Counterparty; and

 

(vii)in connection with each Reference Obligation that is held by a Citibank Holder as a result of any Transaction, the Citibank Holder will promptly (and in any event within one Business Day after receipt) deliver or cause to be delivered to Counterparty the following information and documentation, in each case, to the extent actually received by the Citibank Holder from the Reference Entity or its agents under the related Reference Obligation Agreement: all notices of any borrowings, prepayments and interest rate settings, all amendments, waivers and other modifications (whether final or proposed) in relation to the terms of the Reference Obligation; and all notices given by the Reference Entity to the lenders or their agent or by the lenders or their agent to the Reference Entity in relation to the exercise of remedies.

 

(c)        Each of the parties hereby represents that, on each date on which a Transaction is entered into hereunder:

 

(i)it is entering into such Transaction for investment, financial intermediation, hedging or other commercial purposes; and

 

(ii)it is an "eligible contract participant" within the meaning of Section la(18) of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the "CEA") and any regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to such definition in the context of security-based swaps .

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(d)Counterparty hereby represents to Citibank that:

 

(i)its financial condition is such that it has no need for liquidity with respect to its investment in any Transaction and no need to dispose of any portion thereof to satisfy any existing or contemplated undertaking or indebtedness. Its investments in and liabilities in respect of any Transaction, which it understands is not readily marketable, are not disproportionate to its net worth, and it is able to bear any loss in connection with any Transaction, including the loss of its entire investment in such Transaction;

 

(ii)it understands that no obligations of Citibank to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any Affiliate of Citibank or any governmental agency;

 

(iii)it is not an Affiliate of any Reference Entity;

 

(iv)as of (x) the relevant Obligation Trade Date and (y) any date on which a sale is effected pursuant to Clause 4(a) or on which the Calculation Agent solicits Firm Bids pursuant to Clause 4(b), neither Counterparty nor any of its Affiliates, whether by virtue of the types of relationships described herein or otherwise, is on such date in possession of information regarding any related Reference Entity or any Affiliate of such Reference Entity that is or may be material in the context of such Transaction or the purchase or sale of any related Reference Obligation unless such information either (x) is publicly available or (y) has been made available to each registered owner of such Reference Obligation on a basis that permits such registered owner to disclose such information to any assignee of or participant (whether on a funded or unfunded basis) in, or any prospective assignee of or participant (whether on a funded or unfunded basis) in, any rights or obligations under the related Reference Obligation Agreement;

 

(v)any purchase by Counterparty on the relevant Obligation Trade Date of record ownership of the Reference Amount of the Reference Obligation in relation to any Transaction would not result in a violation or breach of, or otherwise contravene, the related Reference Obligation Agreement (except that no representation is made as to whether Counterparty would be able to obtain any consent to such purchase to the extent such consent is within the discretion of any entity other than Counterparty or any of its Affiliates);

 

(vi)it is a disregarded entity of a United States person (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) for U.S. Federal income tax purposes (the "Counterparty Tax Owner");

 

(vii)the Counterparty Tax Owner is a regulated investment company for U.S. Federal income tax purposes;

 

(viii)the Counterparty Tax Owner is not a tax-exempt organization for U.S. Federal income tax purposes;

 

(ix)it has delivered to Citibank on or prior to the date hereof (and it will, prior to any expiration of any such form previously so delivered, deliver to Citibank) a United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or applicable successor form) with respect to Counterparty as a disregarded entity of the Counterparty Tax Owner, properly completed and signed (which representation shall also be made for purposes of Section 3(f) of the Master Agreement); and

 

(x)the Counterparty Tax Owner could have received all payments on the Reference Obligation without U.S. Federal or foreign withholding tax if it were the owner of the Reference Obligation (which representation shall also be made for purposes of Section 3(f) of the Master Agreement).

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(e)        Except for disclosure authorized pursuant to Clause 7(b)(v), Counterparty agrees to be bound by the confidentiality provisions of the related Reference Obligation Agreement with respect to all information and documentation in relation to a Reference Entity or a Reference Obligation delivered to Counterparty hereunder. Counterparty acknowledges that such information may include material non-public information concerning the Reference Entity or its securities and agrees to use such information in accordance with applicable law, including Federal and State securities laws.

 

(f)          Section 2(c)(ii) of the Master Agreement shall not apply to the Transactions to which this Confirmation relates.

 

(g)         Notwithstanding anything in the Master Agreement to the contrary, Citibank will not be required to pay any additional amount under Section 2(d)(i) of the Master Agreement in respect of any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax in relation to any payment under any Transaction that is determined by reference to interest or fees payable with respect to any Reference Obligation. If Citibank is required by any applicable law, as modified by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, to make any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax in relation to any payment under any Transaction that is determined by reference to interest or fees payable with respect to any Reference Obligation and Citibank does not so deduct or withhold, then Section 2(d)(ii) of the Master Agreement shall be applicable.

 

8.ADJUSTMENTS RELATING TO CERTAIN UNPAID OR RESCINDED PAYMENTS.

 

(a)        If (i) Citibank makes any payment to Counterparty as provided under Clause 2 and the corresponding Interest and Fee Amount is not paid (in whole or in part) when due or (ii) any Interest and Fee Amount in respect of a Reference Obligation is required to be returned (in whole or in part) by a holder of such Reference Obligation (including, without limitation, the Citibank Holder) to the applicable Reference Entity or paid to any other person or entity or is otherwise rescinded pursuant to any bankruptcy or insolvency law or any other applicable law, then Counterparty will pay to Citibank, within five Business Days after any written request by Citibank, such amount (or portion thereof) so not paid or so required to be returned, paid or otherwise rescinded. If such returned, paid or otherwise rescinded amount is subsequently paid, Citibank shall pay such amount (subject to Clause 8(c)) to Counterparty within five Business Days after the date of such subsequent payment.

 

(b)        If, with respect to any Repaid Obligation, the corresponding payment of principal of the Repaid Obligation is required to be returned (in whole or in part) by a holder thereof (including, without limitation, the Citibank Holder) to the applicable Reference Entity or paid to any other person or entity or is otherwise rescinded pursuant to any bankruptcy or insolvency law or any other applicable law, then (i) the parties hereto shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall continue as though no Repayment had occurred and (ii) without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if either party has made a payment to the other party in respect of Capital Appreciation or Capital Depreciation related to such Repayment as provided under Clause 2, then the party that received the payment in respect of such Capital Appreciation or Capital Depreciation, as applicable, shall repay such amount (subject to Clause 8(c)) to the other party. If such returned, paid or otherwise rescinded amount is subsequently paid by the related Reference Entity or any such other person or entity, then the relevant party shall pay the amount of such Capital Appreciation or Capital Depreciation, as applicable, within five Business Days after the date of such subsequent payment.

 

(c)        Amounts payable pursuant to this Clause 8 shall be subject to adjustment by the Calculation Agent, in order to preserve for the parties the intended economic risks and benefits of the relevant Transaction.

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(d)        The payment obligations of Citibank and Counterparty pursuant to this Clause 8 shall survive the termination of all Transactions.

 

9.CREDIT SUPPORT.

 

Notwithstanding anything in the Credit Support Annex (the "Credit Support Annex") to the Schedule to the Master Agreement to the contrary, the following collateral terms shall apply to each Transaction to which this Confirmation relates (capitalized terms used in this Clause 9 but not otherwise defined in this Confirmation have the respective meanings given to such terms in the Credit Support Annex):

 

(a)With respect to each Transaction to which this Confirmation relates, a single "Independent Amount" shall be applicable to Counterparty in an amount equal to the Notional Amount with respect to such Transaction (or, in the case of any increase of the Notional Amount under any Transaction, the amount of such increase) multiplied by the percentage set forth in Clause 9(b) under the caption "Independent Amount Percentage".

 

(b)With respect to each Transaction to which this Confirmation relates, the "Independent Amount Percentage" applicable to such Transaction will be equal to:

 

Condition Independent Amount Percentage
(i) Except as indicated in clause (iii) below, with respect to any Transaction: 20%
   
(ii) Except as indicated in clause (ii) below, with respect to any Transaction relating to a Specified Reference Obligation: Such percentage as Citibank shall specify on or prior to the Obligation Trade Date for such Transaction (or, if a Reference Obligation becomes a Specified Reference Obligation after the Obligation Trade Date for such Transaction pursuant to clause (xiv) of the Obligation Criteria, after the Obligation Trade Date)
(iii) With respect to any Transaction relating to a Reference Obligation whose Reference Entity is the subject of a Credit Event: Such percentage as Citibank shall specify from time to time in its sole discretion in a notice to Counterparty

 

(c)With respect to each Transaction to which this Confirmation relates, a single "Supplemental Independent Amount" shall be applicable to Counterparty in an amount equal to the Notional Amount with respect to such Transaction multiplied by 5%.

 

(d)For purposes of calculating "Exposure" with respect to any Transaction to which this Confirmation relates, (i) Citibank shall be the sole Valuation Agent and shall determine any Close-out Amount in relation to such Transaction, (ii) such Close-out Amount will be determined by the Valuation Agent using its estimate of the amount that would be paid to or by the Secured Party based on the application of Section 6(e)(ii)(1) of the Master Agreement, (iii) such Close-out Amount may from time to time be determined by the Valuation Agent in its sole discretion and without notice to Counterparty solely in respect of payments in respect of Capital Appreciation or Capital Depreciation that would have been required in respect of a Transaction after the relevant Early Termination Date (provided that the Valuation Agent will not thereafter be precluded from making such determination with respect to all payments and deliveries that would have been required after the relevant Early Termination Date, regardless of the absence of notice thereof to Counterparty) and (iv) if Counterparty disputes the calculation of Exposure with respect to such Transaction, the Valuation Agent will recalculate Exposure for such Transaction on the basis that the market value of the related Reference Obligation is equal to its Current Price.

Page 26 

 

(e)Neither party shall have any rights under Paragraph 5 of the Credit Support Annex with respect to the determination of "Exposure" in respect of any Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. The foregoing will not limit the rights of Counterparty as provided in the definition of "Current Price" set forth in this Confirmation.

 

(f)Notwithstanding anything in this Confirmation to the contrary, (i) in the event of the termination of all or substantially all of the Transactions then outstanding, the Reference Amount of each Terminated Transaction will not be reduced to zero until the relevant Termination Settlement Date for purposes of calculating the related Independent Amount and (ii) a Secured Party's Exposure with respect to any Terminated Transaction will, during the period from and including the related Termination Trade Date to but excluding the date on which the amount required to be paid on the related Total Return Payment Date is actually paid, be equal to the amount of Capital Appreciation or Capital Depreciation, if any, that would be payable on such Total Return Payment Date to the Secured Party (expressed as a positive number) or by the Secured Party (expressed as a negative number).

 

10.        NOTICE AND ACCOUNT DETAILS.

 

Notices to Citibank:

 

Citibank, N.A., New York Branch

390 Greenwich Street, 4th Floor

New York, New York 10013

Tel: (212) 723-6181

Fax: (646) 291-5779

Attn: Mitali Sohoni

 

with a copy to:

 

Office of the General Counsel

Fixed Income and Derivatives Sales and Trading

Citibank, N.A., New York Branch

388 Greenwich Street, 17th Floor

New York, New York 10013

Tel: (212) 816-1141

Fax: (646) 862-8431

Attn: Catherine Martin

Page 27 

 

Notices to Counterparty:

 

RACR-FS, LLC

c/o OFS Capital Management, LLC

10 South Wacker Drive

Suite 2500

Chicago, IL 60606

Attention: Ken Brown, John Yi

 

kbrown@ofsmanagement.com

jyi@ofsmanagement.com

RACR_TRS@cimgroup.com

 

Payments to Citibank:

 

Bank: Citibank, N.A., New York

BIC: CITIUS33 (or ABA No.: 021-000-089)

F/O: Citibank New York

A/C: Account No.: 00167679

Ref: NY Swap Operations

 

Payments to Counterparty:

 

Bank: UMB Bank

BIC: 101000695

A/C: 9800006823

Ref: CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund; A/C 150967.1

 

11.        OFFICES.

 

(a)        The Office of Citibank for each Transaction:

 

New York

 

(b)        The Office of Counterparty for each Transaction:

 

Chicago, IL

Page 28 

 

Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the terms of our agreement by having a duly authorized officer of Counterparty execute this Confirmation and return the same by facsimile to the attention of the individual at Citibank indicated on the first page hereof.

 

Very truly yours,  
   
CITIBANK, N.A.  
   
By:    
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

CONFIRMED AND AGREED  
AS OF THE DATE FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN:  
   
RACR-FS, LLC  
   
By:    
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

TRS Confirmation

 

Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the terms of our agreement by having a duly authorized officer of Counterparty execute this Confirmation and return the same by facsimile to the attention of the individual at Citibank indicated on the first page hereof.

 

Very truly yours,  
   
CITIBANK, N.A.  
   
By:    
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

CONFIRMED AND AGREED  
AS OF THE DATE FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN:  
   
RACR-FS, LLC  
   
By:    
  Name:David Thompson  
  Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

TRS Confirmation

 

ANNEX A

 

ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS

 

"Affiliate", for purposes of this Confirmation only, has the meaning given to such term in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

"Approved Buyer" means (a) any entity listed in Annex III so long as its long-term unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations on the "trade date" for the related purchase or submission of a Firm Bid contemplated hereby are rated at least "A2" by Moody's and at least "A" by S&P and (b) if an entity listed in Annex III is not the principal banking or securities Affiliate within a financial holding company group, the principal banking or securities Affiliate of such listed entity within such financial holding company group so long as such obligations of such Affiliate have the rating indicated in clause (a) above.

 

"Capital Appreciation" and "Capital Depreciation" mean, for any Total Return Payment Date, the amount determined according to the following formula for the applicable Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation:

 

Final Price – Applicable Notional Amount

 

where

 

"Final Price" means (a) in the case of any Terminated Obligation, the amount determined pursuant to Clause 4, and (b) in the case of any Repaid Obligation, the amount determined pursuant to Clause 5, and

 

"Applicable Notional Amount" means the Notional Funded Amount (determined immediately prior to the related Repayment Date or Termination Trade Date) for such Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation, as applicable.

 

If such amount is positive, such amount is "Capital Appreciation" and if such amount is negative, the absolute value of such amount is "Capital Depreciation".

 

"Committed Obligation" means (a) any Delayed Drawdown Reference Obligation and (b) any Revolving Reference Obligation.

 

"Costs of Assignment" means, in the case of any Terminated Obligation, the sum of (a) any actual costs of transfer or assignment paid by the seller under the terms of any Terminated Obligation or otherwise actually imposed on the seller by any applicable administrative agent, borrower or obligor incurred in connection with the sale of such Terminated Obligation and (b) any reasonable expenses incurred by the seller in connection with such sale and, if transfers of the Terminated Obligation are subject to the Standard Terms and Conditions for Distressed Trade Confirmations, as published by the LSTA and as in effect on the Obligation Trade Date, reasonable legal costs incurred by the seller in connection with such sale, in each case to the extent not already reflected in the Final Price.

 

"Credit Event" means the occurrence of a Bankruptcy or Failure to Pay. For purposes of the determination of whether a Credit Event has occurred, the Obligation Category will be Borrowed Money, the Payment Requirement will be USD1,000,000 and no Obligation Characteristics will be specified. Capitalized terms used in this definition but not defined in this Confirmation shall have the meanings specified in the 2003 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions.

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"Current Price" means, with respect to any Reference Obligation on any date of determination, the Calculation Agent's determination of the net cash proceeds that would be received from the sale on such date of determination of such Reference Obligation, net of the related Costs of Assignment. If Counterparty disputes the Calculation Agent's determination of the Current Price of any Reference Obligation, then Counterparty may, no later than three hours after Counterparty is given notice of such determination, designate two Dealers of credit standing acceptable to Citibank in the exercise of its reasonable discretion to provide a Firm Bid to Citibank within such three-hour period. The highest of such two Firm Bids will be the Current Price. The "Current Price" shall be expressed as a percentage of par and will be determined exclusive of accrued interest.

 

"Dealer" means (i) a nationally recognized independent dealer in the related Reference Obligation chosen by the Calculation Agent or its designated Affiliate (other than the Calculation Agent or any of its Affiliates), (ii) any Approved Buyer selected by Counterparty as provided in Clause 4(b) or (iii) any other entity (other than the Calculation Agent or any of its Affiliates) designated by the Calculation Agent or its designated Affiliate in its sole discretion as a "Dealer" for the purposes of this Confirmation.

 

"Delayed Drawdown Reference Obligation" means a Reference Obligation that (a) requires the holder thereof to make one or more future advances to the borrower under the instrument or agreement pursuant to which such Reference Obligation was issued or created, (b) specifies a maximum amount that can be borrowed on one or more fixed borrowing dates and (c) does not permit the re-borrowing of any amount previously repaid; provided that, on any date on which all commitments by the holder thereof to make advances to the borrower under such Delayed Drawdown Reference Obligation expire or are terminated or reduced to zero, such Reference Obligation shall cease to be a Delayed Drawdown Reference Obligation.

 

"Expense or Other Payment" means, without duplication, (a) the aggregate amount of any payments (other than extensions of credit) due from the lender(s) in respect of any Reference Obligation, including, without limitation, (i) any expense associated with any amendment, modification or waiver of the provisions of the related Reference Obligation Agreement or any related document, (ii) any reimbursement of any agents under the provisions of a credit agreement, (iii) any indemnity or other similar payment owing under the related Reference Obligation Agreement and (iv) any expense associated with any workout or restructuring of such Reference Obligation; and (b) any and all (i) amounts payable by the Citibank Holder or any of its Affiliates to one or more third parties in respect of judgments, damages or penalties with respect to, or amounts paid to one or more third parties in settlement of, claims, actions or suits and (ii) out-of-pocket costs, taxes, expenses, disbursements (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) and other obligations payable to third parties, in each case, arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of the Citibank Holder acquiring, holding, administering, voting, exercising rights or remedies under, or disposing of, any Reference Obligation. Citibank shall provide Counterparty with documentation in reasonable detail of any such expense or other payment promptly following receipt of a notice from Counterparty reasonably requesting the same.

 

"Interest and Fee Amount" means, for any Citibank Fixed Amount Payer Payment Date and any Transaction, the aggregate amount of interest (including interest breakage costs), fees (including, without limitation, amendment, consent, tender, facility, letter of credit and other similar fees) and other amounts (other than in respect of principal and premium paid in respect of principal) paid with respect to the related Reference Obligation (after deduction of any withholding taxes for which the Reference Entities are not obligated to reimburse holders of the related Reference Obligation, if applicable) during the relevant Citibank Fixed Amount Payer Calculation Period; provided that Interest and Fee Amounts:

 

(a)in the case of "Interest and Accruing Fees" (as defined in the "Standard Terms and Conditions for Par/Near Par Trade Confirmations" or "Standard Terms and Conditions for Distressed Trade Confirmations", as applicable to the relevant Reference Obligation, most recently published by the LSTA prior to the Trade Date), shall not include any amounts that accrue prior to the Obligation Settlement Date for the related Reference Obligation or that accrue on or after the Obligation Termination Date for the related Reference Obligation or portion thereof,

Page 31 

 

(b)in the case of "Non-Recurring Fees" (as so defined), shall not include any amounts that (i) are paid with respect to any event occurring prior to the Obligation Trade Date, or on or after the Termination Trade Date, for the related Reference Obligation or portion thereof or (ii) are paid with respect to the related Reference Obligation that is not held by or on behalf of Citibank as a hedge for the related Transaction, and

 

(c)shall be determined after deducting all customary and reasonable expenses that would be incurred by a buyer in connection with any purchase of the Reference Obligation as a hedge for such Transaction and, in connection with the establishment by the Citibank Holder of a related hedge in respect of such Transaction and shall be adjusted by any Delay Compensation as provided in Clause 6(b).

 

"Loan" means any obligation for the payment or repayment of borrowed money that is documented by a term loan agreement, revolving loan agreement or other similar credit agreement.

 

"LSTA" means The Loan Syndications and Trading Association, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

"Portfolio Target Amount" means (a) during the Ramp-Up Period, the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount, (b) during the Ramp-Down Period, the Portfolio Notional Amount on the day immediately preceding the first day of the Ramp-Down Period and (c) otherwise, the Portfolio Notional Amount.

 

"Rate Payments" means Counterparty First Floating Amounts, Counterparty Second Floating Amounts, Counterparty Third Floating Amounts and Citibank Fixed Amounts.

 

"Reference Obligation Agreement" means, in relation to any Reference Obligation, the term loan agreement, revolving loan agreement or other similar credit agreement governing such Reference Obligation.

 

"Revolving Reference Obligation" means a Reference Obligation that (a) requires the holder thereof to make one or more future advances to the borrower under the instrument or agreement pursuant to which such Reference Obligation was issued or created, (b) specifies a maximum aggregate amount that can be borrowed and (c) permits, during any period on or after the date on which the holder thereof acquires such Reference Obligation, the re-borrowing of any amount previously repaid; provided that, on the date that all commitments by the holder thereof to make advances to the borrower under such Revolving Reference Obligation expire or are terminated or reduced to zero, such Reference Obligation shall cease to be a Revolving Reference Obligation.

 

"Second Lien Obligation" means a Loan that is secured by collateral, but as to which the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such collateral security agree for the benefit of the holder or holders of other indebtedness secured by the same collateral ("First Lien Debt") as to one or more of the following: (1) to defer their right to enforce such collateral security either permanently or for a specified period of time while First Lien Debt is outstanding, (2) to permit a holder or holders of First Lien Debt to sell such collateral free and clear of the security in favor of such beneficiary or beneficiaries, (3) not to object to sales of assets by the obligor on such Loan following the commencement of a bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding with respect to such obligor or to an application by the holder or holders of First Lien Debt to obtain adequate protection in any such proceeding and (4) not to contest the creation, validity, perfection or priority of First Lien Debt.

Page 32 

 

"Specified Reference Obligation" means any Reference Obligation that is designated as such by Counterparty in a notice to Citibank on or prior to the related Obligation Trade Date and whose inclusion in the Reference Portfolio (other than as a "Specified Reference Obligation") would not on the related Obligation Trade Date satisfy one or more of clauses (xii) through (xvi) of the Obligation Criteria.

 

"Subordinate" means, with respect to an obligation (the "Subordinated Obligation") and another obligation of the obligor thereon to which such obligation is being compared (the "Senior Obligation"), a contractual, trust or similar arrangement (without regard to the existence of preferred creditors arising by operation of law or to collateral, credit support, lien or other credit enhancement arrangements or provisions regarding the application of proceeds of any of the foregoing) providing that (i) upon the liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or winding up of the obligor, claims of the holders of the Senior Obligation will be satisfied prior to the claims of the holders of the Subordinated Obligation or (ii) the holders of the Subordinated Obligation will not be entitled to receive or retain payments in respect of their claims against the obligor at any time that the obligor is in payment arrears or is otherwise in default under the Senior Obligation.

 

"Term Obligation" means any Reference Obligation that is not a Committed Obligation.

 

"Terminated Obligation" means any Reference Obligation or portion of any Reference Obligation with respect to which the related Transaction (or portion thereof) whose Final Price is determined pursuant to Clause 4.

 

"Termination Settlement Date" means, for any Terminated Obligation, the date customary for settlement, substantially in accordance with the then-current market practice in the principal market for such Terminated Obligation (as determined by the Calculation Agent), of the sale of such Terminated Obligation with the trade date for such sale occurring on the related Termination Trade Date.

 

"Termination Trade Date" means, with respect to any Terminated Obligation, the date so designated in the related Accelerated Termination Notice or as provided in Clause 3(d); provided that:

 

(a)except as provided in the following clause (b), if the related Final Price is not determined in accordance with Clause 4(a), the "Termination Trade Date" will be the bid submission deadline for the Firm Bid or combination of Firm Bids for all of the Reference Amount of such Terminated Obligation that are to be the basis for determining the Final Price of such Terminated Obligation as designated by the Calculation Agent in order to cause the related Total Return Payment Date to occur as promptly as practicable (in the discretion of the Calculation Agent) after the date originally designated as the "Termination Trade Date" in the related Accelerated Termination Notice; and

 

(b)in respect of the Scheduled Termination Date, if the related Final Price is not determined in accordance with Clause 4(a), the "Termination Trade Date" will be the date so designated by the Calculation Agent in its discretion, occurring during the 30 calendar days preceding the Scheduled Termination Date (or earlier in the case of any Terminated Obligation determined by the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion to be a distressed loan or other obligation) in a manner reasonably likely to cause the final Total Return Payment Date to occur on the Scheduled Termination Date.

 

The Calculation Agent shall notify the parties of any Termination Trade Date designated by it pursuant to the foregoing proviso.

 

"Total Return Payment Date" means, with respect to any Terminated Obligation or Repaid Obligation, the fifth Business Day next succeeding the last day of the Monthly Period during which the related Obligation Termination Date occurs.

Page 33 

 

ANNEX I

 

REFERENCE PORTFOLIO

 

Reference
Obligation
Reference  
Entity
Reference
Amount
Outstanding  
Principal
Amount
Initial
Price (%)
Obligation
Trade
Date
Obligation
Settlement  
Date
Independent
Amount
Percentage
               

Page 34 

 

ANNEX II

 

OBLIGATION CRITERIA

 

The "Obligation Criteria" are as follows:

 

(i)The obligation is a Loan.

 

(ii)The obligation is denominated in USD.

 

(iii)The obligation constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the applicable Reference Entity, enforceable against such person in accordance with its terms.

 

(iv)The obligation constitutes indebtedness for U.S. Federal income tax purposes.

 

(v)Except for any Delayed Drawdown Reference Obligation or Revolving Reference Obligation, the obligation does not require any future advances to be made to the related issuer or obligor on or after the Obligation Trade Date.

 

(vi)The obligation is not Subordinate.

 

(vii)The obligation is secured.

 

(viii)Transfers thereof on the Obligation Trade Date may be effected pursuant to the Standard Terms and Conditions for Par/Near Par Trade Confirmations and not the Standard Terms and Conditions for Distressed Trade Confirmations, in each case as published by the LSTA and as in effect on the Obligation Trade Date.

 

(ix)The obligation is on the Obligation Trade Date part of a fungible class of debt obligations (as to issuance date and all economic terms) of at least USD150,000,000.

 

(x)The obligation has an Initial Price as of the Obligation Trade Date of at least 80%.

 

(xi)The obligation has on the Obligation Trade Date a Moody's Rating of at least B3 and an S&P Rating of at least B-.

 

(xii)Except for any Specified Reference Obligation, the obligation is not a Second Lien Obligation.

 

(xiii)Except for any Specified Reference Obligation, the obligation is on the Obligation Trade Date part of a fungible class of debt obligations (as to issuance date and all economic terms) of at least USD300,000,000.

 

(xiv)Except for any Specified Reference Obligation, the obligation is on the Obligation Trade Date and at all times thereafter the subject of at least two bid quotations from nationally recognized independent dealers in the related obligation as reported on a nationally recognized pricing service.

 

(xv)Except for any Specified Reference Obligation, the obligation has an Initial Price as of the Obligation Trade Date of at least 90 %.

Page 35 

 

(xvi)Except for any Specified Reference Obligation, the obligation has on the Obligation Trade Date a Moody's Rating of at least B3 and an S&P Rating of at least B-.

 

For purposes hereof:

 

"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

 

"Moody's Rating" means, with respect to a Reference Obligation, as of any date of determination:

 

(i)if the Reference Obligation itself is rated by Moody's (including pursuant to any credit estimate), such rating,

 

(ii)if the foregoing paragraph is not applicable, then, if the Reference Obligation is a Loan and the related Reference Entity has a corporate family rating by Moody's, the rating specified in the applicable row of the table below under "Relevant Rating" opposite the row in the table below that describes such Loan:

 

Loan Relevant Rating
The Loan is a secured obligation, but is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate The rating by Moody's that is one rating subcategory above such corporate family rating
The Loan is an unsecured obligation or is a Second Lien Obligation, but is not Subordinate The rating by Moody's that is one rating subcategory below such corporate family rating
The Loan is Subordinate The rating by Moody's that is two rating subcategories below such corporate family rating

 

(iii)if the foregoing paragraphs are not applicable, but there is a rating by Moody's on a secured obligation of the Reference Entity that is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate (the "other obligation"), the rating specified in the applicable row of the table below under "Relevant Rating" opposite the row in the table below that describes such Reference Obligation:

 

Reference Obligation Relevant Rating
The Reference Obligation is a secured obligation, but is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate The rating assigned by Moody's to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is an unsecured obligation or is a Second Lien Obligation, but is not Subordinate The rating by Moody's that is one rating subcategory below the rating assigned by Moody's to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is Subordinate The rating by Moody's that is two rating subcategories below the rating assigned by Moody's to the other obligation

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(iv)if the foregoing paragraphs are not applicable, but there is a rating by Moody's on an unsecured obligation of the Reference Entity (or, failing that, an obligation that is a Second Lien Obligation) but is not Subordinate (the "other obligation"), the rating specified in the applicable row of the table below under "Relevant Rating" opposite the row in the table below that describes such Reference Obligation:

 

Reference Obligation Relevant Rating

The Reference Obligation is a secured obligation, but is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate

The rating by Moody’s that is one rating subcategory above the rating assigned by Moody’s to the other obligation

The Reference Obligation is an unsecured obligation or is a Second Lien Obligation, but is not Subordinate

The rating assigned by Moody's to the other obligation

The Reference Obligation is Subordinate

The rating by Moody’s that is one rating subcategory below the rating assigned by Moody’s to the other obligation

 

(v)if the foregoing paragraphs are not applicable, but there is a rating by Moody's on an obligation of the Reference Entity that is Subordinate (the "other obligation"), the rating specified in the applicable row of the table below under "Relevant Rating" opposite the row in the table below that describes such Reference Obligation:

 

Reference Obligation Relevant Rating
The Reference Obligation is a secured obligation, but is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate The rating by Moody's that is two rating subcategories above the rating assigned by Moody's to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is an unsecured obligation or is a Second Lien Obligation, but is not Subordinate The rating by Moody's that is one rating subcategory above the rating assigned by Moody's to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is Subordinate The rating assigned by Moody's to the other obligation

 

(vi)if a rating cannot be assigned pursuant to clauses (i) through (v), the Moody's Rating may be determined using any of the methods below:

 

  (A) for up to 5% of the Portfolio Target Amount, Counterparty may apply to Moody's for a shadow rating or public rating of such Reference Obligation, which shall then be the Moody's Rating (and Counterparty may deem the Moody's Rating of such Reference Obligation to be "B3" pending receipt of such shadow rating or public rating, as the case may be); provided that (x) a Reference Obligation will not be included in the 5% limit of the Portfolio Target Amount if Counterparty has assigned a rating to such Reference Obligation in accordance with clause (B) below and (y) upon receipt of a shadow rating or public rating, as the case may be, such Reference Obligation will not be included in the 5% limit of the Portfolio Target Amount; or

Page 37 

 

(B)for up to 5% of the Portfolio Target Amount, if there is a private rating of an obligor that has been provided by S&P to Citibank and Counterparty, Counterparty may impute a Moody's Rating that corresponds to such private rating; provided that a Reference Obligation will not be included in the 5% limit of the Portfolio Target Amount if Counterparty has applied to Moody's for a shadow rating.

 

For purposes of the foregoing, a "private rating" shall refer to a rating obtained by Citibank, by Counterparty or by or on behalf of an obligor on a Reference Obligation that is not disseminated publicly; whereas a "shadow rating" shall refer to a credit estimate obtained upon application of Counterparty or a holder of a Reference Obligation. Any private rating or shadow rating shall be required to be refreshed annually. If Counterparty applies to Moody's for a shadow rating or public rating of a Reference Obligation, Counterparty shall provide evidence to Citibank of such application and shall notify Citibank of the expected rating. Counterparty shall notify Citibank of the shadow rating or public rating assigned by Moody's to a Reference Obligation.

 

"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, or any successor thereto.

 

"S&P Rating" means, with respect to a Reference Obligation:

 

(i)if the Reference Obligation itself is rated by S&P (including pursuant to any credit estimate), such rating,

 

(ii)if the foregoing paragraph is not applicable, then, if the Reference Obligation is a Loan and the related Reference Entity has a corporate issuer rating by S&P, the rating specified in the applicable row of the table below under "Relevant Rating" opposite the row in the table below that describes such Loan:

 

Loan Relevant Rating
The Loan is a secured obligation, but is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate The rating by S&P that is one rating subcategory above such corporate issuer rating
The Loan is an unsecured obligation or is a Second Lien Obligation, but is not Subordinate The rating by S&P that is one rating subcategory below such corporate issuer rating
The Loan is Subordinate The rating by S&P that is two rating subcategories below such corporate issuer rating

 

(iii)if the foregoing paragraphs are not applicable, but there is a rating by S&P on a secured obligation of the Reference Entity that is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate (the "other obligation"), the rating specified in the applicable row of the table below under "Relevant Rating" opposite the row in the table below that describes such Reference Obligation:

 

Reference Obligation Relevant Rating
The Reference Obligation is a secured obligation, but is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate The rating assigned by S&P to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is an unsecured obligation or is a Second Lien Obligation, but is not Subordinate The rating by S&P that is one rating subcategory below the rating assigned by S&P to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is Subordinate The rating by S&P that is two rating subcategories below the rating assigned by S&P to the other obligation

Page 38 

 

(iv)if the foregoing paragraphs are not applicable, but there is a rating by S&P on an unsecured obligation of the Reference Entity (or, failing that, an obligation that is a Second Lien Obligation) but is not Subordinate (the "other obligation"), the rating specified in the applicable row of the table below under "Relevant Rating" opposite the row in the table below that describes such Reference Obligation:

 

Reference Obligation Relevant Rating
The Reference Obligation is a secured obligation, but is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate The rating by S&P that is one rating subcategory above the rating assigned by S&P to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is an unsecured obligation or is a Second Lien Obligation, but is not Subordinate The rating assigned by S&P to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is Subordinate The rating by S&P that is one rating subcategory below the rating assigned by S&P to the other obligation

 

(v)if the foregoing paragraphs are not applicable, but there is a rating by S&P on an obligation of the Reference Entity that is Subordinate (the "other obligation"), the rating specified in the applicable row of the table below under "Relevant Rating" opposite the row in the table below that describes such Reference Obligation:

 

Reference Obligation Relevant Rating
The Reference Obligation is a secured obligation, but is not a Second Lien Obligation and is not Subordinate The rating by S&P that is two rating subcategories above the rating assigned by S&P to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is an unsecured obligation or is a Second Lien Obligation, but is not Subordinate The rating by S&P that is one rating subcategory above the rating assigned by S&P to the other obligation
The Reference Obligation is Subordinate The rating assigned by S&P to the other obligation

Page 39 

 

(vi)if the foregoing paragraphs are not applicable, then the S&P Rating shall be "CC"; provided that if application has been made to S&P to rate a Reference Obligation and such Reference Obligation has a Moody's Rating, then (x) the S&P Rating with respect to such Reference Obligation shall, pending the receipt of such rating from S&P, be equal to the S&P Rating that is equivalent to such Moody's Rating and (y) Reference Obligations in the Reference Portfolio constituting no more, by aggregate Notional Amount, than 10% of the Portfolio Target Amount may be given a S&P Rating based on a rating given by Moody's as provided in clause (x) (immediately after giving effect to the addition of the relevant Reference Obligation, if applicable).

Page 40 

 

PORTFOLIO CRITERIA

 

The "Portfolio Criteria" are as follows:

 

(i)The Portfolio Notional Amount does not exceed the Maximum Portfolio Notional Amount.

 

(ii)The sum of the Notional Amounts for all Committed Obligations does not exceed 5% of the Portfolio Target Amount.

 

(iii)The sum of the Notional Amounts for Reference Obligations of any single Reference Entity or any of its Affiliates does not exceed 5% of the Portfolio Target Amount.

 

(iv)The sum of the Notional Amounts for Reference Obligations of Reference Entities in any single Moody's Industry Classification Group does not exceed 15% of the Portfolio Target Amount; provided that (x) the sum of the Notional Amounts for Reference Obligations of Reference Entities in one single Moody's Industry Classification Group may be up to 20% of the Portfolio Target Amount and (y) the sum of the Notional Amounts for Reference Obligations of Reference Entities in a second single Moody's Industry Classification Group may be up to 17.5% of the Portfolio Target Amount.

 

(v)The sum of the Notional Amounts for all Specified Reference Obligations does not exceed 10% of the Portfolio Target Amount.

 

(vi)After the Ramp-Up Period and prior to the Ramp-Down Period, the Reference Portfolio has a Weighted Average Rating of at most 2,720.

 

For purposes hereof:

 

"Moody's Industry Classification Groups" means each of the categories set forth in Table 1 below.

 

"Weighted Average Rating" means, as of any date of determination, the number obtained by (a) multiplying the Notional Amount of each Reference Obligation by the applicable Rating Factor (as set forth in Table 2 below) with respect to such Reference Obligation; (b) summing the products obtained in clause (a) for all Reference Obligations; and (c) dividing the sum obtained in clause (b) by the aggregate of the Notional Amounts of all Reference Obligations.

Page 41 

 

TABLE 1

 

MOODY'S INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION GROUPS

 

Aerospace and Defense: Major Contractor, Subsystems, Research, Aircraft Manufacturing, Arms, Ammunition

Automobile: Automotive Equipment, Auto-Manufacturing, Auto Parts Manufacturing, Personal Use Trailers, Motor Homes, Dealers

Banking: Bank Holding, Savings and Loans, Consumer Credit, Small Loan, Agency, Factoring, Receivables

Beverage, Food and Tobacco: Beer and Ale, Distillers, Wines and Liquors, Distributors, Soft Drink Syrup, Bottling, Bakery, Mill Sugar, Canned Foods, Corn Refiners, Dairy Products, Meat Products, Poultry Products, Snacks, Packaged Foods, Distributors, Candy, Gum, Seafood, Frozen Food, Cigarettes, Cigars, Leaf/Snuff, Vegetable Oil

Buildings and Real Estate: Brick, Cement, Climate Controls, Contracting, Engineering, Construction, Hardware, Forest Products (building-related only), Plumbing, Roofing, Wallboard, Real Estate, Real Estate Development, REITs, Land Development

Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber: Chemicals (non-agriculture), Industrial Gases, Sulfur, Plastics, Plastic Products, Abrasives, Coatings, Paints, Varnish, Fabricating

Containers, Packaging and Glass: Glass, Fiberglass, Containers made of: Glass, Metal, Paper, Plastic, Wood or Fiberglass

Personal and Non Durable Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only): Soaps, Perfumes, Cosmetics, Toiletries, Cleaning Supplies, School Supplies

Diversified/Conglomerate Manufacturing Diversified/Conglomerate Service

Diversified Natural Resources, Precious Metals and Minerals: Fabricating, Distribution, Mining and Sales

Ecological: Pollution Control, Waste Removal, Waste Treatment, Waste Disposal

Electronics: Computer Hardware, Electric Equipment, Components, Controllers, Motors, Household Appliances, Information Service, Communication Systems, Radios, TVs, Tape Machines, Speakers, Printers, Drivers, Technology

Finance: Investment Brokerage, Leasing, Syndication, Securities

Farming and Agriculture: Livestock, Grains, Produce, Agricultural Chemicals, Agricultural Equipment, Fertilizers

Grocery: Grocery Stores, Convenience Food Stores

Healthcare, Education and Childcare: Ethical Drugs, Proprietary Drugs, Research, Health Care Centers, Nursing Homes, HMOs, Hospitals, Hospital Supplies, Medical Equipment

Home and Office Furnishings, Housedress, and Durable Consumer Products: Carpets, Floor Coverings, Furniture, Cooking, Ranges

Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming

Insurance: Life, Property and Casualty, Broker, Agent, Surety

Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment: Boating, Bowling, Billiards, Musical Instruments, Fishing, Photo Equipment, Records, Tapes, Sports, Outdoor Equipment (camping), Tourism, Resorts, Games, Toy Manufacturing, Motion Picture Production, Theatres, Motion Picture Distribution

Machinery (Non-Agriculture, Non-Construction, Non-Electronic): Industrial, Machine Tools, Steam Generators

Mining, Steel, Iron and Non-Precious Metals: Coal, Copper, Lead, Uranium, Zinc,

Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Integrated Steel, Ore Production, Refractories, Steel Mill Machinery, Mini-Mills, Fabricating, Distribution and Sales

Oil and Gas: Crude Producer, Retailer, Well Supply, Service and Drilling

Personal, Food and Miscellaneous

Printing and Publishing: Graphic Arts, Paper, Paper Products, Business Forms, Magazines, Books, Periodicals, Newspapers, Textbooks

Page 42 

 

Cargo Transport: Rail, Shipping, Railroads, Rail-car Builders, Ship Builders, Containers, Container Builders, Parts, Overnight Mail, Trucking, Truck Manufacturing, Trailer Manufacturing, Air Cargo, Transport

Retail Stores: Apparel, Toy, Variety, Drugs, Department, Mail Order Catalogue, Showroom

Telecommunications: Local, Long Distance, Independent, Telephone, Telegraph, Satellite, Equipment, Research, Cellular

Textiles and Leather: Producer, Synthetic Fiber, Apparel Manufacturer, Leather Shoes

Personal Transportation: Air, Bus, Rail, Car, Rental

Utilities: Electric, Water, Hydro Power, Gas, Diversified

Broadcasting and Entertainment: Recording Industry, Motion Exhibition Theatres, Motion Picture Production and Distribution, Radio, TV, Cable Broadcasting, Broadcasting Equipment

Page 43 

 

TABLE 2

 

RATING FACTORS

 

Moody's Rating Rating Factor
Aaa 1
Aa1 10
Aa2 20
Aa3 40
A1 70
A2 120
A3 180
Baa1 260
Baa2 360
Baa3 610
Ba1 940
Ba2 1,350
Ba3 1,766
B1 2,220
B2 2,720
B3 3,490
Caa1 4,770
Caa2 6,500
Caa3 8,070
Below Caa3 10,000

Page 44 

 

APPROVED BUYERS

 

Bank of America, N.A.

The Bank of Montreal

The Bank of New York Mellon, N.A.

Barclays Bank plc.

BNP Paribas

Citibank, N.A.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Credit Suisse

Deutsche Bank AG

Goldman Sachs & Co.

HSBC Bank

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Morgan Stanley & Co.

Nomura Securities

Northern Trust Company

Royal Bank of Canada

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc.

Scotia Capital

Société Générale

The Toronto-Dominion Bank

UBS AG

U.S. Bank, National Association

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Page 45 

 

(Bilateral Form) (ISDA Agreements Subject to New York Law Only)

 

ISDA®

International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.

 

CREDIT SUPPORT ANNEX

 

to the Schedule to the

 

20.02 ISDA Master Agreement

 

dated as of May 18, 2021

 

between

 

Citibank N.A. and RACR-FS,LLC
(“Party A”)   (“Party B”)

 

This Annex supplements, forms part of, and is subject to, the above-referenced Agreement, is part of its Schedule and is a Credit Support Document under this Agreement with respect to each party.

 

Accordingly, the parties agree as follows:—

 

Paragraph 1. Interpretation

 

(a)         Definitions and Inconsistency. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein or elsewhere in this Agreement have the meanings specified pursuant to Paragraph 12, and all references in this Annex to Paragraphs are to Paragraphs of this Annex. In the event of any inconsistency between this Annex and the other provisions of this Schedule, this Annex will prevail, and in the event of any inconsistency between Paragraph 13 and the other provisions of this Annex, Paragraph 13 will prevail.

 

(b)         Secured Party and Pledgor. All references in this Annex to the “Secured Party” will be to either party when acting in that capacity and all corresponding references to the “Pledgor” will be to the other party when acting in that capacity; provided, however, that if Other Posted Support is held by a party to this Annex, all references herein to that party as the Secured Party with respect to that Other Posted Support will be to that party as the beneficiary thereof and will not subject that support or that party as the beneficiary thereof to provisions of law generally relating to security interests and secured parties.

 

Paragraph 2. Security Interest

 

Each party, as the Pledgor, hereby pledges to the other party, as the Secured Party, as security for its Obligations, and grants to the Secured Party a first priority continuing security interest in, lien on and right of Set-off against all Posted Collateral Transferred to or received by the Secured Party hereunder. Upon the Transfer by the Secured Party to the Pledgor of Posted Collateral, the security interest and lien granted hereunder on that Posted Collateral will be released immediately and, to the extent possible, without any further action by either party.

 

Copyright © 1994 by International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.

 
 

Paragraph 3. Credit Support Obligations

 

(a)         Delivery Amount. Subject to Paragraphs 4 and 5, upon a demand made by the Secured Party on or promptly following a Valuation Date, if the Delivery Amount for that Valuation Date equals or exceeds the Pledgor’s Minimum Transfer Amount, then the Pledgor will Transfer to the Secured Party Eligible Credit Support having a Value as of the date of Transfer at least equal to the applicable Delivery Amount (rounded pursuant to Paragraph 13). Unless otherwise specified in Paragraph 13, the “Delivery Amount” applicable to the Pledgor for any Valuation Date will equal the amount by which:

 

(i)the Credit Support Amount

 

exceeds

 

(ii)the Value as of that Valuation Date of all Posted Credit Support held by the Secured Party.

 

(b)         Return Amount. Subject to Paragraphs 4 and 5, upon a demand made by the Pledgor on or promptly following a Valuation Date, if the Return Amount for that Valuation Date equals or exceeds the Secured Party’s Minimum Transfer Amount, then the Secured Party will Transfer to the Pledgor Posted Credit Support specified by the Pledgor in that demand having a Value as of the date of Transfer as close as practicable to the applicable Return Amount (rounded pursuant to Paragraph 13). Unless otherwise specified in Paragraph 13, the “Return Amount” applicable to the Secured Party for any Valuation Date will equal the amount by which:

 

(i)the Value as of that Valuation Date of all Posted Credit Support held by the Secured Party

 

exceeds

 

(ii)the Credit Support Amount.

 

“Credit Support Amount” means, unless otherwise specified in Paragraph 13, for any Valuation Date (i) the Secured Party’s Exposure for that Valuation Date plus (ii) the aggregate of all Independent Amounts applicable to the Pledgor, if any, minus (iii) all Independent Amounts applicable to the Secured Party, if any, minus (iv) the Pledgor’s Threshold; provided, however, that the Credit Support Amount will be deemed to be zero whenever the calculation of Credit Support Amount yields a number less than zero.

 

Paragraph 4. Conditions Precedent, Transfer Timing, Calculations and Substitutions

 

(a)         Conditions Precedent. Each Transfer obligation of the Pledgor under Paragraphs 3 and 5 and of the Secured Party under Paragraphs 3, U(d)(ii), 5 and 6(d) is subject to the conditions precedent that:

 

(i)no Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Specified Condition has occurred and is continuing with respect to the other party; and

 

(ii)no Early Termination Date for which any unsatisfied payment obligations exist has occurred or been designated as the result of an Event of Default or Specified Condition with respect to the other party.

 

(b)         Transfer Timing. Subject to Paragraphs U(a) and 5 and unless otherwise specified, if a demand for the Transfer of Eligible Credit Support or Posted Credit Support is made by the Notification Time, then the relevant Transfer will be made not later than the close of business on the next Local Business Day; if a demand is made after the Notification Time, then the relevant Transfer will be made not later than the close of business on the second Local Business Day thereafter.

 

(c)         Calculations. All calculations of Value and Exposure for purposes of Paragraphs 3 and 6(d) will be made by the Valuation Agent as of the Valuation Time. The Valuation Agent will notify each party (or the other party, if the Valuation Agent is a party) of its calculations not later than the Notification Time on the Local Business Day following the applicable Valuation Date (or in the case of Paragraph 6(d), following the date of calculation).

  2ISDA® 1994

 

(d)Substitutions.

 

(i) Unless otherwise specified in Paragraph 13, upon notice to the Secured Party specifying the items of Posted Credit Support to be exchanged, the Pledgor may, on any Local Business Day, Transfer to the Secured Party substitute Eligible Credit Support (the “Substitute Credit Support”); and

 

(ii) subject to Paragraph 4(a), the Secured Party will Transfer to the Pledgor the items of Posted Credit Support specified by the Pledgor in its notice not later than the Local Business Day following the date on which the Secured Party receives the Substitute Credit Support, unless otherwise specified in Paragraph 13 (the “Substitution Date”); provided that the Secured Party will only be obligated to Transfer Posted Credit Support with a Value as of the date of Transfer of that Posted Credit Support equal to the Value as of that date of the Substitute Credit Support.

 

Paragraph 5. Dispute Resolution

 

If a party (a “Disputing Party”) disputes (I) the Valuation Agent’s calculation of a Delivery Amount or a Return Amount or (II) the Value of any Transfer of Eligible Credit Support or Posted Credit Support, then (1) the Disputing Party will notify the other party and the Valuation Agent (if the Valuation Agent is not the other party) not later than the close of business on the Local Business Day following (X) the date that the demand is made under Paragraph 3 in the case of (I) above or (Y) the date of Transfer in the case of (II) above, (2) subject to Paragraph 4(a), the appropriate party will Transfer the undisputed amount to the other party not later than the close of business on the Local Business Day following (X) the date that the demand is made under Paragraph 3 in the case of (I) above or (Y) the date of Transfer in the case of (II) above, (3) the parties will consult with each other in an attempt to resolve the dispute and (4) if they fail to resolve the dispute by the Resolution Time, then:

 

(i) In the case of a dispute involving a Delivery Amount or Return Amount, unless otherwise specified in Paragraph 13, the Valuation Agent will recalculate the Exposure and the Value as of the Recalculation Date by:

 

(A) utilizing any calculations of Exposure for the Transactions (or Swap Transactions) that the parties have agreed are not in dispute;

 

(B) calculating the Exposure for the Transactions (or Swap Transactions) in dispute by seeking four actual quotations at mid-market from Reference Market-makers for purposes of calculating Market Quotation, and taking the arithmetic average of those obtained; provided that if four quotations are not available for a particular Transaction (or Swap Transaction), then fewer than four quotations may be used for that Transaction (or Swap Transaction); and if no quotations are available for a particular Transaction (or Swap Transaction), then the Valuation Agent’s original calculations will be used for that Transaction (or Swap Transaction); and

 

(C) utilizing the procedures specified in Paragraph 13 for calculating the Value, if disputed, of Posted Credit Support.

 

(ii) In the case of a dispute involving the Value of any Transfer of Eligible Credit Support or Posted Credit Support, the Valuation Agent will recalculate the Value as of the date of Transfer pursuant to Paragraph 13.

 

Following a recalculation pursuant to this Paragraph, the Valuation Agent will notify each party (or the other party, if the Valuation Agent is a party) not later than the Notification Time on the Local Business Day following the Resolution Time. The appropriate party will, upon demand following that notice by the Valuation Agent or a resolution pursuant to (3) above and subject to Paragraphs 4(a) and 4(b), make the appropriate Transfer.

  3ISDA® 1994

 

Paragraph 6. Holding and Using Posted Collateral

 

(a)         Care of Posted Collateral. Without limiting the Secured Party’s rights under Paragraph 6(c), the Secured Party will exercise reasonable care to assure the safe custody of all Posted Collateral to the extent required by applicable law, and in any event the Secured Party will be deemed to have exercised reasonable care if it exercises at least the same degree of care as it would exercise with respect to its own property. Except as specified in the preceding sentence, the Secured Party will have no duty with respect to Posted Collateral, including, without limitation, any duty to collect any Distributions, or enforce or preserve any rights pertaining thereto.

 

(b)Eligibility to Hold Posted Collateral; Custodians.

 

(i) General. Subject to the satisfaction of any conditions specified in Paragraph 13 for holding Posted Collateral, the Secured Party will be entitled to hold Posted Collateral or to appoint an agent (a “Custodian”) to hold Posted Collateral for the Secured Party. Upon notice by the Secured Party to the Pledgor of the appointment of a Custodian, the Pledgor’s obligations to make any Transfer will be discharged by making the Transfer to that Custodian. The holding of Posted Collateral by a Custodian will be deemed to be the holding of that Posted Collateral by the Secured Party for which the Custodian is acting.

 

(ii) Failure to Satisfy Conditions. If the Secured Party or its Custodian fails to satisfy any conditions for holding Posted Collateral, then upon a demand made by the Pledgor, the Secured Party will, not later than five Local Business Days after the demand, Transfer or cause its Custodian to Transfer all Posted Collateral held by it to a Custodian that satisfies those conditions or to the Secured Party if it satisfies those conditions.

 

(iii) Liability. The Secured Party will be liable for the acts or omissions of its Custodian to the same extent that the Secured Party would be liable hereunder for its own acts or omissions.

 

(c)         Use of Posted Collateral. Unless otherwise specified in Paragraph 13 and without limiting the rights and obligations of the parties under Paragraphs 3, 4(d)(ii), 5, 6(d) and 8, if the Secured Party is not a Defaulting Party or an Affected Party with respect to a Specified Condition and no Early Termination Date has occurred or been designated as the result of an Event of Default or Specified Condition with respect to the Secured Party, then the Secured Party will, notwithstanding Section 9-207 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, have the right to:

 

(i) sell, pledge, rehypothecate, assign, invest, use, commingle or otherwise dispose of, or otherwise use in its business any Posted Collateral it holds, free from any claim or right of any nature whatsoever of the Pledgor, including any equity or right of redemption by the Pledgor; and

 

(ii) register any Posted Collateral in the name of the Secured Party, its Custodian or a nominee for either.

 

For purposes of the obligation to Transfer Eligible Credit Support or Posted Credit Support pursuant to Paragraphs 3 and 5 and any rights or remedies authorized under this Agreement, the Secured Party will be deemed to continue to hold all Posted Collateral and to receive Distributions made thereon, regardless of whether the Secured Party has exercised any rights with respect to any Posted Collateral pursuant to (i) or (ii) above.

 

(d)         Distributions and Interest Amount.

 

(i) Distributions. Subject to Paragraph 4(a), if the Secured Party receives or is deemed to receive Distributions on a Local Business Day, it will Transfer to the Pledgor not later than the following Local Business Day any Distributions it receives or is deemed to receive to the extent that a Delivery Amount would not be created or increased by that Transfer, as calculated by the Valuation Agent (and the date of calculation will be deemed to be a Valuation Date for this purpose).

  4ISDA® 1994

 

(ii) Interest Amount. Unless otherwise specified in Paragraph 13 and subject to Paragraph 4(a), in lieu of any interest, dividends or other amounts paid or deemed to have been paid with respect to Posted Collateral in the form of Cash (all of which may be retained by the Secured Party), the Secured Party will Transfer to the Pledgor at the times specified in Paragraph 13 the Interest Amount to the extent that a Delivery Amount would not be created or increased by that Transfer, as calculated by the Valuation Agent (and the date of calculation will be deemed to be a Valuation Date for this purpose). The Interest Amount or portion thereof not Transferred pursuant to this Paragraph will constitute Posted Collateral in the form of Cash and will be subject to the security interest granted under Paragraph 2.

 

Paragraph 7. Events of Default

 

For purposes of Section 5(a)(iii)(1) of this Agreement, an Event of Default will exist with respect to a party if:

 

(i) that party fails (or fails to cause its Custodian) to make, when due, any Transfer of Eligible Collateral, Posted Collateral or the Interest Amount, as applicable, required to be made by it and that failure continues for two Local Business Days after notice of that failure is given to that party;

 

(ii) that party fails to comply with any restriction or prohibition specified in this Annex with respect to any of the rights specified in Paragraph 6(c) and that failure continues for five Local Business Days after notice of that failure is given to that party; or

 

(iii) that party fails to comply with or perform any agreement or obligation other than those specified in Paragraphs 7(i) and 7(ii) and that failure continues for 30 days after notice of that failure is given to that party.

 

Paragraph 8. Certain Rights and Remedies

 

(a)         Secured Party’s Rights and Remedies. If at any time (1) an Event of Default or Specified Condition with respect to the Pledgor has occurred and is continuing or (2) an Early Termination Date has occurred or been designated as the result of an Event of Default or Specified Condition with respect to the Pledgor, then, unless the Pledgor has paid in full all of its Obligations that are then due, the Secured Party may exercise one or more of the following rights and remedies:

 

(i) all rights and remedies available to a secured party under applicable law with respect to Posted Collateral held by the Secured Party;

 

(ii) any other rights and remedies available to the Secured Party under the terms of Other Posted Support, if any;

 

(iii) the right to Set-off any amounts payable by the Pledgor with respect to any Obligations against any Posted Collateral or the Cash equivalent of any Posted Collateral held by the Secured Party (or any obligation of the Secured Party to Transfer that Posted Collateral); and

 

(iv) the right to liquidate any Posted Collateral held by the Secured Party through one or more public or private sales or other dispositions with such notice, if any, as may be required under applicable law, free from any claim or right of any nature whatsoever of the Pledgor, including any equity or right of redemption by the Pledgor (with the Secured Party having the right to purchase any or all of the Posted Collateral to be sold) and to apply the proceeds (or the Cash equivalent thereof) from the liquidation of the Posted Collateral to any amounts payable by the Pledgor with respect to any Obligations in that order as the Secured Party may elect.

 

Each party acknowledges and agrees that Posted Collateral in the form of securities may decline speedily in value and is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market, and, accordingly, the Pledgor is not entitled to prior notice of any sale of that Posted Collateral by the Secured Party, except any notice that is required under applicable law and cannot be waived.

  5ISDA® 1994

 

(b)         Pledgor’s Rights and Remedies. If at any time an Early Termination Date has occurred or been designated as the result of an Event of Default or Specified Condition with respect to the Secured Party, then (except in the case of an Early Termination Date relating to less than all Transactions (or Swap Transactions) where the Secured Party has paid in full all of its obligations that are then due under Section 6(e) of this Agreement):

 

(i) the Pledgor may exercise all rights and remedies available to a pledgor under applicable law with respect to Posted Collateral held by the Secured Party;

 

(ii) the Pledgor may exercise any other rights and remedies available to the Pledgor under the terms of Other Posted Support, if any;

 

(iii) the Secured Party will be obligated immediately to Transfer all Posted Collateral and the Interest Amount to the Pledgor; and

 

(iv) to the extent that Posted Collateral or the Interest Amount is not so Transferred pursuant to (iii) above, the Pledgor may:

 

(A) Set-off any amounts payable by the Pledgor with respect to any Obligations against any Posted Collateral or the Cash equivalent of any Posted Collateral held by the Secured Party (or any obligation of the Secured Party to Transfer that Posted Collateral); and

 

(B) to the extent that the Pledgor does not Set-off under (iv)(A) above, withhold payment of any remaining amounts payable by the Pledgor with respect to any Obligations, up to the Value of any remaining Posted Collateral held by the Secured Party, until that Posted Collateral is Transferred to the Pledgor.

 

(c)         Deficiencies and Excess Proceeds. The Secured Party will Transfer to the Pledgor any proceeds and Posted Credit Support remaining after liquidation, Set-off and/or application under Paragraphs 8(a) and 8(b) after satisfaction in full of all amounts payable by the Pledgor with respect to any Obligations; the Pledgor in all events will remain liable for any amounts remaining unpaid after any liquidation, Set-off and/or application under Paragraphs 8(a) and 8(b).

 

(d)         Final Returns. When no amounts are or thereafter may become payable by the Pledgor with respect to any Obligations (except for any potential liability under Section 2(d) of this Agreement), the Secured Party will Transfer to the Pledgor all Posted Credit Support and the Interest Amount, if any.

 

Paragraph 9. Representations

 

Each party represents to the other party (which representations will be deemed to be repeated as of each date on which it, as the Pledgor, Transfers Eligible Collateral) that:

 

(i) it has the power to grant a security interest in and lien on any Eligible Collateral it Transfers as the Pledgor and has taken all necessary actions to authorize the granting of that security interest and lien;

 

(ii) it is the sole owner of or otherwise has the right to Transfer all Eligible Collateral it Transfers to the Secured Party hereunder, free and clear of any security interest, lien, encumbrance or other restrictions other than the security interest and lien granted under Paragraph 2;

 

(iii) upon the Transfer of any Eligible Collateral to the Secured Party under the terms of this Annex, the Secured Party will have a valid and perfected first priority security interest therein (assuming that any central clearing corporation or any third-party financial intermediary or other entity not within the control of the Pledgor involved in the Transfer of that Eligible Collateral gives the notices and takes the action required of it under applicable law for perfection of that interest); and

 

(iv) the performance by it of its obligations under this Annex will not result in the creation of any security interest, lien or other encumbrance on any Posted Collateral other than the security interest and lien granted under Paragraph 2.

  6ISDA® 1994

 

Paragraph 10. Expenses

 

(a)         General. Except as otherwise provided in Paragraphs 10(b) and 10(c), each party will pay its own costs and expenses in connection with performing its obligations under this Annex and neither party will be liable for any costs and expenses incurred by the other party in connection herewith.

 

(b)         Posted Credit Support. The Pledgor will promptly pay when due all taxes, assessments or charges of any nature that are imposed with respect to Posted Credit Support held by the Secured Party upon becoming aware of the same, regardless of whether any portion of that Posted Credit Support is subsequently disposed of under Paragraph 6(c), except for those taxes, assessments and charges that result from the exercise of the Secured Party’s rights under Paragraph 6(c).

 

(c)         Liquidation/Application of Posted Credit Support. All reasonable costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Secured Party or the Pledgor in connection with the liquidation and/or application of any Posted Credit Support under Paragraph 8 will be payable, on demand and pursuant to the Expenses Section of this Agreement, by the Defaulting Party or, if there is no Defaulting Party, equally by the parties.

 

Paragraph 11. Miscellaneous

 

(a)         Default Interest. A Secured Party that fails to make, when due, any Transfer of Posted Collateral or the Interest Amount will be obligated to pay the Pledgor (to the extent permitted under applicable law) an amount equal to interest at the Default Rate multiplied by the Value of the items of property that were required to be Transferred, from (and including) the date that Posted Collateral or Interest Amount was required to be Transferred to (but excluding) the date of Transfer of that Posted Collateral or Interest Amount. This interest will be calculated on the basis of daily compounding and the actual number of days elapsed.

 

(b)         Further Assurances. Promptly following a demand made by a party, the other party will execute, deliver, file and record any financing statement, specific assignment or other document and take any other action that may be necessary or desirable and reasonably requested by that party to create, preserve, perfect or validate any security interest or lien granted under Paragraph 2, to enable that party to exercise or enforce its rights under this Annex with respect to Posted Credit Support or an Interest Amount or to effect or document a release of a security interest on Posted Collateral or an Interest Amount.

 

(c)         Further Protection. The Pledgor will promptly give notice to the Secured Party of, and defend against, any suit, action, proceeding or lien that involves Posted Credit Support Transferred by the Pledgor or that could adversely affect the security interest and lien granted by it under Paragraph 2, unless that suit, action, proceeding or lien results from the exercise of the Secured Party’s rights under Paragraph 6(c).

 

(d)         Good Faith and Commercially Reasonable Manner. Performance of all obligations under this Annex, including, but not limited to, all calculations, valuations and determinations made by either party, will be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner.

 

(e)         Demands and Notices. All demands and notices made by a party under this Annex will be made as specified in the Notices Section of this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 13.

 

(f)         Specifications of Certain Matters. Anything referred to in this Annex as being specified in Paragraph 13 also may be specified in one or more Confirmations or other documents and this Annex will be construed accordingly.

  7ISDA® 1994

 

Paragraph 12. Definitions

As used in this Annex:—

 

“Cash” means the lawful currency of the United States of America.

 

“Credit Support Amount” has the meaning specified in Paragraph 3.

 

“Custodian” has the meaning specified in Paragraphs 6(b)(i) and 13.

 

“Delivery Amount” has the meaning specified in Paragraph 3(a).

 

“Disputing Party” has the meaning specified in Paragraph 5.

 

“Distributions” means with respect to Posted Collateral other than Cash, all principal, interest and other payments and distributions of cash or other property with respect thereto, regardless of whether the Secured Party has disposed of that Posted Collateral under Paragraph 6(c). Distributions will not include any item of property acquired by the Secured Party upon any disposition or liquidation of Posted Collateral or, with respect to any Posted Collateral in the form of Cash, any distributions on that collateral, unless otherwise specified herein.

 

“Eligible Collateral” means, with respect to a party, the items, if any, specified as such for that party in Paragraph 13.

 

“Eligible Credit Support” means Eligible Collateral and Other Eligible Support.

 

“Exposure” means for any Valuation Date or other date for which Exposure is calculated and subject to Paragraph 5 in the case of a dispute, the amount, if any, that would be payable to a party that is the Secured Party by the other party (expressed as a positive number) or by a party that is the Secured Party to the other party (expressed as a negative number) pursuant to Section 6(e)(ii)(2)(A) of this Agreement as if all Transactions (or Swap Transactions) were being terminated as of the relevant Valuation Time; provided that Market Quotation will be determined by the Valuation Agent using its estimates at mid-market of the amounts that would be paid for Replacement Transactions (as that term is defined in the definition of “Market Quotation”). means, with respect to a party, the amount specified as such for that party in Paragraph 13; if no amount is specified, zero.

 

“Interest Amount” means, with respect to an Interest Period, the aggregate sum of the amounts of interest calculated for each day in that Interest Period on the principal amount of Posted Collateral in the form of Cash held by the Secured Party on that day, determined by the Secured Party for each such day as follows:

 

(x) the amount of that Cash on that day; multiplied by

 

(y) the Interest Rate in effect for that day; divided by

 

 (z) 360.

 

“Interest Period” means the period from (and including) the last Local Business Day on which an Interest Amount was Transferred (or, if no Interest Amount has yet been Transferred, the Local Business Day on which Posted Collateral in the form of Cash was Transferred to or received by the Secured Party) to (but excluding) the Local Business Day on which the current Interest Amount is to be Transferred.

 

“Interest Rate” means the rate specified in Paragraph 13.

 

“Local Business Day”, unless otherwise specified in Paragraph 13, has the meaning specified in the Definitions Section of this Agreement, except that references to a payment in clause (b) thereof will be deemed to include a Transfer under this Annex.

  8ISDA® 1994

 

“Minimum Transfer Amount” means, with respect to a party, the amount specified as such for that party in Paragraph 13; if no amount is specified, zero.

 

“Notification Time” has the meaning specified in Paragraph 13.

 

“Obligations” means, with respect to a party, all present and future obligations of that party under this Agreement and any additional obligations specified for that party in Paragraph 13.

 

“Other Eligible Support” means, with respect to a party, the items, if any, specified as such for that party in Paragraph 13.

 

“Other Posted Support” means all Other Eligible Support Transferred to the Secured Party that remains in effect for the benefit of that Secured Party.

 

“Pledgor” means either party, when that party (i) receives a demand for or is required to Transfer Eligible Credit Support under Paragraph 3(a) or (ii) has Transferred Eligible Credit Support under Paragraph 3(a).

 

“Posted Collateral” means all Eligible Collateral, other property, Distributions, and all proceeds thereof that have been Transferred to or received by the Secured Party under this Annex and not Transferred to the Pledgor pursuant to Paragraph 3(b), 4(d)(ii) or 6(d)(i) or released by the Secured Party under Paragraph 8. Any Interest Amount or portion thereof not Transferred pursuant to Paragraph 6(d)(ii) will constitute Posted Collateral in the form of Cash.

 

“Posted Credit Support” means Posted Collateral and Other Posted Support.

 

“Recalculation Date” means the Valuation Date that gives rise to the dispute under Paragraph 5; provided, however, that if a subsequent Valuation Date occurs under Paragraph 3 prior to the resolution of the dispute, then the “Recalculation Date” means the most recent Valuation Date under Paragraph 3.

 

has the meaning specified in Paragraph 13.

 

“Return Amount” has the meaning specified in Paragraph 3(b).

 

“Secured Party” means either party, when that party (i) makes a demand for or is entitled to receive Eligible Credit Support under Paragraph 3(a) or (ii) holds or is deemed to hold Posted Credit Support.

 

“Specified Condition” means, with respect to a party, any event specified as such for that party in Paragraph 13.

 

“Substitute Credit Support” has the meaning specified in Paragraph 4(d)(i).

 

“Substitution Date” has the meaning specified in Paragraph 4(d)(ii).

 

“Threshold” means, with respect to a party, the amount specified as such for that party in Paragraph 13; if no amount is specified, zero.

 

“Transfer” means, with respect to any Eligible Credit Support, Posted Credit Support or Interest Amount, and in accordance with the instructions of the Secured Party, Pledgor or Custodian, as applicable:

 

(i) in the case of Cash, payment or delivery by wire transfer into one or more bank accounts specified by the recipient;

 

(ii) in the case of certificated securities that cannot be paid or delivered by book-entry, payment or delivery in appropriate physical form to the recipient or its account accompanied by any duly executed instruments of transfer, assignments in blank, transfer tax stamps and any other documents necessary to constitute a legally valid transfer to the recipient;

 

(iii) in the case of securities that can be paid or delivered by book-entry, the giving of written instructions to the relevant depository institution or other entity specified by the recipient, together with a written copy thereof to the recipient, sufficient if complied with to result in a legally effective transfer of the relevant interest to the recipient; and

 

(iv) in the case of Other Eligible Support or Other Posted Support, as specified in Paragraph 13.

  9ISDA® 1994

 

“Valuation Agent” has the meaning specified in Paragraph 13.

 

“Valuation Date” means each date specified in or otherwise determined pursuant to Paragraph 13.

 

“Valuation Percentage” means, for any item of Eligible Collateral, the percentage specified in Paragraph 13.

 

“Valuation Time” has the meaning specified in Paragraph 13.

 

“Value” means for any Valuation Date or other date for which Value is calculated and subject to Paragraph 5 in the case of a dispute, with respect to:

 

 (i) Eligible Collateral or Posted Collateral that is:

 

(A) Cash, the amount thereof; and

 

(B) a security, the bid price obtained by the Valuation Agent multiplied by the applicable Valuation Percentage, if any;

 

 (ii) Posted Collateral that consists of items that are not specified as Eligible Collateral, zero; and

 

 (iii) Other Eligible Support and Other Posted Support, as specified in Paragraph 13.

  10ISDA® 1994

 

EXECUTION COPY

Paragraph 13. Elections and Variables

 

(a)         Security Interest for "Obligations". The term "Obligations" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 12.

 

(b)         Credit Support Obligations.

 

(i)          Delivery Amount, Return Amount and Credit Support Amount; Addition to Paragraph 3.

 

(A) "Delivery Amount" has the meaning set forth in Paragraph 3(a).

 

(B) " Return Amount" has the meaning set forth in Paragraph 3(b).

 

(C) "Credit Support Amount" means for any Valuation Date (i) the Secured Party's Exposure for that Valuation Date plus (ii) the aggregate of all Independent Amounts applicable to the Pledgor, if any, minus (iii) the Pledgor's Threshold, if any; provided, however, that (x) in the case where the sum of the Independent Amounts applicable to the Pledgor exceeds zero, the Credit Support Amount will not be less than the sum of all Independent Amounts applicable to the Pledgor and (y) in all other cases, the Credit Support Amount will be deemed to be zero whenever the calculation of the Credit Support Amount yields an amount less than zero.

 

Solely for purposes of calculating the Credit Support Amount for any Valuation Date, the amount referred to in clause (ii) of the foregoing definition of "Credit Support Amount" will be increased by the excess, if any, of (x) the aggregate of all Supplemental Independent Amounts applicable to the Pledgor, if any, over (y) the greater of (1) zero and (2) the Secured Party's Exposure for that Valuation Date.

 

(D) Delivery of Independent Amounts and Supplemental Independent Amounts. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary (including without limitation the provisions of Paragraph 3), with regard to Transfers of Independent Amounts and Supplemental Independent Amounts, the relevant Transfer shall be made in full by the close of business on the Local Business Day following the Trade Date (or, in the case of the Subject Confirmation, the Obligation Trade Date) of the applicable Transaction.

 

(ii) Eligible Collateral. The items set forth on Schedule I hereto will qualify as "Eligible Collateral".

 

(iii) Other Eligible Support. There shall be no "Other Eligible Support" for Party A for purposes of this Annex. There shall be no "Other Eligible Support" for Party B for purposes of this Annex, except that, although the parties intend that Transactions entered into under the Confirmation dated May 18, 2021 (as amended, supplemented, restated and otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the "Subject Confirmation'") shall be subject to, and interpreted and performed in accordance with, the representations and warranties made in Clause 7 of the Subject Confirmation, in the event that any such Transaction is for any purpose deemed to be a loan made by Party A to Party B, any Reference Obligation (as defined in the Subject Confirmation) held by any Citibank Holder (as defined in the Subject Confirmation) as a hedge for any Transaction and all proceeds thereof shall be deemed to be Other Eligible Support and Other Posted Support.

 11 

 

(iv)Thresholds.

 

(A) "Independent Amount" shall mean, (x) with respect to Party A and with regard to any Transaction, zero and, (y) with respect to Party B and with regard to any Transaction, the amount specified as such in the relevant Confirmation.

 

(B) "Supplemental Independent Amount" shall mean, (x) with respect to Party A and with regard to any Transaction, zero and, (y) with respect to Party B and with regard to any Transaction, the amount specified as such in the relevant Confirmation.

 

(C) "Threshold" shall mean, with respect to both Party A and Party B, zero.

 

(D) "Minimum Transfer Amount" for purposes of computing a Delivery Amount pursuant to Paragraph 3(a) and a Return Amount pursuant to Paragraph 3(b), as of any date shall be USD250,000.

 

(E) Rounding. The Delivery Amount and the Return Amount will not be rounded.

 

(c)         Valuation and Timing.

 

(i)" Valuation Agent" means Party A.

 

(ii)" Valuation Date" means each Local Business Day.

 

(iii)         "Valuation Time" means, with respect to the determination of Exposure, Value of Eligible Credit Support and Posted Credit Support, the close of business on the Local Business Day immediately before the Valuation Date or date of calculation, as applicable.

 

(iv)       "Notification Time" means 11:00 a.m. New York time on a Valuation Date; provided, however, that, notwithstanding Paragraph 4(b) and any other terms in this Paragraph 13 that specify the time or date as of which transfers of Eligible Credit Support or Posted Credit Support are made upon demand, subject to Paragraphs 4(a) and 5, if a demand for Transfer of Eligible Credit Support or Posted Credit Support is made by the Notification Time, then the relevant Transfer shall be made not later than the close of business on the same Local Business Day as the date of demand, and if a demand is received after the Notification Time, then the relevant Transfer shall be made not later than the close of business on the Local Business Day following the same Local Business Day of the date of demand.

 12 

 

(d)         Conditions Precedent and Secured Party's Rights and Remedies.

 

Each Termination Event specified below with respect to a party will be a "Specified Condition" for that party (the specified party being the Affected Party if a Termination Event or Additional Termination Event occurs with respect to such party):

 

  Party A Party B
Illegality [ ] [ ]
Tax Event [ ] [ ]
Tax Event Upon Merger [ ] [ ]
Credit Event Upon Merger [X] [X]
Additional Termination Events specified in the Schedule to this Agreement [X] [X]

 

(e)         Substitution. "Substitution Date" has the meaning specified in Paragraph 4(d)(ii).

 

(f)         Dispute Resolution.

 

(i)       "Resolution Time" means 1:00 p.m., New York time, on the Local Business Day following the date on which notice is given that gives rise to a dispute under Paragraph 5.

 

(ii)       Value. For the purpose of Paragraphs 5(i)(C) and 5(ii), the Value of Posted Credit Support or Eligible Credit Support will be calculated as follows:

 

With respect to Cash, the Value will be the amount thereof.

 

(iii)       Alternative. The provisions of Paragraph 5 will apply as amended by deleting Paragraphs 5(1) and 5(2) in their entirety and replacing them with the following:

 

"(1) the Disputing Party will notify the other party and the Valuation Agent (if the Valuation Agent is not the other party) not later than the close of business on (X) the date that the Transfer is due in respect of such Delivery Amount or Return Amount in the case of (I) above, or (Y) the Local Business Day following the date of Transfer in the case of (II) above,

 

(2) subject to Paragraph 4(a), the appropriate party will Transfer the undisputed amount to the other party not later than the close of business on (X) the date that the Transfer is due in respect of such Delivery Amount or Return Amount in the case of (I) above, or (Y) the Local Business Day following the date of Transfer in the case of (II) above."

 

(g)         Holding and Using Posted Collateral.

 

(i)       Eligibility to Hold Posted Collateral; Custodians. A party or its Custodian will be entitled to hold Posted Collateral pursuant to Paragraph 6(b) provided that such party is not a Defaulting Party.

 

Neither party as Secured Party will be entitled to hold Posted Collateral except through a Custodian pursuant to the Account Control Agreement.

 13 

 

As used herein, "Account Control Agreement" means the account control agreement in the form of Appendix I hereto among Party A, Party B and US Bank National Association.

 

Party A and Party B agree that, notwithstanding Paragraph 13(g)(i) (Eligibility to Hold Posted Collateral; Custodians), all Posted Collateral in the form of Cash Transferred by Party B to Party A to satisfy any Transfer Obligation, shall be Transferred by Party B to an account of Party B’s Custodian and held in the name of Party B for the benefit of Party A as Secured Party (such account, together with all of the securities, financial assets, funds, Cash and other property credited thereto from time to time, the Eligible Cash Account”) made subject to the Account Control Agreement; provided that such agreement shall provide that Cash credited to the Eligible Cash Account be invested overnight in money market funds if and to the extent agreed by Party A and Party B. Party B hereby pledges to Party A, as the Secured Party, as security for its Obligations, and grants to Party A a first priority continuing security interest in, lien on and right of Set-off against the Eligible Cash Account. Upon the satisfaction of Party B’s Obligations hereunder, the security interest and lien granted hereunder on the Eligible Cash Account will be released immediately and Party A agrees to take such further action as is reasonably requested by Party B to affect such release, including, without limitation, termination of the account control agreement with respect to such Eligible Cash Account. References in this Annex to Posted Collateral or Posted Credit Support “held by the Secured Party” shall be deemed also to refer to Posted Collateral or Posted Credit Support, as applicable, held at the Custodian pursuant to this paragraph. For the avoidance of doubt, Posted Collateral in any other form may be held by Party A at the Custodian in accordance with this Annex. Solely with respect to Independent Amounts, in the event of a conflict between this Paragraph 13(g)(i) and any other provision relating to Independent Amounts, including any separate segregation election, such other provision shall prevail.

 

Pledgor represents and warrants that it owns or otherwise has the power to create the security interest provided for in Account Control Agreement and hereunder in the property and cash in the Eligible Cash Account free and clear of all liens, claims, security interests and encumbrances (except those granted herein) and, subject to the terms hereof, hereby grants to Secured Party a pledge and security interest in all of Pledgor’s right, title and interest in the Eligible Cash Account, all securities, cash and financial assets credited to the Eligible Cash Account from time to time, and all proceeds of the foregoing, as security for Pledgor’s obligations to Secured Party pursuant to this Annex.

 

(ii)       Use of Posted Collateral. The provisions of Paragraph 6(c) will not apply to either party.

 

(h)         Distributions and Interest Amount.

 

(i)       Interest Rate. The "Interest Rate" with respect to U.S. Dollars will be the "Federal Funds Rate", set forth in H.15 (519) for that day opposite the caption "Federal Funds (Effective)." If on any day such rate is not yet published in H.15 (519), the rate for such day will be the rate set forth in Bloomberg Screen page FEDL01<INDEX><HP><GO> for that day under the caption "FED FUNDS EFFECTIVE", or such other rate as may be agreed by the parties. For this purpose "H.15 (519)" shall have the meaning specified in the Annex to the 2000 Definitions as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.

 14 

 

(ii)       Transfer of Interest Amount. Transfers of the Interest Amount will be made in arrears on the last Local Business Day of each calendar month.

 

(iii)       Alternative to Interest Amount. The provisions of Paragraph 6(d)(ii) will apply, provided, however, that the Interest Amount will compound daily.

 

(iv)       Negative Interest Amount. If an Interest Amount transferable by the Secured Party to the Pledgor in accordance with Paragraph 6(d)(ii) is a negative number (either due to a quoted negative Interest Rate or by operation of a negative spread and/or margin (howsoever called) that is expressed to be applied to the Interest Rate), then the Interest Amount required to be transferred by the Secured Party will be deemed to be zero and the Pledgor will instead transfer to the Secured Party, on such date, the absolute value of such negative Interest Amount as calculated (each such Interest Amount, a "Negative Interest Amount"). Such transfer of a Negative Interest Amount shall not be subject to the requirement that it should not result in the creation or increase in a Delivery Amount.

 

(i)          Additional Representations.

 

(i)       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a party ("X") shall be the beneficial owner, within the meaning of the U.S. tax laws, of any securities it shall Transfer as collateral to the other party ("Y") pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

(ii)       X shall promptly provide to Y, upon written request, any tax documentation reasonably requested by Y to allow Y to make gross interest payments to X in respect of any Posted Collateral Transferred to Y pursuant hereto.

 

(j)          Other Eligible Support and Other Posted Support.

 

(i)       " Value" with respect to Other Eligible Support and Other Posted Support shall not be applicable.

 

(ii)       "Transfer" has the meaning specified in Paragraph 12.

 

(k)         Demands and Notices.

 

All demands, specifications and notices under this Annex will be made pursuant to the Notices Section of this Annex, provided, that the address for Party A for such purposes shall be:

 

Citibank, N.A.

Collateral Management Group

499 Washington Blvd., 7th Floor

Jersey City, NJ 07310
Telephone no. (212) 816-8090

Email: derivatives.margin@citi.com

 

and the address for Party B for such purposes shall be:

 

RACR-FS, LLC

c/o CIM Group
4700 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Telephone no.:

Email: 646.652.8473

Email: RACR_TRS@cimgroup.com

 15 

 

(l)          Other Provisions.

 

(i)       Custodians. A party shall be eligible to serve as Custodian if and for so long as it (i) is not affiliated with Party B, (ii) is a trust company or commercial bank with trust powers, organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority, having a combined capital and surplus of at least USD500,000,000 and (iii) shall have outstanding long term unsecured unsubordinated debt securities rated at least "Baa2" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or "BBB" by Standard & Poor's.

 

(ii)       Actions Hereunder. Either party may take any actions hereunder, including liquidation rights, through its Custodian or other agent.

 

(iii)       Events of Default. Paragraph 7(i) shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows: "(i) that party fails (or fails to cause its Custodian) to make, when due any Transfer of Eligible Collateral, Posted Collateral or the Interest Amount as applicable, required to be made by it and that failure continues for one Local Business Day after notice of that failure is given to that party;"

 

(iv)       Local Business Day. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Local Business Day shall, in addition to any other meaning specified herein, include a day on which commercial banks are open for business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in New York.

 

(v)       Conflicts. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding Paragraph 1(a) of this Annex to the contrary, in the event of any conflict between the elections made in this Paragraph 13 and any definitions amended in or added to Paragraph 12 that specifically refer to, limit, alter or condition elections made in Paragraph 13, such amended or added definitions will prevail.

 

(vi)       Custodial Liens. Paragraph 9(ii) shall be amended by adding “or any security interest arising under the Account Control Agreement” at the end thereof, immediately before the semicolon.

 

(vii)       Governing Law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the ISDA Master Agreement, this Annex, and any non-contractual obligations arising out or in connection with this Annex, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 16 

 

[signature page follows]

 17 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Annex as of the date first above written.

 

CITIBANK, N.A., as Party A

 

RACR-FS, LLC, as Party B

         
By:     By:  
  Name: Daniel Whitney     Name:  
  Title: Vice President     Title:  

 

 18 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Annex as of the date first above written.

 

CITIBANK, N.A., as Party A  

RACR-FS, LLC, as Party B

         
By:     By:  
  Name:       Name: Nathan DeBacker
  Title:       Title: Chief Financial officer

 

 

[Signature Page to Credit Support Annex]

   

 

Schedule I

 

  Party A Party B Valuation Percentage
Cash denominated in USD X X 100%

 19 

 

Appendix I

 20 

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

ACCOUNT CONTROL AGREEMENT

among

 

RACR-FS, LLC, as PLEDGOR

 

CITIBANK, N.A., as SECURED PARTY

and

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as BANK

 
 

THIS ACCOUNT CONTROL AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of May 18, 2021, by and among RACR-FS, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, as pledgor (the “Pledgor”), Citibank, N.A., a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America (the “Secured Party”) and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America solely in its capacity as bank under this Agreement, and any successors appointed pursuant to the terms hereof (the “Bank”).

 

WHEREAS, the Pledgor and the Secured Party are parties to a Credit Support Annex (“CSA”) to the Schedule to the ISDA 2002 Master Agreement dated as of May 18, 2021 (the "Master Agreement"), pursuant to which the Pledgor has granted the Secured Party a security interest in account #197495-201, an account established and maintained by the Bank for the Pledgor (the “Account”).

 

WHEREAS, the parties wish that the Bank enter into this Agreement in order to provide for the “control” (as defined in Section 9-104(a) of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of New York (“UCC”) in the case of a deposit account) of the Account as a means to perfect the security interest of the Secured Party.

 

WHEREAS, capitalized terms used herein without definition and that are defined in Article 8 or Article 9 of the UCC shall have the respective meanings set forth therein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby irrevocably acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.       The Account. The Pledgor and the Bank represent and warrant to, and agree with the Secured Party that:

 

(a)       The Bank maintains the Account for the Pledgor, and all cash held by the Bank for the account of the Pledgor are, and will continue to be, credited to the Account in accordance with instructions given by the Pledgor (unless otherwise provided herein).

 

(b)       To the extent that cash is credited to the Account, the Account is a deposit account. The Bank is the bank with which the Account is maintained. The Pledgor is the Bank’s customer with respect to the Account.

 

(c)       Notwithstanding any other agreement to the contrary, (i) for purposes of Sections 8-110 and 9-305 of the UCC, the Bank's securities intermediary's jurisdiction with respect to the Account is the State of New York and (ii) the law of the State of New York is applicable to all issues specified in Article 2(1) of the means "The Convention on the Law Applicable to Certain Rights in Respect of Securities Held with an Intermediary", ratified Sept. 28, 2016, S. Treaty Doc. No. 112-6 (2012) (the "Hague Convention"). In addition, the Bank represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof, it has an office located in the United States of America that is not intended merely to be temporary and that also meets the description set forth in the second sentence of Article 4(1) of Hague Convention.

  -1- 

 

(d)       The Pledgor and the Bank do not know of any claim to or interest in the Account or any cash credited to the Account, except for claims and interests of the parties referred to in this Agreement.

 

2.Control over Account. [CHECK ONE BOX ONLY]

 

The Bank shall comply with all instructions and notifications the Bank receives directing the disposition of cash in the Account (“Account Direction”), in each case originated by:

 

( ) the Pledgor, until the time that that Bank receives a notice, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (a “Notice Of Exclusive Control”) from the Secured Party that the Secured Party is exercising its right to exclusive control over the Account, and after such time that the Bank receives a Notice of Exclusive Control, the Secured Party, without further consent by the Pledgor. Until the Bank receives a Notice of Exclusive Control from the Secured Party that the Secured Party will exercise exclusive control over the Account, the Bank shall distribute to the Pledgor all cash in the Account on a quarterly basis. If the Bank receives from the Secured Party a Notice of Exclusive Control, the Bank shall cease complying with Account Directions of the Pledgor, and shall cease distributing to the Pledgor cash in the Account.

 

(X)       the Secured Party. The Account shall be under the sole dominion and control of the Secured Party. None of the Pledgor, nor any other person or entity, acting through or under the Pledgor, shall have any control over the use of, or any right to withdraw any amount from, the Account.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Bank agrees that it will comply with all such instructions, notifications and directions originated by the Secured Party with respect to the Account and all cash credited thereto without further consent by the Pledgor and (b) the Bank shall from time to time accept cash from the Pledgor for deposit into the Account.

 

3.       Priority of Secured Party’s Security Interest. The Bank subordinates in favor of the Secured Party any interest, lien or right of setoff it may have, now or in the future, against the Account; provided, however, that, subject to the foregoing, the Bank may set off all amounts due to it in respect of its expenses (including without limitation the payment of any legal fees or expenses) or any amounts payable pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

 

4.Tax Reporting.

 

(a)       The Pledgor and the Secured Party shall upon the execution of this Agreement provide the Bank with a duly completed and properly executed IRS Form W-9 or applicable Form W-8, in the case of a non-U.S. person, for each payee, together with any other documentation and information requested by the Bank in connection with the Bank’s tax reporting obligations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the regulations thereunder. With respect to the Bank’s tax reporting obligations under the Code, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act and any other applicable law or regulation, the Pledgor and the Secured Party understand, that, in the event valid U.S. tax forms or other required supporting documentation are not provided to the Bank, the Bank may be required to withhold tax from the cash in the Account and report account information on any cash in the Account.

  -2- 

 

(b)       Should the Bank become liable for the payment of taxes, including withholding taxes relating to any funds, including interest and penalties thereon, held by it pursuant to this Agreement or any payment made hereunder, the Bank shall satisfy such liability to the extent possible from the cash in the Account. The Pledgor agrees to indemnify and hold the Bank harmless pursuant to Section 6 hereof from any liability or obligation on account of taxes, assessments, interest, penalties, expenses and other governmental charges that may be assessed or asserted against the Bank.

 

(c)       The Bank’s rights under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement or the resignation or removal of the Bank.

 

5.       Concerning the Bank.

 

(a)       Bank Duties. Each of the Pledgor and the Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that (i) the duties, responsibilities and obligations of the Bank shall be limited to those expressly set forth in this Agreement, each of which is administrative or ministerial (and shall not be construed to be fiduciary in nature), and no duties, responsibilities or obligations shall be inferred or implied, (ii) the Bank shall not be responsible for any of the agreements referred to or described herein (including without limitation the CSA), or for determining or compelling compliance therewith, and shall not otherwise be bound thereby, and (iii) the Bank shall not be required to expend or risk any of its own funds to satisfy payments from the Account hereunder.

 

(b)       Liability of Bank. The Bank shall not be liable for any damage, loss or injury resulting from any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct (as finally adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction). In no event shall the Bank be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive or special losses or damages (including but not limited to lost profits), regardless of the form of action and whether or not any such losses or damages were foreseeable or contemplated. The Bank shall be entitled to rely upon any instruction, notice, request or other instrument delivered to it without being required to determine the authenticity or validity thereof, or the truth or accuracy of any information stated therein. The Bank may act in reliance upon any signature believed by it to be genuine and may assume that any person purporting to make any statement, execute any document, or send any instruction in connection with the provisions hereof has been duly authorized to do so. The Bank may consult with counsel satisfactory to it, and the opinion or advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and in accordance with the opinion and advice of such counsel. The Bank may perform any and all of its duties through its agents, representatives, attorneys, custodians and/or nominees and the Bank shall not be liable or responsible for the actions or omissions of any such agent, representative, attorney, custodian or nominee appointed with reasonable due care. The Bank shall not incur any liability for not performing any act or fulfilling any obligation hereunder by reason of any occurrence beyond its control (including, without limitation, any provision of any present or future law or regulation or any act of any governmental authority, any act of God or war or terrorism, or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire services or any electronic communication facility).

  -3- 

 

(c)       Reliance on Orders. The Bank is authorized to comply with final orders issued or process entered by any court with respect to the cash in the Account, without determination by the Bank of such court’s jurisdiction in the matter. If any portion of the cash in the Account is at any time attached, garnished or levied upon under any court order, or in case the payment, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of any such property shall be stayed or enjoined by any court order, or in case any order, judgment or decree shall be made or entered by any court affecting such property or any part thereof, then and in any such event, the Bank is authorized to rely upon and comply with any such order, writ, judgment or decree which it is advised is binding upon it without the need for appeal or other action; and if the Bank complies with any such order, writ, judgment or decree, it shall not be liable to the Pledgor or the Secured Party or to any other person or entity by reason of such compliance even though such order, writ, judgment or decree may be subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside or vacated.

 

6.       Compensation, Expense Reimbursement and Indemnification. The Pledgor and the Secured Party agree to pay or reimburse the Bank promptly following written demand for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Bank in connection with the administration of its duties hereunder, including but not limited to any reasonable and documented attorney’s fees and expenses, together with any agreed-upon charges for services of an extraordinary nature hereunder that the Bank may be called upon from time to time to perform hereunder. The Pledgor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Bank and its officers, agents and employees (the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all claims, losses, actions or proceedings that may be asserted against one or more Indemnified Parties by any person arising, directly or indirectly, from this Agreement or with the administration of its duties hereunder including the enforcement of any indemnification rights hereunder (“Claims”) and any and all liability, loss, cost or expense (including documented attorneys’ fees in a reasonable amount) that may be incurred by any Indemnified Party as a result of any such Claim (“Damages”). The Secured Party shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties against any and all Claims and Damages arising as a result of any instructions, notifications and directions given hereunder by the Secured Party to the Intermediary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Pledgor nor the Secured Party shall be required to indemnify, defend or hold harmless an Indemnified Party to the extent that Claims or Damages shall have been finally adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted directly from the Indemnified Party’s fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence. The foregoing indemnification and agreement to hold harmless shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Bank.

  -4- 

 

7.       Statements, Confirmations and Notices of Adverse Claims. The Bank will send copies of all statements and confirmations for the Account simultaneously to the Pledgor and the Secured Party. The Bank will use reasonable efforts promptly to notify the Secured Party and the Pledgor if any other person claims that it has a property interest in the Account.

 

8.       Exclusive Benefit. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and sets forth in its entirety the obligations and duties of the Bank with respect to the cash in the Account. This Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their respective permitted successors, and shall not be deemed to give, either expressly or implicitly, any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim to any other entity or person whatsoever. No party may assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties.

 

9.       Resignation and Removal.

 

(a)       The Pledgor and the Secured Party may remove the Bank at any time by giving to the Bank sixty (60) calendar days’ prior written notice of removal signed by an Authorized Person of each of the Pledgor and the Secured Party. The Bank may resign at any time by giving to each of the Pledgor and the Secured Party sixty (60) calendar days’ prior written notice of resignation.

 

(b)       Within sixty (60) calendar days after giving the foregoing notice of removal to the Bank or within sixty (60) calendar days after receiving the foregoing notice of resignation from the Bank, the Pledgor and the Secured Party shall appoint a successor bank and give notice of such successor bank to the Bank. If a successor bank has not accepted such appointment by the end of such (i) 60-day period, in the case of the Bank’s removal, or (ii) 60-day period, in the case of the Bank’s resignation, the Bank may either (A) safe keep the cash in the Account until a successor bank is appointed, without any obligation to invest the same or continue to perform under this Agreement, or (B) apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor bank or for other appropriate relief.

 

(c)       Upon receipt of notice of the identity of the successor bank, the Bank shall either deliver the cash in the Account then held hereunder to the successor bank, less the Bank’s fees, costs and expenses, or hold such cash in the Account (or any portion thereof) pending distribution, until all such fees, costs and expenses are paid to it. Upon delivery of the cash in the Account to the successor bank, the Bank shall have no further duties, responsibilities or obligations hereunder.

  -5- 

 

10.       Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waivers. This Agreement is governed by and shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof; except to the extent such laws are inconsistent with federal securities laws, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in which case such federal securities laws shall govern. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, for any proceedings commenced regarding this Agreement. The parties irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of such courts for the determination of all issues in such proceedings and irrevocably waive any objection to venue or inconvenient forum for any proceeding brought in any such court. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any right to trial by jury with respect to any proceeding relating to this Agreement.

 

11.       Representations and Warranties. Each of Pledgor and the Secured Party represents and warrants that it has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; and this Agreement has been duly approved by all necessary action and constitutes its valid and binding agreement enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and subject to general equity principles.

 

12.       Amendments. Any amendment of this Agreement shall be binding only if evidenced by a writing signed by each of the parties to this Agreement. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless expressed in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

 

13.       Severability. The invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall in no way affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable as a matter of law, the other provisions shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.

 

14.       Mergers and Conversions. Any corporation or entity into which the Bank may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation or entity resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Bank will be a party, or any corporation or entity succeeding to the business of the Bank will be the successor of the Bank hereunder without the execution or filing of any paper with any party hereto or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto except where an instrument of transfer or assignment is required by law to effect such succession, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding.

 

15.       Notices; Wiring Instructions.

 

(a)Any notice or instruction permitted or required hereunder shall be in writing in English, and may be sent by (i) secure file transfer or (ii) electronic mail with a scanned attachment thereto of an executed notice or instruction, and shall be effective upon actual receipt by the Bank in accordance with the terms hereof. Any notice or instruction must be executed by an authorized person of the Pledgor or the Secured Party, as applicable (the person(s) so designated from time to time, the “Authorized Persons”). Each of the applicable persons designated on Schedule A and Schedule B attached hereto have been duly appointed to act as Authorized Persons hereunder and individually have full power and authority to execute and deliver any notices or instructions, to amend, modify or waive any provisions of this Agreement, and to take any and all other actions permitted under this Agreement, all without further consent or direction from, or notice to, it or any other party. Any instructions regarding funds transfer should contain a selected test word also evidenced on Schedule A and Schedule B. Any change in designation of Authorized Persons shall be provided by written notice, signed by an Authorized Person, and actually received and acknowledged by the Bank. Any communication from the Bank that the Bank deems to contain confidential, proprietary, and/or sensitive information shall be encrypted in accordance with the Bank’s internal procedures. The Pledgor and the Secured Party agree that the above security procedures are commercially reasonable.
  -6- 

 

  If to the Pledgor:  
     
  RACR-FS, LLC  
  c/o OFS Capital Management, LLC  
  10 South Wacker Drive  
  Suite 2500  
  Chicago, IL 60606  
  Attention: Ken Brown, John Yi  
     
  kbrown@ofsmanagement.com  
  jyi@ofsmanagement.com  
  RACR_TRS@cimgroup.com  
     
  If to the Secured Party:  
     
  Citibank, N.A.  
  388 Greenwich Street  
  11th Floor  
  New York, NY 10013  
  Attention: Director Derivative Operations  
  Facsimile: 212-615-8594  
     
  with a copy to:  
  Citibank, N.A.  
  Collateral Management Group  
  540 Crosspoint Parkway  
  Buffalo, NY 14068  
     
  Telephone: +1 716-730-8376  
  E-mail: derivatives.margin@citi.com  
     
  If to the Bank:  
     
  U.S. Bank National Association  
  Global Corporate Trust  
  190 S. LaSalle Street, 8th Floor  
  Chicago, IL 60603  
  Ref: RACR-FS, LLC  
  Attention: Brett Briggs  
  Telephone: 312-332-7317  
  E-mail: brett.briggs@usbank.com  

  -7- 

 

(b)       Any funds to be paid by the Bank hereunder shall be sent by wire transfer pursuant to the instructions set forth on Schedule C, or as otherwise may be instructed by the Pledgor and the Secured Party:

 

16.       Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signatures of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Facsimile or PDF signatures on counterparts of this Agreement shall be deemed original signatures with all rights accruing thereto except in respect to any non-US entity, whereby originals are required. Signatures of the parties transmitted by facsimile or pdf or e-mail shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. By executing this Agreement, the Pledgor and the Secured Party hereby acknowledge and agree, and direct the Bank to acknowledge and agree and the Bank does hereby acknowledge and agree, that execution of this Agreement, any instructions and any other notice, form or other document executed by the Pledgor, the Secured Party or the Bank in connection with this Agreement, by facsimile transmission or electronic signature (including, without limitation, any .pdf file, .jpeg file or any other electronic or image file, or any other “electronic signature” as defined under E-SIGN or ESRA, including Orbit, Adobe Sign, DocuSign, or any other similar platform identified by the Pledgor or the Secured Party and reasonably available at no undue burden or expense to the Bank) shall be permitted hereunder notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein and such facsimile or electronic signatures shall be legally binding as if such facsimile or electronic signatures were handwritten signatures. Any electronically signed document delivered via email from a person purporting to be an Authorized Person shall be considered signed or executed by such Authorized Person on behalf of the Pledgor of the Secured Party. The Pledgor and the Secured Party also hereby acknowledge that the Bank shall have no duty to inquire into or investigate the authenticity or authorization of any such electronic signature and shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any such electronic signature without any liability with respect thereto.

  -8- 

 

17.       Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon receipt by the Bank of notice from the Secured Party that its security interest in the Account and all cash therein have terminated. Upon receipt of such notice, the Secured Party shall have no further right to originate instructions with respect to the cash in the Account. The Bank shall, upon payment of all outstanding fees and expenses hereunder, promptly forward any amounts held by the Bank in the Account to the Pledgor, and the Bank shall be relieved and discharged of any further responsibilities with respect to its duties hereunder.

 

[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]

  -9- 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized representative as of the day and year first written above.

 

 

  U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
  as Bank
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
    Date:
   
  RACR-FS, LLC,
  as Pledgor
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
    Date:
     
 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 as Secured Party

 
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
    Date:

 

Account Control Agreement - Signature Page

 
 

EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF NOTICE OF EXCLUSIVE CONTROL

 

N/A

 

Exhibit A

 
 

SCHEDULE A

 

AUTHORIZED LIST OF SIGNERS

 

Each of the following person(s) is authorized to execute documents and to direct the Bank as to all matters, including funds transfers, on the Pledgor’s behalf.

 

[PARTY]   Specimen Signature
     
Name    
Title    
Phone    
E-mail Address    
     
Name    
Title    
Phone    
E-mail Address    
     
Name    
Title    
Phone    
E-mail Address    

 

The Bank may confirm the instructions received by return call to one of the telephone numbers listed below.

 

Telephone Number (including Country code) Name
   
   
   
   

 

Test Word

 

Test words must contain at least 8 alphanumeric characters. The Bank is authorized to seek confirmation of such notice or instruction by telephone call back to the applicable person(s) set forth above and the Bank may rely upon the confirmations of anyone purporting to be the person(s) so designated, and further to ensure the accuracy of the notice or instruction it receives, the Bank may record such call backs. If the Bank is unable to verify or is not satisfied in its sole discretion with the verification it receives, it will not execute the instruction until all issues have been resolved to its satisfaction.

 

Schedule A

 
 

SCHEDULE B

 

AUTHORIZED LIST OF SIGNERS

 

Each of the following person(s) is authorized to execute documents and to direct the Bank as to all matters, including funds transfers, on the Secured Party’s behalf.

 

[PARTY]   Specimen Signature
     
Name    
Title    
Phone    
E-mail Address    
     
Name    
Title    
Phone    
E-mail Address    
     
Name    
Title    
Phone    
E-mail Address    

  

The Bank may confirm the instructions received by return call to one of the telephone numbers listed below.

 

Telephone Number (including Country code) Name
   
   
   
   

 

Test Word

 

Test words must contain at least 8 alphanumeric characters. The Bank is authorized to seek confirmation of such notice or instruction by telephone call back to the applicable person(s) set forth above and the Bank may rely upon the confirmations of anyone purporting to be the person(s) so designated, and further to ensure the accuracy of the notice or instruction it receives, the Bank may record such call backs. If the Bank is unable to verify or is not satisfied in its sole discretion with the verification it receives, it will not execute the instruction until all issues have been resolved to its satisfaction.

 

Authorized Persons of Citigroup entities may send instructions by electronic mail initiated via the Citigroup network only.

 

Schedule B

 
 

SCHEDULE C

 

WIRE INSTRUCTIONS

 

If to the Pledgor:

 

Bank Name:

ABA #: 091000022

Acct. Name: RACR-FS, LLC

Acct # 104796987238

FFC: 197495-201

Reference: RACRFS21/ [Payment Reference]

 

If to the Secured Party:

 

Citibank, N.A., New York

ABA No.: 021-000-089

Account No.: 00167679

Ref: NY Swap Operations

 

Schedule C

 

 

 


  

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Between

 

PACIFIC WESTERN BANK,

a California state-chartered bank

as Lender

 

and

 

CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND,

a Delaware statutory trust

as Borrower

 

Dated as of December 23, 2021

 

 

 

 

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
     
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS 1
1.1 Certain Defined Terms 1
1.2 Computation of Time Periods 9
1.3 Accounting Terms 9
1.4 UCC Terms 9
ARTICLE 2 AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE BORROWINGS 9
2.1 The Commitment 9
2.2 Interest Rate 11
2.3 Default Rate 12
2.4 Maximum Interest 12
2.5 Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy 13
2.6 Extension of Maturity Date 13
2.7 Accordion 13
2.8 Quarterly Facility Fee 15
ARTICLE 3 CONDITIONS OF BORROWING 15
3.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Borrowing 15
3.2 Conditions Precedent to Each Borrowing 16
ARTICLE 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 17
4.1 Organization; Business Activities 17
4.2 Authorization: Absence of Breach 17
4.3 Financial Information 17
4.4 Legal Effect 17
4.5 Reserved 17
4.6 Compliance With Law 17
4.7 Hazardous Substances 18
4.8 Environmental Matters 18
4.9 Litigation and Claims 18
4.10 Taxes 19
4.11 Reserved 19
4.12 Employee Benefit Plans 19
4.13 Location of Offices and Records 19
4.14 Regulated Entities 19
4.15 Subsidiaries 19
4.16 Other Debt 19
4.17 Reserved 19
4.18 Reserved 20
4.19 Information 20
4.20 Anti-Corruption Laws; Sanctions; Anti-Terrorism Laws 20
4.21 No Material Adverse Effect 20

 -i 

 

Table of Contents continued

 

    Page
     
4.22 Survival of Representations and Warranties 20
ARTICLE 5 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS 20
5.1 Changes in Financial Condition; Litigation 21
5.2 Financial Records 21
5.3 Reporting Requirements 21
5.4 Insurance 22
5.5 Other Agreements 22
5.6 Indebtedness, Taxes, Charges and Liens 22
5.7 Reserved 22
5.8 Compliance With Law 22
5.9 Inspection 23
5.10 Existence 23
5.11 Licenses, Intellectual Property 23
5.12 Use of Proceeds 23
5.13 Additional Assurances 23
5.14 Reserved 23
5.15 Reserved 23
5.16 Defense of Title 23
5.17 Reserved 23
5.18 Reserved 24
5.19 Compliance with Agreements 24
5.20 Reserved 24
5.21 Reserved 24
5.22 Reserved 24
5.23 Reserved 24
5.25 Reserved 24
5.25 Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act and Office of Foreign Assets Control 24
ARTICLE 6 NEGATIVE COVENANTS 24
6.1 Indebtedness 24
6.2 Reserved 25
6.3 Loans, Investments and Guaranties 25
6.4 Liquidation, Merger; Sale of Assets 25
6.5 Reserved 25
6.6 Transactions with Affiliates 25
6.7 Reserved 25
6.8 Reserved 25
6.9 Reserved 25
6.10 Reserved 25
6.11 Environmental Protection 25
6.12 Reserved 25
6.13 Judgments 25

 -ii 

 

Table of Contents continued

 

    Page
     
6.14 Change in Location, Jurisdiction of Organization or Name 26
6.15 Financial Covenants 26
6.16 Reserved 26
6.17 Reserved 26
ARTICLE 7 DEFAULT AND REMEDIES 26
7.1 Events of Default 26
7.2 Remedies 28
7.3 Right of Offset 28
7.4 Cumulative Remedies 28
7.5 Application of Payments 28
7.6 Reserved 29
7.7 Reserved 29
7.8 Other Recourse 29
7.9 Reserved 29
7.10 Reserved 29
7.11 Reserved 29
7.12 Lender Not in Control 29
7.13 Waivers 29
7.14 Cumulative Rights 29
7.15 INDEMNIFICATION OF LENDER 29
7.16 Limitation of Liability 30
7.17 Actions by Lender 30
7.18 Termination 30
7.19 Cumulative Rights 30
ARTICLE 8 MISCELLANEOUS 31
8.1 Amendments 31
8.2 Notices 31
8.3 No Waiver; Remedies 32
8.4 Costs and Expenses; Indemnification 32
8.5 Binding Effect; Assignments and Participations 33
8.6 Execution in Counterparts 33
8.7 Governing Law 33
8.8 Severability 33
8.9 Entire Agreement 33
8.10 Descriptive Headings 33
8.11 Gender and Number 33
8.12 No Fiduciary Duty 33
8.13 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL; JUDICIAL REFERENCE 34
8.14 Imaging 36

 -iii 

 

Table of Contents continued

 

    Page
     
EXHIBIT A PENDING LITIGATION OF BORROWER  
EXHIBIT B SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWER  
EXHIBIT B1 OTHER DEBT  
EXHIBIT C FORM OF BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE  
EXHIBIT D FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE  

 -iv 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of December 23, 2021, is made by and between CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND, a Delaware statutory fund (“Borrower”), and PACIFIC WESTERN BANK, a California state-chartered bank (“Lender”).

 

RECITALS

 

Borrower has requested that Lender make loan advances to it from time to time. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and of the other Loan Documents (as defined below), Lender is willing to extend certain credit facilities to Borrower as provided in this Agreement. Accordingly, the parties agree as follows:

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, representations, warranties and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby covenant and agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1

 

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

 

1.1        Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

 

Advance” means an advance or disbursement of proceeds by Lender to Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

 

Affiliate” means any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, Borrower. A Person shall be deemed to control a corporation or other entity if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such corporation or other entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

Anti-Terrorism Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.19.

 

Authorized Representative” means the following officers and other representatives of Borrower, and such other officer or other individual as Borrower may designate as an Authorized Representative by means satisfactory to Lender:

 

David Thompson
Nathan D. DeBacker
Barry Berlin
Brandon Hill
Tia Wee

 

  -1- 

 

Base Rate” means mean the Federal Funds Rate, as in effect from time to time, plus one-half of one percent (0.50%)per annum.

 

Benchmarkmeans, initially, Term SOFR; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, has occurred with respect to Term SOFR or the then current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate. Any reference to “Benchmark” shall include, as applicable, the published component used in the calculation thereof.

 

Benchmark Replacement” means, with respect to any Benchmark Transition Event or Early Opt-in Election, the alternate benchmark rate selected by Lender giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement to the then current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated credit facilities at such time.

 

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Contract Rate”, the definition of “Business Day”, the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, the timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, the applicability and length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, Section 2.2, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) Lender decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by Lender in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if Lender decides adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if Lender determines no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as Lender decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).

 

Benchmark Temporary Unavailability” shall mean the period of time commencing on the date of the Nonavailability Notice and continuing through and including the date Lender notifies Borrower that reasonable means again exist for ascertaining the Benchmark.

 

Benchmark Transition Event” means, with respect to any then current Benchmark, the occurrence of a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the then current Benchmark, the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark, announcing or stating (a) such administrator has ceased or will cease on a specified date to provide such Benchmark, permanently or indefinitely, provided at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide such Benchmark or (b) such Benchmark is or will no longer be representative of the underlying market and economic reality that such Benchmark is intended to measure and that representativeness will not be restored.

  -2- 

 

Borrower” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of the making of an Advance.

 

Borrowing Base” shall mean, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to twenty five percent (25%) of the Consolidated Asset Value.

 

Borrowing Base Certificate” shall mean a borrowing base certificate, in substantially the form of Exhibit C attached hereto, executed by an Authorized Representative of Borrower.

 

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in California or New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed.

 

Cash Equivalents” means (a) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof, (b) marketable direct obligations issued or fully guaranteed by any state of the United States or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), (c) commercial paper maturing no more than 270 days from the date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody’s, (d) certificates of deposit, time deposits, overnight bank deposits or bankers’ acceptances maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by any bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or any United States branch of a foreign bank having at the date of acquisition thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than $1,000,000,000, (e) deposit accounts maintained with (i) any bank that satisfies the criteria described in clause (d) above, or (ii) any other bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof so long as the full amount maintained with any such other bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, (f) repurchase obligations of any commercial bank satisfying the requirements of clause (d) of this definition or of any recognized securities dealer having combined capital and surplus of not less than $1,000,000,000, having a term of not more than seven days, with respect to securities satisfying the criteria in clauses (a) or (d) above, (g) debt securities with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any commercial bank satisfying the criteria described in clause (d) above, and (h) Investments in money market funds substantially all of whose assets are invested in the types of assets described in clauses (a) through (g) above.

 

Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of: (a) the adoption or effectiveness of any law, rule, regulation, judicial ruling, judgment or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation, judicial ruling, judgment or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application by any Governmental Authority of any law, rule, regulation, guideline or treaty, or (c) the making or issuance by any Governmental Authority of any request, rule, guideline or directive, whether or not having the force of law; provided, that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith, and (ii) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives concerning capital adequacy promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities shall, in each case, be deemed to be a “Change in Law,” regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

  -3- 

 

CIM Entity” means CIM Group, LLC or any entity that directly or indirectly Control CIM Group, LLC.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Commitment” means Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000).

 

Consolidated Asset Value” shall mean, at any time, the value of all of the assets of the Borrower at such time, determined in accordance with GAAP, and certified to be accurate by an Authorized Representative of Borrower.

 

Contract Rate” means a rate per annum equal to the Initial Margin plus the then-applicable Term SOFR; provided, however, from and after any date on which Lender selects any Benchmark Replacement pursuant to Section 2.2(c), “Contract Rate” shall be deemed to refer to the Benchmark Replacement plus the Replacement Spread; provided, further, that during any period of Benchmark Temporary Unavailability, “Contract Rate” shall be deemed to refer to the Base Rate plus the Initial Margin, unless a Benchmark Transition Event or Early Opt-in Election has occurred, in which event “Contract Rate” shall be deemed to refer to the Base Rate plus the Replacement Spread. In no event shall the Contract Rate be less than the Floor.

 

Current Prospectus” means the Prospectus dated January 29, 2021, as supplemented by Supplement No. 1 dated May 28, 2021 and Supplement No. 2 dated September 8, 2021.

 

Debt to Asset Value Ratio” shall mean, at any time, the ratio of (a) the aggregate amount of Indebtedness owing by the Borrower at such time determined, to (b) the Consolidated Asset Value at such time.

 

Default” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Event of Default.”

 

Default Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 2.3.

 

Dollars”, “dollars” or the symbol “$” means lawful money of the United States of America denominated in United States dollars.

 

Early Opt-in Election” means the occurrence of (i) a determination by Lender that U.S. dollar-denominated credit facilities being executed or amended at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) a new benchmark interest rate to replace the then current Benchmark and (ii) an election by Lender to declare an Early Opt-in Election has occurred and the provision, as applicable, by Lender of written notice of such election to Borrower.

  -4- 

 

Effective Date” means the first Business Day on which all conditions to the making of Advances set forth in Article 3 have been satisfied or waived in writing by Lender.

 

Environmental Laws” means any and all federal, state and local laws, regulations, judicial decisions, orders, decrees, plans, rules, permits, licenses, and other governmental restrictions and requirements pertaining to health, safety or the environment, including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 651, et seq., the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 7401, et seq., the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251, et seq., and the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 2601, et seq., as the same may be amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

 

Environmental Liabilities” means, as to any Person, all liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, Remedial Actions, losses, damages, punitive damages, consequential damages, treble damages, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, all reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel, expert and consulting fees and costs of investigation and feasibility studies), fines, penalties, sanctions, and interest incurred as a result of any claim or demand, by an Person, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute, including any Environmental Law, permit, order or agreement with any Governmental Authority or other Person, arising from environmental, health or safety conditions or the release or threatened release of a Hazardous Material into the environment, resulting from the past, present or future operations of such Person or its Affiliates.

 

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

Event of Default” means any of the events specified in Section 7.1, provided that there has been satisfied any requirement in connection with such event for the giving of notice, or the lapse of time, or the happening of any further condition, event or act, and “Default” shall mean any of such events, whether or not any such requirement has been satisfied.

 

FCPA” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.19.

 

Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100th of 1%) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with member banks of the Federal Reserve System, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the next succeeding Business Day or if such rate is not so published for any Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100th of 1% of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by Lender from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by Lender.

 

Floor” means four and five one hundredths of one percent (4.05%) per annum.

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles applicable in the United States, consistently applied.

  -5- 

 

Governmental Authority” means the United States of America, any applicable state, county, city or other political subdivision, agency, department, commission, district, board, bureau or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, which now or hereafter has jurisdiction over the Borrower.

 

Hazardous Material” means any toxic substance, hazardous substance, hazardous material, hazardous chemical or hazardous waste defined or qualifying as such in (or for the purposes of) any Environmental Law, or any pollutant or contaminant, and shall include, but not be limited to, petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof which is liquid at standard conditions of temperature or pressure, any radioactive material, including, but not limited to, any source, special nuclear or by-product material as defined in 42 U.S.C. section 2011 et seq., as amended or hereafter amended, polychlorinated biphenyls, and asbestos in any form or condition.

 

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person: all items of long-term liabilities as shown on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person as of the date of determination; provided, that Indebtedness shall not include (i) for the avoidance of doubt, current liabilities as shown on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person as of the date of determination and (ii) any preferred equity interests of such Person as of the date of determination.

 

Initial Margin” means four percent (4.0%) per annum.

 

Insolvency Proceeding” means any proceeding commenced by or against any Person under any provision of the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended, or under any other bankruptcy or insolvency law, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or any other proceeding seeking reorganization, arrangement or other relief from Indebtedness.

 

Interest Period” means the period from and including each Monthly Payment Date to (but excluding) the next Monthly Payment Date; provided that the initial Interest Period shall begin on (and shall include) the Effective Date and shall end on (and shall include) the day immediately preceding the first Monthly Payment Date of the Term.

 

Investment” is any beneficial ownership interest in any Person (including stock, partnership interest or other securities), and any loan, advance or capital contribution to any Person.

 

Lien” means any pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, and the filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction).

 

Liquidity” means cash and Cash Equivalents of Borrower, wherever located.

 

Loan Documents” means this Agreement, and any and all other documents, instruments and agreements related thereto, and any and all other agreements executed by Borrower from time to time that evidence, secure or relate to any Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender, together with all amendments, supplements, extensions and replacements from time to time to any of the foregoing.

  -6- 

 

Material Adverse Effect” means any condition or set of circumstances or events which could reasonably be expected to cause an Event of Default or any material adverse effect on: (a) the business, operations, performance, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of Borrower; (b) the ability of Borrower to pay and perform its obligations as they become due, including all obligations under the Loan Documents.

 

Maturity Date” means December 23, 2026.

 

Monthly Payment Date” means the first (1st) day of each calendar month (or, if such first (1st) day is not a Business Day, then the first (1st) Business Day thereafter).

 

Nonavailability Notice” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.2(f).

 

Organizational Documents” means (a) in the case of a corporation, its articles of incorporation and bylaws, (b) in the case of a general partnership, its partnership agreement, (c) in the case of a limited partnership, its certificate of limited partnership and limited partnership agreement, (d) in the case of a limited liability company, its articles of organization and operating agreements or regulations, and (e) in the case of any other entity, its organizational and governance documents and agreements.

 

Outstanding” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Advances remaining unpaid and owing by Borrower.

 

Patriot Act” means Title III of Pub. L. 107 56 (signed into law October 26, 2001).

 

Permitted Discretion” means a determination made in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a lender) business judgment. This Permitted Discretion standard shall apply in each instance in the Loan Documents that calls for Lender to make a “reasonable” determination.

 

Permitted Investments” means:

 

(a)investments in cash and Cash Equivalents,

 

(b)        investments made by Borrower in any other Person that is consolidated with Borrower for financial reporting purposes under GAAP,

 

(c)        investments in negotiable instruments deposited or to be deposited for collection in the ordinary course of business,

 

(d)        advances made in connection with purchases of goods or services in the ordinary course of business,

 

(e)        investments received in settlement of amounts due to Borrower effected in the ordinary course of business or owing to Borrower as a result of Insolvency Proceedings involving an account debtor or upon the foreclosure or enforcement of any Lien in favor of Borrower,

  -7- 

 

(f)        equity Interests or other securities acquired in connection with the satisfaction or enforcement of Indebtedness or claims due or owing to Borrower (in bankruptcy of customers or suppliers or otherwise outside the ordinary course of business) or as security for any such Indebtedness or claims,

 

(g)        deposits of cash made in the ordinary course of business to secure performance of operating leases,

 

(h)any of the uses permitted in Section 5.12,

 

(i)        investments that are described in the Current Prospectus or, with the prior written consent of Lender, in the exercise of its Permitted Discretion, investments that are described in a Prospectus or supplement that is, in each case, dated after the date hereof and that are not described in the Current Prospectus.

 

Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), joint stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or any governmental authority or entity.

 

Pre-Replacement Rate” means the immediately previous Contract Rate set forth in this Agreement.

 

Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.

 

Remedial Action” means all actions required to (a) clean up, remove, treat, or otherwise address Hazardous Materials in the environment, (b) prevent the release or threatened release or minimize the further release of Hazardous Materials so that they do not migrate or endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the environment, or (c) perform pre-remedial studies and investigations and post-remedial monitoring and care.

 

Replacement Rate Notice” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.2(c).

 

Replacement Spread” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.2(c).

 

Sanctions” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.19.

 

Subsidiary” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity in which a majority of (i) the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or other equity interests of which or (ii) the outstanding equity interests of which shall, at the time as of which any determination is made, be owned by Borrower either directly or through Subsidiaries

 

Taxes” means all present and future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any governmental or taxing authority, and all liabilities (including any interest, fines, additions to tax and penalties) relating thereto.

  -8- 

 

Term SOFR” means a rate per annum which is identified and normally published by Bloomberg Professional Service page SR1M Index as the offered rate for loans in United States dollars for a one (1) month period, rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of one percent (0.01%). Such rate shall be determined monthly and shall be the rate set by the CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited as of 5:00 a.m. (Chicago time) two (2) Business Days prior to commencement of each Interest Period and effective for such Interest Period.

 

Treasury Regulations” means the final or temporary United States federal income tax regulations promulgated under the Code, as may be amended from time to time.

 

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in the state of California.

 

1.2        Computation of Time Periods. In this Agreement, in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date: (a) the word “from” means “from and including,” (b) the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”; and (c) the word “through” means “through and including.”

 

1.3        Accounting Terms. Unless as otherwise provided, all accounting terms not specifically defined in this Agreement shall be construed, and all accounting procedures shall be performed, in accordance with GAAP.

 

1.4       UCC Terms. Terms (whether or not capitalized) defined in the UCC which are not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings as defined in the UCC as in effect on the date of this Agreement..

 

ARTICLE 2

 

AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE BORROWINGS

 

2.1        The Commitment. Lender agrees, on the terms and conditions set forth below, during the period from the Effective Date to the Maturity Date, to make Advances to Borrower from time to time on any Business Day in an aggregate amount not to exceed the lesser of (i) the Commitment less the aggregate amount of Advances outstanding and (ii) the Borrowing Base less the aggregate amount of Advances outstanding (the “Availability”).

 

(a)        Prepayment. Borrower may prepay or otherwise repay any amount Outstanding of Advances pursuant to Subsection (d) of this Section and reborrow pursuant to this Section.

 

(b)        Making the Advances.

 

(i)       Borrowing Requests. Each request for an Advance shall be made in writing by an Authorized Officer or made by telephone call by an Authorized Officer and confirmed in writing by such Authorized Officer.

 

(ii)      Availability of Advances. Subject to satisfaction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Lender shall make Advances available to Borrower in immediately available funds to an account of Borrower with Lender, or such other account of Borrower as may be approved by Lender.

  -9- 

 

(c)        Repayment of Principal; Maturity. Outstanding principal shall be repaid as follows:

 

(i)       If, at any time the amount Outstanding of Advances exceeds Availability, Borrower shall pay to Lender, within three (3) Business Days, an amount sufficient to reduce the amount Outstanding of Advances to an amount that is less than Availability.

 

(ii)      Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the principal amount Outstanding of Advances, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts owing by Borrower to Lender under the Loan Documents, shall be repaid on or before the Maturity Date.

 

(d)        Prepayments. Borrower may prepay any outstanding principal of Advances under this Agreement without premium or penalty.

 

(e)        Payments and Computations.

 

(i)       Borrower shall make each payment hereunder, without offset or deduction of any kind, not later than 5:00 P.M. (Los Angeles, California time) on the day when due in U.S. Dollars to Lender at Pacific Western Bank, 5900 La Place Ct., Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008, Attention: Note Department, or at such other location designated by notice from Lender pursuant to the notice provision of this Agreement, in immediately available funds. Any payment received by Lender after such time shall be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day. All payments hereunder will be free and clear of any Taxes such that the Lender will receive the entire amount of all amounts payable hereunder, regardless of the source of payment.

 

(ii)      All computations of interest shall be made by Lender on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such interest or fees are payable. Each determination by Lender of an interest rate or an increased cost or of illegality hereunder shall be presumptive evidence thereof and binding for all purposes absent a showing of material error.

 

(iii)     Whenever any payment hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of interest or fees, as the case may be.

 

(f)        Evidence of Debt. Lender may maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the Indebtedness of Borrower resulting from Advances and payments made from time to time under this Agreement. In any legal action or proceeding in respect of this Agreement, the entries made in such account or accounts shall be evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations of Borrower therein recorded absent a showing of manifest error or the proceeds on any Advance having been deposited or sent to anyone other than Borrower or its account.

  -10- 

 

2.2Interest Rate.

 

(a)      The outstanding principal balance of the Advances shall bear interest at the Contract Rate. The monthly interest due on the principal balance of the Advances outstanding shall be computed for the actual number of days elapsed during the month in question on the basis of a year consisting of three hundred sixty (360) days and shall be calculated by determining the average daily principal balance outstanding for each day of the month in question. The daily rate shall be equal to 1/360th times the then applicable Contract Rate. If any statement furnished by Lender for the amount of a monthly payment due exceeded the actual amount that should have been paid because the then current Benchmark decreased and such decrease was not reflected in the monthly statement, Borrower shall make the payment specified in the monthly statement from Lender and Borrower shall receive a credit for the overpayment, which credit shall be applied towards the next subsequent monthly payment due hereunder. If any statement furnished by Lender for the amount of a monthly payment due was less than the actual amount that should have been paid because the then current Benchmark increased and such increase was not reflected in the monthly statement, Borrower shall make the payment specified in the monthly statement from Lender and Borrower shall be required to pay any resulting underpayment with the next subsequent monthly payment due hereunder.

 

(b)     Lender does not warrant or accept responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to (i) the administration of, submission of, calculation of or any other matter related to the rates in the definition of Term SOFR, any component definition thereof or rates referenced in the definition thereof or any alternative, comparable or successor rate thereto (including any then current Benchmark or any Benchmark Replacement), including whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, comparable or successor rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, or have the same volume or liquidity as, Term SOFR or (ii) the effect, implementation or composition of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. Lender shall use reasonable efforts to select a Benchmark Replacement and set a Replacement Spread that Lender in good faith believes is a practical means of preserving Lender’s and Borrower’s intent relative to the economics of the Advances under the Pre-Replacement Rate. Borrower agrees Lender shall not be liable in any manner for its selection of a Benchmark Replacement the reliability, availability and/or economic returns intended when Lender chose the then current Benchmark, provided that Lender makes such selection in good faith and the same is generally being applied across Lender’s commercial real estate loan portfolio.

 

(c)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, Lender may replace the current Benchmark with a Benchmark Replacement and set a replacement spread determined by Lender pursuant to this Section 2.2(c) (the “Replacement Spread”); provided that in determining the Replacement Spread (i) Lender may determine the Replacement Spread after considering the spread, any margin, continuing interest rate protection agreement requirements, and other economic factors that would be implemented simultaneously with the selection of such Benchmark Replacement for the purpose of preserving Lender’s, and Borrower’s intent relative to the economics of the Loan under the Pre-Replacement Rate and (ii) Lender may give due consideration to (A) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then current Benchmark with the Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body or (B) any evolving or industry-accepted means for determining a spread adjustment, or method of calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then current Benchmark. Lender shall provide written notice to Borrower of any new Benchmark Replacement and set a Replacement Spread (the “Replacement Rate Notice”), which notice shall (y) make the Benchmark Replacement and set a Replacement Spread effective beginning with the next Interest Period, or such other effective date set forth therein and (z) identify both the Benchmark Replacement and Replacement Spread, which shall be used to calculate the Contract Rate until such time, if any, as Lender determines that the current Benchmark should be replaced pursuant to this Section 2.2(c). Any determination, decision or election that may be made by Lender pursuant to this Section 2.2(c) will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made its sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

  -11- 

 

(d)     Effective on and after the effective date set forth in the Replacement Rate Notice, all references in the Loan Documents to the Benchmark shall refer to the Benchmark Replacement, and all references to the Contract Rate shall be deemed to refer to the Contract Rate as calculated based on the Benchmark Replacement plus the Replacement Spread.

 

(e)     In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, Lender will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

(f)     If Lender determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Borrower) that reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Benchmark and such circumstances are likely to be temporary, Lender shall give notice thereof to Borrower (the “Nonavailability Notice”).

 

2.3        Default Rate. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, and without notice or demand, all principal, interest and other amounts owing under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall bear interest at a rate (the “Default Rate”) per annum equal at all times to the lesser of (a) the Contract Rate plus five percent (5%) and (b) the maximum rate allowed by law. No election by Lender not to charge the Default Rate with respect to an Event of Default shall in any way limit Lender’s right to later charge the Default Rate with respect to the same or any other Event of Default, whether of a similar or a different nature.

 

2.4        Maximum Interest. In no event shall charges constituting interest payable by Borrower to Lender exceed the maximum amount permitted under any applicable law or regulation, and if any payments by Borrower exceed such maximum amount, the excess shall be applied first to reduce the amounts owing to Lender under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in such order as Lender may elect, next to reduce any other amounts owing by Borrower to Lender in such order as Lender may elect, and any excess shall be refunded to Borrower.

  -12- 

 

2.5Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy.

 

(a)        If any Change in Law shall:

 

(i)       impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve (including pursuant to regulations issued from time to time by the Federal Reserve Board for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including any emergency, special, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) with respect to eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities” in Regulation D), special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by any Lender); or

 

(ii)      impose on Lender any other condition affecting this Loan Agreement or the Advances,

 

and such Change in Law increases the cost to Lender of making or maintaining the Advances (or of maintaining its obligation to make the Advances) or reduces the amount of any sum received or receivable by Lender under this Loan Agreement (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered; however, in determining such amounts (or the applicability of same under this Section 2.5(a)), Lender shall treat Borrower in the same manner as other similarly situated borrowers of Lender with loans similar to the Advances.

 

2.6        Extension of Maturity Date. The Borrower may elect to extend the Maturity Date for two (2) periods of twelve (12) months each, upon satisfaction of all of the following conditions:

 

(a)     Borrower’s Authorized Representative shall have delivered to the Lender written notice of the Borrower’s intent to exercise such option to extend not less than thirty (30) days (or such shorter period as Lender may agree in writing) prior to the then-current Maturity Date, which notice shall be revocable by Borrower’s Authorized Representative at any time prior to such Maturity Date;

 

(b)     No Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, either at the time the notice of intent is delivered to the Lender or on the then-current Maturity Date;

 

(c)     The Borrower shall have paid to the Lender, on or before the then-current Maturity Date, an extension fee equal to fifty (50) basis points multiplied by the Commitment at such time;

 

(d)     The Debt to Asset Value Ratio at such time shall not be more than 25%; and

 

(e)    Any extension shall be evidenced by such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Section 2.7.

  -13- 

 

2.7        Accordion.

 

(a)        At any time during the period from and after the Effective Date through but excluding the Maturity Date, at the option of Borrower (but subject to the conditions set forth in clause (b) below), the Commitment may be increased (each, an “Increase”), by an amount in the aggregate for all such increases, up to $100,000,000. Any Increase shall be in an amount of at least $10,000,000 and integral multiples of $10,000,000 in excess thereof. Additionally, for the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that in no event shall the aggregate amount of the Increases to the Commitment exceed $60,000,000.

 

(b)        Each of the following shall be conditions precedent to any Increase of the Commitment in connection therewith:

 

(i)       Lender shall have obtained internal credit approval for such Increase,

 

(ii)      each of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.2 are satisfied,

 

(iii)      in connection with any Increase, if Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries owns or will acquire any Margin Stock, Borrower shall deliver to Lender an updated Form U-1, duly executed and delivered by the Borrower, together with such other documentation as Lender shall reasonably request, in order to enable Lender to comply with any of the requirements under Regulations T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board,

 

(iv)     the Borrower shall have paid to the Lender, on or before the then-current Maturity Date, an extension fee equal to fifty (50) basis points multiplied by the Commitment at such time;

 

(v)      a current Borrowing Base Certificate and Compliance Certificate;

 

(vi)     Lender shall have received new certified board resolutions from Borrower approving the increase in the Commitment; and

 

(vii)     the interest rate margins with respect to the Advances to be made pursuant to the increased Commitment shall be the same as the interest rate margin applicable to Advances hereunder immediately prior to the applicable date of the effectiveness of the increased Commitment. Any Increase shall be evidenced by such amendments to this Agreement, including the definition of Commitment, and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Section 2.7.

 

(c)        Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, all references in this Agreement and any other Loan Document to Advances shall be deemed, unless the context otherwise requires, to include Advances made pursuant to the increased Commitment pursuant to this Section 2.7.

 

(d)        The Advances established pursuant to this Section 2.7 shall constitute Advances under, and shall be entitled to all the benefits afforded by, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents

  -14- 

 

2.8        Quarterly Facility Fee. Borrower shall pay to Lender a quarterly facility fee equal to 0.125% of the then amount of the Commitment, payable in arrears on the first Business Day of each of January, April, July and October of each calendar year, commencing on January 1, 2022.

 

ARTICLE 3

 

CONDITIONS OF BORROWING

 

3.1        Conditions Precedent to Initial Borrowing. The obligation of Lender to make the Advance comprising the initial Borrowing is subject to the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)        Lender shall have received all of the Loan Documents including, without limitation, the following documents in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and, as appropriate, duly executed by the parties thereto:

 

(i)       The Resolution to Borrow; and

 

(ii)       The following Lender-prepared documents: Notice of Final Agreement and Disbursement Request and Authorization.

 

(b)        Lender shall have received:

 

(i)       A facility fee equal to $100,000 and a documentation fee equal to $1,250, or written authorization to debit such fees from a Borrower deposit account held at Lender; and

 

(ii)      reimbursement of all legal fees and costs incurred by Lender to its outside counsel.

 

(c)        Lender shall have received all of the following documents and information in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender and, as appropriate, duly executed by the parties thereto:

 

(i)       A copy of the certificate of formation of Borrower certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and a copy of the trust agreement/operating agreement of Borrower certified by its secretary or other authorized officer.

 

(ii)      Certified copies of the resolutions of the board of trustees of Borrower approving the Borrowings contemplated hereby and authorizing the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents by Borrower and performance of Borrower’s obligations thereunder, and of all documents evidencing other necessary corporate action and governmental approvals, if any, with respect to the Advances and the Loan Documents.

 

(iii)     An officer’s certificate, on behalf of Borrower certifying the names and true signatures of the officers or other representatives of Borrower authorized to sign the Loan Documents and the other documents to be delivered hereunder.

  -15- 

 

(iv)     A certificate of good standing for Borrower from the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and each other state in which it is authorized to do business, dated within thirty (30) days of the initial Borrowing.

 

(v)      Evidence of Borrower’s insurance as required in Section 5.4 of this Agreement, together with appropriate loss payee and additional insured endorsements in favor of Lender, all in form and substance acceptable to Lender; and

 

(vi)     Such other documents or instruments as Lender may reasonably request.

 

(d)     Lender shall have received reimbursement for all documented search fees, filing fees and other out-of-pocket fees and costs incurred by Lender in connection with this Agreement and transaction contemplated hereby.

 

3.2        Conditions Precedent to Each Borrowing.

 

In addition to the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.1 above, the obligation of Lender to make Advances shall be subject to the following further conditions precedent:

 

(a)     on the date of a Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.1, before and immediately after giving effect thereto, the following statements shall be true and correct, and the making by Borrower of the applicable borrowing request shall constitute its representation and warranty that on and as of the date of such Borrowing, before and immediately after giving effect thereto, the following statements are true and correct:

 

(i)       The representations and warranties contained in Article 4 of this Agreement or anywhere else in this Agreement are correct in all material respects as though made on and as of such date (other than any representation or warranty that expressly speaks only as of a different date or Exhibit A or Exhibit B, each of which may be supplemented from time to time);

 

(ii)      After giving effect to a requested Advance, Availability shall not be less than zero;

 

(iii)     No event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Borrowing, which constitutes or would constitute an Event of Default or Default;

 

(iv)      The most recent financial statements of Borrower delivered pursuant to Section 5.3(a) present fairly the financial position and results of operations of Borrower as of the date of, and for the periods presented in, such financial statements, and since the date of such financial statements there has not been any material adverse change in the financial condition or operations of Borrower;

 

(v)      Lender shall have received a borrowing request; and

 

(vi)     Lender shall have received such additional approvals or documents as Lender may reasonably request.

  -16- 

 

ARTICLE 4

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

 

4.1        Organization; Business Activities. Borrower is a statutory trust, which is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Borrower is not and shall not be a commodity pool. Borrower has full power and authority to own its properties and to transact the businesses in which it is presently engaged or presently proposes to engage. Borrower is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the failure so to qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

4.2        Authorization: Absence of Breach. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and all other Loan Documents by Borrower, to the extent to be executed, delivered or performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action by Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any other person, regulatory authority or governmental body; and do not conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (a) any provision of its articles of organization or operating agreement, or any agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or (b) to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower.

 

4.3        Financial Information. The financial statements of Borrower supplied to Lender (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition of Borrower as of the date thereof and its results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other material liabilities, direct or contingent, of Borrower as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and indebtedness, in each case, to the extent required to be shown therein pursuant to GAAP. There has been no material adverse change in Borrower’s financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements.

 

4.4        Legal Effect. To the best of Borrower’s knowledge, this Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement required hereunder to be given by Borrower when delivered will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

 

4.5        Reserved.

 

4.6        Compliance With Law. To the best of Borrower’s knowledge, Borrower and its properties and activities are in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and court and administrative orders (including but not limited to all thereof which relate to Borrower’s lending activities), except to the extent that failure to so comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

  -17- 

 

4.7        Hazardous Substances. Borrower and its properties comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations relating to the environment, including without limitation, all laws and regulations relating to pollution and environmental control.

 

4.8        Environmental Matters. Except as fully described to Lender in writing, to the best of Borrower’s knowledge:

 

(a)     Borrower and all of its properties, assets and operations are in full compliance with all Environmental Laws. Borrower is not aware of nor has Borrower received notice of any past, present, or future conditions, events, activities, practices or incidents which may interfere with or prevent the compliance or continued compliance of Borrower and the Subsidiaries with all Environmental Laws;

 

(b)     Borrower has obtained all permits, licenses, and authorizations that are required under applicable Environmental Laws and all such permits are in good standing and Borrower is in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of such permits.

 

(c)     No Hazardous Materials (except in nominal amount) exist on, about, or within or have been used, generated, stored, transported, disposed on, or released from any of the properties or assets of Borrower. The use which Borrower makes and intends to make of its properties and assets will not result in the use, generation, storage, transportation, accumulation, disposal, or release of any Hazardous Material on, in or from any of their properties or assets;

 

(d)     Neither Borrower nor any of its currently or previously owned or leased properties or operations is subject to any outstanding or threatened order from or agreement with any Governmental Authority or other Person or subject to any judicial or docketed administrative proceeding with respect to (i) failure to comply with Environmental Laws, (ii) Remedial Action, or (iii) any Environmental Liabilities arising from a release or threatened release;

 

(e)     There are no conditions or circumstances associated with the currently or previously owned or leased properties or operations of Borrower that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any Environmental Liabilities;

 

(f)     Borrower has not filed or failed to file any notice required under applicable Environmental Law reporting a release; and

 

(g)     No Lien arising under any Environmental Law has attached to any property or revenues of Borrower.

 

4.9        Litigation and Claims. Except as disclosed to Lender on the attached Exhibit A, no litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid Taxes) against or by Borrower is pending or threatened, except for matters arising after the date hereof (a) where the amount in controversy does not exceed $1,000,000 over insurance coverage (subject to customary deductibles), or (b) that, if decided adversely to Borrower, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Event.

  -18- 

 

4.10       Taxes.

 

(a)     All Tax returns and reports of Borrower that are required to have been filed have been filed. All Taxes that have become due and payable by Borrower have been paid in full, except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.

 

(b)     Borrower does not know of any pending Tax investigation, audit or deficiency with respect to the Borrower or any of Borrower’s assets.

 

(c)     Borrower is not a party to any tax sharing agreement or similar contractual obligation.

 

All tax returns and reports of Borrower that are required to have been filed, have been filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges which have become due and payable by Borrower have been paid in full, except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith, by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.

 

4.11       Reserved.

 

4.12      Employee Benefit Plans. Each employee benefit plan as to which Borrower may have any liability complies in all material respects with all applicable requirements of law and regulations, and (a) no Reportable Event or Prohibited Transaction (each as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any such plan, (b) Borrower has not withdrawn from any such plan or initiated steps to do so, (c) no steps have been taken to terminate any such plan, and (d) there are no unfunded liabilities in connection with such plan.

 

4.13       Location of Offices and Records. Borrower’s chief executive office is located at 4700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010, or such other location in accordance with the terms of Section 6.14.

 

4.14      Regulated Entities. Borrower is not subject to regulation under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, any state public utilities code, or any other federal or state statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness.

 

4.15       Subsidiaries. Except as disclosed to Lender on the attached Exhibit B, as amended from time to time in a writing from Borrower to Lender, Borrower has no Subsidiaries.

 

4.16       Other Debt. Except as previously disclosed to Lender on the attached Exhibit B1, as amended from time to time in a writing from Borrower to Lender, Borrower is not directly, indirectly or contingently obligated with respect to any other debt as of the date of this Agreement. To the best of Borrower’s knowledge, information and belief, Borrower is not in default in the payment of the principal or interest on any such debt.

 

4.17      Reserved.

  -19- 

 

4.18      Reserved.

 

4.19      Information. All information furnished by Borrower to Lender in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all information hereafter furnished by or, to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, on behalf of Borrower to Lender will be, taken as a whole, true and accurate in all material respect on the date as of which such information is provided to Lender; and, taken as a whole and in the light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, none of such information is or will be on the date as of which such information is provided to Lender intentionally incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make such information not misleading.

 

4.20       Anti-Corruption Laws; Sanctions; Anti-Terrorism Laws.

 

(a)        Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to their knowledge, any director, officer, employee or affiliate of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “FCPA”) or any other applicable anti-corruption law; and Borrower and its Subsidiaries have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure continued compliance therewith.

 

(b)        Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to their knowledge, any director, officer, employee or affiliate of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by, a Person that is: (i) subject to any sanctions administered or enforced by OFAC or the U.S. State Department (collectively, “Sanctions”), or (ii) located, organized, or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject to Sanctions (including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria).

 

(c)        Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to their knowledge, any director, officer, employee or affiliate of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by, a Person that is: (i) an “enemy” or an “ally of the enemy” within the meaning of Section 2 of the Trading with the Enemy Act of the United States (50 U.S.C. App. §§ 1 et seq.), or (ii) in violation of (A) the Trading with the Enemy Act, (B) any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto or (C) the Patriot Act (collectively, the “Anti-Terrorism Laws”).

 

4.21        No Material Adverse Effect. There has not been any occurrence or event that has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Borrower since the date of the latest financial statements submitted to Lender on or before the Effective Date.

 

4.22        Survival of Representations and Warranties. Borrower understands and agrees that Lender, without independent investigation, is relying upon the above representations and warranties in entering into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

ARTICLE 5

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

  -20- 

 

So long as any amount payable by Borrower under the Loan Documents shall remain unpaid or Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, Borrower covenants and agrees that it will:

 

5.1        Changes in Financial Condition; Litigation. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (i) all material adverse changes in Borrower’s financial condition, and (ii) all existing and all threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting Borrower which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.2        Financial Records. Maintain its books and records in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower’s books and records at all reasonable times upon reasonable prior notice from Lender to Borrower; provided, however, that so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or as required by the FDIC, such examination shall be limited to once per calendar year.

 

5.3        Reporting Requirements.

 

(a)     Borrower Financial Statements. (x) as soon as available, but in no event later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of Borrower, the balance sheet and statement of income and retained earnings of Borrower for the fiscal year then ended, audited by a certified public accounting firm that is either a “big-four” accounting firm or is reasonably satisfactory to Lender, (y) as soon as available, but in no event later than sixty (60) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of Borrower, commencing with December 31, 2021, company prepared, year to date balance sheet and statement of income and retained earnings of Borrower for the quarter then ended, certified as correct by Borrower’s CFO or other officer or person acceptable to Lender.

 

(b)     Tax Returns. As soon as available, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after the filing thereof, copy of Borrower’s filed federal tax returns for the prior fiscal year, complete with all K-1s and other attachments.

 

(c)     Appraisals; Additional Information. At Lender’s request from time to time, deliver to Lender an appraisal of each real property in its portfolio (subject to the execution of non-reliance letters satisfactory to the relevant appraisal firms). Also, deliver to Lender such additional information and statements, lists of assets and liabilities, agings of receivables and payables, budgets, forecasts, tax returns, and other reports with respect to Borrower’s financial condition and business operations as Lender may reasonably request from time to time. In addition, deliver to Lender, as and when requested by Lender, copies of such reports or other financial information provided from time to time by Borrower and its agents or independent accountants to their investors, and all audit reports, management letters submitted to the board of directors of Borrower by such independent accountants.

 

(d)     Borrowing Base Certificate; Compliance Certificate. Within sixty (60) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, a Borrowing Base Certificate and a Compliance Certificate as of the end of such fiscal quarter executed by a Authorized Representative of Borrower (but in the case of the Borrowing Base Certificate for the last fiscal quarter of each Fiscal Year, subject to the effect of year-end adjustments to the financial statements for such fiscal quarter reflected in the audited financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.3(a)).

  -21- 

 

(e)     Prospectus. Borrower shall deliver to Lender a copy of any amendments or supplements to the Current Prospectus and new prospectus from time to time, promptly after execution or effectiveness thereof.

 

5.4        Insurance. To the extent that Borrower obtains the same, maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability insurance, and such other insurance as is customary for established and responsible entities of comparable size engaged in business similar to its businesses and such further insurance as Lender may reasonably require with respect to its properties and operations, all in form, amounts, coverages and with insurance companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance together with loss payee and additional insured endorsements in form and substance acceptable to Lender.

 

5.5        Other Agreements. Comply with all material terms and conditions of all other agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any other such agreements that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.6        Indebtedness, Taxes, Charges and Liens. Pay and discharge when due all of its Indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments, Taxes, governmental charges, levies and Liens, of every kind and nature, imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the date on which penalties, would attach, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become a Lien or charge upon any of Borrower’s properties, income, or profits; except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, Borrower will not be required to pay and discharge any such assessment, Tax, charge, levy, Lien or claim so long as (i) the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (ii) Borrower shall have established on its books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, Tax, charge, levy, Lien, or claim in accordance with GAAP. Borrower, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to Lender evidence of payment of such assessments, Taxes, charges, levies, Liens and claims and will authorize the appropriate governmental official to deliver to Lender at any time a written statement of any assessments, Taxes, charges, levies, Liens and claims against Borrower’s properties, income, or profits. Borrower shall (1) pay all documentary, property, excise, transfer and other Taxes that result from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or with respect to, any of the Loan Documents and (2) indemnify the Lender if the Lender pays any of the taxes referred to in clause (1) of this sentence.

 

5.7        Reserved.

 

5.8        Compliance With Law. Conduct its business affairs in compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and court and administrative orders (including but not limited to all thereof which relate to Borrower’s lending activities), except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

  -22- 

 

5.9        Inspection. Permit employees or agents of Lender to inspect any and all of Borrower’s properties and to examine or audit Borrower’s books, accounts, and records and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower’s books, accounts, and records; provided, however, that so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or the FDIC requires it, such inspection shall be limited to once per calendar year. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records (including without limitation computer-generated records and computer software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower’s expense.

 

5.10        Existence. Preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and qualify to do business in each jurisdiction where the failure so to qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.11        Licenses, Intellectual Property. Protect and maintain in full force and effect, all licenses, franchises, intellectual property rights, permits, licenses, authorizations and other rights used in its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.12        Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Advances only for working capital to support Borrower’s investments and for Borrower’s other lawful corporate purposes. No part of the proceeds of Borrowings will be used, directly or indirectly, for any personal, family or household purposes. No part of the proceeds of Borrowings will be used, directly or indirectly, to purchase or carry any margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock. No part of the proceeds of Borrowings will be used for any purpose that violates, or is inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulations U, T or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. No part of the proceeds of Borrowings will be used directly or indirectly, or be loaned to or otherwise provided to any other Person to be used directly or indirectly, (i) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person, (ii) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of the FCPA or any other applicable anti-corruption law, or (iii) in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Laws.

 

5.13        Additional Assurances. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory notes, security agreements, financing statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its attorneys may reasonably request to evidence the Borrowings.

 

5.14        Reserved.

 

5.15        Reserved.

 

5.16        Defense of Title. Borrower will take any and all actions necessary to defend title to its property.

 

5.17        Reserved.

  -23- 

 

5.18        Reserved.

 

5.19       Compliance with Agreements. Borrower shall comply in all material respects with all mortgages, deeds of trust, instruments, and other agreements binding on it or affecting its properties or business except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.20        Reserved.

 

5.21        Reserved.

 

5.22        Reserved.

 

5.23        Reserved.

 

5.25        Reserved.

 

5.25        Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act and Office of Foreign Assets Control. As required by federal law and the Lender’s policies and practices, Lender may need to obtain, verify and record certain customer identification information and documentation in connection with opening or maintaining accounts, or establishing or continuing to provide services and Borrower agrees to provide such information. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing sentence, Borrower shall (a) ensure, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to ensure, that no Person who owns a controlling interest in or otherwise controls Borrower or any Subsidiary of Borrower is or shall be listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List or other similar lists maintained by OFAC, the Department of the Treasury or included in any Executive Orders, (b) not use or permit the use of the proceeds of the Advances to violate any of the foreign asset control regulations of OFAC or any enabling statute or Executive Order relating thereto, and (c) comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with all applicable Bank Secrecy Act laws and regulations, as amended.

 

ARTICLE 6

 

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

So long as any amount payable by Borrower under the Loan Documents shall remain unpaid or Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, Borrower covenants and agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of Lender (which consent may be granted or withheld in Lender’s Permitted Discretion):

 

6.1        Indebtedness. Create, incur or assume Indebtedness, except for (i) trade debt incurred in the normal course of business, (ii) Indebtedness to Lender under this Agreement, (iii) capital leases; (iv) Indebtedness arising in connection with the endorsement of instruments or other payment items for deposit; (v) Indebtedness owed to any Person providing property, casualty, liability, or other insurance to Borrower , so long as the amount of such Indebtedness is not in excess of the amount of the unpaid cost of, and shall be incurred only to defer the cost of, such insurance for the year in which such Indebtedness is incurred and such Indebtedness is outstanding only during such year, (vi) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of credit cards, credit card processing services, debit cards, stored value cards, commercial cards (including so-called “purchase cards”, “procurement cards” or “p-cards”), or cash management services, (vii) unsecured Indebtedness incurred in respect of netting services, overdraft protection, and other like services, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (viii) any other unsecured Indebtedness incurred by Borrower in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed $500,000 at any one time.

  -24- 

 

6.2        Reserved.

 

6.3        Loans, Investments and Guaranties. (a) Lend, invest in or advance money or assets to any other enterprise or entity, except Permitted Investments; or (b) other than as disclosed to Lender pursuant to Section 4.16 or for Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.1, incur any obligation as surety or guarantor.

 

6.4        Liquidation, Merger; Sale of Assets. Liquidate, cease operations, dissolve or enter into any merger, consolidation or other combination nor sell, lease, or dispose of all or substantially all of its business or assets nor transfer or sell assets except sales of assets in the ordinary course of business.

 

6.5        Reserved.

 

6.6        Transactions with Affiliates. Directly or indirectly engage in any transaction (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of assets or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate of Borrower except in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

 

6.7        Reserved.

 

6.8        Reserved.

 

6.9        Reserved.

 

6.10      Reserved.

 

6.11      Environmental Protection. Borrower will not (a) use (or permit any tenant to use) any of its respective properties or assets for the handling, process, storage, transportation, or disposal of any Hazardous Material (b) generate any Hazardous Material, (c) conduct any activity that is likely to cause a Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material, or (d) otherwise conduct any activity or use any of its respective properties or assets in any manner that is likely to violate any Environmental Law or create any Environmental Liabilities for which Borrower would be responsible.

 

6.12      Reserved.

 

6.13      Judgments. Borrower will not allow any judgment for the payment of money in excess of $1,000,000 rendered against it to remain undischarged or unsuperseded for a period of thirty (30) days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed.

  -25- 

 

6.14      Change in Location, Jurisdiction of Organization or Name. Borrower will not (i) maintain a place of business at a location other than a location specified in this Agreement, (ii) change its name or taxpayer identification number, (iii) change its mailing address, or (iv) change its jurisdiction of organization, unless, in each case, Borrower shall have given Lender not less than fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice thereof.

 

6.15      Financial Covenants. Borrower will not have:

 

(a)     Maximum Debt to Asset Value Ratio. Debt to Asset Value Ratio that exceeds 0.25, measured quarterly as at the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower; provided, that if such ratio exceeds 0.25 but is less than 0.3333, then Borrower shall have a six (6) month period, from the date such violation occurs, to cure such violation.

 

(b)     Minimum Liquidity. Liquidity, measured semi-annually at the end of each March and September, beginning with March 31, 2022, that is less than 10% of total Outstanding at such time.

 

6.16       Reserved.

 

6.17      Reserved.

 

ARTICLE 7

 

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

7.1       Events of Default. Each of the following events shall constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”) under this Agreement:

 

(a)     Default on Indebtedness to Lender. Failure of Borrower to (i) pay any principal on the Advances when due, or (ii) pay any other amount due under this Agreement or under any of the other Loan Documents within three (3) Business Days after the same is due and payable; .

 

(b)     Covenant Default.

 

(i)       Violation by Borrower of any of the covenants contained in Article 6 of this Agreement, or

 

(ii)      Failure by Borrower to perform, keep, or observe any other material term, provision, condition, covenant, or agreement contained in this Agreement, in any of the other Loan Documents, or in any other present or future agreement between Borrower and Lender and as to any Default under such other term, provision, condition, covenant or agreement that can be cured and does not pose an imminent risk of loss to Lender, has failed to cure such Default within ten (10) days after Borrower receives written notice thereof from Lender or any officer, member, manager or partner of Borrower becomes aware thereof; provided, however, that if the Default cannot by its nature be cured within the ten (10) day period or cannot after diligent attempts by Borrower be cured within such ten (10) day period, and such Default is likely to be cured within a reasonable time, then Borrower shall have an additional reasonable period (which shall not in any case exceed an additional thirty (30) days) to attempt to cure such Default, and within such reasonable time period the failure to have cured such Default shall not be deemed an Event of Default (provided that no Advances will be required to be made during such cure period).

  -26- 

 

  (c)      Reserved.

 

(d)     Certain Legal Matters. If (i) any material portion of the assets of Borrower is attached, seized, subjected to a writ or distress warrant, or is levied upon, or comes into the possession of any trustee, receiver or person acting in a similar capacity for Borrower or the assets of either, and such attachment, seizure, writ or distress warrant or levy has not been removed, discharged or rescinded within thirty (30) days, or (ii) Borrower is enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented by court order from continuing to conduct all or any material part of its business affairs, or (iii) a judgment or other claim becomes a Lien upon any material portion of the assets of Borrower, or if a notice of lien, levy, or assessment is filed of record with respect to any material portion of the assets of Borrower by the United States Government, or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or by any state, county, municipal, or governmental agency, and the same is not paid within thirty (30) days after Borrower receives notice thereof; provided, however, that none of the foregoing shall constitute an Event of Default where such action or event is stayed or an adequate bond has been posted pending a good faith contest by Borrower (provided further that no Advances will be required to be made during such cure period).

 

(e)     Insolvency. If (i) Borrower becomes insolvent, (ii) an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced by Borrower, or (iii) an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against Borrower and is not dismissed or stayed within sixty (60) days (provided that no Advances will be made prior to the dismissal of such Insolvency Proceeding).

 

(f)      Reserved.

 

(g)     Reserved.

 

(h)     Dissolution. The dissolution of Borrower for any reason whatsoever.

 

(i)      Change in Control, etc. If a CIM Entity fails to be the investment adviser to Borrower.

 

(j)      Reserved.

 

(k)     Reserved.

 

(l)      Liquidation and Related Events. If Borrower is an entity, the voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of any such entity.

 

(m)    Reserved .

 

(n)     Judgments. If a judgment or judgments (not covered by adequate insurance from a solvent carrier which is defending such action without reservation of rights) for the payment of money in an amount, individually or in the aggregate, of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) or more shall be rendered against Borrower and shall remain unsatisfied and unstayed for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days from the date of its entry..

  -27- 

 

(o)     Misrepresentations. If any material misrepresentation or material misstatement exists now or hereafter in any representation or warranty set forth herein or in any certificate submitted to Lender in connection with the Loan.

 

(p)     Full Force and Effect, Defective Collateralization. Etc. If this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms thereof or the terms of any other Loan Documents) at any time and for any reason, or Borrower repudiates any Loan Document or asserts that any Loan Document is not in full force and effect.

 

7.2        Remedies. At any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Lender may, by notice to Borrower, (a) declare the obligation of Lender to make Advances to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate, and (b) declare all amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be immediately due and payable, whereupon all such amounts shall become and be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrower; provided, however, that if an Insolvency Proceeding by or against Borrower shall be commenced, (A) the obligation of Lender to make Advances shall automatically be terminated and (B) all amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrower.

 

7.3        Right of Offset. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Lender is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other Indebtedness at any time owing by Lender to or for the credit or the account of Borrower against any and all of the obligations of Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents irrespective of whether or not Lender shall have made any demand. The rights of Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of offset) which Lender may have.

 

7.4        Cumulative Remedies. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Lender may proceed to enforce the Loan Documents by exercising such remedies as are available thereunder or in respect thereof under applicable law, whether for specific performance of any covenant or other agreement contained in the Loan Documents or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in the Loan Documents. No remedy conferred in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and each and every such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy conferred herein or therein or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

 

7.5        Application of Payments. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Lender shall apply all funds received in respect of amounts owing under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in such order as Lender may determine in its sole discretion notwithstanding any instruction from Borrower.

  -28- 

 

7.6        Reserved.

 

7.7        Reserved.

 

7.8        Other Recourse. Borrower waives any right to require Lender to proceed against any third party, exhaust any security for the Advances Outstanding, the Commitment, or any of the Loan Documents, or pursue any other remedy available to Lender. Borrower further waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of any third party. Until all of the indebtedness shall have been paid in full, Borrower shall have no right of subrogation and Borrower waives the right to enforce any remedy which Lender has or may hereafter have against any third party, and waives any benefit of and any right to participate in any other security whatsoever now or hereafter held by Lender.

 

7.9        Reserved.

 

7.10      Reserved.

 

7.11      Reserved.

 

7.12      Lender Not in Control. None of the covenants or other provisions contained in this Agreement shall, or shall be deemed to, give Lender the right to exercise control over the affairs and/or management of Borrower, the power of Lender being limited the right to exercise the remedies provided in the other Sections of this Article; provided that if Lender becomes the owner of any ownership interest of any Person, whether through foreclosure or otherwise, Lender shall be entitled to exercise such legal rights as it may have by virtue of being an owner of such Person.

 

7.13      Waivers. The acceptance of Lender at any time and from time to time of part payment on the indebtedness shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any Event of Default then existing. No waiver by Lender of any Default shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other then-existing or subsequent Event of Default. No waiver by Lender of any of its rights hereunder, in the other Loan Documents, or otherwise shall be considered a waiver of any other or subsequent right of Lender. No delay nor omission by Lender in exercising any right under the Loan Documents shall impair such right or be construed as a waiver thereof or any acquiescence therein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right under the Loan Documents or otherwise.

 

7.14       Cumulative Rights. All rights available to Lender under the Loan Documents shall be cumulative of an in addition to all other rights granted to Lender at Law or in equity, whether or not the Indebtedness be due and payable and whether or not Lender shall have instituted any suit for collection, foreclosure, or other action under or in connection with the Loan Documents.

 

7.15      INDEMNIFICATION OF LENDER. BORROWER SHALL INDEMNIFY LENDER AND EACH AFFILIATE THEREOF AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEYS, AND AGENTS FROM, AND HOLD EACH OF THEM HARMLESS AGAINST, ANY AND ALL LOSSES, LIABILITIES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, JUDGMENTS, DISBURSEMENTS, COSTS, AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES) TO WHICH ANY OF THEM MAY BECOME SUBJECT EXCEPT FOR THOSE LOSSES, LIABILITIES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, JUDGMENTS, DISBURSEMENTS, COSTS, AND EXPENSES THAT ARE DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF LENDER, WHICH DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISE FROM OR RELATE TO (A) THE PERFORMANCE, ADMINISTRATION, OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, (B) ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, (C) ANY BREACH BY BORROWER OF ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, COVENANT, OR OTHER AGREEMENT CONTAINED IN ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, (D) THE PRESENCE, RELEASE THREATENED RELEASE, DISPOSAL, REMOVAL, OR CLEANUP OF ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIAL LOCATED ON, ABOUT, WITHIN OR AFFECTING ANY OF THE PROPERTIES OR ASSETS OF THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY, (E) THE USE OR PROPOSED USE OF ANY LETTER OF CREDIT, (F) ANY AND ALL TAXES, LEVIES, DEDUCTIONS, AND CHARGES IMPOSED ON LENDER OR ANY OF LENDER’S CORRESPONDENTS IN RESPECT OF ANY LETTER OF CREDIT, OR (G) ANY INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION, OR OTHER PROCEEDING, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY THREATENED INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION, OR OTHER PROCEEDING, RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

  -29- 

 

7.16      Limitation of Liability. Neither Lender nor any Affiliate, officer, director, employee, attorney, or agent of Lender shall have any liability with respect to, and Borrower hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue any of them upon , any claim for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages suffered or incurred by the Borrower in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents (except for those losses, liabilities, claims, damages, penalties, judgments, disbursements, costs, and expenses that are directly attributable to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Lender).

 

7.17      Actions by Lender. The Lien and other rights of Lender hereunder shall not be impaired by (a) any renewal, extension, increase or modification with respect to the Indebtedness, or (b) any release or indulgence granted to any endorser, guarantor or surety of the Indebtedness. The taking of additional security by Lender shall not release or impair the Lien or other rights of Lender hereunder or affect the obligations of Borrower hereunder.

 

7.18      Termination. It is contemplated by the parties hereto that from time to time there may be no outstanding Indebtedness, but notwithstanding such occurrences, this Agreement and the security interests granted hereunder shall remain valid and shall be in full force and effect as to subsequent outstanding Indebtedness; provided, however, upon (a) the satisfaction in full of the Indebtedness, (b) the termination or expiration of any Commitment of Lender to extend credit to Borrow, (c) written request for the termination hereof delivered by Borrower to Lender, and (d) written release or termination delivered by Lender to Borrower, this Agreement shall terminate.

 

7.19      Cumulative Rights. All rights and remedies of Lender hereunder are cumulative of each other and of every other right or remedy which Lender may otherwise have at law or in equity or under any of the other Loan Documents, and the exercise of one or more of such rights or remedies.

  -30- 

 

ARTICLE 8

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

8.1        Amendments. An amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or a consent to any departure by Borrower therefrom, shall be effective against Lender if, but only if, it shall be in writing and signed by Lender, and then such a waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

 

8.2        Notices. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by facsimile, by mail or otherwise transmitted or delivered to Borrower at:

 

  CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund  
  4700 Wilshire Blvd  
  Los Angeles  
  CA 90010  
  Attention:  General Counsel (RACR-PacWest)  
  Email:  generalcounsel@cimgroup.com  
     
  With a copy to:  
     
  CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund    
  2398 E Camelback Rd 4th floor  
  Phoenix  
  AZ 85016  
  Attention:  Operations (RACR – PacWest)  
  Email:  saltebrando@cimgroup.com; ndebacker@cimgroup.com; and bhill@cimgroup.com  

 

Notices to Lender shall be delivered to its address as set forth under its name on the signature page of this Agreement; or, as to any party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other party or parties. All such notices and communications shall, (a) if mailed, be effective three (3) Business Days following deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid; (b) if delivered by recognized overnight delivery service (such as Federal Express) be effective upon delivery, (c) if via facsimile, be effective when sent and electronic confirmation of transmission is received, except that notices and communications to Lender pursuant to Article 2 shall not be effective until received by Lender and (d) if via email, be effective upon delivery unless the sender receives an out-of-office message from the primary intended recipient, a message to the effect that the primary intended recipient is no longer employed by the organization to which the email is directed, an error message or any other message similar in nature to the foregoing messages. A notice received by Lender by telephone pursuant to a provision of this Agreement providing for telephone notice shall be effective if Lender believes in good faith that it was given by an Authorized Officer of Borrower and acts pursuant thereto, notwithstanding the absence of written confirmation.

  -31- 

 

8.3        No Waiver; Remedies. No failure on the part of Lender to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder or under any other Loan Document preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies provided herein and in the other Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

 

8.4        Costs and Expenses; Indemnification.

 

(a)     Costs of Preparation and Administration of Loan Documents. Borrower shall pay the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by Lender in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Borrower shall pay on demand any and all stamp and other taxes, filing fees, fees for searches of public records, and all other reasonable documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses payable in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the administration thereof, and shall save Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omission to pay any amounts Borrower is required to pay pursuant to this Section 8.4.

 

(b)     Costs of Enforcement. In the event of any Default or Event of Default under this Agreement, or in the event that any dispute arises (whether or not such dispute is with Borrower) relating to the interpretation, enforcement or performance of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, Lender shall be entitled to collect from Borrower on demand all reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith, including but not limited to fees of attorneys, accountants, appraisers, environmental inspectors, consultants, expert witnesses, arbitrators, mediators and court reporters, subject, in circumstances other than a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, to applicable law providing that the prevailing party is entitled to be awarded its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and attorneys’ fees. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Borrower shall pay all such costs and expenses incurred in connection with:

 

(i)       Arbitration, judicial reference or other alternative dispute resolution proceedings, trial court actions and appeals;

 

(ii)      bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings of Borrower or other party liable for any of the obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or any party having any interest in any security for any of those obligations; (iii) judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure on, or appointment of a receiver for, any property securing the obligations of Borrower; (iv) post judgment collection proceedings; (v) all claims, counterclaims, cross-claims and defenses asserted in any of the foregoing whether or not they arise out of or are related to this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (vi) all preparation for any of the foregoing; and (vii) all settlement negotiations with respect to any of the foregoing.

  -32- 

 

(c)      Survival. The provisions of this Section 8.4 shall survive the termination of the commitment to lend under this Agreement and the repayment of the Advances and all other amounts payable under the Loan Documents.

 

8.5        Binding Effect; Assignments and Participations. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by Borrower and Lender and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower and Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of Lender. Lender may assign or grant participations to one or more banks or other entities in or to all or any part of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

8.6        Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

8.7        Governing Law. All of the Loan Documents shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California as applicable to contracts entered into in the state of California between residents of such state and which are to be wholly performed in such state.

 

8.8        Severability. Any provision of the Loan Documents that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability in such jurisdiction without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties waive any provision of law which renders any provision of any other Loan Documents prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.

 

8.9        Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the final and complete expression of the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and replace and supersede all prior discussions, negotiations and understandings with respect thereto. Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof nor of the other Loan Documents may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated except as provided herein.

 

8.10      Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of the various provisions of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, do not constitute a part hereof, and shall not affect the meaning or construction of any provision hereof.

 

8.11      Gender and Number. Whenever appropriate to the meaning of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, use of the singular shall be deemed to refer to the plural, the use of the plural to the singular, and pronouns of certain gender to either or both the other genders.

 

8.12      No Fiduciary Duty. Borrower acknowledges that Lender has no fiduciary relationship with, or fiduciary duty to, Borrower arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. The relationship between Lender on the one hand, and Borrower, on the other, is solely that of creditor and debtor. None of this Agreement or the Loan Documents creates a joint venture among the parties.

  -33- 

 

8.13       WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL; JUDICIAL REFERENCE.

 

(a)     JURY TRIAL WAIVER. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE BORROWER AND THE LENDER HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS. THE BORROWER AND THE LENDER REPRESENT THAT EACH HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

(b)     Judicial Reference.

 

(i)       In the event the jury trial waiver set forth above is not enforceable, the parties elect to proceed under this judicial reference provision.

 

(ii)       With the exception of the items specified in clause (iii), below, any controversy, dispute or claim (each, a “Claim”) between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Notes or the other Loan Documents, any other will be resolved by a reference proceeding in California in accordance with the provisions of Sections 638 et seq. of the California Code of Civil Procedure (“CCP”), or their successor sections, which shall constitute the exclusive remedy for the resolution of any Claim, including whether the Claim is subject to the reference proceeding. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Notes or the other Loan Documents, venue for the reference proceeding will be in the state or federal court in the county or district where the real property involved in the action, if any, is located or in the state or federal court in the county or district where venue is otherwise appropriate under applicable law (the “Court”).

 

(iii)      The matters that shall not be subject to a reference are the following: (a) foreclosure of any security interests in real or personal property, (b) exercise of self-help remedies (including, without limitation, set-off), (c) appointment of a receiver and (d) temporary, provisional or ancillary remedies (including, without limitation, writs of attachment, writs of possession, temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions). This reference provision does not limit the right of any party to exercise or oppose any of the rights and remedies described in clauses (a) and (b) or to seek or oppose from a court of competent jurisdiction any of the items described in clauses (c) and (d). The exercise of, or opposition to, any of those items does not waive the right of any party to a reference pursuant to this reference provision as provided herein.

 

(iv)      The referee shall be a retired judge or justice selected by mutual written agreement of the parties. If the parties do not agree within ten (10) days of a written request to do so by any party, then, upon request of any party, the referee shall be selected by the Presiding Judge of the Court (or his or her representative). A request for appointment of a referee may be heard on an ex parte or expedited basis, and the parties agree that irreparable harm would result if ex parte relief is not granted. Pursuant to CCP § 170.6, each party shall have one peremptory challenge to the referee selected by the Presiding Judge of the Court (or his or her representative).

  -34- 

 

(v)       The parties agree that time is of the essence in conducting the reference proceedings. Accordingly, the referee shall be requested, subject to change in the time periods specified herein for good cause shown, to (a) set the matter for a status and trial-setting conference within fifteen (15) days after the date of selection of the referee, (b) if practicable, try all issues of law or fact within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the conference and (c) report a statement of decision within twenty (20) days after the matter has been submitted for decision.

 

(vi)      The referee will have power to expand or limit the amount and duration of discovery. The referee may set or extend discovery deadlines or cutoffs for good cause, including a party’s failure to provide requested discovery for any reason whatsoever. Unless otherwise ordered based upon good cause shown, no party shall be entitled to “priority” in conducting discovery, depositions may be taken by either party upon seven (7) days written notice, and all other discovery shall be responded to within fifteen (15) days after service. All disputes relating to discovery which cannot be resolved by the parties shall be submitted to the referee whose decision shall be final and binding.

 

(vii)    Except as expressly set forth herein, the referee shall determine the manner in which the reference proceeding is conducted including the time and place of hearings, the order of presentation of evidence, and all other questions that arise with respect to the course of the reference proceeding. All proceedings and hearings conducted before the referee, except for trial, shall be conducted without a court reporter, except that when any party so requests, a court reporter will be used at any hearing conducted before the referee, and the referee will be provided a courtesy copy of the transcript. The party making such a request shall have the obligation to arrange for and pay the court reporter. Subject to the referee’s power to award costs to the prevailing party, the parties will equally share the cost of the referee and the court reporter at trial.

 

(viii)    The referee shall be required to determine all issues in accordance with existing case law and the statutory laws of the State of California. The rules of evidence applicable to proceedings at law in the State of California will be applicable to the reference proceeding. The referee shall be empowered to enter equitable as well as legal relief, enter equitable orders that will be binding on the parties and rule on any motion which would be authorized in a court proceeding, including motions for summary judgment or summary adjudication. The referee shall issue a decision at the close of the reference proceeding which disposes of all claims of the parties that are the subject of the reference. Pursuant to CCP § 644, such decision shall be entered by the Court as a judgment or an order in the same manner as if the action had been tried by the Court and any such decision will be final, binding and conclusive. The parties reserve the right to appeal from the final judgment or order or from any appealable decision or order entered by the referee. The parties reserve the right to findings of fact, conclusions of laws, a written statement of decision, and the right to move for a new trial or a different judgment, which new trial, if granted, is also to be a reference proceeding under this provision.

  -35- 

 

(ix)     If the enabling legislation which provides for appointment of a referee is repealed (and no successor statute is enacted), any dispute between the parties that would otherwise be determined by reference procedure will be resolved and determined by arbitration. The arbitration will be conducted by a retired judge or justice, in accordance with the California Arbitration Act §1280 through §1294.2 of the CCP as amended from time to time. The limitations with respect to discovery set forth above shall apply to any such arbitration proceeding.

 

(x)      THE PARTIES RECOGNIZE AND AGREE THAT ALL CONTROVERSIES, DISPUTES AND CLAIMS RESOLVED UNDER THIS REFERENCE PROVISION WILL BE DECIDED BY A REFEREE AND NOT BY A JURY. AFTER CONSULTING (OR HAVING HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF ITS, HIS OR HER OWN CHOICE, EACH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY, AND FOR THE MUTUAL BENEFIT OF ALL PARTIES, AGREES THAT THIS REFERENCE PROVISION WILL APPLY TO ANY CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CLAIM BETWEEN OR AMONG THEM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO, THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTES OR THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.

 

8.14      Imaging. Lender may create microfilms or optical disks or other electronic images of this Agreement and any other Loan Documents that are authoritative copies as defined in applicable law relating to electronic transactions. Lender may store the authoritative copies of such Agreement and any other Loan Documents in their electronic forms and then destroy the paper originals as part of Lender’s normal business practices. Lender may control and transfer such authoritative copies as permitted by such law.

 

LENDER: PACIFIC WESTERN BANK
     

  By:    
  Name: Lyn K. Christensen  
  Title: Senior Vice President  

 

   
  Address for Notices:
   
  Pacific Western Bank
  7575 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 250
  Irvine, CA 92618
  Attn: Lyn K. Christensen
  Phone: (949) 341-1683
  Email: lchristensen@pacwest.com

  -36- 

 

  With a copy to:
   
  Pacific Western Bank
  818 West 7th Street, Suite 450
  Los Angeles, CA 90017
  Attn: Holly Hayes, EVP and General Counsel
  Phone: (213) 330-2073
  Email: hhayes@pacificwesternbank.com
   
  With a copy to:
   
  Buchalter
  1000 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500
  Los Angeles, CA 90017
  Attn: Farhad Bahar
  Phone: 213-891-5103
  Email: fbahar@buchalter.com

 

  -37- 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Credit Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

BORROWER: CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND,
  a Delaware statutory trust
     
  By:  
  Name: David Thompson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  -38- 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

PENDING LITIGATION

 

None

 A-1  

 

EXHIBIT B

 

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OWNED BY BORROWER

 

Entity Name   Entity Type   State of Formation
RACR 6800 Georgia Ave.
NW (DC) Member, LLC
 
 
Limited Liability Company
 
 
 
Delaware
 
RACR Epic Phase 2, LLC   Limited Liability Company   Delaware
RACR SLO, LLC   Limited Liability Company   Delaware
RACR Sora, LLC   Limited Liability Company   Delaware
RACR-FS, LLC   Limited Liability Company   Delaware

 B-1  

 

EXHIBIT B1

 

OTHER DEBT

 

      (mil.)  
Real Estate Equity Interests Property Type Location Borrower Ownership  % Borrower's Proportionate Fair Value Borrower's Proportionate Other Debt Comments
Epic II Office Dallas, TX 8.26% $18.7 $6.9 Note to unaffiliated JV partner and construction loan
Vale Multifamily Washington, DC 8.00% $10.7 $5.7 Mortgage
Sora Multifamily Los Angeles, CA 100% $52.2 $41.6 Mortgage

 

  C-2 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

FORM OF BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE

 

Calculated as of ____________, 201_ (the “Calculation Date”)

 

To: Pacific Western Bank  
  7575 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 250  
  Irvine, CA 92618  
  Attn:  Lyn K. Christensen  
  Phone: (949) 341-1683  
  Email:  lchristensen@pacwest.com  

 

The undersigned does hereby certify, pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 23, 2021 (the “Agreement”), between CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund and Pacific Western Bank, as follows (capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Agreement):

 

1.        Attached as Schedule 1 is a true and correct calculation of the Borrowing Base as of __________, 20__ (the “Calculation Date”).

 

2.        The principal amount of Outstanding Advances __does __does not exceed Availability as of the Calculation Date.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this certificate to be executed this __ day of ____________, 202_.

 

  CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND  
   
  By:  
  Its: [Authorized Representative]

 
 

SCHEDULE I

 

Borrowing Base

 

Calculation Date: ______________, 202_

 

The Consolidated Asset Value is: $__________________

  C-1 

 

EXHIBIT D

 

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

[on Borrower’s letterhead]

 

To: Pacific Western Bank  
  7575 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 250  
  Irvine, CA 92618  
  Attn:  Lyn K. Christensen  
  Phone: (949) 341-1683  
  Email:  lchristensen@pacwest.com  

 

Re: Compliance Certificate dated ____________ __, 20__

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is hereby made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2021 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and between CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (the “Borrower”) and Pacific Western Bank, a national banking association (“Lender”). Capitalized terms used herein, but not specifically defined herein, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

Pursuant to Section Error! Reference source not found. of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned Authorized Representative of Borrower hereby certifies as of the date hereof that:

 

1.        Such Authorized Representative has reviewed the terms of the Credit Agreement and has made, or caused to be made under his/her supervision, a review in reasonable detail of the transactions and financial condition of Borrower and its Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by the financial statements delivered pursuant to Section Error! Reference source not found. of the Credit Agreement.

 

2.        Such review has not disclosed the existence on and as of the date hereof, and the undersigned does not have knowledge of the existence as of the date hereof, of any event or condition that constitutes a Default or Event of Default, except for such conditions or events listed on Schedule 1 attached hereto, in each case specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action Borrower has taken, are taking, or propose to take with respect thereto.

 

3.        Except as set forth on Schedule 2 attached hereto, the representations and warranties of Borrower set forth in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date hereof (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) as of such earlier date).

 
 

5.        As of the date hereof, Borrower is in compliance with the applicable covenants contained in Section 6.15 of the Credit Agreement as demonstrated on Schedule 3 hereof.

 

[Signature page follows]

 
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Compliance Certificate is executed by the undersigned this ____ day of _______________, 20___.

 

  CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND,
  a Delaware statutory trust
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title: [Authorized Representative]

  D-1 

 

[add Schedules 1 and 2, if and as appropriate]

 
 

SCHEDULE 3

 

Financial Covenants

 

Section 6.15(a) Maximum Debt to Asset Value Ratio (ratio and calculation):

 

Ratio:

 

Calculation:

 

__ complies with subsection

 

__ does not comply with subsection

 

Section 6.15(b) Minimum Liquidity (dollar amount):

 

$___________________________  

 

__ complies with subsection

__ does not comply with subsection

 

 


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

  

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form N-2 of our report dated November 24, 2021, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in such Registration Statement. 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Los Angeles, California

January 28, 2022

 

 


 

Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP

700 Sixth Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20001-3980

 

D: +1 202.383.0218
F: +1 202.637.3593

 

cynthiakrus@

eversheds-sutherland.com

 

January 28, 2022

 

CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (the “Fund”)

4700 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90010

 

Dear Board of Trustees:

 

We hereby consent to the reference to our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus filed as part of Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder

 

  Sincerely,  
     
  /s/ Cynthia M. Krus  
  Cynthia M. Krus  

 

cc:    Cynthia R. Beyea, Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP

 

Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is part of a global legal practice, operating through various separate and distinct legal entities, under Eversheds Sutherland. For a full description of the structure and a list of offices, please visit www.eversheds-sutherland.com.

 


CIM Capital, LLC and its Relying Advisers
CIM Capital IC Management, LLC
CIM Capital SA Management, LLC

 

Code of Ethics

 

Last updated: December 28, 2021

 

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

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

I. GENERAL 2
II. PERSONAL INVESTMENT POLICY 8
III. INSIDE INFORMATION POLICY 14
IV. GIFTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND POLITICAL ACTIVITY POLICY 20
V. OUTSIDE AFFILIATIONS POLICY 26
VI. ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY 28
VII. CIM COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY 31
APPENDIX A 32
APPENDIX B 37

 

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

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

Most Recently Revised: December 28, 2021

 

 

 

I.       GENERAL

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

B.STATEMENT OF STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

 

As a fundamental mandate, CIM Advisor demands the highest standards of ethical conduct and care from all Supervised Persons. Supervised Persons must abide by this basic business standard and must not take inappropriate advantage of their position with the Firm.

 

 

 

1The Code is adopted by CIM Advisor pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act.

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

·accepting extravagant gifts or entertainment from a potential service provider to the Firm;
  
·making charitable donations at the request of a prospective Advisory Client when the Advisory Client will directly benefit from such donation;
  
·contributing to the election campaign of a government official or candidate who has, or will have if elected, the authority to appoint pension plan board members who are responsible for selecting investment advisers for such pension plan;
  
·purchasing an interest in a property that you know the Firm is targeting for investment; and
  
·assuming an outside position with a company that competes directly with the Firm.

 

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

 

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

 

C.GENERAL GUIDELINES

 

1.Supervised Persons may not employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any Advisory Client, make any untrue statement of a material fact to an Advisory Client, or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon an Advisory Client, engage in any manipulative practice with respect to an Advisory Client, or engage in any manipulative practice with respect to Securities, including price manipulation.
  
2.Except with the prior approval of a Compliance Officer, in consultation with a Supervised Person’s supervisor and/or Senior Management, a Supervised Person may not act as a director, officer, general partner, managing member, principal, proprietor, consultant, agent, representative, trustee or employee of any unaffiliated public or private entity or business other than CIM Advisor or an Affiliate of CIM Advisor.
  
3.All Supervised Persons must disclose to CIM Advisor, any interests they may have in any entity that is not affiliated with CIM Advisor and that has a known business relationship with CIM Advisor or an Affiliate of CIM Advisor.

 

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

 

 

4.Except with the prior approval of a Compliance Officer, and as specifically permitted by law, Supervised Persons may not have a material direct or indirect interest (e.g., as principal, co-principal, agent, member, partner, or material shareholder or beneficiary) in any transaction that conflicts with the interests of CIM Advisor or its Advisory Clients.
  
5.Except with the prior approval of a Compliance Officer, Access Persons may not invest in any Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), Initial Coin Offering (“ICO”) or Private Placement (including hedge funds and other private investment vehicles).
  
6.No Supervised Person, except in the course of the rightful exercise of his or her job responsibilities, shall reveal to any other person, information regarding any Advisory Client or any Investment being considered, recommended or executed on behalf of any Advisory Client.
  
7.No Supervised Person shall make any recommendation concerning the purchase or sale of any Investment by an Advisory Client without disclosing, to the extent known, the interest of the Firm or any Supervised Person, if any, in such Investment, including, without limitation (a) any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of such Investment; (b) any contemplated transaction by such person in such Investment; and (c) any present or proposed relationship with respect to such Investment.

 

8.No Supervised Person shall engage in insider trading (as described in the Inside Information Policy in Section) whether for his or her own benefit or for the benefit of others.
  
9.No Supervised Person may communicate material, nonpublic information concerning any Investment to anyone unless it is properly within his or her duties to do so.
  
10.Each Supervised Person shall complete a compliance questionnaire (the “Regulatory Compliance Disclosure”) prior to employment and annually thereafter via the Firm’s automated compliance system. Each Supervised Person shall supplement the Regulatory Compliance Disclosure as necessary to reflect any material changes between annual filings and must immediately notify Compliance if any of the conditions addressed in the Regulatory Compliance Disclosure become applicable to such Supervised Person.
  
11.Every Supervised Person must avoid any activity that might give rise to a question as to whether the Firm’s objectivity as a fiduciary has been compromised.

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

D.PERIODIC COMPLIANCE REPORTING AND TRAINING

 

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

 

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

 

E.ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

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

 

F.REPORTING AND SANCTIONS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

G.ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND WAIVERS BY CIM ADVISOR

 

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

 

H.CCO REPORTING

 

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

 

I.CCO AND COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT

 

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

 

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

 

J.CONFLICT WITH EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

 

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

 

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

 

 

K.CONFIDENTIALITY

 

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

 

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

 

 

II.   PERSONAL INVESTMENT POLICY

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

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

 

For purposes of this Code, all Supervised Persons are generally considered to be Access Persons of CIM Advisor.

 

B.RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

 

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

 

1.Reports

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

·By the Compliance Due Date and no later than thirty (30) calendar days after each quarter end, every Access Person is required to certify, via the Firm’s automated compliance system, all transactions in Reportable Securities in Non-Managed Accounts, as recorded by the system during the quarter.
  
·By the Compliance Due Date and no later than forty-five (45) calendar days following the end of each calendar year (i.e., February 14), every Access Person is required to certify, via the Firm’s automated compliance system, such Access Person’s accounts and Reportable Securities holdings and those of his or her Related Persons as of year-end.

 

2.Determining which Accounts to Disclose

 

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

 

3.Managed Accounts

 

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

 

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

 

4.Non-Transferable Accounts

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

5.Transactions Subject to Review

 

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

 

C.STATEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS

 

1.Restricted List

 

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

 

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

 

a)Securities

 

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

 

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

 

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·the Firm or any investment adviser Affiliate executes a confidentiality agreement with or relating to an issuer;
  
·the Firm, any investment adviser Affiliate, or an Advisory Client has declared itself “Private” with respect to an issuer in an electronic workspace;
·the Firm becomes bound by a fiduciary obligation or other duty (for example, because an Access Person has become a board member of an issuer);
  
·an Access Person becomes aware of (or is likely to become aware of) material, nonpublic information about a Security or issuer;or
  
·the Firm, as determined by a Compliance Officer, has determined to include an issuer to avoid the appearance of impropriety and protect the Firm’s reputation for integrity and ethical conduct.

 

b)Procedures

 

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

 

·Additions: Access Persons who become aware of any of the circumstances set forth in subsection 1.a) above, or who for any other reason believe an issuer or Security should be added to the Restricted List, should immediately notify a Compliance Officer to ensure that the Restricted List is updated.
  
·Deletions: When the circumstances set forth in subsection 1.a) above no longer exist, or the Firm is no longer bound by the obligations giving rise to the inclusion of an issuer or Security on the Restricted List, Access Persons should notify a Compliance Officer so that the name of the issuer or Security can be promptly removed from the Restricted List, as appropriate.
  
·Changes: From time to time, the Compliance Department will update the Restricted List as contemplated by this Personal Investment Policy and the Confidentiality Policy. Access Persons are responsible for checking the Restricted List in all cases before engaging in any Personal Securities Trade.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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3.Affiliated Securities and Investments

 

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

 

4.Trades by Access Persons Serving on Company Boards

 

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

 

5.No Personal Trades Through CIM Advisor’s Traders

 

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

 

6.Use of Brokerage for Personal or Family Benefit

 

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

 

7.No “Front Running”

 

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

 

 

 

2A Rule 10b5-1 plan is a written plan for trading Securities that is designed in accordance with Rule 10b5-1(c). Any person executing pre- planned transactions pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan that was established in good faith at a time when that person was unaware of material nonpublic information has an affirmative defense against accusations of insider trading, even if actual trades made pursuant to the plan are executed at a time when the individual may be aware of material nonpublic information.

 

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8.No Short Sale Transactions

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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III.    INSIDE INFORMATION POLICY

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

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

 

B.KEY TERMS

 

1.What is a “Security”?

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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2.Who is an Insider?

 

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

 

3.What is Material Information?

 

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

 

Among other things, the following types of information are generally regarded as “material”:

 

·dividend or earnings announcements
·write-downs or write-offs of assets
·additions to reserves for bad debts or contingent liabilities
·expansion or curtailment of company or major division operations
·merger, joint venture announcements
·new product/service/marketing announcements
·new supplier/manufacturing/production announcements
·material charge/impairment announcements
·senior management changes
·changes in control
·material restatement of previously issued financial statements
·discovery or research developments
·criminal indictments and civil and government investigations, litigations and/or settlements

·pending labor disputes
·debt service or liquidity problems
·bankruptcy or insolvency problems
·tender offers, stock repurchase plans,etc.
·recapitalizations

 

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

 

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4.What is Nonpublic Information?

 

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

 

5.Contacts with Companies

 

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

 

6.Tender Offers

 

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

 

7.Penalties for Insider Trading

 

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

 

·civil injunctions;
  
·disgorgement of profits;
  
·punitive damages (i.e., fines for the person who committed the violation of up to three (3) times the profit gained, or loss avoided, irrespective of whether the person actually benefited personally);
  
·felony convictions which include possible jail sentences; and

 

·fines and sanctions against the employer or other controlling person.

 

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C.INSIDER TRADING PROCEDURES

 

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

 

1.Identifying MNPI

 

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

 

·Is the information material? Is this information that an investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions (e.g., whether the investor should buy, sell or hold a Security)? Is this information that would substantially affect the market price of the Securities if generally disclosed?
  
·Is the information nonpublic? To whom has this information been provided? Has the information been effectively communicated to the marketplace by being published in Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg or other publications of general circulation? Remember that information that has been communicated to a relatively large group of sophisticated investors does not by itself mean that the information is public (e.g., large group of potential bank debt investors during an invitation only meeting).

 

2.Restricting Access to MNPI

 

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

 

·distribute materials containing MNPI only on a “need-to-know” basis;
  
·take care so that telephone conversations cannot be overheard when discussing matters involving MNPI (e.g., speaker telephones should generally be used in a way so that outsiders who might be in CIM Advisor’s offices are not inadvertently exposed to this information);
  
·limit access to offices and conference rooms when these rooms contain MNPI; and
  
·not leave materials containing MNPI displayed on the computer screen when they leave their computers unattended.

 

3.Review and Dissemination of Certain Investment Related Information

 

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

 

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4.Determination of Materiality

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

·The Supervised Person must obtain the prior written approval of a Compliance Officer before engaging a paid consultant if: (1) substantive information related to a Security will be discussed as part of the engagement; and/or (2) the consultant is either employed with an issuer of Securities at the time of the engagement or was employed with such an issuer within six months of the engagement. The Compliance Department will maintain a log of all such engagements.
  
·Prior to the commencement of a phone call or meeting with a paid consultant where it is anticipated that substantive information related to a Security will be discussed, and/or the consultant is either employed with an issuer of Securities at the time of the call or was employed with such an issuer within six months of the call, the Supervised Person must inform such consultant that:
  
(i)The Firm does not want to receive MNPI
  
(ii)the Firm may invest in the public and non-public Securities markets,
  
(iii)the purpose of speaking with such consultant is to obtain his/her independent insight as it relates to a particular industry, sector or company, and
  
(iv)such consultant should not share MNPI or other confidential information that he/she may have a duty to keep confidential or that he/she otherwise should not disclose.

 

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·The Supervised Person should also confirm with such consultant that he/she will not be violating any agreement, duty or obligation such consultant may have with any employer or other institution.

 

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

 

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

 

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IV.       GIFTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND POLITICAL ACTIVITY

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

B.GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT POLICY

 

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

 

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

 

1.       Business Meals

 

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

 

2.       Providing Business Gifts

 

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

 

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3.       Receiving Business Gifts

 

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

 

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

 

4.       Entertainment

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

5.       Travel and Lodging

 

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

 

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6.       Property-Sponsored Incentive Programs

 

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

 

7.       Providing Meals, Gifts and Entertainment to Public Officials

 

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

 

If you plan to contact a Public Official for the first time in order to solicit business or to request that any action or decision be made by a Public Official or its affiliated public body, you may need to register as a lobbyist. Many states and other local jurisdictions have enacted lobbying laws that can vary in how they define “lobbying” and under what circumstances they require someone to register as a “lobbyist”. Further, in the event that you are required to register as a lobbyist, you will likely be subject to more restrictive gift and entertainment limits, including outright bans on such activities. Accordingly, you should contact Compliance for further guidance prior to initial contact with Public Officials of a particular jurisdiction.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

9.       Charitable Contributions

 

The following charitable contributions require preapproval by a Compliance Officer:

 

·Charitable contributions by CIM corporate.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

C.POLITICAL ACTIVITY POLICY

 

1.       Introduction

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

2.       Indirect Violations

 

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

 

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3.       Periodic Disclosure

 

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

 

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V.       OUTSIDE AFFILIATIONS POLICY

 

A.OUTSIDE BUSINESSACTIVITIES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

B.DIRECTOR AND OFFICER POSITIONS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

C.EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPS

 

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

 

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

 

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VI.       ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY

 

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

 

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

 

Requirements for Interaction with Public Officials

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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Requirements for Interaction with Private Sector Counterparty Representatives

 

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

 

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

 

Requirements for Retention of Certain Third Parties

 

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

 

Pre-Approval, reporting, due diligence and contractual requirements

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

· any political contributions

 

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

 

Reporting Obligations

 

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

 

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VII.       CIM COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

 

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

 

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APPENDIX A

 

DEFINITIONS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

6Rule 206(4)-8 of the Advisers Act prohibits advisers of pooled investment vehicles from making false or misleading statement to, or otherwise defrauding investors or prospective investors in those pooled vehicles.
 

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7.Beneficial Interest” means an interest whereby a person can, directly or indirectly, control the disposition of a Security or derive a monetary, pecuniary or other right or benefit from the purchase, sale or ownership of a Security (e.g., interest payments or dividends).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

15.Fund” has the meaning set forth under the term Advisory Client.

 

16.Investment” means any real estate, interest in real estate, infrastructure project, interest in an infrastructure project, equity or debt holding, cash management instrument, or other asset being considered for purchase or sale by or on behalf of an Advisory Client for investment purposes, whether or not such investment constitutes a Security.

 

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

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18.“ICO” means initial coin offering.

 

19.IPO” means initial public offering.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

29.“Public Official” includes any person who is employed full- or part-time by a government, or by regional subdivisions of governments, including states, provinces, districts, counties, cities, towns and villages or by independent agencies, state-owned businesses, state-controlled businesses or public academic institutions. This would include, for example, employees of sovereign wealth funds, government-sponsored pension plans (i.e. pension plans for the benefit of government employees), heads of state, lower level employees of state-controlled businesses and government-sponsored university endowments. “Public Official,” also includes political party officials and candidates for political office.

 

30.“Related Person” means the spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling or other relative (whether related by blood, marriage or otherwise) of an Access Person and/or Supervised Person, who either resides with, or is financially dependent upon, the Access Person/Supervised Person, or whose investments are controlled by the Access Person/Supervised Person.
 

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

 

32.Reportable Security” means any Reportable Fund, note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness7, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, reorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or a put, call, straddle, option or privilege, entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing, in which an Access Person or a Related Person has a Beneficial Ownership or other Beneficial Interest except for an Exempt Security. ICOs are generally considered reportable securities and may be subject to the same restrictions as an IPO. Tokenized securities are viewed as a reportable security. NFTs may be considered Reportable Securities depending on the underlying asset (Please consult with Compliance).

 

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

 

34.Security” means, except as set forth below, any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, blockchain ETFs, evidence of indebtedness7, certificate of interest or participation in any profitsharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, reorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or a put, call, straddle, option or privilege, entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing.

 

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

 

 

7Note that, for most purposes, evidences of indebtedness are treated as “Securities” for securities law purposes; insider trading prohibitions are an exception to this general rule.
 

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35.Senior Management” means each of Richard Ressler, Avi Shemesh, and Shaul Kuba.

 

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

 

 

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

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APPENDIX B

 

Whistleblower Hotline Information

 

Effective whistleblowing mechanisms to mitigate bribery and corruption issues are a key feature in our commitment to a high level of integrity and ethics. As part of our Whistleblower Policy, we have established a third-party confidential hotline with EthicsPoint. This hotline enables you and external parties, including our suppliers and vendors, to confidentially, and anonymously if preferred, report any suspected violation(s) of our various codes of conduct, any activity that may adversely affect the Firm’s business or reputation, any ESG- related concerns or suspected ESG Policy violations, or any other inappropriate conduct.

 

Although we encourage you to initially report any concerns or problems you may have to your supervisor, there may be times where you may not feel comfortable voicing these concerns or problems to them. In such instances, you may report your concerns to the Chief Compliance Officer and/or Chief Legal Officer, as appropriate, in writing. Alternatively, you can report a suspected violation or misconduct by calling the EthicsPoint hotline or by logging into their website. The reporting information is listed below.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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CIM Capital, LLC and its Relying Advisers

CIM Capital IC Management, LLC

CIM Capital SA Management, LLC

CIM Real Assets and Credit Fund

 

Code of Ethics

 

Last updated: November 23, 2021

 

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

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

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

 

Most Recently Revised: November 19, 2020

 

 

 

I.       GENERAL

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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C.GENERAL GUIDELINES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

D.PERIODIC COMPLIANCE REPORTING AND TRAINING

 

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

 

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

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E.ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

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

 

F.REPORTING AND SANCTIONS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

G.ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND WAIVERS BY CIM ADVISOR

 

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

 

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

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

 

H.REVIEW BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CIM FUND

 

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

 

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

 

I.CCO REPORTING

 

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

 

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

 

J.CCO AND COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT

 

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

 

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

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K.CONFLICT WITH EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

 

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

 

L.CONFIDENTIALITY

 

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

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II.       PERSONAL INVESTMENT POLICY

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

B.RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

 

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

 

1.       Reports

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

2.       Determining which Accounts to Disclose

 

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

 

3.       Managed Accounts

 

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

 

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

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4.       Non-Transferable Accounts

 

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

 

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

 

5.       Transactions Subject to Review

 

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

 

C.STATEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS

 

1.       Restricted List

 

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

 

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

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

 

a)       Securities

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

b)       Procedures

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

3.       Affiliated Securities and Investments

 

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

 

4.       Trades by CIM Fund Directors

 

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

 

5.       Trades by Access Persons Serving on Company Boards

 

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

 

6.       No Personal Trades Through CIM Advisor’s Traders

 

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

 

7.       Use of Brokerage for Personal or Family Benefit

 

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

 

 

2A Rule 10b5-1 plan is a written plan for trading Securities that is designed in accordance with Rule 10b5-1(c). Any person executing pre- planned transactions pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan that was established in good faith at a time when that person was unaware of material nonpublic information has an affirmative defense against accusations of insider trading, even if actual trades made pursuant to the plan are executed at a time when the individual may be aware of material nonpublic information.
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CIM Advisor and CIM Fund
Confidential. For internal use only. Do not copy or distribute
 

 

8.       No “Front Running”

 

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

 

9.       No Short Sale Transactions

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

B.       REQUIREMENTS OF CIM FUND DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS

 

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

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III.       INSIDE INFORMATION POLICY

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

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

 

B.KEY TERMS

 

1.       What is a “Security”?

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

2.       Who is an Insider?

 

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

 

3.       What is Material Information?

 

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

 

Among other things, the following types of information are generally regarded as “material”:

 

dividend or earnings announcements
write-downs or write-offs of assets
additions to reserves for bad debts or contingent liabilities
expansion or curtailment of company or major division operations
merger, joint venture announcements
new product/service/marketingannouncements
new supplier/manufacturing/production announcements
material charge/impairmentannouncements
senior management changes
changes in control
material restatement of previously issued financial statements
discovery or researchdevelopments
criminal indictments and civil and government investigations, litigations and/or settlements
pending labor disputes
debt service or liquidityproblems
bankruptcy or insolvencyproblems
tender offers, stock repurchase plans,etc.
recapitalizations

 

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

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

 

4.       What is Nonpublic Information?

 

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

 

5.       Contacts with Companies

 

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

 

6.       Tender Offers

 

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

 

7.       Penalties for Insider Trading

 

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

 

civil injunctions;

 

disgorgement of profits;

 

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

 

felony convictions which include possible jail sentences; and

 

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

 

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

 

1.       Identifying MNPI

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

2.       Restricting Access to MNPI

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

3.       Review and Dissemination of Certain Investment Related Information

 

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

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

 

4.Determination of Materiality

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(i)The Firm does not want to receive MNPI

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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IV.       GIFTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND POLITICAL ACTIVITY

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

B.GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENTPOLICY

 

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

 

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

 

1.       Business Meals

 

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

 

2.       Providing Business Gifts

 

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

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3.       Receiving Business Gifts

 

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

 

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

 

4.       Entertainment

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

5.       Travel and Lodging

 

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

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6.       Property-Sponsored Incentive Programs

 

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

 

7.       Providing Meals, Gifts and Entertainment to Public Officials

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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9.Charitable Contributions

 

The following charitable contributions require preapproval by a Compliance Officer:

 

Charitable contributions by CIM corporate.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

C.POLITICAL ACTIVITY POLICY

 

1.       Introduction

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

2.       Indirect Violations

 

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

 

3.       Periodic Disclosure

 

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

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V.       OUTSIDE AFFILIATIONS POLICY

 

A.OUTSIDE BUSINESSACTIVITIES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

B.DIRECTOR AND OFFICER POSITIONS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

C.EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPS

 

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

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

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VI.       ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY

 

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

 

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

 

Requirements for Interaction with Public Officials

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Requirements for Interaction with Private Sector Counterparty Representatives

 

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

 

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

 

Requirements for Retention of Certain Third Parties

 

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

 

Pre-Approval, reporting, due diligence and contractual requirements

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

•     any political contributions

 

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

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Reporting Obligations

 

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

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VII.       CIM COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

 

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

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APPENDIX A

 

DEFINITIONS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

21.“ICO” means initial coin offering.

 

22.IPO” means initial public offering.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

35.Reportable Security” means any Reportable Fund, note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness7, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, reorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or a put, call, straddle, option or privilege, entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing, in which an Access Person or a Related Person has a Beneficial Ownership or other Beneficial Interest except for an Exempt Security. ICOs are generally considered reportable securities and may be subject to the same restrictions as an IPO. Tokenized securities are viewed as a reportable security. NFTs may be considered Reportable Securities depending on the underlying asset (Please consult with Compliance).

 

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

 

37.Security” means, except as set forth below, any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, blockchain ETFs, evidence of indebtedness7, certificate of interest or participation in any profitsharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, reorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or a put, call, straddle, option or privilege, entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing.

 

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

 

 

7Note that, for most purposes, evidences of indebtedness are treated as “Securities” for securities law purposes; insider trading prohibitions are an exception to this general rule.
 -35-
CIM Advisor and CIM Fund
Confidential. For internal use only. Do not copy or distribute
 

 

38.Senior Management” means each of Richard Ressler, Avi Shemesh, and Shaul Kuba.

 

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

 

 

8A Compliance Officer may require that certain directors, officers, members or employees of an Affiliate of CIM Advisor comply with the Code and any other compliance policies of CIM Advisor and consider such persons to be Supervised Persons and, if applicable, Access Persons, of CIM Advisor, if a Compliance Officer determines that such persons perform services for CIM Advisor, through any staffing or similar agreement such that such persons would otherwise meet the definition of Supervised Persons and, if applicable, Access Persons, of CIM Advisor if such persons were directors, officers, members or employees of CIM Advisor. The Compliance Officer will maintain a list of all such persons and whether each such person constitutes a Supervised Person, Access Person or both, and will notify each such person of the relevant requirements. The majority of CIM Advisor’s Supervised Persons and Access Persons are employees of CIM Advisor, but others are employees of CIM Group, LP. Certain other employees of CIM Group, LP provide services to CIM Advisor but are considered Non-Supervised Persons, as defined in CIM Advisor’s full Compliance Manual.
 -36-
CIM Advisor and CIM Fund
Confidential. For internal use only. Do not copy or distribute
 

 

APPENDIX B

 

Whistleblower Hotline Information

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 -37-
CIM Advisor and CIM Fund
Confidential. For internal use only. Do not copy or distribute
 

 

 

 

 


DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

 

  

CCO Capital, LLC

2398 E. Camelback Road, 4th Floor

Phoenix, AZ 85016

P: 602-778-6000

F: 480-449-7001

 

Joseph Terry  
Name of Authorized Principal  

  

 
Signature  

 

9/13/2021  
Date  
   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Table of Contents

 

Chapter Section Title
1.00   General Supervision
  1.01 Written Supervisory Procedures
  1.02 Delegation of Responsibilities
  1.03 Verification of Qualifications
  1.04 Branch Offices
  1.05 Supervisory Review Procedures and Documentation
  1.06 Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction
  1.07 Office Inspections
  1.08 Supervision of Transactions (Regulation Best Interest)
  1.09 REIT/Private Placement Supervision
  1.10 Review of Third-Party Registered Representative Purchasers
  1.11 Customer Trade Confirmations and Disclosures
  1.12 Payment for Order Flow Disclosure Requirements
  1.13 Clearing Agreements
  1.14 Review of Internal Reports
  1.15 Reserve Formula Exemptions
  1.16 Fees Charged to Customers
  1.17 Customer Complaints
  1.18 Annual Review and Update of Executive Representative Contact Information
  1.19 Business Continuity Planning and Emergency Contact Information
  1.20 Securing Records and Information
  1.21 Outsourcing Activities to Third-Party Service Providers
  1.22 Safe Harbor for Business Expansions
2.00   Personnel, Licensing and Registration
  2.01 Assignment of Designated Supervisors and Registered Personnel
  2.02 Registration Requirements
  2.03 Association Procedures
  2.04 Termination Procedures
  2.05 Permissive Registrations
  2.06 Statutorily Disqualified (SD) Persons
  2.07 Heightened Supervision Procedures
  2.08 Firm Registration Forms (Form BD/BDW)
  2.09 Renewal Statements and Reports
3.00   Standards of Conduct
  3.01 Outside Business Activities
  3.02 Private Securities Transactions
  3.03 Outside Accounts
  3.04 Prohibited Activities
  3.05 Third Party Sponsored Call Nights
  3.06 Influencing or Rewarding Employees of Others
  3.07 Political Contributions
4.00   Continuing Education and Training
  4.01 Regulatory Element
  4.02 Firm Element
  4.03 Annual Compliance Meeting
  4.04 Relief from CE Requirements for Military Active Duty Personnel
5.00   Books and Records Requirements
  5.01 SEC Rule 17a-3
  5.02 SEC Rule 17a-4
  5.03 Electronic Storage Media
6.00   Financial Reporting
  6.01 Designation of FINOP

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

  6.02 Responsibilities of the FINOP
  6.03 Early Warning Notification (SEC Rule 17a-11)
  6.04 Cash/Currency Transactions
  6.05 Classification of Certain Equity as Liabilities (Statement 150)
  6.06 Principal Financial Officer and Principal Operations Officer
7.00   Communications with the Public
  7.01 Communications with the Public Rule Definitions
  7.02 Content Standards
  7.03 Guidelines for Avoiding Misleading Communications with the Public
  7.04 Seminars and Public Appearances
  7.05 Fair Disclosure, Regulation FD
  7.06 Supervisory Review Requirements
  7.07 Regulatory Filing Requirements
  7.08 Record Keeping Requirements
  7.09 Use of FINRA Name
  7.10 SIPC Disclosure
  7.11 Electronic Communications
  7.12 Senior Designations and Other Credentials
  7.13 Telemarketing Procedures/National Do-Not-Call Registry (FINRA Rule 3230)
  7.14 SEA Rule 10b-9 Representations
8.00   Privacy Policies and Procedures (Regulation S-P)
  8.01 Designations/Responsibilities for Reg. S-P Procedures
  8.02 Privacy Notifications
  8.03 Initial Privacy Notification
  8.04 Annual Privacy Policy Notification
  8.05 Regulation S-AM Compliance
  8.06 Re-disclosure and Reuse of Personal Non-Public Information
  8.07 Cybersecurity - Safeguarding Non-Public Information
9.00   Product Review & Other Selling Relationships
  9.01 Designation of Supervisory Responsibility
  9.02 New Product Reviews
  9.03 Ongoing Product Reviews
  9.04 Advertising and Sales Literature Review
  9.05 Master List of Approved Products
  9.06 Dealer Manager Agreements
  9.07 Selected Dealer Agreements
  9.08

Other Agreements & Arrangements 

  9.09 Termination/Cancellation Procedures
10.00   Direct Participation Programs and Real Estate Investment Trusts
  10.01 Key Definitions
  10.02 Organization and Offering (“O & O”) Fees and Operating Expenses
  10.03 Transaction Reporting Requirements
  10.04 Corporate Financing - Underwriting Terms and Arrangements
11.00   Investment Company Securities
  11.01 Suitability and Regulation Best Interest
  11.02 Sales Charges
  11.03 Rule 12b-1 Fees
  11.04 Breakpoint Sales
  11.05 Switching
  11.06 Investment Company Securities Communications
  11.07 Check Handling
  11.08 Redemptions
  11.09 Prospectus Delivery
  11.10 Directed Brokerage

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

12.00   WSP Violation Procedures
  12.01  Policy Violations and Reporting

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Foreword

 

Introduction to CCO Capital, LLC (the “Firm” or “CCOC”)

 

Firm Ownership Structure

 

In February 2018, Cole Capital was acquired by a subsidiary of CIM Group. In connection with the acquisition, Cole Capital Corporation converted to a Delaware limited liability company and changed its name to CCO Capital, LLC. In addition, the Firm’s parent, Cole Capital Advisors, Inc., converted to a Delaware limited liability company and changed its name to CCO Group, LLC.

 

In connection with the acquisition by CIM Group, certain CIM Group Compliance personnel and certain CIM Group sales/marketing personnel engaged in private placement activities focused on CIM-managed products, including marketing these products to CIM Group’s current and prospective institutional clients, have become associated persons of CCOC as needed. These Written Supervisory Procedures have been updated accordingly.

 

A committee comprised of representatives from Compliance, Legal, Accounting, Sales, Finance, and Operations typically meets on a quarterly basis in order to discuss various items that may have an impact on CCOC, including but not limited to the following: periodic regulatory filings; regulatory developments; industry-wide trends; registered personnel training; regulatory inquiries/examinations; internal audits; and other risk related matters that could potentially impact the operations of CCOC. The goal of these meetings is to ensure that relevant senior management personnel are aware of any significant developments and can make well informed decisions regarding the management of CCOC’s operations.

 

Broker-Dealer Registration

 

CCO Capital, LLC is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a broker-dealer, pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Membership in the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) was approved on December 16, 1992, at which time CCOC also became a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).

 

CCOC is currently registered in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

 

Pursuant to CCOC’s FINRA Membership Agreement, CCOC is authorized to engage in the following business activities, including that of real estate syndication; broker selling tax shelters or limited partnerships in primary distributions; private placements of securities; underwriting of public real estate investment trusts on a best efforts basis; mutual fund underwriter or sponsor; mutual fund retailer; underwriter of closed-end funds, interval funds, and business development companies (“BDCs”); and certain limited accommodation sales of closed-end funds, interval funds, BDCs, and real estate investment trusts to certain retail and institutional investors. CCOC shall maintain a minimum net capital as required under SEC Rule 15c 3-l(a)(2)(vi).

 

CCOC does not engage in proprietary trading and does not purchase or sell on a principal or agency basis securities of CCOC or any affiliate.

 

Description of Business Activities

 

CCOC is a limited purpose broker-dealer, the scope of which is generally limited to acting as dealer manager and/or sales agent for real estate products and other investment products issued or operated by affiliates. CCO Group offerings of these securities are offered through either independent third-party broker-dealers (Selected Dealers) pursuant to Selected Dealer Agreements or independent third-party broker-dealer platforms (Platforms), which have entered into other agreements relating to the CCO Group offerings. In limited instances, CCOC may establish and maintain retail customer accounts in connection with the offering of such products on an accommodation basis for those investors that are not customers of a Selected Dealer or Platform. In addition, certain associated persons in the sales and distribution teams are engaged in the sales/marketing of CIM-managed urban real asset private placements to institutions and high net worth individuals.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Purpose of this Written Supervisory Procedure Manual

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 3110(a), CCOC has established and implemented a system to supervise the activities of each registered representative and associated person that is reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws as well as self-regulatory organization (SRO) rules and regulations.

 

Establishing, maintaining, and enforcing written supervisory procedures is a cornerstone of self-regulation within the securities industry. Written supervisory procedures that are reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable rules, and to detect and deter rule violations, enable CCOC to identify and respond to regulatory concerns in a manner that can reduce the risk of disciplinary action. Effective supervisory systems within member firms enhance investor confidence and, in turn, promote the fairness, liquidity, and efficiency of the market for all market participants.

 

Therefore, the construction of this Written Supervisory Procedure Manual (“WSPs”) is designed to comply with the aforementioned rules in addition to general securities industry practices and procedures. The WSPs are intended to provide supervisory and procedural assistance for those who have been assigned a direct supervisory responsibility over other registered representatives.

 

The WSPs are also designed to address conflicts of interest that may arise in your personal dealings and those in which you engage on behalf of the Firm and its Clients. In addition to the WSPs, CCOC will also consider the applicable policies outlined in the CIM Employee Handbook, as well as other CIM policies that address employee conduct in discharging our supervisory responsibilities.

 

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

 

Issuance of the Written Supervisory Procedure Manual

 

All registered personnel of CCOC, upon employment or affiliation, shall receive a current copy of the WSPs and acknowledge in writing that they have reviewed the WSPs and agree to comply with the policies and procedures contained therein. Additionally, all registered personnel are required to certify annually that they have reviewed the WSPs and agree to comply with the policies and procedures contained therein.

 

Manual Updates, Amendments and AML Procedures

 

FINRA Rule 3110(b)(7) provides that each broker-dealer shall amend its written supervisory procedures as appropriate within a reasonable time after changes occur in applicable securities laws and regulations. CCOC’s WSPs will receive periodic updates and amendments as warranted based on material changes and/or amendments to corresponding rules as referenced herein. All updates will be communicated to all associated personnel throughout the organization. Additionally, upon each update to the WSPs, all supervisory personnel are required to attest in writing that they reviewed the WSPs and agree to comply with the policies and procedures contained therein.

 

CCOC shall also review and, if necessary, update the Anti-Money Laundering Procedures (“AML Procedures”) on at least an annual basis. The AML Procedures are designed to achieve and monitor CCOC’s ongoing compliance with the requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the Patriot Act, and the implementing regulations under it, as well as all applicable FINRA rules. Responsible parties are outlined in the AML procedures.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

General Supervision 01.00

 

1.1Written Supervisory Procedures

 

FINRA Rule 3110 requires that each member establish, maintain and enforce written supervisory procedures which are reasonably designed to:

 

Supervise the types of business activities a firm conducts;
Supervise the activities of the associated persons and registered representatives; and
Achieve compliance with all applicable securities laws and regulations.

 

CCOC’s WSPs shall incorporate a supervisory system pursuant to FINRA Rule 3110(a) that includes:

 

Titles;
Registration status;
Location of supervisory personnel;
Responsibility of supervisory personnel related to business activities conducted;
Responsibility of supervisory personnel related to all applicable securities laws and regulations; and
Dates that any designations became effective. (See Exhibit 1 for the List of Supervisory Personnel)

 

CCOC makes an electronic copy of the complete WSPs available for each Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ), branch and non-branch office locations via the Company’s online compliance systems.

 

CCOC updates and/or amends the WSPs within a reasonable period, as necessary. It is the responsibility of the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) or his/her designee to ensure that all changes, amendments, and updates of the WSPs are communicated to all associated personnel throughout the organization. CCOC’s WSPs are made available in hard copy or electronically via the Company’s online compliance system.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO is assigned to review CCOC’s WSPs as needed, or at least annually as part of the annual OSJ review, to ensure that the WSPs adequately cover all required areas as set out in the FINRA Membership Agreement. The CCO shall sign and date the WSPs as evidence of review.

 

1.2Delegation of Responsibilities

 

The CCO is the primary registered principal responsible for the implementation and execution of these WSPs. Unless otherwise noted as a non-delegable duty, the CCO may delegate supervisory functions to properly qualified individuals. This delegation must be documented in writing and maintained with these WSPs.

 

1.3Verification of Qualifications

 

CCOC is responsible for investigating the good character, business repute, qualifications, and experience of any person prior to making such a certification in the application of such person for registration.

 

Where a prospective registered representative has previously been registered with FINRA, CCOC shall obtain from WebCRD or from the applicant a copy of the Uniform Termination Notice of Securities Industry Registration (FINRA Form U5) filed with FINRA by such person’s most recent previous FINRA member employer, together with any amendments thereto. CCOC shall obtain the Form U5 as required by this rule. In addition, CCOC will rely upon a pre-hire background check conducted by Human Resources for all applicants seeking registration with CCOC in accordance with FINRA Rule 3110(e) (See Chapter 2.3 for further details).

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO is assigned to ensure compliance with qualification verification requirements. Where an applicant for registration has previously been registered with FINRA, the CCO or his/her designee shall obtain a copy of the Uniform Termination Notice of Securities Industry Registration (Form U5) filed with FINRA by such person’s most recent previous FINRA member employer, together with any amendments thereto that may have been filed pursuant to Article V, Section 3 of the FINRA’s By-Laws. The Form U5 shall be obtained no later than thirty (30) days following the filing of the application for registration. Copies of any previous Form U5 filings shall be maintained in registered representative personnel files.

 

1.4Branch Offices

 

Each registered representative of the Firm is required to disclose the location where he or she regularly conducts business on behalf of the Firm.

 

The definition of “branch office” is any location where one or more associated persons of the Firm regularly conducts the business of effecting any transactions in, or inducing or attempting to induce the purchase or sale of any security, or is held out as such. There are certain locations that are excluded. The seven exceptions are:

 

1.Any location that is established solely for customer service and/or back office type functions where no sales activities are conducted and that is not held out to the public as a branch office;

 

2.Any location that is the associated person’s primary residence and the location is not held out to the public as an office and the associated person, does not meet with customers at the location, neither customer funds nor securities are handled at that location, the associated person is assigned to a designated branch office, and that designated branch office is reflected on all business cards, stationery, advertisements and other communications to the public;

 

3.Any location, other than a primary residence, that is used for securities business for less than 30 business days in any one calendar year;

 

4.Any office of convenience, where associated persons occasionally and exclusively by appointment meet with customers, which is not held out to the public as an office;

 

5.Any location that is used primarily to engage in non-securities activities and from which the associated person effects no more than 25 securities transactions in any one calendar year; provided that any advertisement or sales literature identifying that location also sets forth the address and telephone number of the location from which the associated person conducting business at the non-branch locations are directly supervised;

 

6.The Floor of a registered national securities exchange where the Firm conducts a direct access business with public customers; or

 

7.A temporary location established in response to the implementation of a business continuity plan.

 

Notwithstanding the exclusions noted above, any location that is responsible for supervising the activities of persons associated with the Firm at one or more non-branch locations is considered to be a branch office.

 

The Firm will file Form BR through CRD for any location that is a branch office under the uniform definition.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

1.5Supervisory Review Procedures and Documentation

 

The CCO or designee will maintain a list of all locations at which individuals transact business on behalf of the Firm, indicating the category for each as (a) Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction, (b) Branch Office, or (c) Exempt from Branch Office Registration. Our CCO or designee will ensure that appropriate Form BR filings are made for all registered branch office locations.

 

Annually, the CCO or designee will review a list of all office locations to determine whether any of the currently exempt locations have begun to function in such a manner to require registration. The CCO or designee will maintain documentation of the reviews.

 

1.6Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction

 

“Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction” means any office of the Firm where one or more of the following functions take place: order execution or market making; structuring of public offerings or private placements; maintaining custody of customers’ funds or securities; final acceptance (approval) of new accounts on behalf of the Firm; review and endorsement of customer orders; final approval of retail communications for use by persons associated with the Firm, except for an office that solely conducts final approval of research reports; or responsibility for supervising the activities of persons associated with the Firm at one or more other branch offices of the Firm.

 

The Firm’s supervisory system will provide, at a minimum, for the designation as an office of supervisory jurisdiction (OSJ) each location that meets the definition. The Firm will also designate other OSJs as it determines to be necessary in order to supervise its registered representatives, registered principals, and other associated persons in accordance with the standards set forth, taking into consideration the following factors:

 

a.whether registered persons at the location engage in retail sales or other activities involving regular contact with public customers;
b.whether a substantial number of registered persons conduct securities activities at, or are otherwise supervised from, such location;
c.whether the location is geographically distant from another OSJ of the Firm;
d.whether the Firm’s registered persons are geographically dispersed; and
e.whether the securities activities at such location are diverse and/or complex.

 

1.7Office Inspections

 

CCOC is required to conduct a review of the business activities of all OSJs on an annual basis. The review is to be reasonably designed and conducted for the purposes of assisting designated personnel in maintaining compliance, and detecting and preventing potential violations of applicable securities rules and CCOC policies. CCOC shall preserve records and evidence of the date(s) upon which each review and inspection was conducted.

 

Under FINRA Rule 3110, the Firm will conduct a review, at least annually, on a calendar-year basis, of the businesses in which it engages. The review shall be reasonably designed to assist the Firm in detecting and preventing violations of, and achieving compliance with, applicable securities laws and regulations, and with applicable FINRA rules. The Firm will review the activities of each office, which shall include the periodic examination of customer accounts to detect and prevent irregularities or abuses. The Firm will also retain a written record of the date upon which each review and inspection is conducted.

 

The Firm will inspect at least annually, on a calendar-year basis, every OSJ and any branch office that supervises one or more non-branch locations. The Firm will inspect at least every three years every branch office that does not supervise one or more non-branch locations.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

In establishing the inspection schedule for non-branch locations, the Firm shall consider the nature and complexity of the securities activities for which the location is responsible and the nature and extent of contact with customers. The Firm will inspect at least every five years every non-branch location or more frequent if need be based on nature of the individual’s business.

 

Please note: During the 2020 and 2021 calendar years CCOC conducted office inspections remotely due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. These inspections will be conducted using the same inspection template that would have been in place for in-person inspections as the risks associated with CCOC’s business model were not materially impacted due to the pandemic. Personnel conducting the exams will leverage the capabilities in Microsoft Teams including video, to conduct the exams. Individuals in the branches will be required to show examiners the branch and certain records. The identification and prioritization of exams will not deviate from previous years, due to the nature of CCO Capital’s business, which is primarily wholesaling to financial intermediaries. All sales activities, and books and records are tracked centrally and electronically. All records of inspections conducted remotely will indicate that it was completed in such a manner. In the event that an inspection identified the need for additional supervisory controls or an increased frequency of monitoring CCOC will maintain a record of such requirements.

 

Written Reports

 

Each office inspection and review will be reduced to a written report and kept on file for a minimum of three years. If the Firm decides to make the inspection schedule for non-branch locations longer than a three-year cycle, each corresponding report must be kept on file at least until the next inspection report has been written.

 

If applicable to the location being inspected, that location’s written inspection report will include, without limitation, the testing and verification of the Firm’s policies and procedures, including supervisory policies and procedures in the following areas:

 

a)safeguarding of customer funds and securities;

 

b)maintaining books and records;

 

c)supervision of supervisory personnel;

 

d)transmittals of funds (e.g., wires or checks, etc.) or securities from customers to third party accounts; from customer accounts to outside entities (e.g., banks, investment companies, etc.); from customer accounts to locations other than a customer’s primary residence (e.g., post office box, “in care of” accounts, alternate address, etc.); and between customers and registered representatives, including the hand-delivery of checks; and

 

e)changes of customer account information, including address and investment objectives changes and validation of such changes.

 

The review procedures required will include a means or method of customer confirmation, notification, or follow-up that can be documented. The Firm will use reasonable risk-based criteria to determine the authenticity of the transmittal instructions if applicable.

 

The Firm is not required to conduct detailed reviews of each transaction if the Firm is using a reasonably designed risk-based review system that provides the Firm with sufficient information that permits the Firm to focus on the areas that pose the greatest risks of violation.

 

Individuals Restricted from Conducting Branch Office Reviews

 

Regardless of “type” of branch, office inspections have the following restrictions regarding who may or may not conduct an office inspection:

 

a.A branch office manager may not conduct a review of the office he or she manages;

 

b.Any person within a branch who has any supervising responsibilities relating to the branch may not conduct a review of that branch; and
   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

c.Any individual directly or indirectly supervised by (a) or (b) above may not conduct the branch inspection for the office in which (a) or (b) above are housed.

 

Individuals utilized to undertake these office inspections need not be registered principals, as long as they meet the above criteria.

 

Heightened Inspection Requirements

 

FINRA Rule 3110 requires us to have procedures in place that are reasonably designed to provide heightened office inspections if deemed necessary due to identified conflicts of interest, prior disciplinary history or any other factor that may warrant extra supervision. The CCO, in partnership with Senior Management, will at all times maintain a list of all branch locations which fall under the “heightened inspection” category.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO, and his/her designee(s), is assigned to conduct an internal review of the Home Office OSJ and any branch or non-branch locations. All reports referencing internal inspections and/or reviews shall be properly documented as evidence of review and maintained in the books and records of CCOC.

 

The CCO will establish a schedule for the inspection of branch and non-branch offices as well as policies and procedures related to inspections. This inspection schedule as well as CCOC’s inspection policies and procedures are contained in CCOC’s Branch Office Inspection Manual.

 

Regarding heightened supervision, the CCO will create any necessary “heightened supervision” procedures and policies when and if applicable.

 

1.8Supervision of Transactions (Regulation Best Interest)

 

CCOC is acting primarily as dealer manager and/or sales agent for its issuer affiliates but may maintain customer relationships or customer accounts of publicly registered non-traded, listed and Private Placement investments, generally on an accommodation basis. Each of these offering types carry certain suitability standards for the investors.

 

General Suitability Requirements and Background

 

FINRA Rule 2111 requires CCOC and associated persons to determine that all recommendations of securities and investment strategies involving a security or securities are suitable for a particular customer based on the customer’s investment profile. Under FINRA’s rules, in all relationships with customers and others, CCOC and associated persons have a fundamental responsibility for fair dealing. The suitability rule is fundamental to fair dealing and is intended to promote ethical sales practices and high standards of professional conduct.

 

FINRA suitability Rule 2111 provides three main suitability obligations: (1) reasonable basis suitability; (2) customer specific suitability; and (3) quantitative suitability. In order to comply with the rule, CCOC has established requirements seeking to satisfy all three elements with respect to each recommendation of a security or investment strategy involving a security.

 

The following sections specify what CCOC, registered representatives and designated principals should do to comply with each of them.

 

Reasonable basis product suitability: The reasonable-basis obligation requires that CCOC performs reasonable diligence to: (1) understand the nature, and potential risks and rewards associated with the recommended security or investment strategy involving a security or securities; and (2) determine whether the recommendation is suitable for at least some investors based on the reasonable diligence.
Customer specific suitability: The customer-specific obligation requires that a CCOC or any associated person who makes a recommendation have a reasonable basis to believe that the recommendation is suitable for a particular customer based on representations made by the customer. No particular facts define suitability, but balancing of information provided from the customer with the nature and risks associated with the security or strategy can provide support for a CCOC and associated person’s opinion that the recommendation is suitable.
   

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Quantitative suitability: The quantitative suitability obligation requires a CCOC and the registered representative identified as the broker of record for a customer account, to have a reasonable basis for believing that a series of recommended transactions, even if suitable when viewed in isolation, are not excessive or unsuitable for the customer when taken together in light of representations made by the customer, as delineated in Rule 2111(a). No single test defines excessive activity, but factors such as the use of margin, turnover rate, the cost-equity ratio, hold periods, and the use of in-and-out trading in a customer’s account, if applicable, may provide a basis for a finding that a CCOC or associated person has violated the quantitative suitability obligation.

 

FINRA Rule 2111 will not apply to recommendations subject to SEC’s Regulation Best Interest rule.

 

Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS Rules

 

On June 5, 2019, the SEC adopted Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Reg BI establishes a “best interest” standard of conduct for broker-dealers and associated persons when they make a recommendation to a retail customer* of any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities, including recommendations of types of accounts. Reg BI took effect June 30, 2020 and is comprised of four component obligations: (1) a Care Obligation, (2) a Disclosure Obligation, (3) a Conflict of Interest Obligation, and (4) a Compliance Obligation as outlined below. Reg BI applies in lieu of FINRA Rule 2111 to securities transaction and investment strategy recommendations made to retail customers. The SEC also adopted the Form CRS Rules (specific lay Rule 17a-14) requiring the delivery of a two-page relationship summary document to retail investors** at or before opening an account, making a recommendation or effecting an order for the retail investor.

 

*For purposes of Reg BI:

 

The term “retail customer” is defined in paragraph (b)(1) of Reg BI as a natural person, or the legal representative of such natural person, who (i) receives a recommendation of any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities from a broker-dealer or associated person; and (ii) uses the recommendation primarily for personal, family or household purposes.

 

**For purposes of the Form CRS rules:

 

The term “retail investor” is defined in paragraph (e)(2) of Rule 17a-14 as a natural person, or legal representative of a natural person, who seeks to receive or receives services primarily for personal, family or household purposes.

 

Care Obligation: The Care Obligation requires CCOC registered persons, when making a recommendation to a retail customer, to exercise reasonable diligence, care and skill. In general, CCOC representatives should consider the following as part of their Duty of Care:

 

A. to understand the potential risks, rewards and costs associated with the recommendation, and to have a reasonable basis to believe that the recommendation could be in the best interest of at least some retail customers (“Reasonable Basis Component”);

B. to have a reasonable basis to believe that the recommendation is in the best interest of a particular retail customer based on that retail customer’s investment profile and the potential risks, rewards and costs associated with the recommendation, and that it does not place the financial or other interest of the broker-dealer or the associated person ahead of the retail customer’s interest (“Customer-Specific Component”); and

C. to have a reasonable basis to believe that a series of recommended transactions, even if in the retail customer’s best interest when viewed in isolation, is not excessive and is in the retail customer’s best interest when viewed in light of the retail customer’s investment profile, and that it does not place the financial or other interest of the broker-dealer or the associated person making the series of recommendations ahead of the retail customer’s interest (“Series Transaction Component”).

   

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In order for CCOC registered representatives to document their Duty of Care obligation, CCOC representatives must complete the Reg BI suitability disclosure within Salesforce. This form will require the representative to describe the rationale behind the recommendation and attest to the fact that a recommendation was made after considering an investor’s investment profile, investment needs, the potential risk and rewards, and associated expenses with each transaction. Additional rationale will also have to be provided for legacy investors investing in a different strategy. This disclosure must be completed during the investor’s commitment process and will be reviewed by a supervising Principal for adherence to these procedures.

 

Disclosure Obligation:

 

The Disclosure obligation requires CCOC to provide to retail customers, prior to or at the time of a recommendation, in writing, full and fair disclosure of all material facts related to the scope and terms of the relationship with the retail customer, and all material facts relating to conflicts of interest that are associated with the recommendation.

 

At a minimum, the material facts related to the scope and terms of the relationship with the retail customer include:

 

A. the broker-dealer or such natural person is acting as a broker-dealer or an associated person of a broker-dealer with respect to the recommendation;

B. the material fees and costs that apply to the retail customer’s transactions, holdings and accounts; and

C. the type and scope of the services provided to the retail customer, including any material limitations on the securities or investment strategies that may be recommended to the retail customer.

 

In accordance with the Form CRS Rules, the Firm has created a two-page Customer Relationship Summary (Form CRS) document written in plain English. The form will be filed with FINRA and made available on FINRA BrokerCheck. The form will be provided to all new customers prior to or at the time of account opening. The form will be reviewed on an annual basis and updated as required.

 

Form CRS is intended to inform retail investors about:

 

• The relationships and services CCOC offers to retail investors, including statements regarding account monitoring and investment authority.

• CCOC’s fees and costs, including disclosures about the principal fees and costs that retail investors will incur, other fees and costs related to services and investments that retail investors will pay directly or indirectly, and examples of the categories of the most common fees and costs applicable to the firm’s retail investors.

• The manner in which CCOC’s financial professionals are compensated, including cash and non-cash compensation, and the conflicts of interest those payments create.

• How CCOC describes its conflicts of interest, including incentives related to proprietary products, third-party payments, revenue sharing, and principal trading.

• Whether CCOC accurately discloses if the firm or its financial professionals have legal or disciplinary history

 

An additional Regulation Best Interest disclosure document, if applicable, will also be provided prior to or at the time of account opening.

 

The Disclosure Obligation requires CCOC to update its Reg BI Disclosure when previously provided disclosures become materially inaccurate or when new material information becomes available. Although Reg BI does not prescribe an explicit time frame in which required updates must be made, the SEC release adopting Reg BI encourages broker-dealers to update their disclosures to reflect material changes or inaccuracies as soon as practicable, which generally should be no later than 30 days after the material change occurs. The New Product Committee and Compliance Oversight Committee will also take part in these reviews.

   

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Conflicts of Interest Obligation: The CCO and his or her designee will continue to monitor potential conflicts of interest on a periodic basis no less than annually. The New Product Committee and Compliance Oversight Committee will also take part in these reviews.

 

Overall the Firm will establish, maintain and enforces policies and procedures that:

 

1. Identify, and at a minimum, disclose or eliminate all conflicts of interest related to the recommendation;

2. Identify and mitigate conflicts that create an incentive for the broker to make recommendations that place the firm’s interests ahead of the customer;

3. Identify and disclose material limitations placed on the investment product or strategy and any conflicts associated with such limitations;

4. Prevent these limitations from causing the broker to make recommendations that place the firm’s interests ahead of the customer; and

5. Identify and eliminate sales contests, sales quotas, bonuses, etc. that are based on:

a. A specific product; or

b. Types of securities within a limited period of time

 

Compliance Obligation: Generally speaking, these written supervisory procedures will serve as our guide for ensuring ongoing compliance with Reg BI. The continuous review of the Firm’s trade blotter will also aid our supervision efforts and ensure that the Firm’s policies are being enforced and a training program will be designed and provided to all licensed and associated personnel.

 

Training Program: Regulation Best Interest training will be provided as needed as well as during the Firm’s annual Firm Element and ACM training modules. All licensed and associated persons and other select individuals as deemed necessary, will receive training, that provides a general overview of Reg BI, what to consider when making recommendations, what to discuss with clients, and how to process business going forward. It will also focus on understanding all of the Firm’s public and private offerings in order to make recommendations going forward that are in the best interests of the client.

 

Implementation Strategy:

The CCO and his or her designee will ensure ongoing compliance with Regulation BI. These efforts include but are not limited to: updating the Firm’s policies and procedures, training staff and new hires, disseminating Form CRS, mitigating conflicts of interest on an ongoing basis, and reviewing the information captured during the account opening process and/or when new transactions are completed to ensure adherence to all aspects of Regulation BI. Additionally, the CCO and his or her designee will coordinate regular meetings with the appropriate parties to identify changes in the Firm’s offerings and practices that may warrant updates to the disclosure obligation.

 

Recommendations of Securities or Investment Strategies involving Securities

 

The obligations under Regulation Best Interest and FINRA Rule 2111, as applicable, apply to every recommended investment transaction or investment strategy involving a security or securities. FINRA has emphasized that “recommendation” is to be interpreted broadly and includes any explicit recommendation to buy, sell, or hold a security or securities, even if the customer or prospective customer does not implement the recommendation. As such, written documentation of all recommendations made to a customer, while not an absolute requirement, is strongly encouraged.

 

Rule 2111 explicitly states that the term “strategy” should be interpreted broadly. The suitability obligation applies to a recommended investment strategy regardless of whether the recommendation results in a securities transaction or even references a specific security or securities. For example, the term “strategy” encompasses an explicit recommendation to hold a security. As such, written documentation of all strategy recommendations made to a customer, while not an absolute requirement, is strongly encouraged. FINRA has indicated that a recommendation that a customer generally invest in “equity” or “fixed income” securities is not an investment strategy covered by FINRA Rule 2111, unless it is part of an asset allocation plan that is not eligible for the exclusion and safe-harbor provision included in Rule 2111.03 for educational materials.

   

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However, it applies to recommendations to invest in more specific types of securities.

 

The SEC has referred to FINRA guidance on recommendations and investment strategies for purposes of complying with Regulation Best Interest, but also considers investment strategy recommendations to include account and rollover recommendations.

 

All investment recommendations made to a client who is a “retail customer” as defined in Regulation Best Interest must comply with that rule’s best interest requirements, and all investment recommendations made to a client who is not a “retail customer” as so defined must comply with FINRA Rule 2111’s suitability obligation. Both Regulation Best Interest and FINRA Rule 2111 require a broker-dealer to ascertain a customer’s investment profile and to base the recommendations on information acquired from the customer.

 

FINRA Rule 2090 is known as the “Know Your Customer” rule. To know your customer, broker-dealers and their registered personnel must learn, and retain, essential facts relevant to every order, every customer and every account opened or serviced.

 

In the event that any CCOC registered representative makes a recommendation with regard to securities, the Firm has adopted the following procedures in order to ensure compliance with Regulation Best Interest and FINRA Rule 2111 obligations.

 

Institutional Customers

 

To fulfill the customer-specific suitability obligation under FINRA Rule 2111 for an institutional account, as defined in FINRA Rule 3110(c)(4), the registered representative must: (1) have a reasonable basis to believe that the institutional customer is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to the particular transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities the registered representative is recommending, and (2) the institutional customer must affirmatively indicate, in a form required by CCOC, that it is exercising independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations. (In FINRA Rule 3110 (c)(4), an institutional customer is defined as a bank, savings & loan, insurance company or registered investment company, a registered investment adviser, or any other person with assets of a least $50 million.)

 

If an institutional customer has delegated decision making authority to an agent, such as an investment adviser or a bank trust department, these factors will be applied to the agent. The registered representative must document compliance with the foregoing suitability determination process in the customer file.

 

Designated Supervising Principal

 

Our designated supervising principals will oversee the suitability requirements and documentation relating to recommended (i.e., solicited) transactions by those individuals under their immediate supervision.

 

Our CCO is responsible for implementing appropriate oversight, including reviews, training, ad hoc reports, audits, onsite visits, etc., reasonably designed to ensure that all investment recommendations are suitable. We will maintain documentation of this oversight in the Firm’s Books and Records

 

Supervisory Review Procedures and Documentation

 

Registered representatives whose role may allow for them to make recommendations, are advised of what is considered a recommended (i.e., solicited) transaction, and that the client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, financial resources and level of sophistication and knowledge about financial matters and securities markets must be clearly understood by the registered representative servicing the account. Income, age, employment status, and occupation should all be considered and discussed with the client when determining investment objectives and making appropriate recommendations. This information should be captured in the appropriate new account form for any new direct relationship with the Broker Dealer if the investor wants to proceed.

 

If at any time a customer wants to undertake a transaction that a registered representative considers unsuitable, the registered Representative must discuss the investment with his/her supervising principal and Compliance.

   

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Supervising principals and the other principals responsible for approving new accounts and daily transactions are also given appropriate training and instructions regarding when a new account or a specific transaction should not be approved before going back to the representative for further information or clarification.

 

A supervising principal may not approve new account forms and therefore, the first transaction may not be undertaken, unless the principal determines the degree of investment knowledge is adequate, and investment objectives have been obtained. If the supervising principal determines that the recommended transaction is appropriate, he/she will approve the transaction evidencing such by his/her name or initials or electronic approval on the new account form.

 

NOTE: Under no circumstances may a supervising principal accept an account and/or recommendation for a customer where the supervising principal is the one making the recommendation. In these cases, a member of the Compliance department must review and approve the account and/or transaction accordingly.

 

If CCOC becomes aware that there has been a potentially unsuitable recommendation, the client/prospect may be contacted to discuss the particular recommendation and why the transaction may be viewed as not suitable based on their investment needs. The registered individual involved will also meet to discuss the unsuitability of the recommendation and give the registered representative an opportunity to discuss his/her rationale in recommending the transaction. Documentation of all such activities, including corrective measures and disciplinary actions taken, if any, will be maintained.

 

1.9REIT/Private Placement Supervision

 

CCOC has implemented these WSPs to help assure that each investment in a registered REIT or a private placement is offered, recommended and sold by CCOC registered representatives in compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations and FINRA rules.

 

Definitions

 

In these WSPs, the investments include the following types of unlisted, non-traded investment products:

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) registered with the SEC
Private Placements 506(b) including those qualifying for 3(c)(1), 3(c)(7) & 3(c)(5)(C) exemptions under the 1940 Act
Non-traded Preferred Shares of a Public REIT

 

General Requirements for Registered Representatives Offering these Investments

 

Prior to offering, recommending or selling Investments, registered representatives must fulfill the following requirements:

 

Have all necessary representative registrations. There are specific registration requirements for certain types of Investments. For example, REITs require a Series 7 or Series 6 and 62 registrations.

 

General Requirements for Designated Principals Supervising Registered Representatives Offering these Investments

 

Designated Principals that supervise registered representatives who sell these investments must have the appropriate principal registration and meet at least the same requirements as registered representatives whom they supervise. This includes obtaining any necessary representative registrations and completing testing and training that CCOC requires.

 

Registered REIT Supervision

 

Current minimum suitability standards for registered non-exchange traded REITs offered by affiliated issuer are as follows:

   

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An investment in registered non-traded REITs involves significant risk and is only suitable for persons who have adequate financial means, desire a relatively long-term investment and who will not need short-term liquidity from their investment. Persons who meet this standard and seek to diversify their personal portfolios with a, real estate-based investment, preserve capital, obtain the benefits of potential capital appreciation over the anticipated life of the fund, and who are able to hold their investment for a time period consistent with any liquidity plans are most likely to benefit from an investment in these products. Investors should not consider an investment in these products if they require short-term liquidity or guaranteed income or seek a short-term investment.

 

In consideration of these factors, suitability standards for initial stockholders and subsequent transferees are as follows:

 

A net worth (excluding the value of an investor’s home, furnishings and automobiles) of at least $250,000; or

 

A gross annual income of at least $70,000 and a net worth (excluding the value of an investor’s home, furnishings and automobiles) of at least $70,000.

 

In addition to the suitability requirements set forth above, certain states have established additional suitability standards. Shares should be sold only to investors in these states who meet the suitability standards set forth above along with the special suitability standards established by certain states.

 

Private Placement Offerings: Definition and Requirements

 

Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”) exempts “transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering” from the provisions and requirements of the Act (often referred to as a “private offering” or “private placement”). The rules that comprise SEC Regulation D provide “safe harbors” for issuers distributing securities in a private offering. Compliance with the terms and conditions of Regulation D ensures that an offering will be deemed private. When distributing securities in a private offering it is prudent for issuers and broker-dealers to rely on and adhere to one of the “safe harbor” rules, such as Regulation D, because the penalties for offering and selling unregistered securities that do not qualify for an exemption from registration are severe.

 

Historically, Rule 506(b) of Regulation D has been the most widely used exemption for limited offerings. Rule 506(b) offerings are sold primarily to accredited investors, with no more than 35 non-accredited purchasers allowed. Such sales are subject to a prohibition on general solicitation or general advertising. This is to assure the securities are not offered to the general public. In addition, Rule 506(b) limits the dollar amount of some or all offerings.

 

The SEC adopted new Rule 506(c) in 2013 pursuant to the Jobs Act. Issuers can rely on Rule 506(c) under the following conditions:

 

all purchasers are accredited investors;
the issuer takes reasonable steps to verify that the purchasers of the securities are accredited investors; and
the offering meets other Regulation D conditions, including new bad actor provisions which disqualify certain firms and persons from being involved in Rule 506(c) offerings.

 

Criteria for Accredited Investor Status

 

Rule 501 of Regulation D defines an “accredited investor” as any person who falls within the following categories:

 

1.a bank, insurance company, registered investment company, business development company, or small business investment company;

 

2.an employee benefit plan, within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, if a bank, insurance company, or registered investment adviser makes the investment decisions, or if the plan has total assets in excess of $5 million;

 

3.a charitable organization, corporation, or partnership with assets exceeding $5 million;
   

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4.a director, executive officer, or general partner of the company selling the securities;

 

5.a business in which all the equity owners are accredited investors;

 

6.a natural person who has individual net worth, or joint net worth with the person’s spouse, that exceeds $1 million at the time of the purchase, excluding the value of the primary residence of such person;

 

7.a natural person with income exceeding $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with a spouse exceeding $300,000 for those years and a reasonable expectation of the same income level in the current year; or

 

8.a trust with assets in excess of $5 million, not formed to acquire the securities.

 

9.a natural person with a professional certification, designation or credentials issued by an accredited educational institution (licensed securities professional, IAR);

 

10.“knowledgeable employees” of a private fund;

 

11.spouses pooling finances to qualify as “spousal equivalents”;

 

12.LLCs with at least $5 million in assets as well as SEC and state registered investment advisors, exempt reporting advisers and RBICs;

 

13.family offices with at least $5 million in AUM and their family clients; or

 

14.any entity that owns investments in excess of $5 million not formed for the purposes of investing in securities.

 

Before recommending a private placement subject to Regulation D to a customer, the registered representative must obtain enough information and documentation about a prospective purchaser of the security to determine whether the customer can be considered an accredited investor.

 

Private Placement Customer-Specific Suitability and Best Interest Requirements

 

In offering to a customer the purchase, sale or exchange of any private placement investment, registered representatives must have reasonable grounds for believing that the recommendation is suitable for such customer (in the case of non-Retail customers) or in the best interest of such customer (in the case of Retail customers) upon the basis of the facts, if any, disclosed by such customer as to his or her other security holdings and as to his financial situation and needs, among other criteria. While clients may be generally asked about their potential desire for a private placement, no discussion of any particular fund may be undertaken unless the registered representative has reason to believe the customer will meet the respective offering’s expressed suitability standards.

 

The Firm will offer private placements primarily to institutional customers (i.e., non-Retail customers) but may also offer such private placements to high net worth individuals who are Retail customers. Individual investors are required to meet the definition of “accredited investor or if unaccredited then the investor is sophisticated and the investment is deemed suitable.” The Firm will rely on the purchaser’s self-accreditation by demanding completion of the investor questionnaire or similar suitability form, on which the purchaser makes certain representations about his financial status.

 

Prior to the execution of a transaction by a non-institutional customer, registered representatives of CCOC shall make reasonable efforts to obtain, or shall confirm that the fund manager has made reasonable efforts to obtain, the following information:

 

Completed “Investor Questionnaire” or similar form used in conjunction with subscription documents;
The customer’s financial, and, if available, tax status;
The customer’s investment objectives;
Regulation D suitability;
Compliance with Regulation D limitation of manner of sale; and
Such other information used or considered to be reasonable by the Firm or fund manager in making recommendations to the customer.
   

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The transaction will also be reviewed under applicable suitability or best interest requirements (depending on whether the non-institutional customer is a retail customer and whether a recommendation was made) with reference to the client’s investment objective, the clients’ financial status, prior investment experience, and degree of financial sophistication.

 

Regarding institutional clients, the Firm will gather, or will ensure that the fund manager has gathered, all appropriate corporate documents, including authorizations and resolutions, necessary to meet respective offering requirements and to validate the institution’s authority to make the desired investments. No investments will be accepted by institutional customers without the receipt of these corporate documents and completed subscription documents.

 

Regarding offshore investors, the customer identification standards, as described in the Firm’s Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program, must be met.

 

The designated Principal must approve, and provide written evidence thereof, for each subscriber prior to his or her investment in private placement offerings.

 

Reasonable-Basis Suitability and Best Interest Requirements

 

Under reasonable-basis suitability and best interest requirements, when the firm recommends private placements, directly or indirectly, it must have a belief that the product is suitable for some investors and/or in the best interest for some retail customers. The Firm can responsibly discharge this requirement by conducting due diligence (as described above) with respect to the private placement, or in the case of a fund of private placements, with respect to the underlying private placements or the portfolio manager selecting the underlying private placements. Due diligence is especially important for private placements because, as noted above, many private placements are not registered as investment companies and are offered though unregistered private placements. The firm therefore has a heightened responsibility to investigate the private placements and funds of private placements that it recommends to customers. Performance of substantial due diligence into a private placement before making any recommendation to a customer, includes, but is not limited to:

 

an investigation of the background of the private placement manager;
reviewing the offering memorandum;
reviewing the subscription agreements;
examining references;
and examining the relative performance of the fund.

 

Investor Representations and Warranties

 

As a general investor suitability standard, it will be the policy of the Firm to ensure that fund managers require that prospective subscribers for private placement investments make certain written representations and warranties that may include, but not be limited to, the following: (i) the subscriber is acquiring the investment for the subscriber’s own account, for investment only, and not with a view toward the resale or distribution thereof; (ii) the subscriber possesses sufficient knowledge of business, finance, securities and investments, and sufficient experience and skill in investments based on actual participation, to evaluate the risks and merits of an investment in the investment; (iii) the subscriber has no need for liquidity with respect to this investment; and (iv) the subscriber’s investment will not exceed any required limit of the subscriber’s net worth (or joint net worth with the subscriber’s spouse).

 

Each prospective purchaser of a private placement investment will be required to make certain representations and supply information in order to establish its, his or her qualification under applicable suitability and best interest standards. The standards referred to above, however, represent minimum requirements for a prospective purchaser, and the satisfaction of such standards by a prospective purchaser does not necessarily mean that the purchase is a suitable investment for the purchaser or in the purchaser’s best interest. Accordingly, each prospective purchaser will be advised that they must rely on his or her own judgment and advisors in making a decision to invest.

   

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Required Documentation and Disclosure

 

The Firm must ascertain that the promotion of private placements must be balanced by a fair presentation of the risks and potential disadvantages of private placement investing. For example, registered representatives may not claim that private placements offer superior professional management with more investment flexibility, protection against declining markets, and better returns due to the imposition of performance fees (e.g., fees charged by the private placement adviser based on the fund’s investment performance), unless these statements are fair, accurate, and without exaggeration. In addition, the Firm must balance sales material or oral presentations that promote the advantages of private placement investing with full disclosure of the risks that private placements present.

 

In offering interests in private placements, the Firm will provide (or will confirm that the fund manager provides) potential investors with offering memorandums, which make extensive disclosures regarding the nature, character and risk factors relating to each offering. Registered representatives must convey, for instance, the specific risks associated with investments in private placements, such as: Unregistered investments — private placements and the underlying private placements in “funds of funds” are unregistered securities and are therefore not subject to normal investor protections;

 

Risky investment strategies — private placements often use speculative investment and trading strategies, increasing the risk of loss of investment;

 

High fees and expenses — fees such as management, placement and performance fees may have a greater than average effect on investment returns;

 

Lack of liquidity — both registered and unregistered private placements are illiquid investments, subject to restrictions on transferability and resale, and are not subject to specific pricing rules; and

 

Adverse Tax Consequences — in the case of registered funds of funds, the tax structure may be complex and may result in delays of necessary filing information;

 

Are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors.

 

Although not subject to the pre-registration requirements of public offerings, these offerings are subject to federal and state “anti-fraud” laws and regulations giving investors the right to claim damages and rescission in the event of false or misleading statements or omissions. The designated Principal will make every effort to ensure that the offering memorandums used in its offerings do not contain materially misleading disclosures.

 

Additional required documents include the following:

 

Subscription Documents are required to be completed by potential investors and include investor representations and warranties and suitability information. The fund managers will not accept subscriptions without the receipt and approval by the fund manager of completed subscription documents. Subscription documents will normally be accompanied by an “Investor Questionnaire” or similar suitability form used to qualify the investor.

 

Disclosure Documents are required to be distributed to offerees. This document discloses and describes the compensation paid to the Firm in exchange for its solicitation of the interests. This is usually included in the Offering Memorandum.

 

During the offering, any supplementary or corrective material necessary to update the offering materials will be provided to potential investors. The designated Principal shall verify that all such amendments have been sent to offerees and that the files are accurate and complete.

 

The records for each private placement in which the member participates, as well as evidence of review and approval of the private placement and the documents related to it, will be kept at the appropriate OSJ office of the broker-dealer and maintained in the files pursuant to SEC Rule 17a-4.

   

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1.10Review of Third-Party Registered Representative Purchasers

 

For individuals that may be opening a customer account with CCOC, we will inquire on an investor questionnaire or similar suitability form whether such individuals are a FINRA employee or person associated with a broker/dealer or municipal securities dealer; and if so, will notify FINRA, the broker-dealer or the municipal securities dealer accordingly under FINRA Rule 3210 (which superseded NYSE Rule 407).

 

1.11Customer Trade Confirmations and Disclosures

 

The CCO shall ensure that, to the extent applicable, at or before the completion of any transaction in any security effected for or with an account of a customer, such customer will be provided with written notification (“confirmation”) in conformity with the requirements of SEA Rule 10b-10.

 

1.12Payment for Order Flow Disclosure Requirements

 

Not applicable now. CCOC does not receive or pay for order flow. In the event CCOC determines to engage in this activity, procedures shall be implemented to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

 

1.13Clearing Agreements

 

CCOC has entered into a clearing agreement with RBC Correspondent Services exclusively for the purpose of settling transactions in unlisted Series A Preferred Shares of CIM Commercial Trust Corp. (CMCT) and will assure compliance with those requirements detailed in FINRA Rule 4311.

 

1.14Review of Internal Reports

 

As a result of wholesaling activities, some registered personnel of CCOC will receive compensation related to Selling Dealer sales of CIM operated programs.

 

The CCO or his/her designee is responsible for reviewing prepared exception reports, to the extent they are created and may be applicable, as part of the routine supervision of CCOC and its activities.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to review any prepared exception reports upon creation. Each exception report shall be reviewed and initialed as evidence of review. The CCO or his/her designee shall meet with representatives from Operations, Sales, Accounting and Legal on a regular basis to review investor activity.

 

1.15Reserve Formula Exemptions

 

Checks Received and Forwarded

 

Currently, CCOC does not hold investor funds or safe keep investor securities. As such, based on guidance received from FINRA and the SEC, updated its membership agreement in September 2020 in reliance on footnote 74 to SEC Release 34-70073 in lieu of the 15c3-3(k)(2)(i) exemption previously relied upon by CCOC. In the event that a check is received from an investor related to any offerings operated by CIM, CCOC will promptly forward the check to DST Systems, Inc., or other appropriate the transfer agent for CIM offerings, or if not in good order, back to the investor. The CCO or his/her designee is responsible for ensuring that any such checks are logged and promptly forwarded or returned.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO is assigned to ensure that CCOC is operating under the appropriate Reserve Formula as stipulated in the FINRA Membership Agreement. As such, the CCO or his/her designee will execute procedures designed to reasonably ensure that CCOC refrains from holding customer funds or securities.

 

1.16Fees Charged to Customers

 

Not applicable at this time. Currently, CCOC does not affect transactions for customers. In the event CCOC determines to engage in this activity, procedures shall be implemented to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

 

1.17Customer Complaints

 

CCOC may receive periodic complaints on various issues related to the business practices of CCOC. As such, CCOC has established a policy on the receipt and processing of complaints received by any registered and/or associated person employed by CCOC. In order to prevent and/or reduce future complaints from occurring, it is CCOC’s policy to conduct all business with the observance of “high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.”

 

Definition

 

FINRA recognizes a complaint as “any written statement of a customer or any authorized person acting on behalf of a customer alleging a grievance involving the activities of those persons under the control of the member in connection with the solicitation or execution of any transaction or the disposition of securities or funds of that customer.” FINRA Rule 4530 defines “customer” as any person, other than a broker or dealer, with whom the member has engaged, or has sought to engage, in securities activities and “complaint” includes any written grievance by a customer involving the member or person associated with a member.

 

Receipt and Processing of Complaints

 

It is CCOC’s policy that any written complaint received by anyone who is employed by or associated with CCOC, must be forwarded immediately to the Compliance Department in care of the CCO for review and research.

 

In some instances, CCOC may receive complaints from shareholders alleging a grievance against a registered representative of a Selected Dealer or investment advisor representative (IAR) of an RIA. While these complaints may not be Customer Complaints as defined by FINRA Rule 4530, they will immediately be referred to the CCO for review. If applicable, the CCO will provide a copy of the written or otherwise documented complaint to the Selected Dealer’s or RIA’s compliance department or other designated party. In addition, CCOC may report to FINRA on a quarterly basis certain written complaints or grievances by an in investor that involve the firm, an associated person or a CIM product.

 

A central file of investor complaints, including correspondence and evidence of resolution, shall be maintained in the home office by the Compliance Department.

 

Internal Investigation of Customer Complaints

 

As previously mentioned, CCOC primarily acts as a dealer manager for CIM Group operated offerings of real estate securities, and as such, it is unlikely that a Customer Complaint (as defined by FINRA) would be received by the Firm.

 

In the unlikely event that a Customer Complaint is received by CCOC, the CCO or his/her designee must immediately review any and all relevant supporting documentation involving such allegations to determine the accuracy and facts surrounding each complaint received from an investor. Each complaint must be reviewed to determine if such complaint can be considered an operational issue (such as a late check or dividend, or other minor issue, etc.), or a sales practice issue (such as unauthorized trading, misrepresentation, etc.).

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Once the Customer Complaint is reviewed and a proper conclusion as to the status and merits of each complaint are determined, it shall be the responsibility of the CCO or his/her designee to contact the complainant (either verbally and/or in writing, but at least in writing). It will be CCOC’s goal and objective to attempt to immediately correct any operational issue and resolve any sales practice issue in compliance with federal, state and SRO securities rules and regulations, and within a manner that shall be considered reasonable under normal circumstances by CCOC and the complainant. If such issues cannot be resolved, the CCO will periodically monitor the status of the complaint as to the status and outcome. Any/all existing and follow-up correspondence with the complainant and/or appropriate regulatory agency will be documented and maintained in chronological order in a Customer Complaint file. Additional notifications will be made pursuant to FINRA Rule 4530 and the required standards for filing quarterly customer complaint data and other reportable events.

 

FINRA Rule 4530 Reporting Obligations

 

FINRA Rule 4530 requires the reporting of quarterly customer complaints received by CCOC. The quarterly customer complaint data should contain all written customer complaints received by CCOC or its associated persons during the previous quarter.

 

FINRA Rule 4530(a) requires CCOC to submit an electronic report to FINRA not later than 30 calendar days after knowing or should reasonably have known, of the existence of any of the following:

 

1.If a member firm or associated person of the Firm has been found to have violated any securities-, insurance-, commodities-, financial- or investment-related laws, rules, regulations or standards of conduct of any domestic or foreign regulatory body, self-regulatory organization or business or professional organization;

 

2.If a member firm or associated person of the Firm is the subject of a written customer complaint that alleges theft, misappropriation of funds/securities, or forgery;

 

3.If a member firm or associated person of the Firm is named as a defendant or respondent in any proceeding brought by a domestic or foreign regulatory body or self-regulatory organization alleging the violation of any provision of the Exchange Act, or of any other federal, state or foreign securities, insurance or commodities statute, or of any rule or regulation thereunder, or of any provision of the by-laws, rules or similar governing instruments of any securities, insurance or commodities domestic or foreign regulatory body or self-regulatory organization;

 

4.If a member firm or associated person of the Firm is denied registration or is expelled, enjoined, directed to cease and desist, suspended or otherwise disciplined by any securities, insurance or commodities industry domestic or foreign regulatory body or self-regulatory organization or is denied membership or continued membership in any such self-regulatory organization; or is barred from becoming associated with any member of any such self-regulatory organization;

 

5.If a member firm or associated person of the Firm is a director, controlling stockholder, partner, officer or sole proprietor of, or an associated person with, a broker, dealer, investment company, investment advisor, underwriter or insurance company that was suspended, expelled or had its registration denied or revoked by any domestic or foreign regulatory body, jurisdiction or organization or is associated in such a capacity with a bank, trust company or other financial institution that was convicted of or pleaded no contest to, any felony or misdemeanor in a domestic or foreign court;

 

6.If a member firm or associated person of the Firm is a defendant or respondent in any securities- or commodities-related civil litigation or arbitration, is a defendant or respondent in any financial-related insurance civil litigation or arbitration, or is the subject of any claim for damages by a customer, broker or dealer that relates to the provision of financial services or relates to a financial transaction, and such civil litigation, arbitration or claim for damages has been disposed of by judgment, award or settlement for an amount exceeding $15,000. However, when the member is the defendant or respondent or is the subject of any claim for damages by a customer, broker or dealer, then the reporting to FINRA shall be required only when such judgment, award or settlement is for an amount exceeding $25,000;
   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

7.If a member firm or associated person of the Firm is, or is involved in the sale of any financial instrument, the provision of any investment advice or the financing of any such activities with any person who is, subject to a “statutory disqualification” as that term is defined in the Exchange Act. The report shall include the name of the person subject to the statutory disqualification and details concerning the disqualification; or

 

8.If an associated person of the Firm is the subject of any disciplinary action taken by the Firm involving suspension, termination, the withholding of compensation or of any other remuneration in excess of $2,500, the imposition of fines in excess of $2,500 or is otherwise disciplined in any manner that would have a significant limitation on the individual’s activities on a temporary or permanent basis.

 

FINRA Rule 4530(b) requires CCOC to promptly report to FINRA, but in any event not later than 30 calendar days, after the member has concluded or reasonably should have concluded that an associated person of the member or the member itself has violated any securities-, insurance-, commodities-, financial- or investment-related laws, rules, regulations or standards of conduct of any domestic or foreign regulatory body or self-regulatory organization.

 

Furthermore, CCOC must promptly file with FINRA copies of:

 

1.Any indictment, information or other criminal complaint or plea agreement for conduct reportable under paragraph (a)(5) of this Rule;

 

2.Any complaint in which a member is named as a defendant or respondent in any securities or commodities-related private civil litigation;

 

3.Any securities or commodities-related arbitration claim filed against a member in any forum other than the FINRA Dispute Resolution forum; and

 

4.Any indictment, information or other criminal complaint, any plea agreement, or any private civil complaint or arbitration claim against a person associated with a member that is reportable under question 14 on Form U4, irrespective of any dollar thresholds Form U4 imposes for notification, unless, in the case of an arbitration claim, the claim has been filed in the FINRA Dispute Resolution forum.

 

It is CCOC’s policy that any associated person who is named as a defendant or respondent in a criminal complaint or investment related civil complaints or arbitration claims must immediately forward copies of the complaint or claim to the CCO for review and research.

 

Reporting to Form BD, U4, and U5

 

All member firms or associated persons are required to promptly file, with full disclosure, any necessary amendments to Form BD, Form U4 and Form U5 and all other required filings.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

If and when required, the CCO or his/her designee is assigned to update all required electronic forms to include required disclosure information.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Regulatory Inquiries

 

In the event of a formal or informal inquiry made by any federal, state, self-regulatory organization (SRO) or other regulatory authority, all employees of CCOC will be responsible for forwarding all calls or other requests to the CCO for further review.

 

Inappropriate Activity

 

Supervisors will notify the CCO at any time there is an indication that any associated person at the OSJ or any other location is involved in any activity that is not consistent with fair and equitable practices of trade. This includes, but is not limited to, any evidence of securities manipulation, fraud, inappropriate conduct, sales practice issues, or any other activity that violates any federal, state, statutory, or regulatory law, rule, or regulation.

 

Internal Investigations

 

It is the responsibility of the CCO or his/her designee to promptly report any unusual or suspicious activity on the part of registered representatives and/or associated persons, to the appropriate department or executive management responsible for further review.

 

1.18Annual Review and Update of Executive Representative Contact Information

 

Firms must appoint and certify to FINRA one executive representative to represent, vote, and act on behalf of the broker-dealer in all affairs of FINRA. The executive representative must be a member of senior management and a registered principal of the firm. In addition, the executive representative is required to maintain an Internet electronic e-mail account for communication with FINRA and must update firm contact information.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO, or his/her designee, will ensure that all information concerning the Executive Representative is current and up to date as filed through the FINRA Contact System (FCS). In the event of a material change to key personnel as reflected through FCS, the CCO or his/her designee will ensure that the required disclosures are filed promptly, but in any event not later than 30 days following any change in such information, as well as to review and, if necessary, update the information within 17 business days after the end of each calendar year. In addition, the Firm will comply with any FINRA request for such information promptly, but in any event not later than 15 days following the request, or such longer period that may be agreed to by FINRA staff.

 

1.19Business Continuity Planning and Emergency Contact Information

 

FINRA Rule 4370 requires each member firm to create and maintain a business continuity plan (BCP) and enumerates certain requirements that each plan must address. The Rule further requires members to update their business continuity plans upon any material change and, at a minimum, to conduct an annual review of their plans. Each member also must disclose to its customers how its business continuity plan addresses the possibility of a future significant business disruption and how the member plans to respond to events of varying scope. FINRA Rule 4370 requires members to designate two emergency contact persons and provide this information to FINRA via electronic process. A copy of CCOC’s BCP is maintained by the CCO and his/her designee and appointed BCP Coordinators throughout CCOC and its affiliates.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to review the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to ensure that the BCP, at a minimum, addresses all relevant key elements before approving the Plan. Additionally, the CCO or his/her designee will also conduct a periodic and annual review and testing of the CCOC’s BCP for any required updating in the event of any material changes in its operations, structure, business, and/or location.

 

The CCO, or his/her designee, will ensure that CCOC properly designates two (2) emergency contact persons (primary and secondary) who shall be registered principals and, at least one of whom will be a member of senior management. Each designation shall be reviewed and updated promptly, but in any event not later than 30 days following any change in such information, as well as to review and, if necessary, update the information within 17 business days after the end of each calendar year. In addition, CCOC will comply with any FINRA request for information regarding CCOC’s BCP promptly, but in any event not later than 15 days following the request, or such longer period that may be agreed to by FINRA staff.

 

1.20Securing Records and Information

 

CCOC’s internal security procedures include physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect non-public personal information. Considering the size and scope of CCOC’s activities, appropriate safeguards relating to administrative, technical, and physical safeguards have been implemented. They are designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of records and information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records, and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such records or information which could result in substantial harm or inconvenience. CCOC will evaluate and adjust the program in light of changes in CCOC’s business arrangements or operations.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to ensure that associated persons are notified and properly trained to take basic steps to maintain the security, confidentiality, and integrity of non-public personal information, including:

 

Locking rooms and file cabinets where records are kept;
Using password-activated screensavers or main system access;
Using strong passwords [at least eight characters long];
Changing passwords periodically, and not posting passwords near employees’ computers;
Confirming identify of Selected Dealers and associated persons before discussing any investor information;
Recognizing any fraudulent attempt to obtain investor information and reporting it to management and appropriate law enforcement agencies; and

 

The IT department will provide expertise and assistance to the CCO in completing these requirements.

 

It is CCOC’s responsibility and legal obligation to keep Selected Dealer information secure and confidential. Therefore, CCOC will also limit access to Selected Dealer information to associated persons who have a business reason for seeing it and impose disciplinary measures for any breaches.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

In order to maintain security throughout the lifecycle of Selected Dealer information, the CCO or his/her designee will ensure that CCOC implements the following actions:

 

Store records in a secure area and ensure only authorized associated persons have access to the area. It is our practice to (i) store paper records in a room, cabinet or other container that is locked when unattended; (ii) ensure that storage areas are protected against destruction or potential damage from physical hazards, like fire or floods; (iii) store electronic information on a secure server that is accessible only with a password – or has other security protections – and is kept in a physically-secure area; (iv) designate an employee for the review and distribution of mail; (v) designate an employee to process deposits (normally not applicable); (vi) maintain secure backup media and keep archived data secure by storing off-line or in a physically secure area;
   

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Provide for secure data transmission if we collect or transmit investor information;
Dispose of investor information in a secure manner. It is our practice to: (i) shred or recycle investor information recorded on paper and store it in a secure area until a disposal or recycling service picks it up; (ii) erase all data when disposing of computers, diskettes, magnetic tapes, hard drives or any other electronic media that contains investor information, and effectively destroy the hardware; and
Maintain a close inventory of our computers.

 

Effective security management includes the implementation of effective preventative measures, and prompt detection and resolution of various matters concerning security issues within the Firm.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

To implement appropriate security measures, the CCO or his/her designee will coordinate with CIM Group’s Chief Technology Officer to help ensure that policies and controls are implemented to facilitate the following actions:

 

Maintain up-to-date and appropriate programs and controls by (i) checking with software vendors regularly to obtain and install patches that resolves software vulnerabilities; (ii) using anti-virus software that updates automatically; (iii) post our privacy policy and any other disclosures on our website; (iv) maintaining up-to-date firewalls, using secure browsers and (v) passing along information about any security risks or breaches to employees;
Take steps to preserve the security, confidentiality and integrity of investor information in the event of a computer failure by backing up all necessary data regularly;
Maintain systems and procedures to ensure that access to investor information is granted only to legitimate and valid users. We use tools like passwords combined with personal identifiers to authenticate the identity of investors and others doing business with CCOC electronically; and
Notify investors promptly if their non-public personal information is subject to loss, damage or unauthorized access. CCOC will also make the appropriate notification or referral to the SEC and FTC and state agencies as applicable for instances of suspected identity theft.

 

1.21Outsourcing Activities to Third-Party Service Providers

 

Accountability and Supervisory Responsibility for Outsourced Functions

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 3110, CCOC has designed a supervisory system and corresponding written supervisory procedures that are appropriately tailored to its business structure. As part of its business structure CCOC may outsource covered activities.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC will work with the Vendor Management Committee to select third-party service providers. Upon selection of a third-party service provider to perform one or more functions on behalf of CCOC, the CCO and the Chief Technology Officer will be responsible for overseeing any/all functions that are performed by the service provider as well as directly supervising and monitoring the specific services. The necessary steps to be performed for outsourcing specific tasks include the following:

 

1.Review scope of services to determine whether such third-party services are appropriate for outsourcing and are a value-added service which would ultimately benefit CCOC;
2.Conduct adequate due diligence on each selected third-party service provider to assess skills and competency level required for outsourced task(s);
3.Approve for initial selection and provide ongoing direct supervision and monitoring of the service provider’s work product;
   

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4.Conduct an analysis to determine whether to continue services if meeting and complying with existing terms and conditions/overall stated objectives; or cancel/end services if not meeting stipulated terms and conditions/ overall stated objectives;
5.The CCO will ensure that upon request by a regulatory agency, any work product that is prepared by a third-party service provider in connection with the requested services of CCOC will be made available for inspection; and
6.All relevant and supporting documentation pertaining to the third-party service provider will be maintained in accordance with books and records requirements of SEC Rule 17a-3 & 4.

 

The CCO or his/her designee shall also complete regular reviews of outsourced functions to ensure that any contracted third-party is completing the outsourced function as contracted.

 

Note: Outsourcing certain activities in no way diminishes CCOC’s responsibility for either its performance or its full compliance with all applicable federal securities laws and regulations and FINRA Rules.

 

1.22Safe Harbor for Business Expansions

 

FINRA Rule 1017 (Application for Approval of Change in Ownership, Control, or Business Operations) requires that a member submit an application to FINRA for approval prior to, among other things, making a “material change in business operations,” which is defined in FINRA Rule 1011. IM-1011-1 creates a safe harbor for certain types of expansions that are presumed not to be a “material change in business operations” and therefore do not require FINRA approval. Exceeding the safe harbor does not in itself create a requirement to obtain an exemption from FINRA or file a Continuing Membership Application (“CMA”). Rather, exceeding the safe harbor is a signal to a member firm to complete an internal analysis of the FINRA membership agreement, business activities and net capital requirements to determine whether the increase in registered personnel involved in sales activities is a “material change” in the operations of the firm.

 

In circumstances where the safe harbor is available, expansions are presumed not to be a material change in business operations and therefore do not require a FINRA Rule 1017 application. Expansions are measured on a rolling 12-month basis and members are required to keep records of increases in personnel, offices, and markets to determine whether they are within the safe harbor.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee shall monitor CCOC’s growth and any change in its business in accordance with IM-1011-1. Should CCOC exceed the safe harbor provision, the CCO or his/her designee shall complete an internal analysis of applicable areas to determine whether a FINRA exemption or CMA is required, and if so, obtain such exemption or CMA.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Personnel, Licensing and Registration 02.00

 

2.1Assignment of Designated Supervisors and Registered Personnel

 

Designation of Supervisory Personnel

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 3110(a)(5), CCOC will assign each registered person to at least one supervisor in order to monitor his or her activities with respect to the securities business. When designating such supervisory personnel, CCOC will ensure that supervisors are only responsible for supervising those activities for which they are appropriately qualified. CCOC operates two registered OSJs, one registered branch and certain non- branch locations.

 

Appropriate Registrations for Supervisory Personnel

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 3110(a)(4), CCOC will assign responsibility for supervising an OSJ or a branch office to a person who is appropriately registered to fulfill the supervisory obligations assigned to the office. Therefore, those individuals with ultimate responsibility for supervising each type of business conducted at the office or supervised from the office must be registered as a principal for that type of business.

 

Designation of OSJ Supervisor(s)

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 3110(a)(4), CCOC will assign to each OSJ at least one principal with the authority to carry out the supervisory responsibilities conducted at the OSJ.

 

Designation of Branch Supervisor(s)

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 3110(a)(4), CCOC will assign to each Branch Office (that is not designated as an OSJ) at least one supervisor. In this situation, certain supervisory tasks may be delegated to a registered representative. However, ultimate supervisory responsibility for every registered and unregistered branch office will be assigned to one or more appropriately registered principals.

 

List of Principals/Supervisors

 

CCOC has drafted a master list of supervisory personnel detailing the names and registrations of all designated supervisory personnel. (See Exhibit 1 for the list of Supervisory Personnel)

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to continually monitor all CCOC personnel to ensure that each registered person is assigned at least one designated supervisor.

 

The President of CCOC is assigned to act as the designated overall OSJ supervisor for CCOC’s registered office of supervisory jurisdiction location at 2398 E. Camelback Rd., 4th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85016, and identified branch/non-branch locations. The CCO shall ensure that OSJ and/or branch supervisors are appropriately qualified to supervise the activities conducted or supervised from that OSJ and/or branch office.

 

While it is the responsibility of the President to supervise CCOC’s sales personnel, the President may delegate supervision of registered persons to other properly designated registered principals.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

2.2Registration Requirements

 

All personnel who engage in soliciting, purchasing, selling and/or trading of securities products (to include general securities, fixed income securities, options, commodities, investment company shares, insurance products, private placement, DPPs, etc.) must meet the securities licensing and registration requirements of the federal, state, self-regulatory organization (SRO), and/or other regulatory authority. CCOC strictly prohibits any person who is not properly licensed or registered from engaging in activity requiring certain licenses and/or registration until the required licensing and/or registration are completed.

 

All registered personnel must also be properly registered in each state in which they engage in wholesaling related activities prior to engaging in such activities. Such registrations must be kept current by periodic renewal and, where necessary, by amendment.

 

All designated supervisory principals shall be properly registered and licensed for his/her area of supervision as designated in the supervisory procedures. Such registrations must be kept current by periodic renewal and, where necessary, by amendment.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to continually monitor Form U4, Form BD, and state documentation to ensure that all personnel engaged in sales and/or supervisory activities, has obtained, and continues to maintain in good standing, all required licenses.

 

2.3Association Procedures

 

CCOC has established certain policies and procedures regarding the association process of registered representatives in accordance with FINRA Rule 3110(e). The following information provides a brief description of CCOC’s policies and procedures as they relate to the association process.

 

Interview Process

 

The CCO or his/her designee shall ensure that all potential candidates are thoroughly reviewed (with assistance from Human Resources) to obtain a comprehensive overview of each potential associated person. The review process is designed to effectively address such issues as prior work history and relevant experience, disclosure of any customer complaints and/or regulatory action in connection with a securities business, as well as any pending contractual or other obligations that may be material. In particular, the Human Resources Department utilizes a background check provider to conduct a comprehensive background verification and screening for all employee candidates, which includes the following: social security number trace; criminal county search; multi-state instant criminal check; nationwide Sex Offender Registry check; credit report; DMV driving records; education verification; and employment verification for the two most recent employers. The CCO or his/her designee will obtain confirmation from HR that their background check process was successfully completed for each candidate.

 

Background and Due Diligence Review

 

The CCO or his/her designee shall ensure that an appropriate background review of each potential associated person is completed prior to making an application for registration on behalf of that individual with CCOC. In addition to the background check outlined above, it is CCOC’s policy that any potential registered candidate will be subject to an initial background review using the Central Registration Depository (CRD) system. CCOC will obtain the permission of each registered person by requesting written authorization prior to conducting such a review. The purpose of the background and due diligence review conducted through the CRD system and/or other means shall be to identify the existence of customer complaints, regulatory actions, or any other relevant material in connection with a securities business. In the event that an applicant has been previously registered with a FINRA member firm, the CCO or his/her designee will request a copy of the registered representative’s Form U5 from the applicant’s former employer or the CRD system.

   

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Fingerprints

 

The CCO or his/her designee shall record and maintain fingerprints of all associated persons, including Non-Registered Fingerprint Persons (“NRFs”) on authorized fingerprint cards, as set forth in SEC Rule 17f-2, Fingerprinting of Securities Industry Personnel. CCOC shall obtain a properly completed and imprinted fingerprint card for each registered representative. The CCO or his/her designee shall retain all fingerprint cards for CCOC’s files and submit a fingerprint card to the Attorney General of the United States or its designee for identification and appropriate processing. Certain exemptions to this requirement apply under SEC Rule 17f-2(1). The CCO or his/her designee shall be responsible for determining if a permissive exemption applies to individual registered representatives on a circumstantial basis.

 

In addition to ensuring that all registered representatives are fingerprinted, the CCO or his/her designee shall be responsible for ensuring that certain personnel involved in the preparation of CCOC’s original books and records are fingerprinted and designated as NRFs.

 

Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer (Form U4)

 

CCOC acknowledges that it is the responsibility of each associated person to provide accurate and prompt information on his/her Form U4. Any new information such as required updates, amendments or revisions concerning an associated person’s Form U4 should be sent to CCOC as specified by federal, state, self-regulatory (SRO), or other regulatory authority guidelines. The CCO or his/her designee is responsible for determining if certain complaint or disciplinary incidents will require an amendment of the form.

 

Application Registration

 

Any individual seeking association with CCOC shall do so according to Article V of the FINRA By-Laws. The CCO or his/her designee will ensure that all records of its registered persons are kept current at all times. Records for registered representatives will be amended no later than thirty (30) days after discovery of an event or circumstance that requires such amendments. If such an event or circumstance is egregious enough to warrant a statutory disqualification as defined in Section 3(a)(39) and 15(b)(4) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, a qualified supervisor will file such amendments within ten (10) days.

 

Foreign Associates

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 1200, which has expired but which allowed for grandfathering, persons who are designated as Foreign Associates shall be required to be registered but shall be exempt from the requirement to pass a Qualification Examination. Persons associated with a member shall be designated as Foreign Associates if they meet the following criteria:

 

1.They are not citizens, nationals, or residents of the United States or any of its territories or possessions; and

 

2.They will conduct all of their securities activities in areas outside the jurisdiction of the United States and they will not engage in any securities activities with or for any citizen, national or resident of the United States.

 

Prior to associating with the Firm, a Form U4 for each such person must be completed and filed, certifying the criteria detailed above is met, as well as certifying that:

 

1.Such person is not subject to any of the prohibitions to registration with contained in Article III, Section 4 of the FINRA By-Laws (statutory disqualification); and

 

2.Service of process for any proceeding instituted by the Association in respect to such person may be sent to an address designated by the Firm.
   

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The CCO will be responsible for ensuring that the procedures outlined above are adhered to concerning such personnel.

 

Issuance of Internal Policies/Procedures

 

The CCO or his/her designee shall issue each registered person a current written or other form of the WSPs during the initial stages of employment. Upon receipt of CCOC’s WSPs, each registered person will be responsible for acknowledging that such procedures were received, read and understood.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

Upon association with CCOC, the new associated person will receive the current WSPs for review. A written statement, is attested to and maintained in the Firm’s electronic monitoring system, acknowledging review and understanding of the WSPs.

 

CCOC updates and/or amends the WSPs as necessary. It is the responsibility of the CCO or his/her designee to ensure that all material changes, amendments, and updates of the WSPs are communicated to all associated persons throughout the organization. The WSPs are made available to all associated personnel electronically via the Firm’s automated compliance system, StarCompliance.

 

2.4Termination Procedures

 

CCOC has established certain policies and procedures regarding the association and termination process of its registered representatives. The following information provides a brief description of CCOC’s policies and procedures as they relate to the termination process.

 

Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration (Form U5)

 

The CCO or his/her designee will be responsible for filing each terminated registered representative’s Form U5 with the Central Registration Depository (CRD) within thirty (30) days of the date of termination. The CCO is also responsible for forwarding a copy of the Form U5 to the former employee. Evidence of distribution shall be maintained for review. Copies of such forms shall be available via CRD.

 

Notification of Termination by Registered Representative

 

In the event that a registered representative terminates association with CCOC, the designated supervisor, with assistance from Human Resources via a periodic separation report, is responsible for immediately notifying the CCO or his/her designee. All relevant termination information, such as employee name, date of termination, status, type (voluntary or otherwise) and explanation of the termination will be recorded and maintained.

 

Sales Region Reassignments/Notifications

 

For all Sales Department initiated terminations, the sales region of the terminated representative may be reassigned to other registered representatives.

 

The CCO shall instruct all registered persons not to discuss the termination, other than to indicate that the former associated person is no longer associated with CCOC. Any additional requests must be forwarded to the Compliance Department.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to complete all steps of the termination process described above on an as needed basis, including review of all Form U5s. Final approval of the termination and Form U5 will be at the discretion of the President. All relevant documentation will be properly maintained.

 

2.5Permissive Registrations

 

A member may make application for or maintain the registration as a representative or principal, pursuant to Rule 1220, of any associated person of the member and any individual engaged in the investment banking or securities business of a foreign securities affiliate or subsidiary of the member. Individuals maintaining such permissive registrations shall be considered registered persons and subject to all FINRA rules, to the extent relevant to their activities.

 

Consistent with the requirements of Rule 3110, members shall have adequate supervisory systems and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that individuals with permissive registrations do not act outside the scope of their assigned functions. With respect to an individual who solely maintains a permissive registration(s), the individual’s direct supervisor shall not be required to be a registered person. However, for purposes of compliance with Rule 3110(a)(5), a member shall assign a registered supervisor who shall be responsible for periodically contacting such individual’s direct supervisor to verify that the individual is not acting outside the scope of his or her assigned functions. If such individual is permissively registered as a representative, the registered supervisor shall be registered as a representative or principal. If the individual is permissively registered as a principal, the registered supervisor shall be registered as a principal. Moreover, the registered supervisor of an individual who solely maintains a permissive registration(s) shall not be required to be registered in the same representative or principal registration category as the permissively registered individual.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to regularly monitor the business activities of employees to ensure that individuals are not acting outside the scope of their assigned functions and maintain an appropriate registration status. As part of the new hire process, and at least annually as part of the annual supervisory office review (OSJ review), the CCO or his/her designee shall ensure continuing compliance with this policy. The CCO shall sign and date the OSJ review as evidence of supervisory review.

 

2.6Statutorily Disqualified (SD) Persons

 

CCOC currently prohibits the association of any registered person who is the subject of a statutory disqualification pursuant to Section 3(a)(39), 15(b)(4) and 15(b)(6) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, CCOC prohibits associated persons from conducting business with any individual that is subject to statutory disqualification. The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to regularly monitor Form U4s, Form U5s and other relevant documentation to ensure compliance with CCOC’s prohibition on registering any individual that is statutorily disqualified.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC does not currently associate with statutorily disqualified persons. The CCO or his/her designee is responsible for screening for statutorily disqualified persons when reasonable suspicion of a disqualifying event arises during a candidate’s background check.

 

2.7Heightened Supervision Procedures

 

If CCOC decides to associate with any registered representative whose record reflects: (1) disciplinary actions involving sales practice abuse; (2) a history of customer complaints; and/or (3) arbitrations that were not resolved in favor of the registered representative, CCOC shall be responsible for implementing a level of heightened supervision that is commensurate with the disciplinary history of such persons. Heightened supervisory responsibilities require, at a minimum, examination of the circumstances of each such case and a determination of whether standard supervisory and educational programs are adequate to address the issues raised by the record of any such registered representative.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC does not currently register any person(s) subject to heightened supervision standards. The CCO is assigned to carefully evaluate each disclosure, reportable event, and/or other disciplinary incident involving associated persons to consider whether to impose heightened supervision standards for any associated persons who, within the past five years, are or were subject to three or more customer complaints and/or arbitrations; were subject to three or more pending, adjudicated, or settled regulatory actions or investigations; or two or more terminations relating to regulatory or compliance issues or internal reviews initiated by an employing member firm to examine whether an individual engaged in misconduct; or in the CCO’s sole discretion.

 

The imposition of heightened supervision standards may include, but is not limited to, an increased frequency of monitoring and/or onsite interviews or visits, unannounced inspections, and the creation of tailored exception reports with the specific intention of mitigating any circumstances which may arise from repeat or patterned sales practice violations or other similar improprieties or infractions. The CCO is responsible for detailing the type of method to be used in CCOC’s monitoring efforts to ensure compliance, as well as detailing in a quarterly summary report any/all findings and recommendations as documentary evidence of review. In the event that CCOC employs or otherwise affiliates with an associated person who may be the subject of certain disciplinary actions involving sales practice abuse, customer complaints, and/or arbitrations as specified above, CCOC will draft separate procedures for heightened supervision to address such issues.

 

2.8Firm Registration Forms (Form BD/BDW)

 

CCOC has established certain policies and procedures regarding the completion and filing and updating of FINRA member firm registration forms. The following information provides a brief description of the proper filing and processing of registration forms.

 

Uniform Application for Broker-Dealer Registration (Form BD)

 

The CCO or his/her designee shall be responsible for updating, revising and filing any required changes to the Form BD through the Web CRD System.

 

Uniform Request for Broker-Dealer Withdrawal (Form BDW)

 

In the event that CCOC must file a broker-dealer withdrawal (BDW), the CCO or his/her designee will be responsible for promptly completing the Form BDW and electronically submitting all documents through the Web CRD System.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to promptly complete Form BD and/or BDW updates and filings electronically as required through the CRD system.

 

2.9Renewal Statements and Reports

 

In January of each year, Final Renewal Statements and reports become available for viewing and printing. Each year’s Final Renewal Statement reflects the final status of branch and firm registrations and/or Notice Filings as of December 31st of the previous year. Any adjustments in fees owed as a result of registration terminations, approvals, or Notice Filings subsequent to the Preliminary Renewal Statement have been made in this final reconciled statement.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to access the CRD system and review CCOC’s available Final Renewal Statement to ensure that all registration approvals and terminations are properly listed. The CCO or his/her designee will also review and reconcile the report regarding the status of payment. If the Final Renewal Statement reflects a zero balance, no additional action is required. However, in the event that the CCOC’s Final Renewal Statement reflects a deficient balance (balance due), the CCO or his/her designee will ensure that the appropriate payment is made to the Renewal Account on or before the final due date as established by FINRA.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Standards of Conduct 03.00

 

Introduction

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 2010, CCOC will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that all employees and associated persons of CCOC conduct business activities with “high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” FINRA Rule 2010 protects investors and the securities industry from dishonest practices that are unfair to investors or hinder the functioning of a free and open market, even though those practices may not be illegal or violate a specific rule or regulation.

 

3.1Outside Business Activities

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 3270, all registered persons are required to seek prior written approval to engage in any business activities outside the scope of their association with CCOC. Upon receipt of a written request to engage in outside business activities (“OBAs”), the CCO or his/her designee will review all available information and make a determination to approve or disapprove such activities.

 

Administration of payroll and benefits for CCOC registered persons is completed by an affiliated entity, CIM Group L.P. As such, CCOC registered persons are generally employees of CIM Group L.P. or other affiliated CIM Group entities as applicable and shall disclose this relationship (or a relationship with another affiliated employer, if applicable) on Form U4.

 

Key Definitions

 

FINRA Rule 3270 defines an OBA as any activity performed outside the scope of a registered person’s relationship with his/her employer firm, where he/she shall be employed by, or accept compensation from any other person as a result of such activity.

 

Prior Written Request for Approval

 

Registered persons are required to request in writing and obtain approval prior to engaging in OBAs with the exception of affiliated entities. No registered person may engage in any OBA without providing prior written notification to the Compliance Department to be submitted through the Firm’s automated compliance system. The registered person’s Supervisor and a Compliance principal will evaluate whether any Outside Business Activity will: 1) interfere with the registered person’s responsibilities to CCOC or 2) be perceived by members of the public as part of CCOC’s business based upon, among other factors, the nature of the proposed activity and how it is represented. At a minimum, all written notifications that involve OBAs shall include the following information:

 

Name of potential outside employer;
Type of business to be performed;
Method of compensation;
Is the activity securities related; and
Amount of time involved in such outside activity.

 

Notification of Response

 

Upon receipt of a written request by a registered person to engage in an OBA, the CCO or his/her designee and the individual’s supervisor will issue a written response clearly stating its position by issuing an approval or disapproval of the OBA through the firm’s automated compliance system. All records of correspondence shall be retained in the respective employee file (or automated compliance system) and/or separate outside business activity file for the purpose of documenting and tracking such activities.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee will collect, review, and approve/disapprove OBA requests on an as needed basis as evidenced in the firm’s automated compliance system or via hard copy or email. In addition, each registered person shall be required to complete a Conflicts Disclosure Form (that would include any OBAs) on an annual basis. Each annual certification shall be reviewed by the CCO or his/her designee to ensure approval/disapproval of any OBAs. In addition, Form U4 will be updated as needed to reflect current OBAs.

 

3.2Private Securities Transactions

 

All associated persons (registered and non-registered) of CCOC are prohibited from conducting private securities transactions except in accordance with FINRA Rule 3280 Private Securities Transactions of an Associated Person.

 

Key Definitions

 

The definition of a “private securities transaction” shall mean any securities transaction outside the regular course or scope of an associated person’s association with the Firm, including, though not limited to, new offerings of securities which are not registered with the SEC or which are not part of the associated person’s normal scope of employment. Transactions among immediate family members (as defined in IM-2110-1, Free-Riding and Withholding), for which no associated person receives any selling compensation, and personal transactions in investment company and variable annuity securities, shall be excluded. Any private securities transaction must be pre-approved by the Firm.

 

The definition of a “selling compensation” shall mean any compensation paid directly or indirectly from whatever source in connection with or as a result of the purchase or sale of a security which may include the following:

 

Commissions;
Finder’s fees;
Securities or rights to acquire securities;
Expense reimbursements; and
Rights of participation in profits, tax benefits, or dissolution proceeds, as a general partner or otherwise.

 

Prior Written Request for Approval

 

Prior to participating in any private securities transaction, an associated person shall make a request to the Compliance Department via the firm’s automated compliance system describing in detail the proposed transaction and the person’s proposed role therein and stating whether he or she may receive selling compensation in connection with the transaction.

 

Written Notification of Response

 

Upon receipt of a written request by an associated person to engage in private securities transactions, the CCO or his/her designee will issue a written response clearly stating its position on the proposed transaction. Associated persons are prohibited from participating in any private securities transaction unless prior written approval has been given by the CCO or his/her designee. All records of correspondence shall be placed in the respective employee file and/or private securities transaction file for the purpose of documenting and tracking such transactions.

 

Non-Compensated Transactions

 

Even if no selling compensation is to be received, private securities transactions must be pre-approved by the CCO or his/her designee. Upon receipt of a notification involving private securities transactions in which an associated person has not and will not receive any selling compensation, the CCO or his/her designee will issue a prompt written response acknowledging such request, and may place certain requirements and restrictions on such persons in connection with the participation in the transaction.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee will collect, review, and approve/disapprove private securities transaction requests on an as needed basis as evidenced via the firm’s automated compliance system.

 

Associated persons are prohibited from participating in any private securities transaction unless written approval has been given by the CCO or his/her designee. In addition, each associated person shall be required to complete a Private Securities Transaction certification. Each certification shall be reviewed by the CCO or his/her designee to ensure approval/disapproval of any private securities transactions.

 

3.3Outside Accounts

 

All associated persons (registered and non-registered) of CCOC are strictly prohibited from maintaining outside securities accounts over which they maintain discretionary authority, except in accordance with FINRA Rule 3210 Accounts at Other Broker-Dealers and Financial Institutions.

 

Key Definitions

 

An Outside Account may be defined as any account at an outside financial institution in which securities transactions can be affected and in which the associated person has a personal financial interest. Generally, CCOC will exclude any accounts where individual securities are not able to be traded, including accounts held directly with an investment company (mutual fund) or variable annuity, etc. Additionally, accounts where an associated person granted full discretionary authority to their advisor and doesn’t take part in any investment decisions, i.e. they aren’t permitted to trade in the account at all, would also be excluded.

 

General Requirements

 

Upon employment, CCOC requires that each associated person notify compliance of any existing outside accounts that they hold. In addition, during employment CCOC requires that each associated person notify compliance prior to opening any new accounts.

 

Accounts of Associated Persons and Related Persons

 

The definition of an account includes all personal securities accounts, such as brokerage or trading accounts and IRAs, that can hold reportable securities and are beneficially owned by you and/or your related persons or in which you and/or your related persons have a beneficial interest. Related person(s) includes your spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling or other relative, who resides with you, is financially dependent upon you, or whose investments are controlled by you. Reportable securities include, but are not limited to, notes, stocks, ETFs, bonds, debentures, certificates of interest, funds managed by the Company or any put, call, option on any security. This does not include shares issued by open-end mutual funds or money market funds or 529 College Savings Programs.

 

Named Beneficiary/Holding a Position of Trust on Behalf of a Customer

 

Pursuant to FINRA Rule 3241 a registered person must decline:

1.being named a beneficiary of a customer’s estate or receiving a bequest from a customer’s estate upon learning of such status unless the registered person provides written notice upon learning of such status and receives written approval from the member firm prior to being named a beneficiary of a customer’s estate or receiving a bequest from a customer’s estate; and
2.being named as an executor or trustee or holding a power of attorney or similar position for or on behalf of a customer unless:
a.upon learning of such status, the registered person provides written notice and receives written approval from the member firm prior to acting in such capacity or receiving any fees, assets or other benefit in relation to acting in such capacity; and
b.the registered person does not derive financial gain from acting in such capacity other than from fees or other charges that are reasonable and customary for acting in such capacity.
   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Review of Outside Account Activity (Transactions)

 

Upon receipt of notification and subsequent approval of outside account activity, the CCO or his/her designee will monitor for improper activity within the account. The monitoring of such accounts will be conducted via the Firm’s automated compliance system and/or by receiving and reviewing account statements of each associated person that are sent to CCOC as required and requested. Note that some firms may not issue monthly account statements for those periods for which there was no activity or that quarterly statements may be sent instead of monthly statements.

 

Pre-Approval of Certain Transactions

 

CIM Group’s insider trading and preclearance policies apply to all CCOC associated persons, and requires preclearance by the Compliance Department prior to the execution of any transaction in certain securities which may include those of CIM Group operated REIT programs, affiliated entities and other securities as noted in the Trade Request feature of the Firm’s automated compliance system.

 

Associated persons are responsible for checking all reportable securities trades against CIM Group’s restricted list found in the Firm’s automated compliance system prior to affecting any transactions in any reportable security.

 

Sharing in Accounts

 

All associated persons are prohibited from sharing in the profits and/or losses of a transaction relating to a customer’s account.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee will collect, review, and approve/disapprove outside securities account requests on an as needed basis as evidenced via the Firm’s automated compliance system

 

Therefore, each associated person must provide notice in StarCompliance (i) prior to opening or placing an initial order in a securities account with another broker- dealer firm, and (ii) to the executing broker-dealer of his or her association with CCOC. This will require notice only prior to the opening of an account and the execution of the initial order. Written notification will not be required for any subsequent trades. Upon receipt of each notification of an account held at other firms, the CCO or his/her designee will instruct each appropriate broker-dealer to forward duplicate statements to CCOC for review. Associated persons may be asked to complete additional paperwork to facilitate these requests.

 

Employee account activity will be reviewed for indications of inappropriate behavior and maintained in the Firm’s compliance systems for accessibility and filing purposes.

 

In addition, each associated person shall be required to complete a quarterly certification in the Firm’s automated compliance system, wherein he/she will re-attest to the existence of any outside securities accounts.

 

3.4Prohibited Activities

 

Introduction

 

CCOC has identified certain prohibited sales practices within the scope of registered persons’ wholesaling activities. The following section details some of CCOC’s listed prohibited wholesaling activities (when applicable) including: misrepresentation, conversion, unauthorized trading, churning, switching, adjusted trading, and parking.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Misrepresentations/Material Omissions

 

Misrepresentations/material omissions take place when a member firm or registered representative provides a customer (counterparty) with misleading, incomplete, inaccurate, baseless, and/or false statements or information.

 

All registered representatives associated with CCOC are strictly prohibited from knowingly distributing any inaccurate and/or misleading information that may be used in the solicitation of a securities transaction.

 

The following is a summary of some of the main elements of misrepresentation/material omissions:

 

False, misleading or inaccurate representations were made to the Selected Dealer, its registered representatives, or its customers;
CCOC had knowledge or should have had knowledge that false, misleading, or inaccurate representations were made to a Selected Dealer, its registered representatives, or its customers;
Oral or written material misrepresentations and/or omissions were made in recommending securities transactions; and
High-pressure sales techniques using material misrepresentations or omissions.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

As deemed necessary, a Compliance Principal is assigned to attend sample in- person or virtual presentations and review email. A Principal or his/her designee will review all sales literature, advertising materials and samples of general correspondence in an effort to ensure that all securities products and services are properly represented. In the event that some form of misrepresentation and/or material omission is discovered, the CCO will be immediately notified of any/all findings.

 

Conversion, Misappropriation and Misuse

 

Conversion and misappropriation is the intent by a firm or an associated person to deprive the proper owner of the use of their funds and/or securities. The following information details some of the differences among the three violations of conversion, misappropriation and misuse:

 

The term “conversion” refers to actual theft of the funds or securities in which a firm or associated person of a firm converts the property for his/her own use or retains possession of the property. Conversion is often used synonymously with embezzlement in a business context;
The term “misappropriation” is the intentional, illegal or fraudulent treatment of investor funds or property for a firm’s own use or other unauthorized purpose; and
The term “misuse” is the misapplication or improper use of investor and CCOC funds, or borrowing of investor and CCOC funds or securities. This applies to CCOC and any affiliated entity of CCOC.

 

Insider Trading

 

CCOC’s associated persons are prohibited from effecting securities transactions while in the possession of material, non-public information. Associated persons are also prohibited from disclosing such information to unauthorized persons. The prohibition against insider trading applies not only to the security to which the inside information directly relates, but also to related securities, such as options, bonds, convertible securities, and securities of a subsidiary of the Issuer. You may not recommend, suggest or advise that an investor or any other person buy, sell or hold any security of the issuer, or a derivative thereof while you are in possession of inside information pertaining to the issuer of the security.

 

If an associated person receives inside information, they are prohibited from engaging in securities transactions based on that information, whether for their own account, any accounts in which they have a direct or indirect beneficial interest (including accounts for family members) or any other account over which they have control, discretionary authority or power of attorney.

   

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Information is non-public when it has not been disseminated in a manner making it available to investors generally. Information is public once it is publicly disseminated, such as when it is reported in widely disseminated publications, and investors have had a reasonable time to react to the information. Once the information has become public or stale (i.e., no longer non-public material), it may be traded on or disclosed freely.

 

CCOC’s designated principal(s) will ensure that all associated persons understand the CCOC’s policies and procedures regarding the following areas:

 

Insider trading policies and procedures;
“Need to Know” policies to ensure information is shared only with authorized personnel;
Information barrier policies and procedures; and
Security and restricted access of sensitive files.

 

Records for such training, including attendance rosters and training materials shall be maintained.

 

It is CCOC’s policy that if any associated person believes that he/she or someone else may have obtained or disclosed inside or proprietary information in a manner not permitted by the CCOC, the associated person should immediately contact the designated supervisor and refrain from using or further disclosing such information. All persons associated with CCOC are also subject to CIM’s Restricted List and trade pre-clearance policies.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO is assigned to ensure compliance with CCOC’s Insider Trading policies. The CCO or his/her designee shall ensure that each associated person signs an insider trading statement or other similar documentation upon association with CCOC, and each year thereafter. via the firm’s automated compliance system. Each signed form will be initialed and dated as evidence of receipt and review. All signed forms shall be maintained at the OSJ for review and retention purposes. In addition, the CCO or his/her designee shall review correspondence, outside securities account activity, and other relevant documentation on an ongoing basis to review for evidence of insider trading.

 

Sharing Commissions/Fees with Non-Registered Persons

 

All associated persons of CCOC are strictly prohibited from sharing any commissions or fees, or other forms of compensation with non-registered persons and with registered persons not associated with CCOC.

 

Restrictions on the Purchase and Sale of Initial Equity Public Offerings

 

FINRA Rule 5130 generally prohibits a member from selling a “new issue” to any account in which a “restricted person” has a beneficial interest. The term “restricted person” includes most associated persons of a member, most owners and affiliates of a broker-dealer, and certain other classes of persons. The Rule requires that CCOC, before selling a new issue to any account, meet certain “preconditions for sale,” which generally require CCOC to obtain a representation from the beneficial owner of the account that the account is eligible to purchase new issues in accordance with the Rule.

 

As defined in FINRA Rule 5130(i)(9), the definition of “new issue” excludes, among other things, securities offerings of investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), including closed-end registered investment companies, securities offerings of BDCs as defined in Section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act, DPPs as defined in FINRA Rule 2310, REITs as defined in Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code), and private offerings of securities made pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the 1933 Act.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

Should CCOC engage in the distribution of any “new issue,” the CCO or his/her designee will be assigned to monitor sales to Firm employees to ensure appropriate restrictions on the selling of any “new issue” to accounts in which a “restricted person” has a beneficial interest. Any sale(s) to a “restricted person” would be evidenced via internal memorandum to be approved by the President of Capital Markets.

 

Restricted, Gray, or Other Watch Lists

 

CCOC will maintain, if necessary, a list of individuals who are restricted from placing orders or effecting transactions in securities of certain firms. Individuals who have material non-public information will be placed on such lists. A designated supervisor will be responsible for monitoring the list and accounts of individuals on the list on a weekly basis to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. To evidence the review the designated supervisor will keep a ledger detailing:

 

All persons on such list;
Any reviewed documentation;
Time of review;
Date of review; and
Name and signature of person conducting the review.

 

No associated person or related person as defined above in section 3.3 may make a personal securities trade in the securities of an issuer listed on the Restricted List maintained in the firm’s automated compliance system. Before making a personal securities trade, you must review the Restricted List and confirm that neither the security to be traded nor the relevant issuer are listed thereon. The information that a particular issuer or security has been placed on the Restricted List is itself sensitive and confidential. The contents of the Restricted List should never be communicated to persons outside of the Firm except in the limited circumstances in which a Compliance Officer has determined that it is necessary and appropriate to disclose such information for bona fide business purposes. The Firm may place an issuer on the Restricted List at any time without prior notice. Therefore, if you obtain securities of an issuer that is later placed on the Restricted List, you may be “frozen in,” or prohibited from disposing of such securities, until the issuer has been removed from the Restricted List.

 

Because Access Persons are already required to obtain pre-approval for the purchase or sale of any Private Placement (see below), the Restricted List is limited to the securities of issuers with a class of publicly traded securities.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

Should CCOC determine that there is a need to maintain any of the above referenced lists, the CCO or his/her designee would be assigned to maintain restricted, gray, or other watch lists as required. The CCO or his/her designee would monitor the business activities of CCOC and implement a list(s) as required. All lists would be updated as needed. Associates are required to consult the Restricted List as noted above.

 

Guarantees Against Loss of Investment

 

All associated persons of CCOC are prohibited from making any guarantees against the monetary loss of an investment product.

 

High Pressure Sales Tactics

 

All associated persons of CCOC are strictly prohibited from using high-pressure sales tactics in the wholesaling of securities. High-pressure sales tactics include, but are not limited to, excessive phone calls and falsely implying sense of urgency or demand for a security.

   

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Personal Loans with Customers

 

CCOC does not permit any of its associated persons borrowing money from or lending money to a customer. For the purposes of this policy, a customer includes any third-party registered broker and/or other third-party brokerage personnel which the registered representative has engaged in, or is seeking to engage in, wholesaling activities.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee as well as direct supervisors will make reasonable efforts designed to monitor for personal loans with customers primarily through the use of email sampling.

 

3.5Third-Party Sponsored Call Nights

 

CCOC prohibits its registered representatives or associated persons from participating in and/or funding any aspect of a call night that is focused on calling potential investors in order to pressure them into purchasing a security, sponsored by a third party registered representative or brokerage firm.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

Sales supervisors are assigned to continually monitor both external and internal salespersons respectively, for participation in and/or funding of any call night sponsored by a third party registered representative or brokerage firm. Additionally, all expense reimbursements are reviewed for impropriety.

 

3.6Influencing or Rewarding Employees of Others

 

Introduction

 

FINRA Rule 3220 prohibits any member or person associated with a member, directly or indirectly, from giving anything of value in excess of $100 per year to any person where such payment is in relation to the business of the recipient’s employer. The rule protects against improprieties that may arise when members or their associated persons give gifts or gratuities to employees of a customer.

 

Associated persons of CCOC, must report on CCOC’s expense tracking and reimbursement system, all gifts and business entertainment expenditures to CCOC, regardless of whether reimbursement for the expenditure is requested from CCOC.

 

Gifts and Business Entertainment

 

Business Entertainment

 

The term “business entertainment” is defined as entertainment “in the form of any social event, hospitality event, charitable event, sporting event, entertainment event, meal, leisure activity or event of like nature or purpose, as well as any transportation and/or lodging accompanying or related to such activity or event, including such business entertainment offered in connection with an educational event or business conference, in which a person associated with a member accompanies and participates with such customer irrespective of whether any business is conducted during, or is considered attendant to, such event.”

 

CCOC and its associated persons may not give anything of value to an employee of a selling broker-dealer that is intended or designed to cause, or otherwise would be reasonably judged to have the likely effect of causing, such employee to act in a manner that is inconsistent with the best interests of a customer. Business entertainment shall be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure appropriateness of venues, nature, frequency, types, and class of accommodation and transportation. While the CIM Group, L.P. Code of Conduct may provide for a higher dollar limit for business entertainment, associated persons must be cognizant of the fact that the selling group member broker-dealers typically have policies that limit the value of business entertainment provided to their financial advisors. The value of business entertainment being provided to selling group member personnel should generally be neither so frequent nor so extensive as to raise any question of propriety and may not be preconditioned on achievement of a sales target. In order to ensure that our associated personnel do not run afoul of such limitations, any business entertainment valued above $250 per attendee must be reviewed and approved by the Compliance Department in advance of the event.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO and direct supervisors are assigned to review expense reimbursement requests for appropriate supporting documentation, which may include attendee lists and receipts or invoices. Any business entertainment which appears to be inconsistent with applicable rules will be forwarded to the appropriate direct supervisor for review.

 

Gifts

 

Personal Gifts: The prohibitions in FINRA Rule 3220 generally do not apply to personal gifts such as a wedding gift or a congratulatory gift for the birth of a child, provided that these gifts are not “in relation to the business of the employer of the recipient.” In determining whether a gift is “in relation to the business of the employer of the recipient,” CCOC will consider a number of factors, including the nature of any pre- existing personal or family relationship between the person giving the gift and the recipient, and whether the registered representative paid for the gift. When CCOC bears the cost of a gift, either directly or by reimbursing an employee, FINRA will presume that such gift is in relation to the business of the employer of the recipient.

 

De minimis and Promotional Items: FINRA Rule 3220 also does not apply to gifts of de minimis value (e.g., pens, notepads or modest desk ornaments) or to promotional items of nominal value distributed by CCOC that display CCOC’s (or an affiliate) logo (e.g., umbrellas, tote bags or shirts). In order for a promotional item to fall within this exclusion, its value must be substantially below the $100 limit. FINRA also generally does not apply the prohibitions to customary Lucite tombstones, plaques or other similar solely decorative items commemorating a business transaction, even when such items have a cost of more than $100.

 

Aggregation of Gifts: To ensure compliance with the $100 limit, CCOC must aggregate all gifts given by CCOC and each associated person to a particular recipient over the course of a year, and such gifts cannot exceed $100 per person per calendar year.

 

Valuation of Gifts: In general, gifts should be valued at the higher of cost or market value, exclusive of tax and delivery charges. If gifts are given to multiple recipients, CCOC will record the names of each recipient and calculate and record the value of the gift on a pro rata per recipient basis, for purposes of ensuring compliance with the $100 limit. For example, a gift basket worth $250 delivered to an office of three individuals for the benefit of each individual would be permissible.

 

Gifts Incidental to Business Entertainment: There is no express exclusion for gifts given during the course of business entertainment and conferences. Thus, for example, purchasing an umbrella during a round of golf would be considered a gift. CCOC will record these gifts, and include the value of such gifts on a Gift Log.

 

Charitable Contributions: CCOC maintains an active role in the community and may on occasion make charitable donations unrelated to CCOC’s business activities.

 

As a registered entity, CCOC must ensure that any such charitable donation is made in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, including FINRA Rule 3220 and ensure appropriate review and approval by the designated supervisor. All charitable giving shall be reviewed during the expense reimbursement process.

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

The following items should be considered for supervisory review:

 

1.Determine whether the prospective charitable organization is appropriately recognized by the IRS as a Section 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization;

It should be noted that all recognized charitable organizations are required to make available for public inspection without charge the approved application for recognition of exemption.

 

2.Determine the source of the charitable donation request; and

Donation requests from counterparties (third-party broker-dealers) and/or on behalf of charities that are closely aligned with the employee(s) making the request, should receive heightened review due to the increased potential of a conflict of interest.

 

3.Determine whether the value of the charitable donation is reasonable in regard to the nature of CCOC and/or affiliate’s business and customary practice of charitable giving.

Donation requests outside of customary practice may still be reasonable if it is determined that there is no conflict of interest. CCOC has determined that dollar thresholds and/or frequency thresholds are not required at this time. Each charitable donation shall be reviewed on an individual basis.

 

All gifts given or received by an associated person of CCOC must be entered and maintained on CCOC’s expense tracking system (with the exception of the approved de-minimis items and personal gifts to/from friends and/or family members as discussed below). All charitable contributions made by an associated person using CCOC resources must be preapproved via the Firm’s automated compliance system.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee will review CCOC’s expense tracking system on at least an annual basis for compliance with applicable rules. In addition, the CCO or his/her designee shall review all expense reimbursement requests.

 

Marketing Reimbursements

 

CCOC has structured its Marketing Reimbursement/Payments policy to adhere to FINRA guidelines as set forth in FINRA Rule 2310. Reimbursement of expenses associated with training, seminars, marketing, client events or educational meetings are considered acceptable forms of non-cash compensation.

 

The following guidelines are required to be followed for each Marketing Reimbursement:

 

1.A representative of CCOC should, generally, be in attendance at the event in order to promote the products and services of CIM Group.

 

2.CCOC will not reimburse for the purchase of alcohol at these types of events

 

3.After the training, marketing, client event or seminar, has occurred, the individual requesting reimbursement must submit all documents evidencing cost incurred directly to CCOC’s home office in care of the CCO or his/her designee.

 

4.CCOC will review the documents submitted to ensure that they adhere to rules governing cash and non-cash compensation.

 

5.If the reimbursement is approved by the CCO or his/her designee, CCOC will notify the third-party broker-dealer (counterparty) in writing through the use of the Marketing Reimbursement Letter and/or Sponsor Reimbursement Form. Copies of all supporting documents supplied by the individual will also be forwarded to the counterparty for their records.
   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

6.All reimbursement checks must be made payable to the counterparty for the benefit of the third-party registered representative.

 

7.Reimbursements must be sent directly to the counterparty’s home office for their review, approval, and disbursement to the representative.

 

8.CCOC will not reimburse a registered representative of a Selling Dealer or any other member firm directly for expenses.

 

9.CCOC will maintain a record of each reimbursement. The record will contain the CIM Marketing Reimbursement Letter, completed Marketing Reimbursement Form, copy of check issued, and all documents supporting requested reimbursement.

 

Training and Education: The CCO shall require appropriate training and education for all applicable personnel concerning CCOC’s business entertainment policies and procedures.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to ensure compliance with CCOC’s procedures regarding Influencing or Rewarding Employees of Others. All gifts and/or gratuities will be properly disclosed as required and made available for review by the CCO or his/her designee. All relevant documentation will be appropriately evidenced through the use of then current system. The CCO or his/her designee will evidence review of the Gifts and Gratuities.

 

As a matter of policy, the CCO or his/her designee will be responsible for overall review to determine whether such gifts are personal rather than in relation to the business of the recipient’s employer, whether such gift is to be considered de minimis or as a Promotional Item, the aggregation of gifts, the valuation of gifts, whether such gift is considered incidental to business entertainment, whether a charitable contribution is appropriate, and whether a marketing reimbursement is appropriate.

 

In addition, the designated Sales Supervisors will approve employee expense reimbursement requests to ensure that employees are properly reporting to CCOC gift and business entertainment expenditures.

 

3.7Political Contributions (Applicable to all CCOC Associates and Access Persons)

 

Essentially consistent with the SEC Pay-to-Play Rule, FINRA Rules 2030 and 4580 became effective on August 20, 2017. In addition to the SEC and FINRA, certain states, municipalities and public pension plans have adopted regulations limiting or completely disqualifying investment advisers from providing services to, or accepting placements from, a government entity if certain political contributions are made or solicited by the Firm, certain of its associates, or, in some instances, an associate’s Related Persons. Under these “pay-to-play” regulations, a single prohibited political contribution to a candidate or officeholder, political party, political action committee or other political organization at practically every level of government (including local, state and federal) may preclude the Firm from providing services to, or accepting placements from, the applicable government entity and may compel the Firm to repay compensation received by the Firm for such services or placements.

 

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

   

DocuSign Envelope ID: AC7824E1-A533-48C4-864C-02229FAFB90B

Continuing Education and Training 04.00

 

4.1Regulatory Element

 

After initial qualification and registration in the securities industry, it is important that each registered person maintain their knowledge and proficiency in the securities industry. In order to continue to perform the assigned tasks and functions of a registered person, all such persons must meet the requirements of the Regulatory Element which consists of a computer based training program covering a wide variety of areas within the securities industry, to include industry rules and regulations, ethics, and sales practices.

 

Completion Requirements

 

Each registered person is required to complete the Regulatory Element in accordance with FINRA rules.

 

CRD Notifications/Continuing Education Firm Queues

 

CCOC uses CRD to obtain information about the Regulatory Element requirements for registered persons.

 

Failure to Meet the Requirements

 

A registered person who becomes inactive for failing to complete the required Regulatory Element program (CE inactive) is prohibited from performing, or being compensated for, any activities requiring registration, including supervision. CCOC is required under FINRA Rule 1250 to restrict CE inactive persons from performing the prohibited activities.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to monitor each covered person and ensure that notification of continuing education requirements are forwarded and completed in a timely manner. CCOC has also elected to receive CRD Notifications, Supplemental CRD Reports and E-mail Notifications as an additional notification method for meeting the requirements of the Regulatory Element. On at least a monthly basis, the CCO or his/her designee will confirm completion of such regulatory requirements by reviewing CRD documentation. Should any registered person become CE inactive, the CCO shall notify their designated supervisor, who shall suspend the registered person from any securities related activities until he/she has met re-qualifications.

 

4.2Firm Element

 

Firm Element requirements apply to all registered and certain associated persons of CCOC.

 

The Minimum Standards of Firm Element

 

CCOC will annually assess its individual training needs (Needs Analysis) and develop a written training plan that best meets those needs. The training plan will include the size, type, and product mix of CCOC, as well as regulatory developments.

 

Maintenance/Evaluation of the Firm Element

 

In order to properly maintain and evaluate a training plan in accordance with the Firm Element, CCOC will maintain all applicable records at the OSJ for reference and research purposes.

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Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to ensure completion of the Firm Element Continuing Education Program on an annual basis. A Firm Element Needs Analysis and Training Plan shall be prepared on an annual basis, and training will be conducted based on the information provided as prescribed in the Needs Analysis and Training plan. All attendance sheets, list of topics reviewed, and feedback questionnaires will be reviewed and maintained as evidence of training and associated person attendance. In the event that one or more of CCOC’s associated persons do not complete the required Firm Element Continuing Education Requirements as stated in CCOC’s Training Plan, such persons will not be permitted to continue to engage in a securities business until such time that all relevant CE requirements are successfully completed.

 

4.3Annual Compliance Meeting

 

FINRA Rule 3110(a)(7) requires each registered person to attend an annual compliance meeting, either in person or by other acceptable means, as designated by CCOC. It is CCOC’s responsibility to document the attendance of all registered personnel, the date of the meeting, and any topical areas of discussion that were covered during the meeting.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to review CCOC’s annual compliance agenda and conduct a compliance meeting for all CCOC registered personnel at least once a year as required. The Annual Compliance Meeting may be delivered electronically or in person depending on the Firm’s needs and particular training requirements in a given year. Evidence of attendance will be maintained for review and recording purposes.

 

4.4Relief from CE Requirements for Military Active Duty Personnel

 

FINRA IM-1000-2 addresses the registration status of registered representatives serving in the armed forces. The Interpretive Memo states that securities industry professionals who volunteer or are called into active military duty (Active Duty Professionals) will be placed in a specially designated “inactive” status once FINRA is notified of their military service but will remain registered for FINRA purposes.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

If applicable, the CCO or his/her designee will review a list of covered personnel and/or general personnel list to check for those individuals who may have volunteered for military service or were called into active military duty. If any of the CCOC’s individuals are found to be serving the military in any status as referenced above, CCOC will make the proper notifications and relieve such individuals from CE requirements until such time that all requirements can be met. All relevant documentation for all associated persons deemed to be Active Duty Professionals will be maintained for review and recording purposes.

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Books and Records Requirements 05.00

 

Introduction

 

All broker-dealer firms that engage in a securities business are required to maintain and preserve certain records within certain time specifications. The creation and maintenance of such records are detailed in SEC Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4. SEC Rule 17a-3 requires specific records to be maintained and outlines how often a firm must update each record. SEC Rule 17a-4 specifies the length of time that a firm must preserve such records. Additionally, broker-dealer firms must not only maintain and update the following records, but also ensure that each record contains the requisite information in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.

 

5.1SEC Rule 17a-3

 

SEC Rule 17a-3 outlines the books and records to be maintained by a firm. However, the specific business activities that the firm conducts and the manner in which the firm transacts business will determine which of those records a given firm must maintain.

 

When applicable, CCOC shall make and keep current the following books and records relating to its securities business:

 

Blotters (or other records of original entry) containing an itemized daily record of all purchases and sales of securities, all receipts and deliveries of securities all receipts and disbursements of cash and all other debits and credits;

 

Ledgers reflecting all assets and liabilities, income and expense and capital accounts;

 

Records of all orders for transactions effected for customers;

 

Copies of transaction confirmations provided to customers;

 

Account information for customers, including copies of any customer account agreements;

 

Copies of account record notices, including change notices, provided to customers whose accounts are subject to FINRA’s suitability rule;

 

Records indicating that customers were provided with copies of their customer account agreements;

 

Records relating to information collected from and provided to retail customers in compliance with Regulation Best Interest;

 

A record of the proof of money balances of all ledger accounts in the form of trial balances and a record of the computation of aggregate indebtedness and net capital, as of the trial balance date. Such trial balances and computations shall be prepared currently at least once a month;

 

A questionnaire or application for employment executed by each associated person of such member containing at least the information outlined in 17a-3 (12)(i) & (12)(ii);

 

As to each associated person of each written customer complaint received by the member, broker or dealer concerning that associated person;

 

Of all agreements pertaining to the relationship between each associated person and the member, broker or dealer including a summary of each associated person’s compensation arrangement or plan with the member, broker or dealer, including commission and concession schedules and, to the extent that compensation is based on factors other than remuneration per trade, the method by which the compensation is determined;
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A record, which need not be separate from the advertisements, sales literature, or communications, documenting that the member, broker or dealer has complied with, or adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to establish compliance with, applicable federal requirements and rules of a self-regulatory organization of which the member, broker or dealer is a member which require that advertisements, sales literature, or any other communications with the public by a member, broker or dealer or its associated persons be approved by a principal; and

 

A record for each office listing, by name or title, each person at that office who, without delay, can explain the types of records the firm maintains at that office and the information contained in those records.

 

A record listing each principal of a member, broker or dealer responsible for establishing policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure compliance with any applicable federal requirements or rules of a self-regulatory organization of which the member, broker or dealer is a member that require acceptance or approval of a record by a principal.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee shall ensure that the CCOC is maintaining records in accordance with SEC Rule 17a-3 specifically related to its activities as dealer manager and/or sales agent for real estate products issued or operated by CIM. The CCO or his/her designee shall review to ensure records are appropriately maintained.

 

5.2SEC Rule 17a-4

 

Books and Records Maintenance

 

The requirement for broker-dealers to maintain books and records is detailed in SEC Rule 17a-4, which mandates the length of time that a firm’s books and records must be preserved. The rule requires that all member broker-dealers preserve for a period of not less than six years, the first two years in an easily accessible place, all records relating to daily blotters, the general ledger, customer account ledgers, and the ledger of long and short positions. All other records required above under Rule 17a-3, plus bank records, bills receivable or payable, all communications sent or received, financial statements, net capital computations, working papers, guarantees, powers of attorney, all written agreements, and documents supporting the FOCUS reports must be maintained for a period of not less than three years, the first two years in an easily accessible place. In addition, articles of incorporation, minute books and stock certificate books, Forms BD, all Forms BDW, all amendments to these forms, and all licenses or other documentation showing the registration of CCOC, shall be maintained for the life of CCOC and any successor enterprise.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee shall ensure that CCOC is in compliance with all applicable sections of SEC Rule 17a-4. In addition, the CCO or his/her designee shall be responsible for ensuring that procedures are implemented which require that all entries to books and records are posted in a timely manner and that records are preserved in accordance with applicable retention requirements.

 

5.3Electronic Storage Media

 

SEC Rule 17a-4(f) specifies requirements for using electronic means to store records.

 

Notification

 

If electronic storage media is used, CCOC must notify its examining authority designated pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Act prior to employing such electronic storage media. If employing any electronic storage media other than optical disk technology (including CD-ROM), CCOC must notify its designated examining authority at least 90 days prior to employing such storage media. In either case, CCOC must provide its own representation or one from the storage medium vendor or other third party with appropriate expertise that the selected storage media meets the conditions set forth in this paragraph (f)(2).

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In the event that such records are prepared or maintained by an outside service bureau, depository, bank which does not operate pursuant to Rule 17a-3(b)(2), or other recordkeeping service on behalf of CCOC, such outside entity shall file with the Commission a written undertaking in form acceptable to the Commission, signed by a duly authorized person, to the effect that such records are the property of CCOC required to maintain and preserve such records and will be surrendered promptly on request.

 

Storage Format Requirements:

 

Preserve records exclusively in non-rewriteable, non-erasable format;

 

Automatically verify the quality and accuracy of the recording process;

 

Serialize the original, if applicable, duplicate units of storage media and time-date for the required period of retention the information placed on such electronic storage media; and

 

Maintain the capacity and ability to readily download indexes and records preserved on the electronic storage media to a medium acceptable under SEC Rule 17a-4(f).

 

Accessibility Requirements:

 

At all times have available, for examination by the staffs of the Commission and self-regulatory organizations of which CCOC is a member, facilities for immediate, easily readable projection or production of micrographic media or electronic storage media images and for producing easily readable images;

 

Be ready at all times to provide, and immediately provide, any facsimile enlargement which the staffs of the Commission, any self-regulatory organization of which it is a member, or any State securities regulator having jurisdiction over CCOC may request;

 

Store separately from the original, a duplicate copy of the record stored on any medium acceptable under Rule 17a-4 for the time required;

 

Organize and index accurately all information maintained on both original and any duplicate storage media;

 

CCOC must have in place an audit system providing for accountability regarding inputting of records required to be maintained and preserved pursuant to Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4 to electronic stage media and inputting of any changes made to every original and duplicate record maintained and preserved thereby;

 

CCOC must maintain, keep current, and provide promptly upon request by the staffs of the Commission or the self-regulatory organization of which CCOC is a member all information necessary to access records and indexes stored on the electronic storage media; or place in escrow and keep current a copy of the physical and logical file format of the electronic storage media, the field format of all different information types written on the electronic storage media and the source code, together with the appropriate documentation and information necessary to access records and indexes; and

 

In the event that CCOC is exclusively using electronic storage media for some or all of its record preservation under this section, at least one third party, who has access to and the ability to download information from CCOC’s electronic storage media to any acceptable medium under this section, shall file with the designated examining authority the required information and/or documentation to such records.
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Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to ensure preservation all electronic books and records and the completion of any required regulatory notification as required pursuant to SEC Rule 17a-4(f). The CCO or his/her designee will also ensure the integrity of retrieval and reproduction.

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Financial Reporting 06.00

 

6.1Designation of FINOP

 

FINRA Rule 1022 requires every firm approved for membership in FINRA on or after September 17, 2001, that is also subject to the requirements of the SEC’s net capital rule (Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1), to have at least one associated person registered as either a Series 27 FINOP or Series 28 Introducing FINOP, depending upon the firm’s net capital requirement.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC has designated a FINOP. (See Exhibit 1 – List of Supervisory Personnel, which provides the name of the current FINOP.)

 

6.2Responsibilities of the FINOP

 

CCOC has designated a FINOP to be responsible for the review of financial statements, monitoring of net capital, reconciliation of proprietary accounts (if applicable) and bank statements, FOCUS filing, annual audit assistance, required financial notifications, and other responsibilities which may be assigned to a FINOP, as follows:

 

Review of Financial Statements

 

Monthly review of the following financial statements:

 

Trial Balance;
Balance Sheet; and
Income Statement.

 

Net Capital and Aggregate Indebtedness Calculation

 

The FINOP is responsible for reviewing and ensuring the accuracy of the monthly Net Capital and Aggregate Indebtedness computation as prescribed in SEC Rule 15c3-1. If it is determined CCOC does not have sufficient net capital, the FINOP will immediately notify the President and CCO; and CCOC will immediately cease conducting a securities business until the Firm takes corrective action to rectify the problem. CCOC will notify FINRA of the deficiency and the corrective action to be taken.

 

Reconciliation of Proprietary Accounts and Bank Statements

 

The FINOP is responsible for reviewing and ensuring the accuracy of the reconciliation of CCOC’s bank statements and proprietary accounts (if applicable).

 

Failure of Financial Books and Records Obligation

 

CCOC shall make and keep current the books and records required by 1934 Act Rule 17a-3. In the event that CCOC learns it has failed in this obligation, it shall give notice that same day to FINRA through a link provided on FINRA’s website and telegraphically with the SEC’s principal office in Washington, DC, and the Regional Office of the SEC where CCOC’s main office is located, and shall transmit a report within forty-eight (48) hours stating what is being done to correct the situation.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The FINOP is assigned to ensure maintenance of all financial books and records as required. Upon notification that appropriate records have not been maintained, the FINOP shall immediately notify the CCO and ensure appropriate notification is completed within the prescribed period(s).

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FOCUS Filing Requirements

 

The FINOP is responsible for ensuring that quarterly FOCUS II, FOCUS Custody Filing, FOCUS SSOI, and annual Schedule I filings are complete, accurate and on time. SEC Rule 17a-5 prescribes which broker-dealers are required to file monthly FOCUS Reports (Part II) and quarterly FOCUS Reports (Part II or IIA) within 17 business days after month- or quarter-end. SEC Rule 17a-10 requires firms to file Schedule I with their FOCUS Reports within 17 business days after calendar year-end. FOCUS Reports and Schedule I must be filed electronically with FINRA, using the FINRA Firm Gateway filing portal no later than midnight, Eastern Standard Time (EST), of the due date.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The FINOP is assigned to file all Firm FOCUS filings within the prescribed time frames as specified above. Upon filing, the FINOP shall also print a copy of the completed FOCUS filing, initial and date it pursuant to SEC Rule 17a-5, as evidence of review.

 

Annual Audit

 

The FINOP is responsible to file the Statement Regarding Independent Public Accountant annually and a Replacement of Accountant form no more than 15 business days after such replacement, if applicable (SEC Rule 17a-5(f)(2) and 17a-5(f)(4)). The FINOP is also responsible for ensuring that a designated certified public accountant (CPA) completes an audit of CCOC’s financial statements on an annual basis in accordance with SEC Rule 17a-5(d). Annual audits are due 60 calendar days after the end of the fiscal year. All reports are due by midnight, Eastern Standard Time (EST).

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The FINOP is assigned to ensure that a designated certified public accountant (CPA) completes an audit of CCOC’s financial statements on an annual basis. In accordance with SEC Rule 17a-5(d), the FINOP shall ensure that an annual report of audited financial statements and supplemental information are completed and mailed within sixty (60) calendar days after CCOC’s fiscal year end. The FINOP will ensure that the annual audit is filed in hard copy as follows: two copies of the audited report with the Principal Office of the SEC in Washington, DC; one copy with the appropriate Regional/District Office of the SEC; one copy with the SIPC Principal Office; one copy with certain state SROs; and one copy with the Principal Office of FINRA.

 

Requests for Extension of Time

 

If CCOC is unable to meet the filing deadline for any of the reports mentioned above due to exceptional circumstances, it may request an extension of time pursuant to Schedule A of FINRA’s By-Laws by writing the appropriate District Office of FINRA. The request for an extension of time must be received no later than three (3) business days before the filing deadline.

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6.3Early Warning Notification (SEC Rule 17a-11)

 

The FINOP is responsible for ensuring compliance with the early warning provisions of SEC Rule 17a-11. SEC Rule 17a-11 is designed to give regulatory agencies an early warning of pending financial, books and records, and operational problems of broker-dealers. The FINOP or CCO will provide this notification to FINRA, as well as the SEC’s local and national offices.

 

Telegraphic Notification

 

SEC Rule 17a-11 requires all firms to give immediate “telegraphic” notice to the SEC Principal Office located in Washington D.C. and the appropriate regional SEC office, and the appropriate designated examining authority (FINRA members contact the appropriate district office – See FINRA Electronic Notification Requirements below) at any time a firm is notified or becomes aware of the following circumstances:

 

The firm’s net capital falls below the minimum capital requirements;

 

The firm’s aggregate indebtedness exceeds 1500% of its net capital (800% for firms that are members of a designated examining authority for less than a year);

 

The firm’s net capital is less than 2% of its aggregate debits as computed in its SEC Rule 15c3-3 Reserve Formula calculation;

 

The firm’s subordinated debt-to-equity ratio exceeds 70%.

 

Prompt Written Notification

 

SEC Rule 17a-11 also requires all firms to file prompt written notification under the following circumstances (FINRA members contact the appropriate district office – See FINRA Electronic Notification Requirements below):

 

The firm’s aggregate indebtedness (AI) exceeds 1200% of its net capital;

 

The firm’s net capital is less than 120% of its minimum required net capital;

 

The firm’s net capital under the alternative method is less than 5% of its aggregate debit items on the Rule 15c3-3 Reserve Formula Calculation.

 

Telegraphic and Written Notification

 

Firms are required to give “telegraphic” notice AND written notification under the following conditions (FINRA members contact the appropriate district office – See FINRA Electronic Notification Requirements below):

 

The firm becomes aware that it has failed to make and maintain the appropriate books and records specified under SEC Rule 17a-3. Telegraphic notice must be made immediately and written notice with an explanation of the corrective actions taken must be filed within 48 hours;

 

The firm is notified by an independent certified public accountant or becomes aware of the existence of material inadequacies in its accounting system, internal control, or procedures for safeguarding customer funds or securities. Telegraphic notice must be made within 24 hours and written notice with an explanation of the corrective actions taken must be filed within 48 hours.

 

The FINOP will maintain the responsibility for reviewing and ensuring the accuracy of the previously mentioned documents and financial statements. Additionally, the FINOP is required to initial each document in order to memorialize supervisory review and approval. All books and records documentation will be maintained and preserved in an easily assessable location pursuant to SEC Rule 17a-5.

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Implementation Strategy

 

The FINOP is assigned to promptly notify the CCO of any financial issue requiring regulatory notification. The President, CCO or FINOP shall notify the SEC Principal Office in Washington D.C., the appropriate regional SEC office, and the appropriate designated examining authority (DEA) in the event that CCOC encounters any pending financial, books and records, and/or operational problems as specified under SEC Rule 17a-11. In the event that CCOC’s net capital falls below the minimum capital requirements; aggregate indebtedness exceeds maximum percentages of its net capital; net capital is less than the minimum percentages of its aggregate debits as computed based on the Reserve Formula calculation; or its debt-to-equity ratio exceeds the maximum percentage, CCOC will cease all securities and transactional activities until such time as CCOC can correct any deficiency. The FINOP will initial and date and maintain any/all relevant records and documentation, financial or otherwise, as evidence of such notification.

 

FINRA Electronic Notification Requirements

 

FINRA Rule 4517 (Mandatory Electronic Filing Requirements) requires members to file electronically certain notices required to be filed under the Exchange Act via an electronic, Internet-based receiving and processing system, using templates developed by FINRA for each notice. FINRA members can access the templates for these regulatory notices on FINRA’s Web site.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The FINOP is assigned to promptly notify the CCO of any financial issue requiring regulatory notification. The CCO or his/her designee shall ensure completion of non-financial electronic notifications. The President, FINOP or CCO shall ensure that the following notices are filed with FINRA electronically within the required time frames as specified under each rule:

 

Withdrawals of equity capital- Rule 15c3-1(e)
Special Reserve Bank Account- Rule 15c3-3(i) (if applicable)
Electronic storage media- Rules 17a-4(f)(2)(i) and 17a-4(f)(3)(vii)
Replacement of accountant- Rule 17a-5(f)(4)
Net capital deficiency- Rule 17a-11(b)
Aggregate indebtedness is in excess of 1200 percent of net capital- Rule 17a-11(c)(1)
Net capital is less than 5 percent of aggregate debit items- Rule 17a- 11(c)(2)
Net capital is less than 120 percent of required minimum dollar amount- Rule 17a-11(c) (3)
Failure to make and keep current books and records- Rule 17a-11(d)
Material inadequacy in accounting systems, internal controls, or practices and procedures- Rule 17a-11(e)

 

The FINOP will maintain copies as documentary evidence of each filing in hard copy or electronic format in addition to maintaining such filings through the electronic system.

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6.4Cash/Currency Transactions

 

SEC Rule 17a-8 requires broker-dealer firms to file reports, draft and preserve records and adopt certain regulations pursuant to the Currency Act. The AML Compliance Officer (AMLCO) will have the responsibility of reporting multiple same day transactions in currency by or on behalf of any person that total more than

$10,000.00.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC does not permit cash transactions at this time. However, in the event a cash transaction is completed, the AMLCO or CCO is assigned to report any/all multiple same day currency transactions by or on behalf of any person that totals more than an aggregate amount of $10,000.00 pursuant to the Currency Act. The AMLCO shall record and date all notification and reporting actions as evidence of completion.

 

Note: Please see CCOC’s Anti-Money Laundering Procedures (“AML Procedures”) for further details on the policies and procedures for cash/currency transactions. The AML Procedures are an exhibit of the WSPs and may be maintained under separate cover.

 

6.5Classification of Certain Equity as Liabilities (Statement 150)

 

To account for certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released Statement 150 to ensure that entities recognize as liabilities certain contractual obligations to transfer cash, other assets, or equity interests to other parties.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The FINOP is assigned to review and check for any financial instruments that are mandatorily redeemable and issued in the form of shares or other ownership interests, and reclassify such instruments as liabilities if applicable.

 

6.6Principal Financial Officer and Principal Operations Officer

 

Effective October 1, 2018, firms are required to designate: (1) a Principal Financial Officer with primary responsibility for financial filings and the related books and records; and (2) a Principal Operations Officer with primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the business, including overseeing the receipt and delivery of securities and funds, safeguarding customer and firm assets, calculation and collection of margin from customers and processing dividend receivables and payables and reorganization redemptions and those books and records related to such activities. This requirement replaces the current requirement that dual members of FINRA and the NYSE designate a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a Chief Operations Officer (COO) and that other FINRA members designate a CFO.

 

Firms that neither self-clear nor provide clearing services (such as CCOC) may designate the same person as the Principal Financial Officer, Principal Operations Officer and Financial and Operations Principal or Introducing Broker-Dealer Financial and Operations Principal (that is, such firms are not required to designate different persons to function in these capacities).

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Communications with the Public 07.00

 

Introduction

 

FINRA Rule 2210 sets forth the standards required of registered representatives and broker-dealers when communicating with the public. The rules concerning communications with the public also include business cards, letterhead, stationery, and electronic communications. The term “electronic communications” can be defined as any communication transmitted through an electronic medium such as email systems, facsimiles, Internet, electronic bulletin boards, social networking sites and any other communication systems that can be used, distributed, and received electronically.

 

FINRA rules governing communications with the public include not only advertisements, sales materials, electronic communications, and correspondence, but also public presentations, financial advisor materials, and reprints of independently prepared material.

 

In addition to FINRA Rule 2210, SEC Industry Guide 5: Preparation of registration statements relating to interests in real estate limited partnerships and the North American Securities Administrators Association (“NASAA”) Statement of Policy Regarding Real Estate Investment Trusts provide additional guidance in the creation, use and filing of promotional and sales materials to be used in conjunction with the offering of a real estate investment trust (REIT).

 

SEC Rule 506(b) of Regulation D prohibits the general solicitation or advertising of CIM Group’s private fund offerings. This prohibition will include forms of communication that would directly promote any CIM Group private fund by name or reference or otherwise include statements that could be viewed as conditioning the market for interest in any CIM Group private fund. All CIM Group private fund communications should be reviewed by CCOC Compliance prior to use. Generally, CIM Group communications for private funds will only be provided to qualified purchasers and accredited investors as defined in Section 2(a)(51)(A) of the 1940 Act or to financial intermediaries who an associate has reason to believe serves qualified purchasers, which means that such private offerings will be generally exempt from filing requirements under FINRA Rule 5123. CCOC Compliance will review all private fund communications and file with FINRA, as needed, any offering documents that are not exempt from the requirements of FINRA Rule 5123.

 

7.1Communications with the Public Rule Definitions

 

Retail Communication

 

Retail communications include any written (including electronic) communication that is distributed or made available to more than 25 retail investors within any 30 calendar-day period. “Retail investor” includes any person other than an institutional investor, regardless of whether the person has an account with the firm. Generally, all program or sponsor related communications made available to prospective investors are considered retail communications.

 

Institutional Communication

 

Institutional communications include written (including electronic) communications that are distributed or made available only to institutional investors but does not include a firm’s internal communications. “Institutional investor” generally has the same definition as under FINRA Rule 2210(a)(4) and includes financial advisors, and other member firms’ personnel. See section 7.6 for additional context.

 

Correspondence

 

Correspondence includes any written (including electronic) communication that is distributed or made available to 25 or fewer retail investors within any 30 calendar-day period.

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7.2Content Standards

 

Standards Applicable to All Communications with the Public

 

All communications with the public are subject to the content standards of FINRA Rule 2210(d)(1), which require:

 

(A)All member communications with the public shall be based on principles of fair dealing and good faith, must be fair and balanced, and must provide a sound basis for evaluating the facts in regard to any particular security or type of security, industry, or service. No member may omit any material fact or qualification if the omission, in the light of the context of the material presented, would cause the communications to be misleading;

 

(B)No member may make any false, exaggerated, unwarranted or misleading statement or claim in any communication. No member may publish, circulate or distribute any communication that it knows or has reason to know contains any untrue statement of a material fact or is otherwise false or misleading;

 

(C)Information may be placed in a legend or footnote only in the event that such placement would not inhibit an investor’s understanding of the communication;

 

(D)Members must ensure that statements are clear and not misleading within the context in which they are made, and that they provide balanced treatment of risks and potential benefits. Communications must be consistent with the risks of fluctuating prices and the uncertainty of dividends, rates of return and yield inherent to investments;

 

(E)Members must consider the nature of the audience to which the communication will be directed and must provide details and explanations appropriate to the audience; and

 

(F)Communications may not predict or project performance, imply that past performance will recur or make any exaggerated or unwarranted claim, opinion or forecast; provided, however, that this paragraph (d)(1)(F) does not prohibit:

 

(i) A hypothetical illustration of mathematical principles, provided that it does not predict or project the performance of an investment or investment strategy;

 

(ii) An investment analysis tool, or a written report produced by an investment analysis tool, that meets the requirements of Rule 2214; and

 

(iii) A price target contained in a research report on debt or equity securities, provided that the price target has a reasonable basis, the report discloses the valuation methods used to determine the price target, and the price target is accompanied by disclosure concerning the risks that may impede achievement of the price target.

 

Additional content standards guidance for non-traded REITs is available from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Corporation Finance and the North American Securities Administrators Association (“NASAA”) Statement of Policy Regarding Real Estate Investment Trusts. The NASAA policy statement requests that sales material, including without limitation, books, pamphlets, movies, slides, article reprints, television and radio commercials, materials prepared for broker-dealer use only, sales presentations (including prepared presentations to prospective shareholders at group meetings) and all other advertising used in the offer or sale of units shall conform to filing, disclosure, and adequacy requirements under any applicable state regulations. Statements made in sales material communicated directly or indirectly to the public may not conflict with, or modify, risk factors or other statements made in the prospectus.

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Implementation Strategy

 

The Marketing Compliance Supervisor (“MCS”) is assigned to ensure compliance with all applicable content standards

 

Specific Content Standards for Retail Communications and Correspondence

 

Retail Communications and Correspondence are subject to the content standards of FINRA Rule 2210(d)(2)-(3) and (6):

2210(d)(2): Comparisons

 

Any comparison in retail communications between investments or services must disclose all material differences between them, including (as applicable) investment objectives, costs and expenses, liquidity, safety, guarantees or insurance, fluctuation of principal or return, and tax features.

 

2210(d)(3): Disclosure of Member’s Name

 

All retail communications and correspondence must:

 

(A)Prominently disclose the name of the firm and may also include a fictional name by which the member is commonly recognized or which is required by any state or jurisdiction;

 

(B)Reflect any relationship between the member and any non-member or individual who is also named; and

 

(C)If it includes other names, reflect which products or services are being offered by the member.

 

Note: This section does not apply to so-called “blind” advertisements used to recruit personnel.

 

2210(d)(6): Testimonials

 

1)If any testimonial in a communication concerns a technical aspect of investing, the person making the testimonial must have the knowledge and experience to form a valid opinion.

 

2)Retail communications or correspondence providing any testimonial concerning the investment advice or investment performance of a member or its products must prominently disclose the following:

 

a)The fact that the testimonial may not be representative of the experience of other investors;

 

b)The fact that the testimonial is no guarantee of future performance or success; and

 

c)If more than $100 in value is paid for the testimonial, the fact that it is a paid testimonial.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS is assigned to ensure compliance with all applicable content standards.

 

2214: Content Standards Applicable to Investment Analysis Tools

 

While investment analysis tools are not currently used by CCOC any future versions will be required to comply with FINRA Rule 2214.

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7.3Guidelines for Avoiding Misleading Communications with the Public

 

The MCS is responsible for determining whether any communication with the public, including material that has been filed with the FINRA Advertising Department, complies with all applicable standards, including the requirement that the communication not be misleading. In order to meet this responsibility, member communications with the public must conform to the following guidelines. These guidelines do not represent an exclusive list of considerations that a member must make in determining whether a communication with the public complies with all applicable standards.

 

(A)Members must ensure that statements are not misleading within the context in which they are made. A statement made in one context may be misleading even though such a statement could be appropriate in another context. An essential test in this regard is the balanced treatment of risks and potential benefits. Member communications should be consistent with the risks of fluctuating prices and the uncertainty of dividends, rates of return and yield inherent to investments.

 

(B)Members must consider the nature of the audience to which the communication will be directed. Different levels of explanation or detail may be necessary depending on the audience to which a communication is directed. Members must keep in mind that it is not always possible to restrict the audience that may have access to a particular communication with the public. Additional information or a different presentation of information may be required depending upon the medium used for a particular communication and the possibility that the communication will reach a larger or different audience than the one initially targeted.

 

(C)Member communications must be clear. A statement made in an unclear manner can cause a misunderstanding. A complex or overly technical explanation may be more confusing than too little information.

 

(D)In communications with the public, income or investment returns may not be characterized as tax-free or exempt from income tax when tax liability is merely postponed or deferred, such as when taxes are payable upon redemption.

 

(E)In retail communications, references to tax-free or tax-exempt income must indicate which income taxes apply, or which do not, unless income is free from all applicable taxes.

 

(F)Recommendations

 

(i)In making a recommendation in retail communications, whether or not labeled as such, a member must have a reasonable basis for the recommendation and must disclose relevant information.

(ii)The member shall also provide, or offer to furnish upon request, available investment information supporting the recommendation. Recommendations on behalf of corporate equities must provide the price at the time the recommendation is made.

 

7.4Seminars and Public Appearances

 

Education/Training and Sales Seminars

 

When making sales or education/training presentations (“seminars”) to Selected Dealers and their registered representatives, CCOC registered representatives engaged in wholesaling activities may not use self-created seminar material, including but not limited to any supplemental videos, DVDs, CDs, handouts, etc. CCOC registered representatives may conduct or participate in pre-approved seminars where only preapproved material is utilized. Combining slides of multiple preapproved seminars into new slide presentations is not permissible without pre-approval from the MCS.

 

For purposes of this policy, education/training presentations are specific meetings arranged and paid for by CCOC or an affiliated entity of CCOC where the sole purpose of the meeting is for the registered representative to educate or train third-party registered representatives or non-registered associated persons of a broker dealer on CCOC offerings. Investors and clients of the third-party registered representatives or broker-dealer are not to be involved in education and training events operated by CCOC.

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Sales Seminars to Retail Investors

 

FINRA Rule 2210(f) concerning Public Appearances states:

 

(1)When sponsoring or participating in a seminar, forum, radio or television interview, or when otherwise engaged in public appearances or speaking activities that are unscripted and do not constitute retail communications, institutional communications or correspondence (“public appearance”), persons associated with members must follow the standards of paragraph (d)(1).

 

(2)If an associated person recommends a security in a public appearance, the associated person must have a reasonable basis for the recommendation. The associated person also must disclose, as applicable:

 

(A)that the associated person has a financial interest in any of the securities of the issuer whose securities are recommended, and the nature of the financial interest (including, without limitation, whether it consists of any option, right, warrant, future, long or short position), unless the extent of the financial interest is nominal; and

(B)any other actual, material conflict of interest of the associated person or member of which the associated person knows or has reason to know at the time of the public appearance.

 

(3)Each member shall establish written procedures that are appropriate to its business, size, structure, and customers to supervise its associated persons’ public appearances. Such procedures must provide for the education and training of associated persons who make public appearances as to the firm’s procedures, documentation of such education and training, and surveillance and follow-up to ensure that such procedures are implemented and adhered to. Evidence that these supervisory procedures have been implemented and carried out must be maintained and made available to FINRA upon request.

 

(4)Any scripts, slides, handouts or other written (including electronic) materials used in connection with public appearances are considered communications for purposes of this

 

Rule, and members must comply with all applicable provisions of this Rule based on those communications’ audience, content and use.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

Registered representatives must obtain prior permission from the MCS by submitting a request through the Firm’s Marketing Department, which includes, as applicable, the name of the preapproved seminar, date and location of the seminar, the number of attendees and the name of the registered person making the presentation to said individuals, as well as, any preapproved sales literature or training materials to be made available. Any seminar invitations to be issued must accompany the request for approval.

 

Any original text seminars for registered representatives of Selected Dealers, for investors or potential investors, created by third parties (including CCOC affiliates) must receive prior approval of the MCS or his/her designee (evidenced by initials and date) in the firm’s electronic approval system. The material to be presented (either an outline or text form) must be submitted along with any handouts to be used, date and location of the seminar, and the name of the person making the presentation to the third party brokers or other brokerage firm personnel, as well as any sales literature to be made available.

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Guest speakers not employed by CCOC (this includes attorneys, CPAs, third party providers, etc.) may not speak at seminars operated by CCOC without the prior written approval of the MCS, who will review the guest speaker’s credentials and the presentation materials. The MCS or his/her designee must also give written approval to all presentation materials to be used or distributed by the guest speaker.

 

While the FINRA Rule outlined above refers specifically to “Retail Investors”, CCOC will apply the same standards to presentations given to Financial Advisors.

 

7.5Fair Disclosure, Regulation FD

 

Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) is an SEC rule that addresses selective disclosure of material non-public information by public companies. The regulation states: “When an issuer, or person acting on its behalf, discloses material non-public information to certain enumerated persons (in general, securities market professionals and holders of the issuer’s securities who may well trade on the basis of the information), it must make public disclosure of that information. The timing of the required public disclosure depends on whether the selective disclosure was intentional or non-intentional; for an intentional selective disclosure, the issuer must make public disclosure simultaneously; for a non-intentional disclosure, the issuer must make public disclosure promptly. Under the regulation, the required public disclosure may be made by filing or furnishing a Form 8-K, or by another method or combination of methods that is reasonably designed to effect broad, non-exclusionary distribution of the information to the public.”

 

Associated persons of CCOC must ensure that no material non-public information regarding CIM Group or any affiliated entities is ever discussed or disseminated outside of the organization, unless such disclosure is being made in connection with the reporting of suspected illegal behavior to appropriate authorities, including but not limited to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

7.6Supervisory Review Requirements

 

Application Notes (see below for policies and procedures)

 

Retail Communications and most Institutional Communications, require pre-approval by the MCS or another registered principal designee prior to distribution. The MCS or his/her designee shall complete the final principal review of all communications with the public and is responsible for ensuring compliance with filing and record keeping requirements.

 

Correspondence and institutional sales materials are categories of correspondence distributed to the public with specific distribution limitations.

 

Examples of correspondence include emails and letters to a single representative or broker-dealer. Examples of institutional sales materials include brochures, seminar presentations, and other similar materials both marked for broker-dealer use only and where distribution is controlled to prevent unauthorized distribution to the general public.

 

Correspondence does not require pre-approval prior to distribution. In contrast, while not required by regulation, CCOC requires that all institutional sales material receive pre-approval by the MCS prior to distribution. The MCS or his/her designee is deemed to have completed the final review and is responsible for ensuring compliance with filing and content standards.

 

Supervisory Review Requirements (Retail Communications)

 

Retail communications include advertisements, sales literature, as well as any internet presence (website, social media or similar). Directed material may include hyperlinks from a CCOC website.

 

CCOC shall ensure that all retail communications comply with applicable regulatory guidelines. Each piece of directed material must be reviewed and approved by the MCS or appropriately licensed designee.

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All submissions for review must be submitted through the Firm’s communications review system. Web based materials, advertisements, sales literature, and all other retail communications may not be used prior to review and approval by the MCS.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS is assigned to review and complete a final approval/disapproval on an ongoing (as needed) basis as evidenced by signature and date of approval/disapproval within the Firm’s communications review system.

 

Retail communications require pre-approval by the MCS or registered principal designee prior to distribution. The MCS completes the final principal review and is responsible for ensuring compliance with filing and record keeping standards.

 

Supervisory Review Requirements (Institutional Sales Material)

 

Institutional sales materials including those for due diligence purposes must be prominently marked to limit their distribution. In recognition of the possibility that these limited use materials may inadvertently be forwarded to non-institutions, notwithstanding appropriate controls and limits on access, CCOC requires a review process similar to that of retail communications.

 

Each piece of institutional sales material must be reviewed and approved by the MCS or his/her designee. All submissions for review require the completion of CCOC’s Compliance Review Form and/or similar document. Institutional sales material may not be used prior to review and approval by the MCS.

 

At no time should any materials developed for “broker-dealer use only” be used with the public or left out in offices where members of the public may have access to such materials. Members of the public also include counterparty attorneys, accountants or other financial advisors unless such individuals are registered representatives or a Broker-Dealer. This policy also applies to the electronic communication of “broker-dealer use only” materials.

 

“Reason to Believe” Standard

 

The definition of “institutional investor” under FINRA Rule 2210(a)(4) specifies that “no member may treat a communication as having been distributed to an institutional investor if the member has reason to believe that the communication or any excerpt thereof will be forwarded or made available to any retail investor” (member of the general public).

 

The “reason to believe” standard does not impose an affirmative obligation on firms to inquire whether an institutional communication will be forwarded to retail investors every time such a communication is distributed. However, firms should have policies and procedures in place reasonably designed to prevent institutional communications from being forwarded to retail investors and make appropriate efforts to implement such policies and procedures. Accordingly, CCOC will require all Institutional Sales Material to include appropriate legends indicating the restricted audience for such materials.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS is assigned to review and complete a final approval/disapproval on an ongoing (as needed) basis as evidence by signature and date of approval/disapproval on each completed Marketing Compliance Review Form and/or similar document. The MCS is further assigned to ensure appropriate limited distribution of institutional sales materials.

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Supervisory Review Requirements (Correspondence)

 

All correspondence is subject to the supervision and review requirements of FINRA Rule 3110(4). Each piece of correspondence shall be made available to the MCS or his/her designee for review. Correspondence must be forwarded to the OSJ and retained in a file located at the OSJ. The MCS or his/her designee shall review a representative sample of all correspondence.

 

Incoming Correspondence

 

Incoming electronic correspondence is archived and monitored via Global Relay. Select Compliance personnel will review a sample of all incoming correspondence. In addition to sampling, a key word lexicon is utilized in the firm’s electronic correspondence review system to help identify potential communication violations in electronic correspondence. Generally, the Firm does not receive hard copy correspondence, however, if incoming hardcopy correspondence is ever received, it must be forwarded to the OSJ and retained in a file located at the OSJ. Compliance or appropriately registered designee will specifically monitor for customer complaints and other possible compliance issues. Personal mail delivered to the office shall be reviewed as incoming correspondence.

 

Outgoing Correspondence

 

Outgoing electronic correspondence is archived and monitored via Global Relay. Select Compliance personnel his/her designee will review a representative sample of all outgoing correspondence. In addition to sampling, a key word lexicon is utilized in Global Relay to help identify potential communication violations in electronic correspondence. Generally, the Firm does not receive hard copy correspondence, however, if outgoing hard copy correspondence is ever utilized, it must be forwarded to the OSJ and retained in a file located at the OSJ. Outgoing correspondence shall include all business-related communications other than product specific marketing. These shall include, but not be limited to, operational and statement information, legally required communications, etc.

 

Outgoing correspondence need not be approved by a registered principal prior to use, unless such correspondence is distributed to 25 or more retail investors within any 30 calendar-day period.

 

To permit correspondence to be distributed without prior approval, CCOC will ensure that all registered persons receive correspondence specific training on an annual basis.

 

The MCS may choose to file correspondence with the FINRA Advertising Department, particularly when the correspondence promotes CCOC’s products or services.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

Compliance or its designee will complete a review of a representative sample of all correspondence on an ongoing basis as evidenced by either initial and date (hard copy) or electronic record (electronic). CCOC uses a third-party email review and archival tool that filters all electronic correspondence through a lexicon that flags messages for review.

 

Supervisory Review Requirements (Mass Internal Use Only Communications)

 

Broker/Dealer mass communications that are limited to internal audiences within CCOC and/or its affiliates, such as product training and educational material, internal research reports, and CIM initiatives, require pre- approval by a principal within Compliance prior to use. All internal communications must be clearly labeled “INTERNAL COMMUNICATION – DO NOT DISTRIBUTE” or similar language.

 

Any internal communications, as defined above, which may contain material non-public information regarding CIM Group, its affiliates or any of any Firm offerings should still be reviewed by a member of the Legal and Compliance Department prior to use.

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Final copies of Internal Use Only communications will generally be submitted to Compliance for review and recordkeeping in a similar manner as Retail Communications. The final copy of the internal communication will be retained in the Firm’s communication review system, evidencing principal signature, the date of approval and anticipated date of first use.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS or his/her designee is assigned to monitor the appropriate distribution and content standards of internal use communications designed for training and education.

 

7.7Regulatory Filing Requirements

 

FINRA Filing Requirements (Retail Communications)

 

Pursuant to FINRA Rule 2210(c), FINRA Members are required to file certain types of retail communications with the FINRA Advertising Regulation Department. Although CCOC is currently not required to file its non-traded REIT retail communications with FINRA, the MCS or his/her designee may at his/her discretion require that any communication with the public be filed with FINRA for review to obtain a FINRA Review Letter that Selling Dealers may rely on to document that the particular communication is consistent with applicable FINRA standards.

 

CCOC must provide with each filing the actual or anticipated date of first use, the name and title and Central Registration Depository (CRD®) number of the registered principal who approved the retail communication, and the date that the approval was given. The following outlines FINRA’s requirements.

 

Within 10 business days of first use or publication, CCOC must file the following retail communications with the FINRA Advertising Department (“Department”):

 

(A)Retail communications that promote or recommend a specific registered investment company or family of registered investment companies (including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, variable insurance products, closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts) not included within the requirements of paragraphs 2210(c)(1) or (c)(2).;

 

(B)Retail communications concerning public direct participation programs (as defined in FINRA Rule 2310);

 

(C)Retail communications concerning collateralized mortgage obligations registered under the Securities Act; and

 

(D)Retail communications concerning any security that is registered under the Securities Act and that is derived from or based on a single security, a basket of securities, an index, a commodity, a debt issuance or a foreign currency, not included within the requirements of paragraphs 2210(c)(1), (c)(2) or subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (c)(3).

 

At least 10 business days prior to first use or publication (or such shorter period as the Department may allow), the Firm shall file the following communications with the Department and withhold them from publication or circulation until any changes specified by the Department have been made:

 

(A)Retail communications concerning registered investment companies (including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, variable insurance products, closed-end funds and unit investment trusts) that include or incorporate performance rankings or performance comparisons of the investment company with other investment companies when the ranking or comparison category is not generally published or is the creation, either directly or indirectly, of the investment company, its underwriter or an affiliate. Such filings must include a copy of the data on which the ranking or comparison is based;
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(B)Retail communications concerning security futures. The requirements of this paragraph (c)(2)(B) shall not be applicable to:
(i)retail communications concerning security futures that are submitted to another self-regulatory organization having comparable standards pertaining to such retail communications; and

(ii)retail communications in which the only reference to security futures is contained in a listing of the services of a member.

 

(C)Retail communications concerning bond mutual funds that include or incorporate bond mutual fund volatility ratings, as defined in Rule 2213.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS is assigned to ensure submission of any materials requiring FINRA review within the required time period. The MCS will ensure that submitted materials are held from publication or circulation until any changes specified by FINRA have been completed.

 

General Exclusions from Filing Requirements (FINRA Rule 2210(c)(7))

 

As stated above, the MCS or his/her designee may at his/her discretion require that any advertisement or sales literature be filed with FINRA for review. With that consideration, the following types of material are generally excluded from FINRA filing requirements:

 

(A)Retail communications that previously have been filed and that are to be used without material change;

 

(B)Retail communications that are based on templates that were previously filed with the Department, the changes to which are limited to: (i) updates of more recent statistical or other non-narrative information; and (ii) non-predictive narrative information that describes market events during the period covered by the communication or factual changes in portfolio composition or is sourced from a registered investment company’s regulatory documents filed with the SEC.

 

(C)Retail communications that do not make any financial or investment recommendation or otherwise promote a product or service of the member;

 

(D)Retail communications that do no more than identify a national securities exchange symbol of the member or identify a security for which the member is a registered market maker;

 

(E)Retail communications that do no more than identify the member or offer a specific security at a stated price;

 

(F)Prospectuses, preliminary prospectuses, fund profiles, offering circulars and similar documents that have been filed with the SEC or any state, or that is exempt from such registration, except that an investment company prospectus published pursuant to Securities Act Rule 482 and a free writing prospectus that has been filed with the SEC pursuant to Securities Act Rule 433(d)(1)(ii) will not be considered a prospectus for purposes of this exclusion;

 

(G)Retail communications prepared in accordance with Section 2(a)(10)(b) of the Securities Act, as amended, or any rule thereunder, such as Rule 134, and announcements as a matter of record that a member has participated in a private placement, unless the retail communications are related to publicly offered direct participation programs or securities issued by registered investment companies;

 

(H)Press releases that are made available only to members of the media;
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(I)Any reprint or excerpt of any article or report issued by a publisher (“reprint”), provided that:

 

(i)the publisher is not an affiliate of the member using the reprint or any underwriter or issuer of a security mentioned in the reprint that the member is promoting;
(ii)neither the member using the reprint nor any underwriter or issuer of a security mentioned in the reprint has commissioned the reprinted article or report; and
(iii)the member using the reprint has not materially altered its contents except as necessary to make the reprint consistent with applicable regulatory standards or to correct factual errors;

 

(J)Correspondence;

 

(K)Institutional communications;

 

(L)Communications that refer to types of investments solely as part of a listing of products or services offered by the member;

 

(M)Retail communications that are posted on an online interactive electronic forum; and

 

(N)Press releases issued by closed-end investment companies that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) pursuant to section 202.06 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual (or any successor provision)

 

Regulatory Note: FINRA Advertising Regulation Spot-Checks: All FINRA broker-dealer firms may be subject to a spot-check of advertising and/or sales literature by the FINRA Advertising Regulation Department. Upon notification of a spot-check, CCOC will submit all requested documentation to the FINRA Advertising Regulation Department within the specified time period.

 

SEC and State Filing Requirements

 

Pursuant to SEC Industry Guide 5 and applicable state requirements, CCOC is required to file, prior to use, certain communications with the SEC and/or specified individual states where material will be used to promote interest in securities operated by CIM. The MCS may at his/her discretion require that any additional communications be filed with the SEC and/or applicable states for review.

 

Sales literature includes product specific memoranda, summary descriptions, graphics, supplemental exhibits, media advertising, charts and pictures relating to the offering of a security and proposed to be transmitted to prospective investors and financial advisors in the promotion of CIM REIT programs. Sales literature also includes copies of any written scripts or outlines prepared for use in public sales meetings or seminars employed to discuss the offering, individually or in conjunction with other offerings.

 

In addition, any sales material intended to be furnished to investors orally or in writing, other than that which is used for internal purposes of the registrant, and including all sales material described above, may be required to be submitted to the SEC and/or specified individual states prior to its use. This would include all marketing memoranda sent by the Sponsor or its affiliates to broker-dealers or other sales personnel, and may include material labeled “For Broker-Dealer Use Only.”

 

Certain materials that are solely for the purpose of training and education to broker-dealer personnel may not require filing with SEC, FINRA or individual states. The MCS will determine the filing status of all such material during the review process. (See section 07.04)

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Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS is assigned to ensure submission of any materials requiring SEC and/or individual state review within the required time period. The MCS will ensure that submitted materials are held from publication or circulation until appropriate changes in response to regulatory comments specified have been completed.

 

Customer Account Statements and REIT or DRP Valuation

 

FINRA Rule 2231(c) DPP and Unlisted REIT Securities.

 

A general securities member shall include in a customer account statement a per share estimated value of a direct participation program (DPP) or unlisted real estate investment trust (REIT) security, developed in a manner reasonably designed to ensure that the per share estimated value is reliable, and the disclosures in paragraph (c)(2) as applicable.

 

1)For purposes of this paragraph (c), a per share estimated value for a DPP or REIT security will be deemed to have been developed in a manner reasonably designed to ensure that it is reliable if the member uses one of the following per share estimated value methodologies.

 

a)Net Investment

 

At any time before 150 days following the second anniversary of breaking escrow, the member may include a per share estimated value reflecting the “net investment” disclosed in the issuer’s most recent periodic or current report (“Issuer Report”). “Net investment” shall be based on the “amount available for investment” percentage in the “Estimated Use of Proceeds” section of the offering prospectus or, where “amount available for investment” is not provided, another equivalent disclosure that reflects the estimated percentage deduction from the aggregate dollar amount of securities registered for sale to the public of sales commissions, dealer manager fees, and estimated issuer offering and organization expenses. When the issuer provides a range of amounts available for investment, the member may use the maximum offering percentage unless the member has reason to believe that such percentage is unreliable, in which case the member shall use the minimum offering percentage.

 

b)Appraised Value

 

At any time, the member may include a per share estimated value reflecting an appraised valuation disclosed in the Issuer Report, which, in the case of DPPs subject to the 1940 Act, shall be consistent with the valuation requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder or, in the case of all other DPPs and REITs, shall be:

 

(i)based on valuations of the assets and liabilities of the DPP or REIT performed at least annually, by, or with the material assistance or confirmation of, a third-party valuation expert or service; and

 

(ii)derived from a methodology that conforms to standard industry practice.

 

2)Disclosures

 

a)An account statement that provides a “net investment” per share estimated value for a DPP or REIT security under paragraph (c)(1)(A) shall disclose, if applicable, prominently and in proximity to disclosure of distributions and the per share estimated value the following statements: “IMPORTANT—Part of your distribution includes a return of capital. Any distribution that represents a return of capital reduces the estimated per share value shown on your account statement.”

 

b)Any account statement that provides a per share estimated value for a DPP or REIT security shall disclose that the DPP or REIT securities are not listed on a national securities exchange, are generally illiquid and that, even if a customer is able to sell the securities, the price received may be less than the per share estimated value provided in the account statement.
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7.8Record Keeping Requirements

 

Record Keeping Requirements (Retail and Institutional Communications) (FINRA Rule 2210(b)(4))

 

All communications with the public, as outlined above, must be maintained with evidence of supervisory principal review. CCOC must maintain all materials for a period of three years from the date of last use. Included with each piece must be the name of the person who prepared each item and the name of the principal who approved the item, the date of first use and (if applicable) the date of last use. In addition, for the use of any statistical table, chart, graph or other illustration used by the member in communications with the public, source data must also be maintained for the same period.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS or his/her designee is assigned to ensure relevant records are maintained as required in its third-party communications review system.

 

Record Keeping Requirements (Correspondence)

 

CCOC shall maintain all correspondence (hard copy and electronic) for a period of three years from the date of last use. In addition, for the use of any statistical table, chart, graph or other illustration used by the member in communications with the public, source data must also be maintained for the same period. Records shall include the name of the person who prepared each item, along with the name of the person, and the date of review, of each item.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS or his/her designee is assigned to ensure correspondence is maintained as required.

 

7.9Use of FINRA Name

 

Limitations on Use of FINRA Name

 

Broker-dealers may indicate FINRA membership in conformity with Article XV, Section 2 of the FINRA By- Laws in the following ways:

 

(A) In any communication with the public, provided that the communication complies with the applicable standards of FINRA Rule 2210 and neither states nor implies that FINRA or any other regulatory organization endorses, indemnifies, or guarantees the member’s business practices, selling methods, the class or type of securities offered, or any specific security;

 

(B) In a confirmation statement for an over-the-counter transaction that states: “This transaction has been executed in conformity with the FINRA Uniform Practice Code.”; and

 

(C) Upon request to FINRA, a member will be entitled to receive an appropriate certification of membership, which may be displayed in the principal office or a registered branch office of the member. The certification shall remain the property of FINRA and must be returned by the member upon request of the FINRA Board or its Chief Executive Officer.

 

FINRA Web Site References (“Hyperlink Requirement”)

 

CCOC is not required to refer to FINRA membership on any websites. However, should FINRA be mentioned, one hyperlink to www.finra.org, available in full screen, must be located in close proximity to any reference reasonably designed to draw the public’s attention to FINRA membership.

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Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS or his/her designee is assigned to monitor and supervise any use of the FINRA name (or any other corporate name or facility owned by FINRA) and ensure compliance with applicable guidelines.

 

7.10SIPC Disclosure

 

Mandatory Display by Membership

 

While maintaining active SIPC membership, CCOC shall ensure continuous display, in a prominent place, the official SIPC symbol at the principal place of business and at any branch office.

 

Mandatory Inclusion of Member Advertising

 

Unless specifically exempted, CCOC shall ensure inclusion in all advertising, a reproduction of the official symbol or the official advertising statement or the official explanatory statement as they are defined by SIPC Article 11, Section 4. When the official symbol is used on the Internet, “SIPC” shall contain a hyperlink to SIPC’s website.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS or his/her designee is assigned to monitor and supervise any use of the SIPC official symbol, official advertising statement, and official explanatory statement, and ensure appropriate use and disclosure in accordance with applicable guidelines.

 

7.11Electronic Communications

 

Internal Policy

 

Outgoing electronic correspondence shall be limited to CCOC provided email addresses only. Registered representatives are not permitted to engage in electronic business-related correspondence via personal email accounts, non-CIM supported instant messaging, text messaging (SMS), social networking sites, chat rooms, or any other similar form.

 

All communications distributed through electronic means are to be used for business purposes only and any such communications are not to be considered private under any circumstances. Participation in electronic chat rooms, or electronically downloading unauthorized attachments or other information from an otherwise unknown source, is strictly prohibited. It is the policy of CCOC that any action, which is not in compliance, and does not conform to appropriate business standards, may lead to disciplinary action.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The Compliance department or business unit is assigned to monitor and supervise incoming and outgoing electronic communications with the public, including updates to pre-approved social media sites. Electronic communications sent and received by the MCS will be reviewed by the CCO or his/her designee to ensure independent oversight.

 

FINRA BrokerCheck (Rule 2210(d)(8))

 

(A) Each of a member’s websites must include a readily apparent reference and hyperlink to BrokerCheck on:

 

(i) the initial webpage that the member intends to be viewed by retail investors; and

 

(ii) any other webpage that includes a professional profile of one or more registered persons who conduct business with retail investors.

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(B) The requirements of subparagraph (A) shall not apply to:

 

(i) a member that does not provide products or services to retail investors; and

 

(ii) a directory or list of registered persons limited to names and contact information.

 

In an effort to comply with the FINRA BrokerCheck rule, CCOC will maintain a readily apparent reference and hyperlink on the securities related landing page of the CIM Group website.

 

Social Media

 

CCOC may maintain a social media presence such as a LinkedIn business page or Twitter account. Any post to a social property must be submitted to the Compliance Department for review and approval prior to posting. Generally, only the following types of posts will be allowed:

 

(A)Links to pre-approved sales literature with accompanying prospectus link; and

 

(B)Links to general market and financial industry articles or other content that DOES NOT reference CIM programs, or any other content that could be perceived as promoting interest in the Firm or its offerings (i.e., sales literature).

 

CCOC Does NOT currently allow any associated person to utilize interactive components of social media for business related purposes (including the promotion of CIM programs). This restriction includes discussions concerning pre-approved posts made by the Firm. However, associated persons are allowed to “like” and/or “share” pre-approved posts from the Firm’s corporate social media pages.

 

Use of Personal Computers

 

CCOC prohibits the use of personal computers to be used for business-related purposes unless authorized by senior management and subject to technology controls. If and when appropriate, all associated persons are assigned company-issued computer equipment necessary to conduct their business on behalf of CCOC and its affiliate entities. Because each associated person is assigned such equipment, CCOC does not allow the use of personal computer equipment for business activities at this time. (See Section 8.7 Safeguarding Non-Public Information)

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The designated direct supervisors are assigned to regularly monitor the activities of associated personnel to ensure that such persons are aware that the use of personal computers for business related purposes is generally prohibited unless approved by the associated person’s supervisor and subject to CCOC’s technology controls. Each associated person will be issued a business computer (and other appropriate computer equipment) that we be used for business-related purposes (i.e. business-related correspondence).

 

7.12Senior Designations and Other Credentials

 

CCOC will not allow the use of any title or designation that conveys an expertise in senior investments or retirement planning where such expertise does not exist. Failure to show expertise may violate FINRA Rule 2010, FINRA Rule 2210, and NYSE Rule 472, and possibly the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. In addition, some states prohibit or restrict the use of senior designations.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The MCS or his/her designee is assigned to approve/disapprove all requests to include professional designations, including senior designations on an ongoing basis.

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7.13Telemarketing Procedures/National Do-Not-Call Registry (FINRA Rule 3230)

 

General Telemarketing Requirements

 

Associates of CCOC may NOT initiate an outbound call to the following:

 

oAny residence of a person before the hour of 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. (local time at the called party’s location), unless
§CCOC has an established business relationship with the person
§A personal relationship exists between the associated person and the recipient of the call
§CCOC has received that person’s prior express invitation or permission, or
§the person called is a broker or dealer;
oAny person that previously has stated that he or she does not wish to receive an outbound telephone call made by or on behalf of CCOC; or
oAny person who has registered his or her telephone number on the Federal Trade Commission’s national do-not-call registry.

 

CCOC Procedures

 

Prior to engaging in telemarketing, CCOC must institute procedures that meet the following minimum standards:

 

(1)Written policy.

 

CCOC must have a written policy for maintaining a do-not-call list.

 

(2)Training of personnel engaged in telemarketing.

 

Personnel engaged in any aspect of telemarketing must be informed and trained in the existence and use of the do-not-call list.

 

(3)Recording, disclosure of do-not-call requests.

 

If an associate of CCOC receives a request from a person not to receive calls from that member, that associate must record the request and place the person’s name, if provided, and telephone number on the firm’s do-not-call list at the time the request is made. CCOC must honor a person’s do-not-call request within a reasonable time from the date such request is made. This period may not exceed 30 days from the date of such request. If such requests are recorded or maintained by a party other than CCOC on whose behalf the outbound telephone call is made, CCOC is made will be liable for any failures to honor the do-not-call request.

 

(4)Identification of sellers and telemarketers.

 

Associates of CCOC making an outbound telephone call must provide the called party with the name of the individual caller, the name of CCOC, an address or telephone number at which CCOC may be contacted, and that the purpose of the call is to solicit the purchase of securities or related service. The telephone number provided may not be a 900 number or any other number for which charges exceed local or long-distance transmission charges.

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(5)Affiliated persons or entities.

 

In the absence of a specific request by the person to the contrary, a person’s do-not-call request shall apply to the member making the call, and will not apply to affiliated entities unless the consumer reasonably would expect them to be included given the identification of the caller and the product being advertised.

 

(6)Maintenance of do-not-call lists.

 

When making outbound telephone calls, associates of CCOC must maintain a record of a person’s request not to receive further calls.

 

Wireless Communications

 

The provisions set forth in this Rule are applicable to CCOC and its associates making outbound telephone calls to wireless telephone numbers.

 

Outsourcing Telemarketing

 

If CCOC uses another appropriately registered or licensed entity or person to perform telemarketing services on its behalf, CCOC remains responsible for ensuring compliance with all provisions contained in this Rule.

 

Caller Identification Information

 

(1) Any member that engages in telemarketing, as defined in FINRA Rule 3230, must transmit or cause to be transmitted the telephone number, and, when made available by the member’s telephone carrier, the name of the member, to any caller identification service in use by a recipient of an outbound telephone call.

 

(2) The telephone number so provided must permit any person to make a do-not-call request during regular business hours.

 

(3) Any member that engages in telemarketing, as defined in FINRA Rule 3230, is prohibited from blocking the transmission of caller identification information.

 

Abandoned Calls

 

(1) No associate of CCOC shall “abandon” any outbound telephone call. An outbound telephone call is “abandoned” if a person answers it and the call is not connected to a person associated with a member within two seconds of the person’s completed greeting.

 

(2) A member or person associated with a member shall not be liable if:

 

(A) the member or person associated with a member employs technology that ensures abandonment of no more than three percent of all outbound telephone calls answered by a person, measured over the duration of a single calling campaign, if less than 30 days, or separately over each successive 30-day period or portion thereof that the campaign continues;

 

(B) the member or person associated with a member, for each outbound telephone call placed, allows the telephone to ring for at least 15 seconds or four rings before disconnecting an unanswered call;

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(C) whenever a person associated with a member is not available to speak with the person answering the outbound telephone call within two seconds after the person’s completed greeting, the member or person associated with a member promptly plays a recorded message that states the name and telephone number of the member or person associated with the member on whose behalf the call was placed; and

 

(D) the member retains records establishing compliance.

 

These policies are intended to comply with FINRA Rule 3230, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requirements, as well as any state restrictions. In the event that CCOC engages in telemarketing activities, the federal and state regulations and CCOC policies and procedures listed below must be followed.

 

The FTC and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established requirements for sellers and telemarketers to participate in a National Do-Not-Call Registry of phone numbers that do not accept phone solicitations. As such, CCOC and its employees must avoid solicitation calls to any number on the list unless the person has an “established business relationship” with CCOC. The federal Do Not Call List used must be no older than 31 days prior to the date any call is made.

 

In general, national do-not-call requirements apply to residential phone numbers. In addition, the FCC includes wireless subscribers in the national registry, presuming these are residential subscribers.

 

State Restrictions

 

Certain states have enacted restrictions on telephone solicitations to residences. For example, certain states have a restrictive policy whereby individuals may ask to be included on a state-wide “do not call” list. It is the telephone solicitor’s obligation to be aware of any individuals who are included on that list. Contact Compliance if you have questions regarding state restrictions.

 

Internal Do Not Call List

 

Employees are responsible for reporting the names of individuals who express their desire to be removed from future solicitations. CCOC maintains a centralized Do Not Call List that must be referenced along with any other Do Not Call registry prior to making any cold call. It is the associate’s responsibility to ensure outgoing calls are not made to anyone appearing on CCOC’s Do Not Call List.

 

Preclearing Telephone Numbers

 

All CCOC associates must preclear any telephone number that is not associated with a pre-existing relationship by sending a request to the designated individual responsible for validating the telephone numbers with the Firm’s Do Not Call provider.

 

7.14SEA Rule 10b-9 Representations

 

CCOC does not currently offer any securities on an “All-or-None” basis. Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Rule 10b-9(a)(1), Personnel are prohibited from making any representations that any CCOC offerings are offered or sold as such. In the event that CCOC does create such an offering, the CCO or his/her designee will update these Written Supervisory Procedures accordingly.

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Privacy Policies and Procedures (Regulation S-P) 08.00

 

Introduction

 

Regulation S-P details certain privacy rules promulgated under Section 504 of the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, which requires the SEC, and other federal agencies to adopt rules implementing notification requirements and restrictions on a financial institution’s ability to disclose personal non-public information about its consumers and/or customers.

 

In addition to the policies and procedures outlined below, CCOC associates are also required to follow any relevant state privacy regulations.

 

8.1Designations/Responsibilities for Regulation S-P Procedures

 

CCOC has assigned certain responsibilities to the CCO or his/her designee for the proper execution of Regulation S-P related policies and procedures. The CCO or his/her designee shall be CCOC’s central point of contact for any/all communications with regulatory agencies regarding CCOC’s privacy policies and procedures.

 

8.2Privacy Notifications

 

Definitions

 

Customer: Under the Rule, a “customer” is defined as any consumer who has a “customer relationship” with a financial institution. As such, customers should be issued initial privacy notices no later than the establishment of a customer relationship.

 

Consumer: Under the Rule, a “consumer” is defined as any individual (or his or her legal representative) who obtains, from a financial institution, financial products, or services that are to be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. As such, consumers should be issued initial privacy notices before the disclosure of any personal non-public information about the consumer to any nonaffiliated third parties.

 

8.3Initial Privacy Policy Notification

 

Any broker-dealer, investment company or investment adviser firm registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, is not required to provide an initial privacy notice under the following conditions:

 

When CCOC does not disclose any personal non-public information about the consumer to any nonaffiliated 3rd party; and

 

CCOC does not have a customer relationship with a consumer as in the case of effecting a transaction, opening an account (introducing broker-dealer or otherwise), or enters into an advisory contract.

  

When CCOC does engage with “consumers” or “customers,” the Firm will fulfill its initial Privacy Policy notification requirements. Furthermore, CCOC’s Privacy Notice is included with the New Account Form.

 

8.4Annual Privacy Policy Notification

 

A broker-dealer is not required to provide an annual privacy notice under the following conditions:

 

There is no “customer;”

 

A closed customer account;

 

The termination of a customer’s investment advisory contract;
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A customer is no longer the owner of record for securities the Firm has issued (for investment companies registered under the 1940 Act); and

 

If an Investment Company’s customer is determined to be a lost security holder as defined in 17 CFR 240.17a-24(b).

 

Additionally, according to the FAST Act

 

The amendment provides an exception to the annual delivery requirement for any financial institution that satisfies the following two criteria:

 

the financial institution does not share nonpublic personal information with nonaffiliated third parties (other than as permitted under certain enumerated exceptions, e.g., to service providers who perform services on behalf of the financial institution, or as necessary to administer a transaction requested or authorized by an individual); and

 

the financial institution has not changed its privacy policies and practices from the policies and practices that were disclosed in the most recent privacy notice sent to individuals.

 

When CCOC does engage with “consumers” or “customers,” the Firm will fulfill its annual Privacy Policy notification requirements. CCOC’s Privacy Policy is included with its New Account Form which is provided at the inception to all customer relationships, is provided on its public website and will be mailed to customers according to applicable regulations.

 

8.5Regulation S-AM Compliance

 

When CCOC engages in business activities with “consumers” or “customers”, the Firm will not disseminate eligibility information to any affiliate for the purpose of making a marketing solicitation unless:

 

(1) the potential marketing use of that information has been clearly, conspicuously and concisely disclosed to the consumer;

(2) the consumer has been provided a reasonable opportunity and a simple method to opt out of receiving the marketing solicitations; and

(3) the consumer has not opted out. CCOC will also develop and implement procedures specific to consumer notice and opt out requirements, scope and duration of the opt out, contents of the opt out notice, and the delivery of the opt out notice as well as the method in which consumers may opt out.

 

8.6Re-disclosure and Reuse of Personal Non-Public Information

 

If CCOC receives personal non-public information provided under Section 502(e) of the GLB Act (exceptions), it may disclose the information to its affiliates or to the affiliates of the financial institution from which it received the information. CCOC may also disclose and use the information under the same type of exceptions in the ordinary course of business to carry out the activity covered by the exception under which the institution received the information. Any affiliates of CCOC may disclose and use the information, but only to the extent permissible to the Firm.

 

If CCOC receives personal non-public information outside one of the Section 502(e) exceptions, it may disclose the information to the following:

 

Its affiliates;

 

The affiliates of the financial institution that made the initial disclosure; and

 

Any other person if the disclosure would be lawful if made directly by the financial institution from which the information was received.
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If a third party receives information from CCOC outside one of the Section 502(e) exceptions, the third party may disclose the information to its affiliates or to the affiliates of the Firm. The third party also may disclose to any other person if the disclosure would be lawful if made by the BD, fund, or registered adviser. The third party’s affiliates may disclose and use the information to the same extent permissible for the third party.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to review any disclosure of non-public information received by CCOC. Any disclosure of non-public information shall be in accordance with Regulation S-P.

 

8.7Clean Desk Policy

 

CIM’s Clean Desk Policy is designed to improve the security and confidentiality of information relating to our Firm and more importantly, its customers. Following this Policy reduces the risk of information theft, fraud, or a security breach caused by sensitive information being left unattended and helps ensure that material non-public Information is not inadvertently exposed to unauthorized parties.

 

Office Space Policy

 

»Computer workstations and laptops must be locked when your work area is unoccupied.

 

»Employees must ensure that all sensitive/confidential materials are either locked away or placed in the proper disposal shredding bins.

 

»Any non-public, confidential or sensitive company or customer information must be removed from the desk and put away when desk is unoccupied or at the end of the day. This includes any records that contain personally identifiable information of customers and employees, banking and account information, and confidential trade secrets.

 

»At the end of the of the working day, the employee is expected to tidy up their desk and put away all company or customer-related documents.

 

»Passwords may not be written down and/or visible near computer workstation.

 

»All printers and fax machines must be cleared of papers as soon as they are printed; employees should consider limiting the use of printed items and instead, manage records accordingly on secure internal networks.

 

»Keys used to access locations with sensitive/confidential information, such as filing cabinets, desk drawers or mailboxes, must be secured.

 

»Laptops should never be left unattended in common or unsecured areas and always be taken home with the employee when leaving the office.

 

Remote Work Policy

 

»Maintain boundaries with your home workspace - do not allow family/children to use your work computer for personal use. Lock your computer when not in use.

 

»Do not leave work documents out in the open. Shred any documents after you have finished with them. If you do not have a shredder, store documents in a box or bag to be brought to the office for shredding when we return. Do not toss them in your regular refuse as they may contain, personal, private, confidential, and/or proprietary information.

 

»Be mindful about your conversations while working remotely and respect the confidentiality of non-public information. Please move devices (e.g., Google Home, Amazon Alexa) that may record audio, away from business office setups or where a confidential conversation is being held.
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Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee will work with department leaders to request periodic reports on compliance with the Clean Desk Policy. In addition, members of the Compliance Department will also spot check physical locations for compliance with the policy. Reports and findings of these observations will be reviewed and maintained for recordkeeping.

 

8.8Cybersecurity - Safeguarding Non-Public Information

 

In accordance with SEC Rule 30 of Regulation S-P, CCOC, has adopted certain policies and procedures that address the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for the protection of non-public information and mitigation of identity theft. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of non-public records and information, protect against anticipated threats or hazards as well as unauthorized access to non-public records or information that may result in harm or inconvenience.

 

Network and Email Protection

 

CCOC utilizes Meraki infrastructure to provide core & access switching capabilities for level 2 & 3 routing within the Local Area Network (LAN). All perimeter connections to the Internet are secured by Palo Alto firewalls that also provide web filtering and anomaly detection. In addition, Rapid7 managed service is used for vulnerability management and threat detection from log analytics. All sensitive information is stored in CCOC’s enterprise document management system hosted by iManage. Access to documents is restricted using Active Directory secure access groups, which are governed through IT general controls processes.

 

Workstations, Mobile Computing Devices (Laptops), Tablets and Cell Phones

 

CCOC workstations and laptops are kept up-to-date on operating system & application service packs, hot fixes & patches through the use of a Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) server. All workstations are equipped with Cylance’s endpoint protection. All workstation and laptop hard drives are encrypted and local data is only accessible by the authorized user. Additional security controls are in place at the network level to prevent the exploitation of workstations and laptops further enhancing the security of the systems.

 

CCOC cell phones and tablets are kept up-to-date on operating systems & applications using the Microsoft Intune mobile devices management (MDM) solution. Devices may not be jailbroken, must have pin passcodes in place, and other company mandated requirements. In addition, all cell phones and tablets are encrypted and local data is only accessible by the authorized user.

 

Note: All CCOC associates are strictly prohibited from using mobile text and other messaging features for business related communications. Electronic business communications must be conducted through CCOC’s established e-mail system or other approved systems.

 

In the event that a portable device, including laptop, cell phone or tablet, is lost or stolen, the associate is required to immediately notify the IT Helpdesk and their manager. The IT Department will make attempts to remotely wipe the device and require password changes on all system accounts.

 

Email

 

CCOC’s e-mail system utilizes Microsoft’s Office 365 Exchange Online. All e-mail is relayed through Proofpoint Secure Mail Gateway services where all inbound and outbound messages are scanned for viruses and malicious code. CCOC also leverages Proofpoint’s email encryption service to allow sensitive information to be securely transmitted over email. TLS Encryption will be implemented with trusted business partners to ensure that all email is encrypted in transit.

 

An essential tool (in additional to all of the various security measures in place at the network and workstation levels) used to protect investors’ personally identifiable information when sending messages outside of the Firm is E-mail Encryption. The Firm utilizes SecureMail by Proofpoint to encrypt documents that are sent electronically.

 

In order to use this feature, the user must type the word [Encrypt] in the subject line or body of the e-mail.

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Recipients will be presented with a message informing them to create a SecureMail account in order to access the encrypted e-mail.

 

Note: Registered personnel are required to use this feature any time they are sending data electronically that includes an investor’s name along with another piece of personally identifiable information such as an account number or social security number.

 

“Phishing” via Email

 

In addition to CCOC’s passive and active cybersecurity monitoring, the Firm also deploys a manual tool for the reporting of suspected phishing emails. Associated persons who suspect that they have received suspicious emails can immediately and safely isolate and report suspected “phishing” emails through the PhishAlarm Outlook add-in. When an associated person clicks on “Report Phish” within Outlook, the highlighted suspicious message is deleted from his/her inbox, and immediately sent to the IT Department for evaluation.

 

Licensing of Certain IT Department Personnel

 

FINRA Rule 1220 (b)(3)(A)(ii) requires certain classes of individuals responsible for approving or authorizing the business security requirements and policies for information technology (including systems and data) to obtain and maintain the Series 99 license. This also applies to individuals who define and approve information entitlement policies in connection with the covered functions. The CCO shall be responsible for ensuring such individuals have or immediately obtain such licensing.

 

Wireless

 

All CCOC wireless access points use AES encryption through the use of WAP2 Enterprise to ensure the secure transmission through this medium. Users are authenticated to the wireless network through their Active Directory account prior to access being granted.

 

Remote Access

 

CCOC provides remote access through Virtual Private Networking (VPN) & Microsoft Remote Desktop, protected by DUO two-factor authentication. In light of the COVID pandemic of 2020, and the need for company-wide work from home protocols, both access options were provided to CCOC associates and strictly managed by the company’s IT personnel. VPN functionality is provided through the Palo Alto firewall. Users must be approved for remote access by their respective department head and IT Security prior to access being granted.

 

8.9Breach of Confidential Information

 

Should any breach of confidential information occur, upon becoming aware of the breach, the CCO shall be immediately notified to ensure completion of an investigation of the breach and compliance with any applicable federal, state and/or territory rules and/or regulations requiring disclosure of the breach.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO has been assigned to ensure compliance with Regulation S-P and the safeguarding of non-public information. The CCO may be assisted by information technology experts within the CIM organization. All new technologies will be reviewed prior to implementation to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

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Product Review & Other Selling Relationships 09.00

 

Introduction

 

CCOC has developed procedures to ensure the wholesaling and direct recommendation of only pre-approved CIM real estate products which are in compliance with federal, state and SRO rules and regulations. The procedures for approved products may involve real estate investment trusts (REITs), private placements, direct participation programs (DPPs), and/or other relevant investment-related products.

 

9.1New Product Reviews

 

As required by FINRA Rule 3110, CCOC shall not introduce a new product to the marketplace before it is thoroughly vetted from a regulatory as well as a business perspective. New products shall be defined as any public offering and any new structure types offered by way of private placement. New products may also include existing structures that contain unique features (i.e. risk characteristics), and any others that CCOC believes warrant additional vetting. This will generally not include Club Deals, Co-Investments, Joint Ventures, Separately Managed Accounts, or other similar structures as they are intentionally limited in distribution to a small number of highly sophisticated investors, and whose terms may be unique to the investor(s) involved. While individuals associated with the development and placement of these deals may be associated persons, they do not otherwise involve CCOC. Additionally, CCOC will consider the impact to the Duty of Care and Disclosure Obligations under the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest Rule when conducting new product reviews. (11.1)

 

When conducting a review of a Feeder Fund, Parallel Fund, , etc. related to a previously approved offering, product due diligence may rely upon previously reviewed information when conducting the due diligence review for the new related offerings.

 

Starting in 2020, CCOC established a Product Review Committee that includes, but is not limited to members of, Legal, Compliance, Operations, Sales, Due Diligence, and Finance with assistance from other members of senior management, and shall be responsible for performing the initial review of each new CIM product for which CCOC is considering engaging in some form of selling agreement of other form of contractual obligation. The Committee members may also be assisted by internal and/or external due diligence experts.

 

The Product Review Committee may consider a series of items including but not limited to: risk factors, marketing considerations, investment objectives, legal considerations, target audience, product assumptions, cost and fees, compensation, complexity, structure, operations, as well as the need to develop or refine in house training programs for the product.

 

The Committee may consider the following non-exclusive factors where applicable when evaluating a new product:

 

Is the product new to the marketplace or CCOC?
Will the product be offered by representatives who have not previously sold the product?
Does the product require material operational or system changes?
Would the product involve a new or significant change in wholesaling practices?
Does the product raise conflicts that have not previously been identified and addressed?
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The Committee may also review the following categories in consideration of FINRA NTM 03- 71:

 

Company/Vendor Information;
Approved product Category;
Contracts and Agreements;
Sales and Marketing Materials;
Company/Vendor Background Information;
Disclosure Adequacy and Accuracy;
The liquidity of the product;
The existence of a secondary market and the prospective transparency of pricing in any secondary market transactions;
The creditworthiness of the issuer;
The underlying assets;
Where applicable, the creditworthiness of the counter parties;
Principal, return, and/or interest rate risk and the factors that determine those risks;
The tax consequences of the product; and
The cost and fees associated with purchasing and selling the product.

 

When evaluating a CIM product during the review process, other factors may include existing reputation in the industry, disciplinary history, current and/or existing contractual obligations, and totality of facts and circumstances involving the vendor/company.

 

Additionally, a member of the Due Diligence team will provide an update to the CCOC Oversight Committee on a quarterly basis with the status of all open and recently closed CIM Group offerings and decisions made by the Product Review Committee.

 

Private Placements/Regulation D Offerings

 

A due diligence review of private placements may, where applicable, address the questions included in FINRA Regulatory Notices 13-26 and 10-22, as well as the requirements of FINRA Rule 5123. Investigation steps for Regulation D investments that FINRA recommends and describes as best practices in Regulatory Notice 13-26 and 10-22, as well as compliance with FINRA Rule 5123, are included below.

 

Issuer and Management:

 

Examining the issuer’s governing documents, including any charter, bylaws and partnership agreement, noting particularly the amount of its authorized stock and any restriction on its activities. If the issuer is a corporation, CCOC might determine whether it has perpetual existence;
Examining historical financial statements of the issuer and its affiliates, with particular focus, if available, on financial statements that have been audited by an independent certified public accountant and auditor letters to management;
Looking for any trends indicated by the financial statements;
Inquiring about the business of affiliates of the issuer and the extent to which any cash needs or other expectations for the affiliate might affect the business prospects of the issuer;
Inquiring about internal audit controls of the issuer;
Contacting customers and suppliers regarding their dealing with the issuer;
Reviewing the issuer’s contracts, leases, mortgages, financing arrangements, contractual arrangements between the issuer and its management, employment agreements and stock option plans. Inquiring about past securities offerings by the issuer and the degree of their success while keeping in mind that simply because a certain product or sponsor historically met obligations to investors, there are no guarantees that it will continue to do so, particularly if the issuer has been dependent on continuously raising new capital. This inquiry could be especially important for any blind pool or blank check offering;
Inquiring about pending litigation of the issuer or its affiliates;
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Inquiring about previous or potential regulatory or disciplinary problems of the issuer.
Making reasonable inquiries concerning the issuer’s management. CCOC might inquire about such issues as the expertise of management for the issuer’s business and the extent to which management has changed or is expected to change. For example, CCOC might inquire about any regulatory or disciplinary history on the part of management and any loans or other transactions between the issuer or its affiliates and members of management that might be inappropriate or might otherwise affect the issuer’s business;
Inquiring about the forms and amount of management compensation, who determines the compensation and the extent to which the forms of compensation could present serious conflicts of interest. CCOC might make similar inquiries concerning the qualifications and integrity of any board of directors or similar body of the issuer; and
Inquiring about the length of time that the issuer has been in business and whether the focus of its business is expected to change.

 

Issuer’s Business Prospects:

 

Inquiring about the viability of any patent or other intellectual property rights held by the issuer.
Inquiring about the industry in which the issuer conducts its business, the prospects for that industry, any existing or potential regulatory restrictions on that business and the competitive position of the issuer;
Requesting any business plan, business model or other description of the business intentions of the issuer and its management and their expectations for the business, and analyzing management’s assumptions upon which any business forecast is based. CCOC might test models with information from representative assets to validate projected returns, break-even points and similar information provided to investors Requesting financial models used to generate projections or targeted returns;
Maintaining in CCOC’s files a summary of the analysis that was performed on financial models provided by the issuer that detail the results of any stress tests performed on the issuer’s assumptions and projections; and
Issuer’s Assets

 

Reasonable investigations of the quality of the assets and facilities of the issuer might include:

 

Visiting and inspecting a sample of the issuer’s assets and facilities to determine whether the value of assets reflected in the financial statements is reasonable and that management’s assertions concerning the condition of the issuer’s physical plants and the adequacy of its equipment are accurate;
Carefully examining any geological, land use, engineering or other reports by third-party experts that may raise red flags; and
Obtaining, with respect to energy development and exploration programs, expert opinions from engineers, geologists and others may be necessary as a basis for determining the suitability of the investment prior to recommending the security to investors.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The Product Review Committee will ensure observance of CCOC’s procedures for new product reviews. The Committee has authority to initially approve or disapprove each product and to change the initial determination at any time. Written evidence (approval/disapproval) for the basis of the decision shall be maintained for review.

 

9.2Ongoing Product Reviews

 

A member of the Due Diligence team and/or the Product Review Committee shall perform ongoing quarterly reviews of each CIM product for which CCOC engages in some form of active recommendation, selling agreement or other form of active wholesaling contractual obligation.

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Each product review shall be completed by a member of the Due Diligence team and/or the Product Review Committee and may include resources from third-party due diligence experts. When completing the quarterly product reviews, the following may be considered:

 

Prospectus or Other Updates;
Complaints and Grievances;
Updated Company/Vendor Information;
Updated Approved Product Categories;
Updated Contracts and Agreements;
Updated Sales and Marketing Materials;
Updated Company/Vendor Background Information;

Disclosure Adequacy and Accuracy.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

A member of the Due Diligence team will complete regular reviews for each CIM product for which CCOC engages in some form of recommendation or selling agreement.

 

9.3Advertising and Sales Literature Review

 

Advertising and Sales Literature produced by a sponsor and distributed by CCOC shall be reviewed in accordance with the Firm’s procedures for Communications with the Public (see Section 7 above).

 

9.4Master List of Approved Products

 

CCOC shall maintain a master list of all approved products for recordkeeping purposes. On an as needed basis, CCOC will match and reconcile current and approved products to ensure compliance with the FINRA Membership Agreement.

 

As previously noted, CCOC will not engage in or enter into any agreement or contractual obligation involving any products/service that the Firm is not currently approved to conduct in accordance with the most recent FINRA Membership Agreement.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

Compliance will maintain a master list on behalf of the Product Review Committee to be updated on an as needed basis.

 

9.5Dealer Manager Agreements

 

The Business Development team shall review and maintain copies selling and/or sales agreements involving any/all private placements, direct participation programs, limited partnerships or other relevant investment products for which CCOC engages in some form of selling agreement or other form of active wholesaling contractual obligation. The Business Development team may receive assistance from Legal and/or Compliance in completing his/her review.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

In the event that CCOC receives documentation and/or materials on a new proposed product, the Business Development team, with assistance from Legal and/or Compliance (if required) will thoroughly review any/all agreements, contracts or other contractual obligations before entering into such agreement or contract and adding the proposed product to the master list of approved products. A signed and dated agreement shall be included with all reviewed and approved documentation as evidence of such review.

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9.6Selected Dealer Agreements

 

The Business Development team will be responsible for conducting due diligence on independent selling firms (“Selected Dealers”) that wish to execute selling agreements and distribute CIM Group products on their respective platforms. The Business Development team shall ensure that FINRA’s BrokerCheck system is utilized to determine whether a prospective selling firm and/or principals of such firms have any disclosures (arbitration/litigation, criminal, regulatory, etc.) that indicate the selling firm may have questionable sales practices. Other publicly available search tools may be utilized as well to ascertain whether there may be any other negative history concerning sales practices. Ongoing Due Diligence will be conducted by a member of the compliance team leveraging an independent monitoring platform (RDC). In addition, an OFAC search will be conducted to ensure that CIM does not do business with any prospective selling firms that are on the OFAC list. An OFAC search will be conducted annually thereafter.

 

In the event that the Business Development team determines there are significant disclosures that may raise sales practice related concerns, including disqualifications under the provisions of the SEC’s Bad Actor Rule 506(d), the Business Development team shall consult with the CCO, and other key management personnel to determine whether a selling agreement will be executed or maintained with the selected dealer.

 

Selected Dealer Responsibilities

 

CCOC, when acting in a wholesaling capacity, provides information to Selected Dealers and/or RIAs, through either Selected Dealer Agreements or other arrangements relating to the CIM Group offerings respectively. Other agreements and arrangements relating to the CIM Group offerings are discussed further below.

 

When acting pursuant to a Selected Dealer Agreement, CCOC ensures that each Selected Dealer has entered into a product specific agreement clarifying regulatory responsibilities, including suitability and best interest requirements. Therein, it is the responsibility of these Selected Dealers to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that, based on all available information provided by the participating client, that:

 

The Selected Dealer has reasonable grounds to believe that their participating client is or will be in a financial position appropriate to enable him/her to realize to a significant extent the benefits described in the prospectus/offering memoranda, including the tax benefits where they are a significant aspect of the program;

 

The Selected Dealer’s client has an adequate fair market net worth sufficient to sustain the risks inherent in the program, including loss of investment and lack of liquidity; and

 

The program is suitable for and/or in the best interest of the Selected Dealer’s client.

 

Subscription Agreements

 

Participation in DPP and/or REIT transactions may include the issuance of signed subscription agreements which document suitability. Subscription agreements shall contain all required suitability information. Pursuant to Selected Dealer Agreements, Selected Dealers are responsible for ensuring accurate completion of any subscription agreement and/or suitability questionnaire.

 

Prospectus/Offering Memoranda

 

Each Selected Dealer is responsible for providing a prospectus/offering memoranda to their clients for DPP and/or REIT transactions prior to, or in conjunction with, confirmation of purchase.

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Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC has assigned the Business Development team to ensure receipt of signed Selected Dealer Agreements for all DPP and/or REIT transactions in which CCOC acts as Dealer Manager. CCOC does not approve transactions or otherwise determine suitability for clients of Selected Dealers. Suitability shall be determined, pursuant to the selling agreement, by each Selected Dealer. CCOC will not make a final suitability determination for a client of a Selected Dealer.

 

9.7Other Agreements & Arrangements

 

Other Agreements Relating to CCO Group Offerings

 

When engaging in a wholesaling capacity for a RIA placing business in a CIM operated securities product, CCOC shall ensure that the RIA is using a Platform which has entered into an agreement relating to the CCO Group offerings or CCOC will take reasonable steps to ensure there is an appropriate custodian for the investment.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisors Act, RIAs are classified as fiduciaries and owe their clients a duty to provide investment advice that is in the best interest of their clients. This duty generally requires a RIA to determine that the investment advice it gives to a client is appropriate for the client, taking into consideration, at a minimum, the client’s financial situation, investment experience, and investment objectives.

 

Subscription Agreements

 

Participation in DPP and/or REIT transactions may include the issuance of signed subscription agreements which document suitability. Subscription agreements shall contain all suitability information as required by applicable states. As discussed above, RIAs are classified as fiduciaries and are therefore responsible for ensuring accurate completion of any subscription agreement and/or suitability questionnaire.

 

Prospectus/Offering Memorandum

 

Each RIA is responsible for providing a prospectus/offering memorandum to their investors for DPP and/or REIT transactions prior to, or in conjunction with, confirmation of purchase.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC has assigned the CCO or his/her designee to confirm the status of each RIA. CCOC does not approve transactions or otherwise determine suitability for clients of RIAs. Suitability shall be determined by each RIA pursuant to the fiduciary responsibilities of RIAs. CCOC will not make a final suitability determination for a client of a RIA

 

9.8Termination/Cancellation Procedures

 

In the event that CCOC and/or the Selected Dealer cannot meet any of the substantive requirements or expectations as stipulated in the prescribed contract, the contract may be suspended, terminated or cancelled in accordance with the termination provisions of the agreement. Notifications of suspension, termination or cancellation with be disseminated to appropriate CCOC personnel.

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Implementation Strategy

 

The Business Development team shall review all Dealer Manager and other agreements for compliance with internal policies and other procedures. Any terminated agreements will be reviewed, signed and dated as evidence of such review. All termination/cancelation materials shall be maintained by a member of the Business Development team for review.

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Direct Participation Programs and Real Estate Investment Trusts 10.00

 

Introduction

 

CCOC has implemented the following procedures to ensure proper supervision and compliance when acting as dealer manager and/or sales agent for CIM Group securities products. CIM sponsors Direct Participation Program (DPP) and/or Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) securities products in accordance with applicable federal, state, Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) rules and regulations.

 

All CIM Group offerings of real estate securities are offered through either independent third-party broker-dealers (Selected Dealers) pursuant to Selected Dealer Agreements or independent third-party broker-dealer platforms (Platforms), which have entered into other agreements relating to the CIM Group offerings. In limited instances, CCOC may establish and maintain retail customer accounts in connection with the offering of such real estate products on an accommodation basis for those investors that are not customers of a Selected Dealer or Platform. In addition, certain associated persons in the sales and distribution teams are engaged in the sales/marketing of CIM-managed urban real asset private placements to institutions and high net worth individuals.

 

The following sections are applicable to CCOC’s position as dealer manager and/or sales agent for CIM offerings.

 

10.1Key Definitions

 

Direct Participation Program: In accordance with FINRA Rule 2310), a Direct Participation Program (DPP) is defined as a program which provides for flow-through tax consequences regardless of the structure of the legal entity or vehicle for distribution including, but not limited to the following:

 

Oil and gas programs;

 

Equity real estate programs;

 

Low income housing tax credit programs;

 

Mortgage programs;

 

Venture capital funds;

 

Equipment leasing programs; and

 

Other programs of a similar nature, regardless of the industry represented by the program, or any combination thereof.

 

Real Estate Investment Trust: In accordance with FINRA Rule 2231(d)(4), a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) refers to the publicly issued equity securities of a real estate investment trust as defined in Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code, but does not include securities on deposit in a registered securities depository and settled regular way or securities listed on a national securities exchange. REITs are pass- through entities that offer investors an equity interest in a pool of real estate assets, including land, buildings, shopping centers, hotels and office properties.

 

Private Funds: Currently, CIM Group’s private fund offerings are Reg D offerings conducted in compliance with SEC Rule 506(b) and in most cases are intended to be offered only to Qualified Purchasers*. Additionally, Rule 506(b) prohibits the general solicitation and advertising of these securities. As such, CIM Group does not produce public advertising materials for its private funds. Most importantly, CCOC associates are prohibited from making any statements, publicly or in writing, that could be considered a general solicitation of any CIM Group private fund offerings. This includes any communication that could be considered “priming” the market for interest in these private funds.

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*Qualified Purchasers Include:

 

-a person with not less than $5 million in investments;

 

-a company with not less than $5 million in investments owned by close family members;

 

-a trust, not formed for the investment, managed by Qualified Purchaser(s);

 

-an investment manager with not less than $25 million under management;

 

-a company with not less than $25 million of investments; or

 

-a company (regardless of the amount of such company’s Investments) beneficially owned exclusively by Qualified Purchasers.

 

10.2Organization and Offering (“O&O”) Fees, and Operating Expenses

 

Fair and Reasonable Organization and Offering Fees

 

CCOC will not underwrite or participate in the public offering of a DPP or REIT if the O&O fees are not considered fair and reasonable in accordance with FINRA Rule 2310(b)(4).

 

In accordance with FINRA Rule 2310(b)(4) and the NASAA Statement of Policy Regarding REITs, the O&O expenses paid in connection with each CIM non-traded REIT’s formation or the syndication of the shares shall be reasonable and shall in no event exceed the amount equal to 15% of the proceeds raised in each non-traded REIT offering operated by CCO Group.

 

Each REIT currently in offering utilizes certain processes on an ongoing basis to track the available O&O expense reimbursement capacity in order to ensure that the total O&O expenses reimbursed to the REIT’s advisor as of the closing of the offering will be limited to an amount that does not exceed 15% of the gross proceeds of the offering, as required by FINRA Rule 2310.

 

Accounting personnel for each such REIT maintain a schedule of O&O reimbursements which is used to track the available O&O expense reimbursement capacity, as well as the total O&O expenses reimbursed or accrued by the REIT. The O&O reimbursements schedule is subjected to regular review and reconciliation, and prior to any reimbursement payment by any of the REITs, the O&O reimbursements schedule for such REIT is reviewed by accounting managers, who compare the O&O schedule to the REIT’s internal equity support schedule (which is reconciled to the general ledger on a monthly basis). In addition, on a monthly basis, the calculated number of shares issued is reconciled to a report from DST showing the REIT’s total outstanding shares. These reconciliations are also reviewed by an accounting manager.

 

At the end of each calendar year, a comprehensive review of O&O reimbursement calculations will be performed (in addition to the comprehensive review that is performed in connection with the closing of each offering) in order to confirm compliance with the limitations set out in FINRA Rule 2310.

 

The total operating expenses of each CCO Group non-traded REIT shall be deemed to be excessive if they exceed in any fiscal year the greater of 2% of its average invested assets or 25% of its net income for any such year. The independent trustee (defined by the NASAA Statement of Policy Regarding REITs as the independent director(s) of such non-traded REIT) shall have the fiduciary responsibility of limiting such expenses to amounts that do not exceed such limitation unless such independent trustees shall have made a finding that, based on such unusual and non-recurring factors which they deem sufficient, a higher level of expenses is justified for such year. Any such findings and the reasons in support thereof shall be reflected in the minutes of the meeting of the trustees.

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Acceptance of Cash/Non-Cash Compensation

 

CCOC is prohibited from accepting any cash compensation unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

 

All compensation is paid directly to CCOC in cash and the distribution, if any, of all compensation to the Firm’s associated persons is controlled solely by the Firm;
The value of all compensation to be paid in connection with an offering is included as compensation to be received in connection with the offering;
Arrangements relating to the proposed payment of all compensation are disclosed in the prospectus or similar offering document; and
The value of all compensation paid in connection with an offering is reflected on the books and records of the recipient member as compensation received in connection with the offering.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The FINOP is assigned to reasonably monitor CCOC’s participation in DPPs and REITs as to check for offering fees that may be considered unfair and unreasonable on a case-by-case basis. All organization and offering fees will be reviewed in accordance with current FINRA guidelines. When reviewing the amount of compensation, the FINOP will review all items of compensation paid by the program to underwriters, broker-dealers, or affiliates thereof, including, but not limited to, sales commissions, wholesaling fees, due diligence expenses, other underwriter’s expenses, underwriter’s counsel’s fees, securities or rights to acquire securities, rights of first refusal, consulting fees, finder’s fees, investor relations fees, and any other items of compensation for services of any kind or description. The FINOP shall sign and date the quarterly financial packet as evidence of review.

 

The CCO or his/her designee is assigned to reasonably monitor for the receipt of cash/non-cash compensation by CCOC and/or its associated persons. Any unauthorized acceptance of cash/non-cash compensation shall be documented and brought to the attention of the President for appropriate action.

 

Member Private Offerings and Private Placements

 

Background

 

Two FINRA rules require firms to file certain offering documents and information about the issuer, the offering terms, and the firms selling the private placement with FINRA.

 

FINRA Rule 5122 (Member Private Offerings) requires firms that offer or sell their own securities or those of a control entity to file with the Corporate Financing Department a private placement memorandum, term sheet or other offering document at or prior to the first time the documents are provided to any prospective investor.
FINRA Rule 5123 (Private Placements of Securities) requires firms to file with FINRA’s Corporate Financing Department within 15 calendar days of the date of first sale of a non-public offering in reliance on an available exemption from registration under the 1933 Act, any private placement memorandum, term sheet or other offering document, and, effective October 1, 2021 any retail communication (as defined in Rule 2210) that promotes or recommends the private placement, or any material amended versions thereof, used in connection with the sale, or indicate that no such offerings documents were used.

 

There is an exemption from the filing requirements under FINRA Rules 5122(c)(1)(B) and 5123(b)(1)(B), for the private offerings that are sold solely to Qualified Purchasers as defined in Section 2(a)(51)(A) of the 1940 Act.

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Designated Supervising Principal

 

The Firm engages in a private placement of unregistered securities issued by us or a control affiliate. As such, the CCO or his/her designee will take reasonable steps to ensure that we are in full compliance with FINRA Rule 5122 and/or FINRA Rule 5123.

 

FINRA Rule 5122

 

The CCO is responsible for ensuring the following requirements of FINRA Rule 5122 are met:

 

No member or associated person may offer or sell any security in a Member Private Offering unless the following conditions have been met:

 

(1) Disclosure Requirements

 

(A) If an offering has a private placement memorandum or term sheet, then such memorandum or term sheet must be provided to each prospective investor and must contain disclosures addressing:

 

(i) intended use of the offering proceeds; and

 

(ii) offering expenses and the amount of selling compensation that will be paid to the member and its associated persons.

 

(B) If an offering does not have a private placement memorandum or term sheet, then the member must prepare an offering document that contains the disclosures required in paragraph (b)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) and provide such document to each prospective investor.

 

(2) Filing Requirements

 

A member must file the private placement memorandum, term sheet or such other offering document with the Corporate Financing Department at or prior to the first time the document is provided to any prospective investor. Any amendment(s) or exhibit(s) to the private placement memorandum, term sheet or other offering document also must be filed with the Department within ten days of being provided to any investor or prospective investor. See note on exemption above.

 

(3) Use of Offering Proceeds

 

For each Member Private Offering, at least 85% of the offering proceeds raised must be used for business purposes, which shall not include offering costs, discounts, commissions or any other cash or non-cash sales incentives. The use of the offering proceeds also must be consistent with the disclosures required in paragraph (b)(1).

 

If, in connection with the offer and sale of any security in a Member Private Offering, a member or associated person discovers after the fact that one or more of the conditions listed above have not been met, the member or associated person must promptly conform the offering to comply with this Rule.

 

FINRA Rule 5123

 

The CCO is responsible for ensuring the following requirements of FINRA Rule 5123 are met:

 

Each member that sells a security in a non-public offering in reliance on an available exemption from registration under the 1933 Act (“private placement”) must: (i) submit to FINRA, or have submitted on its behalf by a designated member, a copy of any private placement memorandum, term sheet or other offering document, and, effective October 1, 2021 any retail communication (as defined in Rule 2210) that promotes or recommends the private placement including any materially amended versions thereof, used in connection with such sale within 15 calendar days of the date of first sale; or (ii) notify FINRA that no such offering documents were used. Members must provide FINRA with the required documents or notification and related information, if known, by filing an electronic form in the manner prescribed by FINRA.

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This filing requirement does not apply to private placements offered only to Qualified Purchasers as defined in Section 2(a)(51)(A) of the 1940 Act. See note on exemption above. In connection with conducting due diligence on each proposed private placement, the Firm’s compliance department will review the offering to determine whether any filings need to be made with FINRA’s Corporate Financing Department. If such offering documents need to be filed, then the Firm’s compliance department will ensure that such filing is made within 15 calendar days of the date of the first sale, and meets any other requirements of FINRA Rule 5123. If the offering does not use any such offering documents, then the Firm’s compliance department will notify FINRA in accordance with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5123. The Firm’s compliance department will also review any such offering documents to ensure that any materially amended versions thereof are filed with FINRA in accordance with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5123.

 

Escrow Account

 

In those instances in which the Firm markets the sale of private placements offered with any kind of contingency (i.e. all-or-none, minimum/maximum, etc.), the CCO will ensure that an escrow account is established for the offering that complies with the requirements of SEC Rule 15c2-4. In that regard, the CCO will ensure that the Firm obtains and maintains a copy of the escrow agreement. If a proper escrow account is not established, the CCO will take steps to arrange for the issuer affiliate to establish an escrow account. In those instances, in which the Firm markets the sale of private placements offering with no contingency, the Firm will require that customer subscription checks be made payable to the issuer affiliate.

 

Regulation D – 506

 

Rule 506 of Regulation D is considered a “safe harbor” for the private offering exemption of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Companies relying on the Rule 506 exemption can raise an unlimited amount of money. There are actually two distinct exemptions that fall under Rule 506.

 

Under Rule 506(b), a company can be assured it is within the Section 4(a)(2) exemption by satisfying the following standards:

 

The company cannot use general solicitation or advertising to market the securities;
The company may sell its securities to an unlimited number of “accredited investors” and up to 35 other purchases. Unlike Rule 505, all non-accredited investors, either alone or with a purchaser representative, must be sophisticated—that is, they must have sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to make them capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment;
Companies must decide what information to give to accredited investors, so long as it does not violate the antifraud prohibitions of the federal securities laws. But companies must give non-accredited investors disclosure documents that are generally the same as those used in registered offerings. If a company provides information to accredited investors, it must make this information available to non-accredited investors as well;
The company must be available to answer questions by prospective purchasers; and
Financial statement requirements are the same as for Rule 505.

 

Under Rule 506(c), a company can broadly solicit and generally advertise the offering, but still be deemed to be undertaking a private offering within Section 4(a)(2) if:

 

The investors in the offering are all accredited investors; and
The company has taken reasonable steps to verify that its investors are accredited investors, which could include reviewing documentation, such as W-2s, tax returns, bank and brokerage statements, credit reports and the like.

 

Purchasers of securities offered pursuant to Rule 506 receive “restricted” securities, meaning that the securities cannot be sold for at least a year without registering them.

 

Companies relying on the Rule 506 exemption do not have to register their offering of securities with the SEC, but they must file what is known as a “Form D” electronically with the SEC after they first sell their securities. Form D is a brief notice that includes the names and addresses of the company’s promoters, executive officers and directors, and some details about the offering, but contains little other information about the company. If you are thinking about investing in a Regulation D offering, you should obtain a copy of the company’s Form D available from the EDGAR database.

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An accredited investor, in the context of a natural person, includes anyone who:

 

• earned income that exceeded $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) in each of the prior two years, and reasonably expects the same for the current year, OR

 

• has a net worth over $1 million, either alone or together with a spouse (excluding the value of the person’s primary residence).

 

Should the issuer engage in a Regulation D offering that includes non-accredited investors, the CCO or designee is responsible for overseeing the tracking of the 35 non-accredited investors by the issuer.

 

10.3Transaction Reporting Requirements

 

Not applicable at this time. CCOC does not engage in secondary market transactions at this time and therefore does not have a reporting obligation pursuant to FINRA Rule 6643.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

If applicable, the CCO or his/her designee is assigned to ensure that all reports of secondary market transactions in direct participation programs are transmitted through ACT on the next business day (“T+1”) after the date of execution between 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, designated “as of” trades, and shall include the time of execution. However, in the event that CCOC reports DPP transactions that were not transmitted through ACT, either on the trade date or the next business day, the Firm will report to the Market Regulation Department on Form T.

 

Additionally, if applicable, the CCO or his/her designee will review for all requisite reporting information in accordance with FINRA Rule 6643(c) and price/volume requirements. All relevant documentation will be initialed and dated as evidence of review and compliance.

 

10.4Corporate Financing – Underwriting Terms and Arrangements

 

Filing Requirements

 

Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110, no member or person associated with a member shall participate in any manner in any public offering of securities subject to FINRA Rule 5110, 2310, or FINRA Rule 5121 unless specified information relating to the offering has been filed with and reviewed by FINRA, unless exempt from the Rule.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC has assigned the FINOP to ensure appropriate filing of required documents with FINRA prior to participating in an applicable public offering of securities.

 

Underwriting Compensation and Arrangements

 

Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110, no member or person associated with a member shall receive an amount of underwriting compensation in connection with a public offering that is unfair or unreasonable and no member or person associated with a member shall underwrite or participate in a public offering of securities if the underwriting compensation in connection with the public offering is unfair or unreasonable.

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In addition, in accordance with FINRA Rule 2310(4)(B), as part of any CCO Group non-traded REIT offering, the total amount of all items of compensation from whatever source, including compensation paid from offering proceeds and in the form of “trail commissions,” payable to underwriters, broker-dealers, or affiliates thereof may not exceed an amount that equals ten percent of the gross proceeds of the offering (excluding securities purchased through the reinvestment of dividends). Any compensation in connection in connection with an offering is to be paid to underwriters, broker-dealers, or affiliates thereof out of the proceeds of the offering prior to the release of such proceeds from escrow, provided, however, that any such payment from sources other than the proceeds of the offering shall be made only on the basis of bona fide transactions.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC has assigned the FINOP to ensure CCOC receives appropriate underwriting compensation for all securities offerings and further ensure that CCOC does not participate in a public offering where underwriting compensation is unfair or unreasonable. The FINOP shall maintain a spreadsheet on an ongoing basis for each active CCO Group product, which shall include all appropriate underwriting compensation and allocation of certain costs that may be shared by multiple products.

 

Public Offerings – Filing Requirements

 

Prior to participating in any public offering of securities subject to FINRA Rules 5110, 2310, and 5121, the Firm will ensure that certain documents, if applicable, and information relating to the offering have been filed with and reviewed by FINRA’s Corporate Financing Department.

 

Designated Supervising Principal

 

Our CCO or designee will ensure that the appropriate filings are made through FINRA’s Corporate Financing Public Offering System. As the timing of these filings are dependent on communication from the issuer, the President will ensure that timely notifications and accurate information/documents are provided to the CCO for filing or that any communication issues are addressed with the issuer.

 

Supervisory Review Procedures and Documentation Requirement for Filing

 

When the Firm anticipates participating in a public offering of securities subject to FINRA Rule 5110, the CCO or designee will file with FINRA the documents and information required to be filed:

 

no later than one business day after any of the required documents are filed with:
othe SEC; or
oany state securities commission or other regulatory authority; or
if not filed with any regulatory authority, at least fifteen business days prior to the anticipated commencement date of the offering.

 

No sales of securities subject to Rule 5110 will begin unless:

 

the required documents and information have been filed with and reviewed by FINRA; and
FINRA has provided an opinion that it has no objections to the proposed underwriting terms and arrangements.

 

If FINRA’s opinion states that the proposed underwriting terms and arrangements are unfair or unreasonable, the Firm may file modifications to the proposed underwriting terms and arrangements for further review.

 

When the Firm is acting as a managing underwriter and has been informed of an opinion by FINRA that the underwriting terms and arrangements of a proposed offering are unfair or unreasonable, and they have not been revised to be considered fair and reasonable:

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The Firm will notify all other member firms proposing to participate in the offering of that opinion/determination prior to the effective date of the offering or the commencement of sales; and
The Firm will provide sufficient notice to the other firms which will allow them to comply with their obligation to not participate in at all the distribution of the offering.

 

Documents Required to be Filed

 

Except where exempt, the following documents relating to all proposed public offerings of securities will be filed through FINRA’s electronic filing system for review:

 

The registration statement, offering circular, offering memorandum, notification of filing, notice of intention, application for conversion and/or any other document used to offer securities to the public (and any amended document previously filed with a copy marked to show changes);

 

Any proposed underwriting agreement, agreement among underwriters, selected dealers agreement, agency agreement, purchase agreement, letter of intent, consulting agreement, partnership agreement, underwriter’s warrant agreement, escrow agreement, and any other document that describes the underwriting or other arrangements in connection with or related to the distribution, and the terms and conditions relating thereto; and any other information or documents that may be material to or part of the said arrangements, terms and conditions and that may have a bearing on FINRA’s review (and any amended document previously filed with a copy marked to show changes);

 

Each pre- and post-effective amendment to the registration statement or other offering document, with a copy marked to show changes; and

 

The final registration statement declared effective by the SEC or equivalent final offering document and a list of the firms of the underwriting syndicate, if not indicated within the document, and one copy of the executed form of the final underwriting documents and any other document submitted to FINRA for review.

 

Documents that are filed with the SEC through the EDGAR System that are referenced in FINRA’s electronic filing system will be treated as filed with FINRA.

 

The President, CCO or designee will notify FINRA, through its electronic filing system, that the offering has been declared effective by the SEC no later than one business day following such declaration. If the offering is been withdrawn or abandoned, the Firm will notify FINRA within three business days following the withdrawal or decision to abandon the offering.

 

Information Required to be Filed

 

In conjunction with the above-mentioned documents, the Firm will submit the following information through FINRA’s electronic filing system:

 

an estimate of the maximum public offering price;

 

an estimate of the maximum underwriting discount or commission; maximum reimbursement of underwriter’s expenses, and underwriter’s counsel’s fees (except for reimbursement of “blue sky” fees); maximum financial consulting and/or advisory fees to the underwriter and related persons; maximum finder’s fees; and a statement of any other type and amount of compensation which may accrue to the underwriter and related persons;

 

a statement of the association or affiliation with any participating member of any officer or director of the issuer, of any beneficial owner of 5% or more of any class of the issuer’s securities, and of any beneficial owner of the issuer’s unregistered equity securities that were acquired during the 180day period immediately preceding the required filing date of the public offering (except for securities acquired through any stock bonus, pension, or profit-sharing plan that qualifies under Section 401 of the IRC);
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The statement must identify the person; the member; and the number of equity securities or the face value of debt securities owned by such person. It must also state the date the securities were acquired and the price paid for the securities.

 

a detailed explanation of any other arrangement entered into during the 180day period immediately preceding the required filing date of the public offering, which arrangement provides for the receipt of any item of value or the transfer of any warrants, options, or other securities from the issuer to the underwriter and related persons;

 

a statement demonstrating compliance with all of the criteria of an exception from underwriting compensation, when applicable; and

 

a detailed explanation and any documents related to the modification of any information or representation previously provided to FINRA or of any item of underwriting compensation with respect to any securities of the issuer acquired subsequent to the required filing date and prior to the effectiveness or commencement of the offering; or

 

a detailed explanation and any documents related to any new arrangement that provides for the receipt of any additional item of value by any participating member subsequent to the issuance of an opinion of no objections to the underwriting terms and arrangements by FINRA and within 90 days immediately following the date of effectiveness or commencement of sales of the public offering.

 

any other information required to be filed under Rule 5110.

 

Offerings Exempt from Filing Requirements

 

Offerings exempt from filing pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(b)(7) do not need to be filed with FINRA for review.

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Investment Company Securities 11.00

 

Introduction

 

This section covers CCOC’s procedures for transactions in investment company securities, including mutual funds, interval funds, closed-end funds and business development companies.

 

11.1Suitability and Regulation Best Interest

 

CCOC does not generally engage in making recommendations to individual retail investors. However, in the event that such a recommendation is made, prior to recommending a transaction in an investment company security to a retail customer (as defined in Regulation Best Interest), associated persons are required to ensure that each recommendation is in the best interest of such customer based on the information obtained through the reasonable diligence of the member or associated person to ascertain the customer’s investment profile.

 

In the case of a recommendation to an institutional customer, associated persons are required to ensure that they have a reasonable basis to believe that the institutional customer is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to particular transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities and the institutional customer must have affirmatively indicated that it is exercising independent judgment in evaluating the member’s or associated person’s recommendations.

 

The following factors should be considered in recommending investment company securities:

 

The objectives of the fund relative to the investment objectives of the customer;
The choice of share class relative to the time horizon of the customer and amounts purchased and to be purchased;
The opportunity to participate in investment company security breakpoint discounts;
The potential use and the appropriateness of using letters of intent and rights of accumulation;
The choice of fund family and the ability to aggregate purchases for breakpoint discounts;
Reinstatement privileges and the ability to purchase at net asset value in select circumstances;
The costs and fees of various investment company securities; and
Any other facts and circumstances material to the investment company securities and the customer’s investment profile under FINRA Rule 2111.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC has established procedures to train representatives regarding suitability and best interest obligations, as well as a process to review transactions under applicable rules and regulations regarding suitability. For more information, refer to Section 1.8 regarding SEC’s Regulation Best Interest.

 

11.2Sales Charges

 

FINRA Rule 2341 imposes sales charge limitations on mutual funds and interval funds, prohibiting broker-dealers and their associated persons from offering or selling these investment company securities if the sales charges are in excess of the limits prescribed in FINRA Rule 2341. These sales charges include front-end, back-end, and asset-based sales charges, and the sales charge limits typically range from 8.5% to 6.25% of gross sales, depending on whether an asset-based sales charge (e.g., 12b-1 fee) or service fee is imposed.

 

In addition, closed-end investment companies that do not qualify as interval funds are subject to compensation limits imposed by FINRA Rule 5110, which generally prohibit “unfair or unreasonable” underwriting compensation. Finally, business development companies are subject to compensation limits imposed by FINRA Rule 2310, which generally prohibit members from participating in the offering if compensation exceeds 10% of the gross offering proceeds, and the total organization and offering expenses exceed 15% of the gross offering proceeds.

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Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO has been assigned responsibility to ensure compliance with the respective compensation limits that may apply to each offering of investment company securities in which CCOC participates. The CCO, or its appropriate designees, will ensure that the sales compensation for offerings in which CCO participates comply with the applicable limits on sales compensation and, as applicable, will track compensation received by CCOC on an ongoing basis throughout the offering to ensure compliance with the respective compensation limit for each type of investment company security.

 

11.3Rule 12b-1 Fees

 

Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, permits assets of mutual funds to be used for distribution and shareholder services, provided certain conditions are met, including that the fund board has approved a written 12b-1 plan describing all material aspects of financing distribution with the assets deducted from the funds. 12b-1 plans typically authorize the payment of distribution and/or service fees to the principal underwriter that can be shared with broker-dealers participating in the offering of those funds. Rule 12b-1 requires a fund board to review and adopt the 12b-1 plan annually if the plan is to be continued, and to request and evaluate information reasonably necessary for an informed determination to continue the plan. In this regard, Rule 12b-1 requires any person who is party to an agreement covering the payment or receipt of 12b-1 fees, such as the fund’s principal underwriter, to furnish information to the board.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

Where CCOC serves as the principal underwriter for a fund that has adopted a 12b-1 plan, CCOC typically shares a portion or all of any 12b-1 fees it receives with the appropriate broker-dealer selling firm consistent with the purposes of the 12b-1 plan. The CCO is responsible for ensuring that any 12b-1 fees received are forwarded to the appropriate selling broker-dealer, and confirming that the 12b-1 fees are received in accordance with the 12b-1 plan adopted by the respective mutual funds. In addition, the CCO is responsible for providing information reasonably requested by the fund board in evaluating the 12b-1 plan.

 

11.4Breakpoint Sales

 

Investment company securities may offer quantity discounts on sales charges at certain levels called “breakpoints.” These breakpoints usually apply to funds within a family of funds and may apply to certain classes, but not all classes of securities.

 

FINRA Rule 2342 prohibits sales of mutual funds and interval funds in amounts below breakpoints, if such sales are made “so as to share in higher sales charge.” Associated persons must keep these breakpoints in mind when reviewing investment choices with customers. If more than one fund is required to meet a customer’s investment objectives, efforts should be made to utilize the same fund family if it will allow the customer to take advantage of lower sales charges by aggregating the overall purchases for breakpoint discounts. Associated persons must not encourage customers to invest in different investment company securities with similar objectives to avoid the breakpoints and generate higher commissions.

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Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is responsible for monitoring the investment products offered by CCOC to determine whether break point sales rules are applicable. In the event that it is determined that they are applicable the CCO or his/her designee will be responsible for implementing procedures designed to comply with appropriate rules and regulations.

 

11.5Switching

 

Switching is the practice of transferring money from one mutual fund to another mutual fund primarily to earn additional selling compensation. FINRA rules, including its suitability rule, generally prohibit “switching” where it may not be suitable or in the customer’s best interest for a variety of reasons.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

The CCO or his/her designee is responsible for monitoring the investment products offered by CCOC to determine whether switching rules are applicable. In the event that it is determined that they are applicable the CCO or his/her designee will be responsible for implementing procedures designed to comply with appropriate rules and regulations.

 

11.6Investment Company Securities Communications

 

FINRA Rule 2210 imposes certain filing requirements, as well as certain content standards, applicable to investment company securities communications, and these requirements are covered in Section 7.00 (Communications with the Public) of these WSPs. Communications for mutual funds and business development companies are also subject to the content requirements of SEC Rule 482.

 

In addition, FINRA Rule 2212 prohibits the use of investment company rankings in any advertisement or sales literature unless (1) the rankings were created and published by a “Ranking Entity,” defined in FINRA Rule 2212 as any entity that provides general information about investment companies to the public, that is independent of the investment company and its affiliates, and whose services are not procured by the investment company or any of its affiliates to assign the investment company a ranking, and (2) the measurements of a “Ranking Entity” are adequately disclosed in accordance with FINRA Rule 2212.

 

FINRA Rule 2213 also imposes certain requirements regarding the use of bond mutual fund volatility ratings related to investment company securities. In accordance with FINRA Rule 2213, CCOC only permits these bond mutual fund volatility rantings to be used in retail communications if the following requirements are met: (1) the rating does not identify or describe volatility as a “risk” rating; (2) the retail communication incorporates the most recently available rating and reflects information that, at a minimum, is current to the most recently completed calendar quarter ended prior to use; (3) the criteria and methodology used to determine if the rating must be based exclusively on objective, quantifiable factors; (4) the rating in the disclosure that accompanies the rating must be clear, concise, and understandable; (5) the retail communication conforms to the applicable disclosure requirements; and (6) the entity that issued the rating provides detailed disclosure on its rating methodology to investors.

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Implementation Strategy

 

The Marketing Compliance Supervisor (“MCS”) or their designee is assigned responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable communication requirements that may apply to communications for investment company securities used by CCOC and its associated persons, including all applicable content, disclosure, and filing requirements. More specific requirements related to communications are in Section 7.00 (Communications with the Public) of these WSPs.

 

11.7Check Handling

 

Broker-dealers engaged in direct retail transactions for investment company securities, or underwriters engaged in wholesaling transactions for investment company securities, must transmit payments received from the customers in accordance with FINRA Rule 2341(m). Among other things, these requirements include prompt transmission of the payment to the appropriate payee, which is typically by the end of the first or second business day following receipt of such payment.

 

Broker-dealers relying on an exemption pursuant to paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2)(i), or (k)(2)(ii) of SEC Rule 15c3-3 must “promptly forward” any checks received from customers for securities transactions by noon of the next business day after receipt.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC expects that any customers of CCOC who seek to effect trades in investment company securities on an accommodation basis will be instructed to send their purchase payments directly to the investment company, or the transfer agent and/or fund administrator for the respective funds, and will receive any redemption proceeds directly from the investment company. If CCOC does receive any checks directly from such customers inadvertently [,or from other broker-dealer selling firms in connection with its underwriting activities,] for any investment company security transaction, CCOC will forward such checks to the investment company in accordance with FINRA Rule 2341. CCOC will maintain a log of such checks to demonstrate compliance with the prompt forwarding requirement.

 

11.8Redemptions

 

Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act generally requires that redeemable securities of investment companies, i.e., mutual funds, be sold and redeemed at a price based on the net asset value of the fund next computed after receipt of orders to buy or redeem. This rule also requires investment companies to calculate their net asset value at least once per day, which is generally done when the major U.S. stock exchanges close at 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Broker-dealers effecting transactions in investment company securities must make sure that they submit orders promptly in order for the transaction to be affected at the applicable price next computed after the broker-dealer’s taking of the order to purchase or redeem from the customer.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

To the extent it receives mutual fund purchase or redemption requests directly from customers, CCOC will ensure that it transmits such requests to the investment company to make sure that the transactions are affected at the prices next computed by the fund.

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11.9Prospectus Delivery

 

Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act prohibits the delivery of a security unless accompanied by a prospectus that meets the conditions of Section 10 of the 1933 Act. Section 10 of the 1933 Act prescribes certain content requirements for registration statements and the prospectuses used for the offer and sale of securities.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC recognizes its responsibility to make sure that investors requesting accommodation trades through CCOC in investment company securities receive a prospectus for those securities. To that end, CCOC will take reasonable steps to ensure that a prospectus has been offered and made available.

 

11.10Directed Brokerage

 

FINRA Rule 2341(k) prohibits broker-dealers from directing or requesting brokerage commissions for mutual fund portfolio transactions as a condition to the sale or distribution of investment company securities.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

CCOC prohibits its associated persons from offering or facilitating any directed brokerage transactions for mutual funds for which CCOC serves as principal underwriter to any broker-dealer that is authorized to distribute and sell shares of those funds as compensation for the sale and distribution of those funds.

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Policy Violations and Reporting 12.00

 

Registered representatives and registered supervisors are expected to comply with CCOC policy in addition to CIM Group’s Workplace Environment and Employee Conduct Policy, Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy.

 

While compliance with all Firm policies is anticipated, registered persons and associates of CCOC should be aware that, in response to any policy violations (e.g. late completion of trainings and quarterly certifications, trading securities on the restricted list, etc.), the Firm may take any disciplinary action deemed appropriate under the circumstances up to, and including, termination of registration.

 

Forms of disciplinary action may include but are not limited to verbal warnings, additional training, WSP policy violation notices, letters of caution, fines, suspensions, and termination of registration. The nature of the disciplinary action will be based on the facts and circumstances of the policy violation as well as the historical conduct of the individual receiving the disciplinary action. Any written formal violation will also be copied to your supervisor(s) and Human Resources if applicable.

 

Any remedial or formal actions will be logged to ensure repeat violations are identified.

 

Furthermore, registered persons and associates of CCOC are required to promptly report any violation(s) of the Firm policies as noted above, or any activity that may adversely affect the Firm’s business or reputation, to a Compliance Officer. Registered persons and associates are encouraged to identify themselves when reporting such conduct, but they may also report anonymously. Reporting should be made through a letter to a Compliance Officer or via the telephonic and electronic reporting procedures detailed in the Firm’s Whistleblower Hotline 855-832-5558. All activities reported by registered persons and associates will be treated anonymously and confidentially (to the extent reasonably practicable) in order to encourage persons to come forward with perceived problems. The Firm is committed to a full, unbiased review of any matter(s) raised.

 

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

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Exhibit 1

 

CCO Capital (31147) – Supervisory Personnel

 

09/2021

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Executive Management

(Series 24)

Title
Emily Vande Krol (CRD 5595099) President, CCO Capital

Compliance

(Series 24)

 
Joseph Terry (CRD 4612910) Chief Compliance Officer
Aaron Somers (CRD 3145910) Deputy CCO, Marketing Compliance Supervisor
Chris Sorgel (CRD 2960012) Director, Compliance

Toby Klein (CRD 4992800)

 

Jim Clark (CRD 2749117)

Senior Analyst, Compliance

 

Senior Analyst, Compliance

 

FINOP / Financial Reporting

(Series 28)

 
Jayanthi Bhagavathula (CRD 7043823) Financial and Operations Principal (FINOP)
Crystal Becerril (CRD 7037197) Financial and Operations Principal (FINOP)

External Sales / National Accounts

(Series 24)

 
Jeff Grant (CRD 2601173) Managing Director
Michael Hoverman (CRD 5853829) Managing Director
Mark Lavery (CRD 3160731) 1st VP, Business Development

Internal Sales

(Series 24)

 
Angelique Knudten (CRD 5678064) VP, Partner Solutions
Andrew Beyeler (CRD 5966093) VP, Internal Sales
Garrett Hall (CRD 6369621) AVP, Internal Sales

Operations and Client Services

(Series 99 Supervisor)

 
Janet Eaton (CRD 7062842) CTO, Information Technology
Todd Lockwood (CRD 2364598) SVP, Operations and Client Services
Lauren Cross (CRD 6293504) Director, Client Services
Joann Zhang (CRD 6935706) VP, Operations, Special Projects

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Table of Contents

 

I. Introduction 3
A. Applicability 4
II. General Standards of Business Conduct 5
A. Conflicts of Interest 5
B. Protecting Confidential Information 5
C. Insider Trading 5
D. Excess Trading 6
E. Limitation on Trading SS&C Stock 6
III. Gifts and Entertainment 8
IV. Other Activities 10
A. Improper Payments or Rebates 10
B. Service on a Board of Directors/Outside Business Activities 10
C. Political Contributions 10
V. Reporting Requirements 12
A. Covered Securities 12
B. Initial Holdings and Accounts Reports 12
C. Duplicate Statements/Electronic Feeds 13
D. Quarterly Transaction Reports 13
E. Annual Holdings Reports 14
VI. Access Persons - Restrictions 15
A. Trading Restrictions 15
B. Account Restrictions 15
VII. Investment Persons - Restrictions 16
A. Trading Restrictions 16
B. Account Restrictions 16
C. Pre-Clearance 17
D. Serving on a Board of Directors 17
VIII. Sanctions 18
A. Procedures 18
B. Appeals Process 18
IX. Compliance & Supervisory Procedures 19
A. Prevention of Violations 19
B. Detection of Violations 19
C. Compliance Procedures 19
D. Annual Reports 19
E. Records 20
F. Inspection 20
G. Confidentiality 20
H. The Ethics Committee 20
Appendix A - Broker/Dealers with Electronic Feeds 22
Appendix B - Sub-Advisers to ALPS Advisors, Inc 23
Appendix C - Glossary of Defined Terms 24

  2

 

I.Introduction
 

 

This Code of Ethics ("Code") has been adopted by various SS&C ALPS Entities, together and separately referred to as "SS&C ALPS", including but not limited to:

 

·ALPS Holdings, Inc. ("AHI")
·ALPS Advisors Inc. ("AAI")
·Red Rocks Capital, LLC ("Red Rocks")
·ALPS Distributors, Inc. ("ADI")
·ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ("APSD")

 

The Code is designed to comply with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act") and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). By adopting and adhering to a code that meets the applicable requirements under the Advisers Act and 1940 Act, it is intended that ALPS employees who are deemed to be Access Persons and/or Investment Persons, will not also be subject to duplicative reporting requirements under various other codes for fund companies for which they may serve as an officer or are otherwise deemed to be an Access Person. However, all such persons should check with each company's Compliance or Legal representatives to confirm their status.

 

SS&C ALPS and its employees are subject to certain laws, rules and regulations governing personal securities trading, conflicts of interest, treatment of client assets and information, generally prohibiting fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. The Code is designed to ensure compliance with these. The actual requirements of the Code may vary depending on the employee's business role of respective subsidiary so care should be taken by each employee to understand how the Code applies to them.

 

Employees who are also registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") as a Registered Representative may have additional requirements and/or restrictions in addition to those described herein. Those Registered Representatives should consult their Written Supervisory Procedures for additional requirements.

 

SS&C ALPS and its employees are prohibited from engaging in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. The Code is designed to reinforce SS&C ALPS' reputation for integrity by avoiding even the appearance of impropriety in the conduct of our business. This Code was developed to promote the highest standards of behavior and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

 

Employees are required to promptly report any known violations of the Code to the relevant entity's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO" as defined). This includes violations that come to your attention that may have been inadvertent and/or violations that other employees may have committed. The CCO (or a designee) will promptly investigate the matter and take action if needed. There will be no retribution against any employee for making such a report, and every effort will be made to protect the identity of the reporting employee. There may be additional provisions for reporting violations that are covered under applicable policies and employees should make themselves familiar with these policies or consult with the CCO.

 

Employees should be aware that they may be held personally liable for any improper or illegal acts committed during their course of employment, and that "ignorance of the law" is not a defense. SS&C ALPS employees are expected to read the Code carefully and observe and adhere to its guidance at all times. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Code may result in serious sanctions including, but not limited to: disgorgement of profits, termination, personal criminal or civil liability and referral to law enforcement agencies or other regulatory agencies.

 

 

  3

 

The provisions of the Code are not all-inclusive. Rather, they are intended as a guide for employees of SS&C ALPS in their conduct. In those situations where an employee may be uncertain as to the intent or purpose of the Code, they are advised to consult with the CCO. All questions arising in connection with personal securities trading should be resolved in favor of the Client, even at the expense of the interests of employees.

 

The CCO will periodically report to senior management/board of directors of SS&C ALPS and the respective fund boards where SS&C ALPS serves in the capacity of investment adviser and/or distributor to document compliance or non-compliance with this Code. Each employee is responsible for knowing their responsibilities under the Code.

 

A.Applicability

SS&C ALPS Employees

This Code is applicable to SS&C ALPS employees ("employee(s)") as required by the applicable rules, regulations, or as determined by the CCO. This includes full-time, part-time, benefited and non-benefited, officers, directors, exempt and non-exempt personnel. Additionally, new employee's offer letter will include a copy of the Code of Ethics and a statement advising the individual that they will be subject to the Code of Ethics if they accept the offer of employment. Employees with access to certain information (as described herein) may also be deemed to be "Access Persons" or "Investment Persons and be subject to additional restrictions, limitations, reporting requirements and other policies and procedures.

 

SS&C ALPS employees have an obligation to promptly notify the Administrator of the Code of Ethics if there is a change to their duties, responsibilities or title which affects their reporting status under the code.

 

Family Members and Related Parties

The Code applies to the Accounts of employee's as specified, their spouse or domestic partner, minor children, immediate family members residing in the same household as the employee (e.g. adult children or parents living at home), and any relative, person or entity for whom the employee directs the investments or securities trading.

 

Contractors and Consultants

SS&C ALPS contractor/consultant/temporary employee contracts may include the Code as an addendum, and each contractor/consultant/temporary employee may be required to sign an acknowledgement that they have read the Code and will abide by it. Certain sections might not be applicable.

  4

 

II.General Standards of Business Conduct

 

 

SS&C ALPS employees are subject to and expected to abide by the Code including, but not limited to, the General Standards of Business Conduct and all reporting requirements outlined herein.

 

A.Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest is a situation where our personal loyalties or interests may be at odds with those of SS&C ALPS, its subsidiaries, or its clients or where our position at SS&C ALPS affords us improper personal benefits. When determining whether or not a conflict exists, make sure to consider not only your own activities, but also those of your family members and related parties.

 

Employees may not act on behalf of SS&C ALPS or its clients in any Securities Transaction or other transfer or receipt of property, services or benefits involving other persons or organizations where such employee may have any financial or another interest without prior approval from the CCO.

 

B.Protecting Confidential Information

Employees may receive information about SS&C ALPS, its Clients and other parties that, for various reasons, should be treated as confidential. Employees have an obligation to safeguard personal client or fellow employee personal information and material non-public information regarding SS&C ALPS and its Clients. Accordingly, employees may not disclose current portfolio holdings, Fund Transactions, Securities Transactions proxy vote or corporate action made or contemplated, personal client or fellow employee personal information or any other non-public information to anyone outside of SS&C ALPS, without approval from the CCO or the Ethics Committee. SS&C ALPS employees are expected to strictly comply with measures necessary to preserve the confidentiality of the information. Refer to applicable SS&C ALPS and SS&C policies for additional information.

 

C.Insider Trading

The misuse of Material Nonpublic Information, or inside information, constitutes fraud under the securities laws of the United States and many other countries. Anyone aware of Material Nonpublic Information (or inside information) may not trade in, recommend, or in some cases refrain from selling those securities whether directly, through a third party, for a personal account, SS&C ALPS or the account of any SS&C ALPS' Client.

 

No employee may cause SS&C ALPS or a Client to take action, or to fail to take action, for personal benefit, rather than to benefit SS&C ALPS or such Client. For example, a person would violate this Code by causing a Client to purchase securities owned by the Access Person for the purpose of supporting or increasing the price of that security or by causing a Client to refrain from selling securities in an attempt to protect a personal investment, such as an option on that security.

 

As a general rule, we should consider all information we learn about our clients, proprietary products, SS&C or other companies in the course of our employment to be material nonpublic information unless it has been fully disclosed to the public.

 

In addition, employees must not engage in tipping. Tipping occurs when one individual (the tipper) passes Material Nonpublic information to another (the tippee) under circumstances that suggest the tipper was trying to help the tippee make a profit or avoid a loss in exchange for some benefit to the tipper. The benefit does not have to be pecuniary and could result from a family or personal relationship. In this situation, both the tipper and the tippee may be liable, and this liability may extend to everyone to whom the tippee discloses the information.

  5

 

Employees may not engage in "front running," that is, the purchase or sale of securities for their own accounts on the basis of their knowledge of a Fund's Transactions or planned Transactions.

 

Trading activity will be monitored by the Administrator of the Code of Ethics for Access and Investment persons as described.

 

D.Excess Trading

While active personal trading may not in and of itself raise issues under applicable laws and regulations, we believe that a very high volume of personal trading can be time consuming and can increase the possibility of actual or apparent conflicts with portfolio transactions. Accordingly, an unusually high level of personal trading activity (as determined by SS&C ALPS based on the facts and circumstances) is strongly discouraged. A pattern of excessive trading may lead to the taking of appropriate corrective or restrictive action under the Code.

 

E.Limitation on Trading SS&C Stock

In addition to Insider Trading restrictions, some SS&C stock transactions are prohibited altogether as described below.

 

Prohibited SS&C Stock Transactions

Short sales.

Employees may never engage in a short sale of SS&C's securities. A short sale is a sale of securities the seller does not own or, if owned, is not delivered against the sale within 20 days (a short sale against the box). Short sales of SS&C's securities show the seller's expectation that the securities will decline in value. Therefore, these sales signal to the market that the seller has no confidence in SS&C or its short-term prospects. In addition, short sales may reduce the seller's incentive to improve SS&C's performance. For these reasons, short sales of SS&C securities are not permitted.

 

Option trades

Employees may not take part in certain option trades that are more profitable as SS&C stock declines in value. Employees may not:

 

·Purchase a put option on SS&C securities
·Write a call option on SS&C securities

 

Hedging transactions

Employees must not enter into hedging transactions, as these transactions may permit the employee to continue to own SS&C securities without the full risks and rewards of ownership. When that occurs, the employee may no longer have the same objectives as other SS&C stockholders. For that reason, employees must not enter into prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds or other similar hedging or monetization transactions involving SS&C stock.

 

Margin accounts and pledges

Holding or pledging SS&C securities as collateral in margin accounts are not permitted.

 

Blackout Period

Certain employees may be restricted from buying or selling shares of SS&C during specified blackout periods or required to pre-clear transactions of SS&C shares. If either or both restrictions apply, employees will be contacted directly by SS&C regarding the restrictions and when blackout periods occur.

 

Pre-Clearances

Certain employees may be subject to the pre-clearance requirements as outlined in the SS&C Securities Transactions Policy. These employees will be notified by SS&C regarding their reporting obligations.

  6

 

Permitted SS&C Stock Transactions

The prohibitions set forth above do not apply to the following (each, a "Permitted Transaction"):

 

·for SS&C stock options or equity awards that would otherwise expire, exercises of such options and awards and the surrender of shares to SS&C in payment of the exercise price or in satisfaction of any tax withholding obligations (in each case in a manner permitted by the applicable equity award agreement); provided, however, that the securities so acquired may not be sold (either outright or in connection with a "cashless" exercise transaction through a broker) while the director or employee is aware of material non-public information or during a Blackout Period; and
·bona fide gifts, unless the person making the gift has reason to believe that the recipient intends to sell the securities while the director or employee is aware of material non-public information or during a Blackout Period.
  7

 

III.Gifts and Entertainment

 

 

Gifts or Entertainment may create an actual or apparent conflict of interest, which could affect (or appear to affect) the recipients' independent business judgment. Therefore, SS&C ALPS has established reasonable limits and procedures relating to the giving and receiving of Gifts and Entertainment.

 

SS&C ALPS employees are required to follow the standards below regarding the acceptance or giving of gifts and entertainment with respect to all Business Partners. Every circumstance where gifts or entertainment may be given or received may not be listed below however, employees are expected to avoid any gifts or entertainment that:

·Could create an apparent or actual conflict,
·Is excessive or would reflect unfavorably on ALPS or its Clients, or
·Would be inappropriate or disreputable nature.

 

A Gift is anything of value that is given with the intent to foster a legitimate business relationship. Gifts can include merchandise such as wine, gift baskets, or tickets if the giver does not attend.

 

Entertainment is a meeting, meal or other activity where both you and the business partner are present and have the opportunity to discuss business or any participant's employer bears the cost. It does not include events that have been organized by SS&C ALPS directly, such as receptions following an industry gathering or multi-client entertainment. If the Business Partner will not be present for the event it will be considered a gift.

 

A Business Partner, for the purpose of this Code, includes all current Clients and vendors with which ALPS Holdings conducts business, any potential clients or vendors with whom SS&C ALPS could engage in business with, any registered broker/dealers, and any firms under contract to do business with ALPS Holdings or our subsidiaries.

 

The Value of any Gifts or Entertainment given or received must be the greater of cost or market value. If the cost or market value is not easily determined an employee can estimate the approximate value or request further guidance from the CCO or designee.

 

All Disclosures of applicable gifts or entertainment must be disclosed via the Gifts Request Form found on SchwabCT.com. Unless otherwise indicated, this should be done on a quarterly basis along with regular quarterly Code requirements. Some Gifts or Entertainment may require prior approval

 

All Approvals, unless otherwise indicated, must come from the appropriate CCO or designee. Due to the nature of gift- giving and the impromptu nature of some Entertainment, approval for SS&C ALPS employees accepting such items may often be after the fact. However, to the extent feasible, any required approvals should be obtained before accepting Gifts or Entertainment. If a gift request is not approved and returning or rejecting the item would negatively affect the business relationship the gift should be turned over to the CCO. The gift will then be donated to a charity of the Ethics Committee's choosing.

  8

 

Gifts to be Given/Received by SS&C ALPS Employees Approval/Disclosure Required
Cash or Cash Equivalent Prohibited from giving or receiving
Gifts received from the same Business Partner which would aggregate less than $100/twelve months Quarterly disclosure required, no approval required
Gifts received from the same Business Partner which would aggregate equal/more than $100/twelve months Approval required, Quarterly disclosure required, strictly prohibited for FINRA registered reps
Promotional gifts such as those that bear a logo valued less than $50 Quarterly disclosure not required, approval not required
Gifts given to or received by a wide group of recipients (e.g. gift basket to a department) that are reasonable in nature Quarterly disclosure not required, approval not required
Gifts given on behalf of ALPS Holdings or its subsidiaries (from an ALPS budget) Indication of who received the gift must be included via regular expense reports, gifts must be reasonable in nature
Gifts of any value given or received by Investment Persons (as defined in Glossary) to or from a broker/dealer Must be pre-cleared with their immediate supervisor and the CCO (or designee)

 

 

Entertainment provided by and for SS&C ALPS employees Approval/Disclosure Required
Entertainment provided on behalf of ALPS or its subsidiaries (from an ALPS budget) valued at $500 or less per person per event Indication of who was present must be included via expense reports

Entertainment provided to an ALPS employee, other than an Investment Person, at $500 or less per person per event *

 

*Entertainment provided to an Investment Person at $250 or less per person per event from anyone other than a broker/dealer

Quarterly disclosure required (excluding entertainment of de minimis value - below approx. $50), no approval required
Entertainment provided on behalf of ALPS or its subsidiaries (from an ALPS budget) valued at equal/more than $500 per person per event Typically not allowed, Approval required, Indication of who was present must be included via expense reports
Entertainment provided to an ALPS employee at equal/more than $500 per person per event Typically not allowed, Approval required, Quarterly disclosure required
Attendance and participation at industry sponsored events No approval required, no disclosure required
Entertainment of any value given or received by Investment Persons (as defined on page 5) to or from a broker/dealer Must be pre-cleared with their immediate supervisor and the CCO (or designee)

  9

 

IV.Other Activities

 

 

A.Improper Payments or Rebates

Associates must not offer or receive gratuities, bribes, kickbacks, or improper rebates from public officials, officials of foreign governments, competitors or suppliers.

 

Pursuant to the Foreign Corruption Practices Act ("FCPA"), employees are prohibited from making or offering to make any payment to or for the benefit of any Foreign Official if the purpose of such payment is to improperly influence or induce that Foreign Official to obtain or retain business for the company (a so-called bribe or kickback). All payments, whether large or small, are prohibited if they are, in essence, bribes or kickbacks, including:

 

·cash payments
·gifts
·entertainment
·services
·amenities

 

If an employee is unsure about whether they are being asked to make an improper payment, they should not make the payment. Employees must promptly report to the CCO any request made by a Foreign Official for a payment that would be prohibited under the guidelines set above and any other actions taken to induce such a payment. If you have any questions or need any guidance, please contact the CCO.

 

B.Service on a Board of Directors/Outside Business Activities

SS&C ALPS employees are required to comply with the following provisions:

 

·Employees are to avoid any business activity, outside employment or professional service that competes with SS&C ALPS or conflicts with the interests of SS&C ALPS or its Clients.
·An employee is required to obtain the approval from the CCO, or designee, prior to becoming an employee, director, officer, partner, sole proprietor of a "for profit" organization, or otherwise compensated by an entity outside of SS&C ALPS. The request for approval should disclose the name of the organization, the nature of the business, whether any conflicts of interest could reasonably result from the association, whether fees, income or other compensation will be earned and whether there are any relationships between the organization and SS&C ALPS.
·Employees may not accept any personal fiduciary appointments such as administrator, executor or trustee other than those arising from family or other close personal relationships.
·Employees may not use ALPS resources, including computers, software, proprietary information, letterhead and other property in connection with any employment or other activity outside SS&C ALPS.
·Employees must disclose a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict with SS&C ALPS or Clients and discuss how to control the risk.

 

When completing the quarterly Code requirements, employees may be asked to disclose all outside affiliations. Any director/trustee positions with public companies or companies with the potential to become public are prohibited without prior written approval of the CCO or designee.

 

C.Political Contributions

All political activities of employees must be kept separate from employment and expenses may not be charged to SS&C ALPS. Employees may not use ALPS facilities for political campaign purposes.

  10

 

Any employees who are deemed Covered Associates are required to comply with the provisions under Rule 206(4)-5 of the Advisers Act as well as the Political Contributions Policy within AAl's Compliance Program. Spouses and household family members of each Covered Associate are also subject to the provisions under Rule 206(4)-5 and this Political Contribution Policy, including pre-approval and reporting requirements.

 

Covered Associates are prohibited from making political contributions on behalf of AAI or individually in their capacity as a covered associate unless their contribution is within the de minimis exception. The de minimis exception permits contributions according to the following guidelines:

 

·Up to $350 per candidate per election cycle, to incumbents or candidates for whom they are eligible to vote
·Up to $150 per candidate per election cycle, to other incumbents or candidates

 

Covered Associates will be required to obtain a pre-approval for all political contributions, including but not limited to those noted above.

 

On a quarterly basis, the CCO, or designee, will request a reporting of political contributions during the previous quarter by all Covered Associates. The reporting should include contributions by spouses, household family members and all contributions by other parties (lawyers, affiliated companies, acquaintances, etc.) directed by the Covered Associate. The report should include the individual or election committee receiving the contribution, the office for which the individual is running, the current elected office held, if any, the dollar amount of the contribution or value of the donated item and whether or not the Covered Associate is eligible to vote for the candidate. The Covered Associate report must be completed within 30 days of each quarter end so that if an inadvertent political contribution (of $350.00 or less) has been made to an official for whom the Covered Associate is not entitled to vote, the contributor may be required to request the return of the contribution in order to avoid the two year compensation ban against AAI.

  11

 

V.Reporting Requirements

 

 

Access Persons and Investment Persons ("Person" or "Persons"), as defined in the subsequent sections, are subject to the following Initial, Quarterly and Annual Reporting requirements unless specifically exempted by Rule 204A-1 or 17j-1. Such Persons are required to disclose any account in which securities transactions can be effected and in which the Person has a beneficial interest (as further defined in Appendix C).

 

A.Covered Securities

All Covered Securities are subject to the reporting requirements of the Code. Covered Securities will include all Securities as well as all Proprietary Products, any equivalents in local non-US jurisdictions, single stock futures, and both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") regulated futures. For purposes of the Code, Securities shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act. This definition of Security includes, but is not limited to:

 

·Any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificates of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement,
·Any put, call, straddle, option or privilege on any Security or on any group or index of Securities,
·Any put, call, straddle, option or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency,
·Any exchange-traded vehicle (including, but not limited to, closed-end mutual funds, exchange-traded notes and exchange-traded funds),
·Any commodity contracts as defined in Section 2(a)(1)(A) of the Commodity Exchange Act. Including but not limited to futures contracts on equity indices,
·Any derivative of a Security

 

The following securities/assets are exempt from the reporting requirements:

 

·Transactions made in an account where the employee, pursuant to a valid legal instrument, has given full investment discretion to an unaffiliated/unrelated third party
·Direct Obligations of any government of the United States;
·Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;
·Investments in dividend reinvestment plans;
·Variable and fixed insurance products;
·Non Proprietary Product open-end mutual funds;
·Qualified tuition programs pursuant to Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code;
·Cryptocurrency assets/accounts; and
·Accounts that are strictly limited to any of the above transactions.

 

B.Initial Holdings and Accounts Reports

Within ten (10) calendar days of being designated as, or determined to be, an Access Person or Investment Person (which may be upon hire), each Person must disclose all broker, dealer or bank accounts in which any Covered Securities are held, including any Managed Accounts.

 

In addition, all Persons must provide a statement of all Covered Securities holdings, and the information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date of the person becoming an Access or Investment Person.

  12

 

More specifically, each such Person must provide the following information:

 

·The title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the employee had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership when the person became an employee;
·The name of any financial institution with whom the employee maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee as of the date the person became an employee; and
·The date the report is submitted by the employee.

 

C.Duplicate Statements/Electronic Feeds

All new employees and any new account(s) opened by existing employees after April 1, 2015 shall be limited to the financial institutions listed in Appendix A - Broker/Dealers with Electronic Feeds of the Code.

 

If an account is held with a financial institution that does not supply electronic feeds to SS&C ALPS, new employees who are deemed an Access or Investment Person will have 30 calendar days to close or transfer the existing account and are asked to only open an account with a firm listed in Appendix A of the Code.

 

Existing employees hired prior to April 1, 2015, who are deemed an Access or Investment Person, with existing accounts can maintain those accounts and continue satisfying their quarterly reporting requirements in the system as they have in the past. However, existing employees will only be allowed to open any new accounts with financial institutions listed in Appendix A of the Code.

 

D.Quarterly Transaction Reports

Each Access and Investment Person is required to submit quarterly his/her Quarterly Securities Report within thirty (30) calendar days of each calendar quarter end. If no transactions were executed or if transactions were exempt from reporting, this should be noted on the quarterly report.

 

Specific information to be provided includes:

 

i.With respect to any Securities Transaction during the quarter in a Covered Security in which any employee had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:

 

·The date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each Security involved;
·The nature of the transaction, (i.e., purchase, sale, or other type of acquisition or disposition);
·The price of the Security at which the transaction was effected;
·The name of the financial institution with or through which transaction was effected; and
·The date that the report is submitted by the employee.

 

ii.With respect to any account established by the Access or Investment Person in which any securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Person:

 

·The name of the financial institution with whom the employee established the account;
·The date the account was established; and
·The date the report is submitted by the employee.
  13

 

Exceptions

i.Automatic Investment Plans-Transactions need not be reported in the Quarterly Securities Report but holdings in Covered Securities are subject to the annual holdings reporting requirement discussed in the subsequent section.
ii.Managed Accounts - Securities Transactions in accounts in which the Person has no direct or indirect influence or control are not required to be reported. Persons that have Managed Accounts managed by an immediate family member are not exempt and still subject to the requirements under this Section V.
iii.Other "No Knowledge" Transactions - This includes Securities Transactions in which the Person has no knowledge of the transaction before it is completed (i.e., Securities Transactions effected for Persons by a trustee of a blind trust or automated adviser without the Person's input or approval).

 

E.Annual Holdings Reports

Each Access and Investment Person is required to submit annually (i.e., once each and every calendar year) a list of applicable holdings, which is current as of a date no more than forty five (45) calendar days before the report is submitted. In addition, each employee is required to certify annually that they has reviewed and understands the provisions of the Code.

 

Specific information to be provided includes:

 

·The title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the employee had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;
·The name of any financial institution with whom the employee maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee; and
·The date that the report is submitted by the employee.
  14

 

VI.Access Persons - Restrictions

 

 

A.Trading Restrictions

Initial Public Offering ("IPO") - Access Persons are prohibited from acquiring securities through an allocation by the underwriter of an initial public offering ("IPO"). Exceptions may be made with prior written disclosure to and written approval from the CCO, whereby an Access Person could acquire shares in an IPO of his/her employer.

 

Initial Coin Offerings ("ICOs") - Access persons are prohibited in participating in ICOs or any similar offerings of tokens. Exceptions may be made with prior written disclosure to and written approval from the CCO.

 

Limited or Private Offerings - Access Persons are prohibited from purchasing securities in a private offering unless the purchase is approved in writing by the CCO. Private placements include certain co-operative investments in real estate, commingled investment vehicles such as hedge funds, and investments in family owned businesses. Time-shares and cooperative investments in real estate used as a primary or secondary residence are not considered to be private placements.

 

Investment Clubs - Access Persons are prohibited from participating in investment clubs unless such membership is approved in writing by the CCO. An investment club is any group of people who pool their money to make joint or group investments.

 

Short-Term Trading - Access Persons are prohibited from the purchase and sale or sale and purchase of the same Proprietary Products within a sixty (60) calendar day holding period (ALPS is the investment Adviser).

 

Blackout Period - Blackout periods may be determined and established by the CCO. Any such periods will be communicated to all affected persons as necessary.

 

B.Account Restrictions

Managed Accounts - Access Persons are restricted from establishing an external Managed Account (also referred to as a discretionary account) with any adviser that conducts business with ALPS Advisors, Inc. See Appendix B for a list of advisers that work with AAI.

  15

 

VII.Investment Persons - Restrictions

 

 

A.Trading Restrictions

Initial Public Offering ("IPO") - Investment Persons are prohibited from acquiring securities through an allocation by the underwriter of an initial public offering ("IPO"). Exceptions may be made with prior written disclosure to and written approval from the CCO, whereby an Investment Person could acquire shares in an IPO of his/her employer.

 

Initial Coin Offerings ("ICOs") - Investment persons are prohibited in participating in ICOs or any similar offerings of tokens. Exceptions may be made with prior written disclosure to and written approval from the CCO.

 

Limited or Private Offerings - Investment Persons are prohibited from purchasing securities in a private offering unless the purchase is approved in writing by the CCO. Private placements include certain co-operative investments in real estate, commingled investment vehicles such as hedge funds, and investments in family owned businesses. Time-shares and cooperative investments in real estate used as a primary or secondary residence are not considered to be private placements.

 

Investment Clubs - Investment Persons are prohibited from participating in investment clubs unless such membership is approved in writing by the CCO. An investment club is any group of people who pool their money to make joint or group investments.

 

Options - Investment Persons are not prohibited from buying or selling options on Covered Securities, however all other trading restrictions such as limitations on short-term and excess trading and pre-clearance apply to Investment Persons buying, selling or exercising options.

 

Short-Term Trading - Investment Persons are prohibited from the purchase and sale or sale and purchase of the same Covered Securities within thirty (30) calendar days. In addition, all Proprietary Products are subject to a sixty (60) calendar day holding period (ALPS is the investment Adviser). Non-Proprietary exchange-traded funds are not subject to this requirement.

 

Blackout Period - Blackout periods may be determined and established by the CCO. Any such periods will be communicated to all affected persons as necessary.

 

Shorting of Securities - Investment Persons are not prohibited from the practice of short selling securities, however all other trading restrictions such as limitations on short-term and excess trading and pre-clearance apply to Investment Persons shorting of securities.

 

Restricted List - Investment Persons of Red Rocks Capital, LLC ("Red Rocks") may not purchase or sell any security that Red Rocks holds or is being considered for purchase or sale by the Red Rocks Research Department for any account in which they have any beneficial interest. The list of Restricted Securities (the "Restricted List") includes the Red Rocks Listed Private EquitySM Universe of securities and their subsidiaries.

 

B.Account Restrictions

Managed Accounts - Investment Persons are restricted from establishing an external Managed Account (also referred to as a discretionary account) with any adviser that conducts business with AAI. See Appendix B for a list of advisers that work with AAI. See Appendix B for a list of advisers that work with AAI.

  16

 

C.Pre-Clearance

Unless the investment transaction is exempted from pre-clearance requirements all Investment Persons must request and receive pre-clearance prior to engaging in the purchase or sale of a Covered Security.

 

Pre-clearance approval is only good until midnight local time of the day after approval is obtained. "Good-till-Cancelled" orders are not permitted. "Limit" orders must receive pre-clearance every day the order is open.

 

As there could be many reasons for pre-clearance being granted or denied, Investment Persons should not infer from the pre-clearance response anything regarding the security for which pre-clearance was requested.

 

Exempted Securities/Transactions

Pre-clearance by Investment Persons is not required for the following transactions:

 

·Transactions that meet the de minimis exception (defined below);
·Transactions made in an account where the employee, pursuant to a valid legal instrument, has given full investment discretion to an unaffiliated/unrelated third party;
·Purchases or sales of direct obligations of the government of the United States or other sovereign government or supra-national agency, high quality short-term debt instruments, bankers acceptances, certificates of deposit ("CDs"), commercial paper, repurchase agreements;
·Automatic investments in programs where the investment decisions are non-discretionary after the initial selections by the account owner (although the initial selection requires pre-clearance);
·Investments in dividend reinvestment plans;
·Exercised rights, warrants or tender offers;
·General obligation municipal bonds;
·Transactions in Employee Stock Ownership Programs ("ESOPs");
·Securities received via a gift or inheritance
·Transactions in cryptocurrencies; and
·Non-Proprietary Product open-end mutual funds.

 

De Minimis Exception

A De Minimis transaction is a personal trade that meets the following conditions: (a) less than $25,000; and (b) is made with no knowledge that a Client Fund have purchased or sold the Covered Security, or the Client Fund or its investment adviser considered purchasing or selling the Covered Security.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, transactions that fall under the de minimis exception should not be so frequent and repetitive in nature that in totality the transactions appear to be improperly avoiding the intent of the de minimis exception. The CCO may require an Investment Person to pre-clear transactions regardless of if the transaction falls under the de minimis exception should the CCO deem reasonable and appropriate. Further, transactions effected pursuant to the de minimis exception remain subject to reporting requirements of the Code.

 

D.Serving on a Board of Directors

Investment Personnel may not serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior written authorization from the Ethics Committee. No such service shall be approved without a finding by the Ethics Committee that the board service would be consistent with the interests of Clients.

 

If board service is authorized by the Ethics Committee, in some instances, it may be required that the Investment Personnel serving as a Director may be isolated from making investment decisions with respect to the company involved through the use of information barriers, firewalls, or other procedures.

  17

 

VIII.Sanctions

 

 

A.Procedures

Upon discovering a violation of this Code by an employee, family member, or related party sanctions as deemed

appropriate may be imposed. Including, but not limited to, the following:

A written warning with a copy provided to the employee's direct report;

 

·Monetary fines and/or disgorgement of profits when an employee profits on the trading of a security deemed to be in violation of the Code;
·Suspension of the employment;
·Termination of the employment; or
·Referral to the SEC or other civil regulatory authorities determined by ALPS.

 

Violations and proposed sanctions will be documented by the Administrator of the Code of Ethics and will be submitted to the CCO for review and approval. In some cases, the Code of Ethics Committee may assist in determining the materiality of the violation and appropriate sanctions. Records of all reviews are the responsibility of and will be maintained by the Administrator of the Code of Ethics.

 

In determining the materiality of the violation, among other considerations, the CCO may review:

 

·Indications of fraud, neglect or indifference to Code of Ethics provisions;
·Evidence of violation of law, policy or guideline;
·Frequency of repeat violations;
·Level of influence of the violator; and
·Any mitigating circumstances that may exist.

 

In assessing the appropriate penalties, other factors considered may include:

 

·The extent of harm (actual or potential) to client interests;
·The extent of personal benefit or profit;
·Prior record of the violator;
·The degree to which there is a personal benefit or perceived benefit from unique knowledge obtained through employment with ALPS;
·The level of accurate, honest and timely cooperation from the violator; and
·Any mitigating circumstances that may exist.

 

B.Appeals Process

If an employee decides to appeal a sanction, they should contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics who will refer the issue to the CCO for review and consideration. Any appeals submitted by an employee will be kept along with records of the violation and actions taken.

  18

 

IX.Compliance & Supervisory Procedures

 

 

The CCO, or designee, is responsible for implementing supervisory and compliance review procedures. Supervisory procedures can be divided into two classifications: prevention of violations and detection of violations. Compliance review procedures include preparation of special and annual reports, record maintenance and review, and confidentiality preservation.

 

A.Prevention of Violations

To prevent violations of the Rules, the CCO or designee should, in addition to enforcing the procedures outlined in the Rules:

 

1.Review and update the procedures as necessary, at least once annually, including but not limited to a review of the Code by the CCO, the Code of Ethics Committee and/or counsel;
2.Answer questions regarding the Code;
3.Request from all persons upon commencement of services, and annually thereafter, any applicable forms and reports as required by the procedures;
4.Identify all Access Persons and Investment Persons, and notify them of their responsibilities and reporting requirements;
5.With such assistance from the Human Resources Department as may be appropriate, maintain a continuing education program consisting of the following:
·Orienting employees who are new to ALPS and the Rules; and
·Continually educating employees by distributing applicable materials and offering training to employees on at least an annual basis.

 

B.Detection of Violations

To detect violations of these procedures, the CCO, or designee, should, in addition to enforcing the policies, implement procedures to review holding and transaction reports, forms and statements relative to applicable restrictions, as provided under the Code.

 

C.Compliance Procedures

Reports of Potential Deviations or Violations

Upon learning of a potential deviation from or violation of the policies, the CCO shall either present the information at the next regular meeting of the Code of Ethics Committee or conduct a special meeting. The Code of Ethics Committee shall thereafter take such action as it deems appropriate (see Penalty Guidelines).

 

D.Annual Reports

The CCO shall prepare a written report to the Code of Ethics Committee and Senior Management at least annually. The written report shall include any certification required by Rule 17j-1. This report shall set forth the following information:

 

·Copies of the Code, as revised, including a summary of any changes made since the last report;
·Identification of any material issues including material violations requiring significant remedial action since the last report;
·Identification of any immaterial violations as deemed appropriate by the CCO;
·Identification of any material conflicts arising since the last report; and
·Recommendations, if any, regarding changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon experience under these Rules, evolving industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations.
  19

 

E.Records

ALPS shall maintain the following records:

 

·A copy of this Code and any amendment thereof which is or at any time within the past five years has been in effect;
·A record of any violation of this Code, or any amendment thereof, and any action taken as a result of such violation;
·Files for personal securities account statements, all reports and other forms submitted by employees pursuant to these Rules and any other pertinent information;
·A list of all persons who are, or have been, required to submit reports pursuant to this Code;
·A list of persons who are, or within the last five years have been responsible for, reviewing transaction and holdings reports; and
·A copy of each report produced pursuant to this Code.

 

F.Inspection

The records and reports maintained by SS&C ALPS pursuant to the Rules shall at all times be available for inspection, without prior notice, by any member of the Code of Ethics Committee.

 

G.Confidentiality

All procedures, reports and records monitored, prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code shall be considered confidential and proprietary to ALPS and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than to members of the Code of Ethics Committee or as requested.

 

H.The Code of Ethics Committee

The purpose of this section is to describe the Code of Ethics Committee. The Code Of Ethics Committee was created to provide an effective mechanism for monitoring compliance with the standards and procedures contained in the Rules and to take appropriate action at such times as violations or potential violations are discovered.

 

Membership

The Committee consists of the Chief Compliance Officer(s) of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., ALPS Distributors, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc., the Human Resources Director of SS&C ALPS, the President(s) of ALPS Fund Services, Inc., ALPS Advisors, Inc., ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. and ALPS Distributors, Inc., SS&C ALPS General Counsel.

 

The CCO currently serves as the Chairperson of the Committee, where the role of CCO for covered legal entities is held by multiple individuals, they shall service as Co-Chairpersons of the Committee. The composition of the Committee may be changed from time-to-time and the Committee may seek input of other employees concerning matters related to this Code as they deem appropriate.

 

The Committee may also appoint a non-voting Administrator of the Code and/or Secretary, responsible for day to day implementation and oversight of the Code and the Committee.

 

Committee Meetings

The Committee shall meet approximately every six months, or as often as necessary, to review operation of this Code and to consider technical deviations from operational procedures, inadvertent oversights or any other potential violation of the Rules. Deviations alternatively may be addressed by including them in the employee's personnel records maintained by SS&C ALPS. Committee meetings are primarily intended for consideration of the general operation of the compliance procedures as well as for substantive or serious departures from the standards and procedures in the Rules.

  20

 

Other persons may attend a Committee meeting, at the discretion of the Committee, as the Committee shall deem appropriate. Any individual whose conduct has given rise to the meeting may also be called upon, but shall not have the right, to appear before the Committee. It is not required that minutes of Committee meetings be maintained; in lieu of minutes the Committee may issue a report describing any action taken. The report shall be included in the confidential file maintained by the CCO with respect to the particular employee whose conduct has been the subject of the meeting.

 

If a Committee member has committed, or is the subject of, a violation, they shall not be considered a voting member of the Committee or be involved in the review or decisions of the Committee with respect to his or her activities, or sanctions.

 

Special Discretion

The Committee shall have the authority by unanimous action to exempt any person or class of persons or transaction or class of transactions from all or a portion of the Rules provided that:

 

·The Committee determines, on advice of counsel, that the particular application of all or a portion of the Code is not legally required;
·The Committee determines that the likelihood of any abuse of the Code by such exempted person(s) or as a result of such exempted transaction is remote;
·The terms or conditions upon which any such exemption is granted is evidenced in writing; and
·The exempted person(s) agrees to execute and deliver to the CCO, at least annually, a signed Acknowledgment Form, which Acknowledgment shall, by operation of this provision, describe such exemptions and the terms and conditions upon which it was granted.

 

The Committee shall also have the authority by unanimous action to impose such additional requirements or restrictions as it, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate or necessary, as outlined in the Sanctions Guidelines.

 

Any exemption, and any additional requirement or restriction, may be withdrawn by the Committee at any time (such withdrawal action is not required to be unanimous).

  21

 

Appendix A-Approved Broker/Dealers with Electronic Feeds

 

·Ameriprise
·Charles Schwab
·Chase Investment Services
·Edward Jones
·E*Trade
·Fidelity
·Goldman Sachs
·Interactive Brokers
·JP Morgan
·Merrill Lynch
·Morgan Stanley
·OptionsXpress
·Raymond James
·RBC Capital Markets
·Stifel Nicolaus
·TD Ameritrade
·UBS
·Vanguard
·Wells Fargo

 

Updated: September 1, 2021

  22

 

Appendix B - Sub-Advisers to ALPS Advisors, Inc.

 

·Aristotle Capital Management, LLC
·Clough Capital Partners, LP
·CoreCommodity Management, LLC
·Congress Asset Management Company
·Fiduciary Management, Inc.
·GSI Capital Advisors, LLC
·Kotak Mahindra (UK) Limited
·Morningstar Investment Management LLC
·Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC
·Pzena Investment Management, LLC
·Red Rocks Capital, LLC
·RiverFront Investment Group, LLC
·RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC
·Smith Capital Investors, LLC
·Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP
·TCW Investment Management Company
·Weatherbie Capital, LLC

 

Updated: September 1, 2021

  23

 

Appendix C - Glossary of Defined Terms

 

Access Person - Any Director, Trustee, Officer, Partner, Investment Person, or Employee of ALPS Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries, who:

·has access to non-public information regarding any Clients' Transactions, or non-public information regarding the portfolio holdings of any fund(s) of a Client or any SS&C ALPS fund(s) or fund(s) of a subsidiary;
·is involved in making Securities Transactions recommendations to Clients, or has access to such recommendations that are non-public;
·in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding a Fund's Transactions or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to a Fund's Transactions;
·obtains information regarding a Fund's Transactions or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to a Fund's Transactions; or
·any other person designated by the CCO or the Ethics Committee has having access to non-public information.

 

Account- Any accounts in which Securities (as defined below) transactions can be effected including:

·any accounts held by any employee;
·accounts of the employee's immediate family members (any relative by blood or marriage) living in the employee's household or is financially dependent;
·accounts held by any other related individual over whose account the employee has discretionary control;
·any other account where the employee has discretionary control and materially contributes; and
·any account in which the employee has a direct or indirect beneficial interest, such as trusts and custodial accounts or other accounts in which the employee has a beneficial interest or exercises investment discretion.

 

Administrator of the Code of Ethics- Designee(s) by the Chief Compliance Officer tasked with assisting in the oversight of SS&C ALPS' Code of Ethics and all applicable restrictions and requirements.

 

Automatic Investment Plan-A program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined scheduled and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Beneficial Ownership- For purposes of the Code, "Beneficial Ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be in Rule 16a-l(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") in determining whether a person is subject to the provisions of Section 16 under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations there under.

 

Generally speaking, beneficial ownership encompasses those situations where the beneficial owner has the right to enjoy some economic benefits which are substantially equivalent to ownership regardless of who is the registered owner. This would include, but is not limited to:

·securities which a person holds for his or her own benefit either in bearer form, registered in his or her own name or otherwise, regardless of whether the securities are owned individually or jointly;
·securities held in the name of a member of his or her immediate family sharing the same household;
·securities held by a trustee, executor, administrator, custodian or broker;
·securities owned by a general partnership of which the person is a member or a limited partnership of which such person is a general partner;
·securities held by a corporation which can be regarded as a personal holding company of a person; and
·securities recently purchased by a person and awaiting transfer into his or her name.
  24

 

Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") - The CCO refers as appropriate to Matthew Sutula, so designated as CCO by AAI, and Stephen Kyllo, CCO of ADI, APSD and AFS, or the designated Administrator of the Code of Ethics. The CCO may designate additional individuals, where appropriate, to operate in the capacity of the CCO as outlined in this Code of Ethics.

 

Covered Associate - Any employee that is required to comply with the provisions under Rule 206(4)-5 of the Advisers Act as well as the Political Contributions Policy within AAI's Compliance Program. A person is generally considered to be a covered associate for these purposes:

·if they are a President, managing director, VP in charge of a business unit and any other employee who performs a policy-making function of ALPS Advisors, Inc. ("AAI");
·if they are an employee who solicits a government entity for AAI and such employee's direct or indirect supervisor;
·a political action committee controlled by AAI or by any of AAI's covered associates; or
·any other AAI employee so designated by the CCO of AAI.

 

Covered Securities - For purposes of the Code, "Covered Securities" will include all Securities (as defined below) as well as all Proprietary Products (as defined below) or any equivalents in non-US jurisdictions, single stock futures or swap, security based swap and security futures products regulated by both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").

 

Employee - Employees of ALPS Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including directors, officers, partners of AAI (or other

persons occupying similar status), any temporary worker, contractor, or independent contractor as designated by the

CCO or the Ethics Committee.

 

Financial Institution - Any broker, dealer, trust company, registered or unregistered pooled investment or trading account, record keeper, bank, transfer agent or other financial firm holding and/or allowing securities transactions in Covered Securities.

 

Foreign Official - the term "Foreign Official" includes:

·government officials;
·political party leaders;
·candidates for office;
·employees of state-owned enterprises (such as state-owned banks or pension plans); and
·relatives or agents of a Foreign Official if a payment is made to such relative or agent of a Foreign Official with the knowledge or intent that it ultimately would benefit the Foreign Official.

 

Fund Transactions - For purposes of the Code, "Fund Transactions" refers to any transactions of a fund itself. It does not include "Securities Transactions" of an employee (Securities Transactions are defined below).

 

Investment Persons - "Investment Person" shall mean any Access Person (within ALPS) who makes investment decisions for AAI or Clients, who provides investment related information or advice to portfolio managers, or helps to execute and/or implement a portfolio manager's decisions. This typically includes for example, portfolio managers, portfolio assistants, traders, and securities analysts.

 

Managed Account - An account where:

·The employee has a direct or indirect beneficial interest; and
·The employee does not exercise discretionary control or influence over the selection or transaction of Covered Securities.
  25

 

Material Nonpubiic Non-public Information - Any information that has not been publicly disseminated, or that was obtained legitimately while acting in a role of trust or confidence of an issuer or that was obtained wrongfully from an issuer or such person acting in a role of trust or confidence that a reasonable investor would consider important in making a decision to buy, hold or sell a company's securities. Regardless of whether it is positive or negative, historical or forward looking, any information that a reasonable investor could expect to affect a company's stock price. Material Nonpublic Non-public Information could include, but is not limited to:

·projections of future earnings or losses;
·news of a possible merger, acquisition or tender offer;
·significant new products or services or delays in new product or service introduction or development;
·plans to raise additional capital through stock sales or otherwise;
·the gain or loss of a significant customer, partner or supplier;
·discoveries, or grants or allowances or disallowances of patents;
·changes in management;
·news of a significant sale of assets;
·impending bankruptcy or financial liquidity problems; or
·changes in dividend policies or the declaration of a stock split.

 

Portfolio Securities - Securities held by accounts (whether registered or private) managed or serviced by SS&C ALPS.

 

Proprietary Products - Any funds (open-end, closed-end, Exchange-Traded Funds) where SS&C ALPS is the investment adviser. A list will be made available to employees on a quarterly basis.

 

Registered Representative - The term "Registered Representative" as used within this Code, refers to an employee who holds a securities license, and is actively registered, with FINRA.

 

Restricted Accounts - Employees are restricted from establishing external managed accounts (also referred to as a discretionary account) with any adviser that conducts business with AAI. A managed account is defined as an investment account that is owned by an individual investor but is managed by a hired professional money manager. Investment in a hedge fund is not deemed to be managed account. See Appendix B for a list of advisers that work with AAI.

 

Securities - For purposes of the Code, "Security" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act. This definition of "Security" includes, but is not limited to: any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificates of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, any put, call, straddle, option or privilege on any Security or on any group or index of Securities, or any put, call, straddle, option or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, any exchange-traded vehicle (including, but not limited to, closed-end mutual funds, exchange-traded notes and exchange-traded funds). Further, for the purpose of the Code, "Security" shall include any commodity contracts as defined in Section 2(a)(1)(A) of the Commodity Exchange Act. This definition includes but is not limited to futures contracts on equity indices. For purposes of the Code, any derivative of a "Security" shall also be considered a Security.

 

"Security" shall not include direct obligations of the government of the United States or any other sovereign country or supra-national agency, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements, variable and fixed insurance products.

 

Securities Transactions - The term "Securities Transactions" as used within this Code typically refers to the purchase and/or sale of Securities, (as defined herein), by an employee. Securities Transactions shall include any gift of Covered Securities that is given or received by the employee, including any inheritance received that includes Covered Securities.

  26

 

   

 

 

 


 

 

CUSTODY AGREEMENT

 

 

dated as of September 7, 2021

by and among

 

CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND

(“Company”)

 

and

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

(“Custodian” and “Document Custodian”)

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
1. DEFINITIONS 1
2. APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN 7
3. DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN 8
3A. DUTIES OF DOCUMENT CUSTODIAN 17
4. REPORTING 18
5. DEPOSIT IN U.S. SECURITIES SYSTEMS 18
6. SECURITIES HELD OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES 19
7. CERTAIN GENERAL TERMS 22
8. COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN 24
9. RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN 24
10. SECURITY CODES 28
11. TAX LAW 28
12. EFFECTIVE PERIOD AND TERMINATION 28
13. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 29
14. PARTIES IN INTEREST; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFIT 30
15. NOTICES 30
16. CHOICE OF LAW AND JURISDICTION 31
17. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; COUNTERPARTS 32
18. AMENDMENT; WAIVER 32
19. SUCCESSOR AND ASSIGNS 33
20. SEVERABILITY 33
21. REQUEST FOR INSTRUCTIONS 33
22. OTHER BUSINESS 33
23. REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS 34
24. MISCELLANEOUS 34
SCHEDULES  
  SCHEDULE A – Trade Confirmation  
  SCHEDULE B – Initial Authorized Persons  

  i 

 

THIS CUSTODY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is dated as of September 7, 2021 and is by and between CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND (and any successor or permitted assign), a Delaware statutory trust, having its principal place of business at 4700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010, and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (or any successor or permitted assign acting hereunder), a national banking association, as custodian (in such capacity, along with any successor or permitted assign acting as custodian hereunder, the “Custodian”) and as document custodian (in such capacity, along with any successor or permitted assign acting as custodian hereunder, the “Document Custodian”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain U.S. Bank National Association to act as custodian and as document custodian for the Company and each Subsidiary hereafter identified to the Custodian and the Document Custodian;

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires that certain of the Company’s Securities (as defined below) and cash be held and administered by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement in compliance with Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act;

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires that certain of the Company’s Loan Files (as defined below) be held by the Document Custodian pursuant to this Agreement; and

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.DEFINITIONS

 

1.1       Defined Terms. In addition to terms expressly defined elsewhere herein, the following words shall have the following meanings as used in this Agreement:

 

Account” or “Accounts” means the Cash Account, the Securities Account, any Subsidiary Cash Account and any Subsidiary Securities Account, collectively.

 

Agreement” means this Custody Agreement (as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof).

 

Asset List” means, in the case of each Loan File held by the Document Custodian for the benefit of the Company, a computer-readable transmission containing the following information (and such other data as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Document Custodian), which shall be delivered by the Document Custodian to the Company pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Authorized Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.

 

 

 

Business Day” means a day on which the Custodian or the relevant sub-custodian, including a Foreign Sub-custodian, is open for business in the market or country in which a transaction is to take place.

 

Cash Account” or “Cash Accounts” means the segregated accounts to be established at the Custodian to which the Custodian shall deposit and hold any cash or Proceeds received by it from time to time from or with respect to the Securities or the sale of the Securities of the Company, as applicable, which accounts shall be designated the “CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Cash Interest Proceeds Account,” the “CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Cash Principal Proceeds Account,” and the “CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Expense Account”.

 

Company” means CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, its successors or permitted assigns.

 

Confidential Information” means any databases, computer programs, screen formats, screen designs, report formats, interactive design techniques, and other similar or related information that may be furnished to the Company by the Custodian from time to time pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Custodian” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Document Custodian” means the Custodian when acting in the role of a document custodian hereunder.

 

Eligible Investment” means any investment that at the time of its acquisition is one or more of the following:

 

(a)       United States government and agency obligations;

 

(b)       commercial paper having a rating assigned to such commercial paper by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services or Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (or, if neither such organization shall rate such commercial paper at such time, by any nationally recognized rating organization in the United States of America) equal to one of the two highest ratings assigned by such organization, it being understood that as of the date hereof such ratings by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services are “A1+” and “A1” and such ratings by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. are “P1” and “P2”;

 

(c)       interest bearing deposits in United States dollars in United States banks with an unrestricted surplus of at least U.S. $250,000,000, maturing within one year; and

 

(d)       money market funds (including funds of the bank serving as Custodian or its affiliates) or United States government securities funds designed to maintain a fixed share price and high liquidity.

 

Eligible Securities Depository” has the meaning set forth in Section (b)(1) of Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act.

 2 

 

Federal Reserve Bank Book-Entry System” means a depository and securities transfer system operated by the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States on which are eligible to be held all United States Government direct obligation bills, notes and bonds.

 

Financing Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b)(ii).

 

Foreign Intermediary” means a Foreign Sub-custodian and Eligible Securities Depository.

 

Foreign Sub-custodian” means and includes (i) any branch of a “U.S. Bank,” as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, (ii) any “Eligible Foreign Custodian,” as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, having a contract with the Custodian in accordance with Section 6.6, which the Custodian has determined will provide reasonable care of assets of the Company based on the standards specified in Section 6.7 below.

 

Foreign Securities” means Securities for which the primary market is outside the United States.

 

Loan” means any U.S. dollar denominated commercial loan, or Participation therein, made by a bank or other financial institution that by its terms provides for payments of principal and/or interest, including discount obligations and payment-in-kind obligations, acquired by the Company from time to time.

 

Loan Assignment Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b)(ii).

 

Loan Checklist” means a list delivered to the Document Custodian in connection with delivery of each Loan to the Document Custodian by the Company that identifies the items contained in the related Loan File.

 

Loan File” means, with respect to each Loan delivered to the Document Custodian, each of the Required Loan Documents identified on the related Loan Checklist.

 

Noteless Loan” means a Loan with respect to which (i) the related loan agreement does not require the obligor to execute and deliver an Underlying Note to evidence the indebtedness created under such Loan and (ii) no Underlying Notes are outstanding with respect to the portion of the Loan transferred by the issuer or the prior holder of record.

 

Participation” means an interest in a Loan that is acquired indirectly by way of a participation from a selling institution.

 

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust (including any beneficiary thereof) unincorporated organization, or any government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Proceeds” means, collectively, (i) the net cash proceeds to the Company of the initial public offering by the Company and any subsequent offering by the Company of any class of Securities issued by the Company, (ii) cash distributions, earnings, dividends, fees and other cash payments paid on the Securities (or, as applicable, Subsidiary Securities) by or on behalf of the issuer or obligor thereof, or applicable paying agent, (iii) the net cash proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the Securities (or, as applicable, Subsidiary Securities) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (and any Reinvestment Earnings from investment of the foregoing, as defined in Section 3.6(b) hereof) and (iv) the net cash proceeds to the Company of any borrowing or other financing by the Company.

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Proper Instructions” means instructions (including Trade Confirmations) received by the Custodian in form acceptable to it, from the Company, or any Person duly authorized by the Company, by any of the following forms acceptable to the Custodian:

 

(a)       in writing signed by two (2) Authorized Persons (and delivered by hand, by mail, by overnight courier, or by telecopier);

 

(b)       by electronic mail sent by one Authorized Person with one or more other Authorized Person(s) copied;

 

(c)       such other means as may be agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the party giving such instructions, including oral instructions; and

 

(d)       provided that, for any transaction involving cash (e.g., withdrawals, transfers and disbursements) or assets, the Custodian shall confirm that the instruction is authorized by an Authorized Person by telephone call-back at the telephone number designated by the Company. The Authorized Person confirming the instruction shall be a person other than the Authorized Person from whom the Instruction was received.

 

Reinvestment Earnings” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.

 

Request for Release” means a request for release of any Loan File, which request shall be either (i) delivered to the Document Custodian substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto or (ii) as otherwise agreed to between the Document Custodian and the Company.

 

Required Loan Documents” means, for each Loan:

 

(a)       other than in the case of a Participation, an executed copy of the Assignment for such Loan, as identified on the Loan Checklist;

 

(b)       with the exception of Noteless Loans and Participations, the original executed Underlying Note endorsed by the issuer or the prior holder of record in blank or to the Company, as identified on the Loan Checklist;

 

(c)       (i) if the Company is the sole lender or if the Company or an affiliate of the Company acts as agent for the lenders, (A) an executed copy of the Underlying Loan Agreement (which may be included in the Underlying Note if so indicated in the Loan Checklist), together with a copy of all amendments and modifications thereto, as identified on the Loan Checklist, (B) a copy of each related security agreement (if any) signed by the applicable obligor(s), as identified on the Loan Checklist, and (C) a copy of each related guarantee (if any) then executed in connection with such Loan, as identified on the Loan Checklist, and (ii) in all other cases, such copies of the documents described in clauses (A), (B) and (C), which may not be executed copies, as are reasonably available to the Company, as identified on the Loan Checklist; and 

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(d)       a copy of the Loan Checklist.

 

Securities” means, collectively, the (i) investments, including Loans, acquired by the Company and delivered to the Custodian by the Company from time to time during the term of, and pursuant to the terms of, this Agreement and (ii) all dividends in kind (e.g., non-cash dividends) from the investments described in clause (i). For avoidance of doubt, the term “Securities” includes stocks, shares, bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages, or other obligations and any certificates, receipts, warrants or other instruments representing rights to receive, purchase, or subscribe for the same, or evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or in any property or assets.

 

Securities Account” means the segregated accounts to be established at the Custodian to which the Custodian shall deposit or credit and hold the Securities (other than Loans) received by it pursuant to this Agreement, which accounts shall be designated the “CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Securities Custody Account” and the “CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Prime Brokerage Custody Account”.

 

Securities Depository” means The Depository Trust Company and any other clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), which acts as a system for the central handling of Securities where all Securities of any particular class or series of an issuer deposited within the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of the Securities.

 

Securities System” means the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System, a clearing agency which acts as a Securities Depository, or another book entry system for the central handling of securities (including an Eligible Securities Depository).

 

Street Delivery Custom” means a custom of the United States securities market to deliver securities which are being sold to the buying broker for examination to determine that the securities are in proper form.

 

Street Name” means the form of registration in which the securities are held by a broker who is delivering the securities to another broker for the purposes of sale, it being an accepted custom in the United States securities industry that a security in Street Name is in proper form for delivery to a buyer and that a security may be re-registered by a buyer in the ordinary course.

 

Subsidiary” means, collectively, any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company identified to the Custodian by the Company pursuant to Section 3.13(c).

 5 

 

Subsidiary Cash Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(b).

 

Subsidiary Securities” collectively, the (i) investments, including Loans, acquired by a Subsidiary and delivered to the Custodian from time to time during the term of, and pursuant to the terms of, this Agreement and (ii) all dividends in kind (e.g., non-cash dividends) from the investments described in clause (i).

 

Subsidiary Securities Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(a).

 

Trade Confirmation” means a confirmation to the Custodian from the Company of the Company’s acquisition of a Loan, and setting forth applicable information with respect to such Loan, which confirmation may be in the form of Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof, subject to such changes or additions as may be agreed to by, or in such other form as may be agreed to by, the Custodian and the Company from time to time.

 

UCC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).

 

Underlying Loan Agreement” means, with respect to any Loan, the document or documents evidencing the commercial loan agreement or facility pursuant to which such Loan is made.

 

Underlying Loan Documents” means, with respect to any Loan, the related Underlying Loan Agreement together with any agreements and instruments (including any Underlying Note) executed or delivered in connection therewith.

 

Underlying Note” means the one or more promissory notes executed by an obligor to evidence a Loan.

 

1.2Construction. In this Agreement unless the contrary intention appears:

 

(a)any reference to this Agreement or another agreement or instrument refers to such agreement or instrument as the same may be amended, modified or otherwise rewritten from time to time;

 

(b)a reference to a statute, ordinance, code or other law includes regulations and other instruments under it and consolidations, amendments, re-enactments or replacements of any of them;

 

(c)any term defined in the singular form may be used in, and shall include, the plural with the same meaning, and vice versa;

 

(d)a reference to a Person includes a reference to the Person’s executors, successors and permitted assigns;

 

(e)an agreement, representation or warranty in favor of two or more Persons is for the benefit of them jointly and severally;
 6 

 

(f)an agreement, representation or warranty on the part of two or more Persons binds them jointly and severally;

 

(g)a reference to the term “including” means “including, without limitation,”;

 

(h)a reference to any accounting term is to be interpreted in accordance with generally accepted principles and practices in the United States, consistently applied, unless otherwise instructed by the Company; and

 

(i)any reference to “execute”, “executed”, “sign”, “signed”, “signature” or any other like term hereunder shall include execution by electronic signature (including, without limitation, any .pdf file, .jpeg file, or any other electronic or image file, or any “electronic signature” as defined under the U.S. Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (“E-SIGN”) or the New York Electronic Signatures and Records Act (“ESRA”), which includes any electronic signature provided using Orbit, Adobe Sign, DocuSign, or any other similar platform identified by the Company and reasonably available at no undue burden or expense to the Custodian), except to the extent the Custodian requests otherwise. Any such electronic signatures shall be valid, effective and legally binding as if such electronic signatures were handwritten signatures and shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered for all purposes hereunder.

 

1.3       Headings. Headings are inserted for convenience and do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

2.APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN

 

2.1Appointment and Acceptance.

 

(a)The Company hereby appoints the Custodian as custodian of certain Securities and cash owned by the Company and the Subsidiaries (as applicable) and delivered to the Custodian from time to time during the period of this Agreement, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (which shall include any addendum hereto which is hereby incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement), and the Custodian hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement with respect to it subject to and in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

(b)The Company hereby appoints the Document Custodian as custodian to hold the Loan Files and Required Loan Documents owned by the Company and the Subsidiaries (as applicable) and delivered to the Document Custodian from time to time during the period of this Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (which shall include any addendum hereto which is hereby incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement), and the Document Custodian hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement with respect to it and subject to and in accordance with the provisions hereof.
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2.2       Instructions. The Company agrees that it shall from time to time provide, or cause to be provided, to the Custodian all necessary instructions and information, and shall respond promptly to all inquiries and requests of the Custodian, as may reasonably be necessary to enable the Custodian to perform its duties hereunder.

 

2.3       Company Responsible For Directions. The Company is solely responsible for directing the Custodian with respect to deposits to, withdrawals from and transfers to or from the Account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian has no responsibility for the Company’s compliance with the 1940 Act, any restrictions, covenants, limitations or obligations to which the Company may be subject or for which it may have obligations to third-parties in respect of the Account, and the Custodian shall have no liability for the application of any funds made at the direction of the Company. The Company shall be solely responsible for properly instructing all applicable payors to make all appropriate payments to the Custodian for deposit to the Account, and for properly instructing the Custodian with respect to the allocation or application of all such deposits.

 

3.DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN

 

3.1       Segregation. All Securities and non-cash property held by the Custodian, as applicable, for the account of the Company (other than Securities maintained in a Securities Depository or Securities System) shall be physically segregated from other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian and shall be identified as subject to this Agreement.

 

3.2       Accounts.

 

(a)The Company directs the Custodian to open and maintain it its corporate trust department the Cash Accounts to which the Custodian shall deposit or credit and hold any cash or Proceeds received by it from time to time from or with respect to the Securities or the sale of the interest of the Company, as applicable.

 

(b)The Custodian shall open and maintain in its corporate trust department a segregated account in the name of the Company, subject only to order of the Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and carry, subject to Section 3.6(b), all Securities (other than Loans) and other assets of the Company which are delivered to it in accordance with this Agreement. For avoidance of doubt, the Custodian shall not be required to credit or deposit Loans in the Securities Account but shall instead maintain a register (in book-entry form or in such other form as it shall deem necessary or desirable) of such Loans, containing such information as the Company and the Custodian may reasonably agree; provided that, with respect to such Loans, all Required Loan Documents shall be held in safekeeping by the Document Custodian, individually segregated from the securities and investments of any other Person and marked so as to clearly identify them as the property of the Company in a manner consistent with Rule 17f-1 under the 1940 Act and as set forth in this Agreement.
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The Custodian shall have no power or authority to assign, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such Securities and investments except pursuant to the direction of the Company under terms of the Agreement.

 

3.3Delivery of Cash and Securities to Custodian.

 

(a)The Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Custodian certain of the Company’s Securities, cash and other investment assets, including (i) payments of income, payments of principal and capital distributions received by the Company with respect to such Securities, cash or other assets owned by the Company at any time during the period of this Agreement, and (ii) cash received by the Company for the issuance, at any time during such period, of Securities or in connection with a borrowing by the Company. With respect to Loans, Required Loan Documents and other Underlying Loan Documents shall be delivered to the Document Custodian and at the address identified in Section 15(c). With respect to assets other than Loans, such assets shall be delivered to the Custodian in its role as, and (where relevant) at the address identified for, the Custodian. Except to the extent otherwise expressly provided herein, delivery of Securities to the Custodian shall be in Street Name or other good delivery form. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities, cash or other assets until actually delivered to, and received by it. With respect to Securities (other than Loan Assets and assets in the nature of “general intangibles” (as hereinafter defined)) held by the Custodian in its capacity as a “securities intermediary” (as defined in Section 8-102 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York (the “UCC”)), the Custodian shall be obligated to exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duties as a securities intermediary to hold such Securities.

 

(b)(i)       In connection with its acquisition of a Loan or other delivery of a Security constituting a Loan, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian a properly completed Trade Confirmation containing such information in respect of such Loan as the Custodian may reasonably require in order to enable the Custodian to perform its duties hereunder in respect of such Loan on which the Custodian may conclusively rely without further inquiry or investigation, in such form and format as the Custodian reasonably may require.

 

(ii)      Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, delivery of Loans acquired by the Company (or, if applicable, a Subsidiary thereof) which constitute Noteless Loans or Participations or which are otherwise not evidenced by a “security” or “instrument” as defined in Section 8-102 and Section 9-102(a)(47) of the UCC, respectively, shall be made by delivery to the Document Custodian of (i) in the case of a Noteless Loan, a copy of the loan register with respect to such Noteless Loan evidencing registration of such Loan on the books and records of the applicable obligor or bank agent to the name of the Company or, if applicable, a Subsidiary thereof (or, in either case, its nominee) or a copy (which may be a facsimile copy) of an assignment agreement in favor of the Company (or, if applicable, a Subsidiary) as assignee, and (ii) in the case of a Participation, a copy of the related participation agreement. Any duty on the part of the Custodian with respect to the custody of such Loans shall be limited to the exercise of reasonable care by the Custodian in the physical custody of any such documents delivered to it, and any related instrument, security, credit agreement, assignment agreement and/or other agreements or documents, if any (collectively, “Financing Documents”), that may be delivered to it. Nothing herein shall require the Custodian to credit to the Securities Account or to treat as a financial asset (within the meaning of Section 8-102(a)(9) of the UCC) any such Loan or other asset in the nature of a general intangible (as defined in Section 9-102(a)(42) of the UCC) or to “maintain” a sufficient quantity thereof.
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(iii)       The Custodian may assume the genuineness of any such Financing Document it may receive and the genuineness and due authority of any signatures appearing thereon, and shall be entitled to assume that each such Financing Document it may receive is what it purports to be. If an original “security” or “instrument” as defined in Section 8-102 and Section 9-102(a)(47) of the UCC, respectively, is or shall be or become available with respect to any Loan to be held by the Custodian under this Agreement, it shall be the sole responsibility of the Company to make or cause delivery thereof to the Document Custodian, and the Custodian shall not be under any obligation at any time to determine whether any such original security or instrument has been or is required to be issued or made available in respect of any Loan or to compel or cause delivery thereof to the Custodian.

 

(iv)       Contemporaneously with the acquisition of any Loan, the Company shall (1) cause any appropriate Financing Documents evidencing such Loan to be delivered to the Custodian; (2) if requested by the Custodian, provide to the Custodian an amortization schedule of principal payments and a schedule of the interest payable date(s) identifying the amount and due dates of all scheduled principal and interest payments for such Loan, (3) a properly completed Trade Confirmation containing such information in respect of such Loan as the Custodian may reasonably require in order to enable the Custodian to perform its duties hereunder in respect of such Loan on which the Custodian may conclusively rely without further inquiry or investigation, in such form and format as the Custodian reasonably may require; (4) take all actions necessary for the Company to acquire good title to such Loan; and (5) take all actions as may be necessary (including appropriate payment notices and instructions to bank agents or other applicable paying agents) to cause (A) all payments in respect of the Loan to be made to the Custodian and (B) all notices, solicitations and other communications in respect of such Loan to be directed to the Company. The Custodian shall have no liability for any delay or failure on the part of the Company to provide necessary information to the Custodian, or for any inaccuracy therein or incompleteness thereof, or for any delay or failure on the part of the Company to give such effective payment instruction to bank agents and other paying agents, in respect of the Loans. With respect to each such Loan, the Custodian shall be entitled to rely on any information and notices it may receive from time to time from the related bank agent, obligor or similar party with respect to the related Loan, and shall be entitled to update its records (as it may deem necessary or appropriate), or from the Company, on the basis of such information or notices received, without any obligation on its part independently to verify, investigate or recalculate such information.

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3.4Release of Securities.

 

(a)The Custodian or the Document Custodian, as applicable, shall release and ship for delivery, or direct its agents or sub-custodian to release and ship for delivery, as the case may be, Securities or Required Loan Documents (or other Underlying Loan Documents) of the Company held by the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodian from time to time upon receipt of Proper Instructions (which shall, among other things, specify the Securities or Required Loan Documents (or other Underlying Loan Documents) to be released, with such delivery and other information as may be necessary to enable the Custodian or Document Custodian to perform), which may be standing instructions (in form acceptable to the Custodian) in the following cases:

 

(i)upon sale of such Securities by or on behalf of the Company, and such sale may, unless and except to the extent otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, be carried out by the Custodian or the Document Custodian, as applicable:

 

(A)in accordance with the customary or established practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market where the transactions occur, including delivery to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent of such purchaser or dealer) against expectation of receiving later payment; or

 

(B)in the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in accordance with the rules governing the operations of the Securities System;

 

(ii)upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase agreement related to such Securities;

 

(iii)to a depositary agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for Securities;

 

(iv)to the issuer thereof or its agent when such Securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable (unless otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodian);

 

(v)to an issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of the Custodian or of any nominee of the Custodian or into the name of any of its agents or sub-custodian or their nominees or for exchange for a different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units;
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(vi)to brokers clearing banks or other clearing agents for examination in accordance with the Street Delivery Custom;

 

(vii)for exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the Securities of the issuer of such Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement (unless otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian, the Document Custodian, their agents or sub-custodian);

 

(viii)in the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, the surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar Securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary Securities for definitive securities (unless otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian, the Document Custodian, their agents or sub-custodian); and/or

 

(ix)for any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions and an officer’s certificate signed by any two officers of the Company (which officers shall not have been the Authorized Person providing the Proper Instructions) stating (i) the specified Securities to be delivered, (ii) the purpose for such delivery, (iii) that such purpose is a proper corporate purpose and (iv) naming the person or persons to whom delivery of such Securities shall be made and attaching a certified copy of a resolution of the board of directors of the Company or an authorized committee thereof approving the delivery of such Proper Instructions.

 

3.5       Registration of Securities. Securities held by the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodian (other than bearer securities, securities held in a Securities System or Securities that are Noteless Loans or Participations) shall be registered in the name of the Company or its nominee; or, at the option of the Custodian (if the Custodian determines it cannot hold such security in the name of the Company), in the name of the Custodian or in the name of any nominee of the Custodian, or in the name of its agents or its sub-custodian or their nominees; or if directed by the Company by Proper Instruction, may be maintained in Street Name. The Custodian, its agents and its sub-custodian shall not be obligated to accept Securities on behalf of the Company under the terms of this Agreement unless such Securities are in Street Name or other good deliverable form.

 

3.6       Bank Accounts, and Management of Cash.

 

(a)Proceeds from the Securities and other cash received by the Custodian from time to time shall be credited to the Cash Account. All amounts credited to the Cash Account shall be subject to clearance and receipt of final payment by the Custodian.

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(b)Amounts held in the respective Cash Account from time to time may be invested in Eligible Investments pursuant to specific written Proper Instructions (which may be standing instructions) received by the Custodian from two Authorized Persons acting on behalf of the Company. Such investments shall be subject to availability and the Custodian’s then applicable transaction charges (which shall be at the Company’s expense). The Custodian shall have no liability for any loss incurred on any such investment. Absent receipt of such written instruction from the Company, the Custodian shall have no obligation to invest (or otherwise pay interest on) amounts on deposit in the Cash Account. In no instance will the Custodian have any obligation to provide investment advice to the Company. Any earnings from such investment of amounts held in the Cash Account from time to time (collectively, “Reinvestment Earnings”) shall be redeposited in the Cash Account (and may be reinvested at the written direction of the Company).

 

(c)In the event that the Company shall at any time request a withdrawal of amounts from the Cash Accounts, the Custodian shall be entitled to liquidate, and shall have no liability for any loss incurred as a result of the liquidation of, any investment of the funds credited to such Cash Account as needed to provide necessary liquidity, unless such losses are directly resulting from the Custodian’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith and breach of the terms of this Agreement.

 

(d)The Company acknowledges that cash deposited or invested with any bank (including the bank acting as Custodian) may make a margin or generate banking income for which such bank shall not be required to account to the Company.

 

(e)The Custodian shall be authorized to open such additional accounts as may be necessary or convenient for administration of its duties hereunder, with notice to be provided to the Company.

 

3.7Foreign Exchange.

 

(a)Upon the receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodian may (but shall not be obligated to) enter into all types of contracts for foreign exchange on behalf of the Company, upon terms acceptable to the Custodian and the Company (in each case at the Company’s expense), including transactions entered into with the Custodian, its sub-custodian or any affiliates of the Custodian or the sub-custodian. The Custodian shall have no liability for any losses incurred in or resulting from the rates obtained in such foreign exchange transactions; and absent specific and acceptable Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall not be deemed to have any duty to carry out any foreign exchange on behalf of the Company. The Custodian shall be entitled at all times to comply with any legal or regulatory requirements applicable to currency or foreign exchange transactions.
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(b)The Company acknowledges that the Custodian, any sub-custodian or any affiliates of the Custodian or any sub-custodian, involved in any such foreign exchange transactions may make a margin or generate banking income from foreign exchange transactions entered into pursuant to this section for which they shall not be required to account to the Company.

 

3.8        Collection of Income. The Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodian shall use reasonable efforts to collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to the Securities held hereunder to which the Company shall be entitled, to the extent consistent with usual custom in the securities custodian business in the United States. Such efforts shall include collection of interest income, dividends and other payments with respect to registered domestic securities if on the record date with respect to the date of payment by the issuer the Security is registered in the name of the Custodian or its nominee (or in the name of its agent or sub-custodian, or their nominee); and interest income, dividends and other payments with respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer such Securities are held by the Custodian or its sub-custodian or agent; provided, however, that in the case of Securities held in Street Name, the Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts only to timely collect income. In no event shall the Custodian’s agreement herein to collect income be construed to obligate the Custodian to commence, undertake or prosecute any legal proceedings.

 

3.9Payment of Moneys.

 

(a)Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be standing instructions, the Custodian shall pay out from the respective Cash Account designated by the Company (or remit to its agents or its sub-custodian, and direct them to pay out) moneys of the Company on deposit therein in the following cases:

 

(i)upon the purchase of Securities for the Company pursuant to such Proper Instruction; and such purchase may, unless and except to the extent otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, be carried out by the Custodian:

 

(A)in accordance with the customary or established practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market where the transactions occur, including delivering money to the seller thereof or to a dealer therefor (or any agent for such seller or dealer) against expectation of receiving later delivery of such Securities; or

 

(B)in the case of a purchase effected through a Securities System, in accordance with the rules governing the operation of such Securities System;

 

(ii)for the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or foreign exchange agreements for the accounts of the Company, including transactions executed with or through the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodian, as contemplated by Section 3.7 above; and
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(iii)for any other purpose directed by the Company, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying the amount of such payment, and naming the Person or Persons to whom such payment is to be made.

 

(b)At any time or times, the Custodian shall be entitled to pay (i) itself and the Document Custodian from the Cash Account, whether or not in receipt of express direction or instruction from the Company, any amounts due and payable to it pursuant to Section 8 hereof, and (ii) as otherwise permitted by Section 7.5, 9.4 or Section 12.5 below, provided, however, that in each case (i) the Custodian or Document Custodian, as applicable, shall have first invoiced or billed the Company for such amounts and the Company shall have failed to pay such amounts within thirty (30) days after the date of such invoice or bill, and (ii) all such payments shall be accounted for to the Company.

 

3.10        Proxies. The Custodian will, with respect to the Securities held hereunder, use reasonable efforts to cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities proxies received by the Custodian from its agents or its sub-custodian or from issuers of the Securities being held for the Company, without indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and upon receipt of Proper Instructions shall promptly deliver to the applicable issuer such proxies, proxy soliciting materials and notices relating to such Securities. In the absence of such Proper Instructions, or in the event that such Proper Instructions are not received in a timely fashion, the Custodian shall be under no duty to act with regard to such proxies. Notwithstanding the above, neither Custodian nor any nominee of Custodian shall vote any of the Securities held hereunder by or for the account of the Company, except in accordance with Proper Instructions.

 

3.11       Communications Relating to Securities. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Company all written information (including proxies, proxy soliciting materials, notices, pendency of calls and maturities of Securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith) received by the Custodian, from its agents or its sub-custodian or from issuers of the Securities being held for the Company. The Custodian shall have no obligation or duty to exercise any right or power, or otherwise to preserve rights, in or under any Securities unless and except to the extent it has received timely Proper Instruction from the Company in accordance with the next sentence. The Custodian will not be liable for any untimely exercise of any right or power in connection with Securities at any time held by the Custodian, its agents or sub-custodian unless:

 

(i)the Custodian has received Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of any such right or power; and

 

(ii)the Custodian, or its agents or sub-custodian are in actual possession of such Securities,

 

in each case, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date on which such right or power is to be exercised. It will be the responsibility of the Company to notify the Custodian of the Person to whom such communications must be forwarded under this Section.

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3.12       Records. The Custodian shall create and maintain complete and accurate records relating to its activities under this Agreement with respect to the Securities, cash or other property held for the Company under this Agreement, as required by Section 31 of the 1940 Act, and Rules 31a-1 and 32a-2 thereunder. To the extent that the Custodian, in its sole opinion, is able to do so, the Custodian shall provide assistance to the Company (at the Company’s reasonable request made from time to time) by providing sub-certifications regarding certain of its services performed hereunder to the Company in connection with the Company’s certification requirements pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended. All such records shall be the property of the Company and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Company (including its independent public accountants) and employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon reasonable request and no less than five Business Days’ prior notice, unless the Custodian agrees to such shorter time, and at the Company’s expense. The Custodian shall, at the Company’s request, supply the Company with a tabulation of Securities owned by the Company and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Company and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Company and the Custodian, include, to the extent applicable, the certificate numbers in such tabulations, to the extent such information is available to the Custodian.

 

3.13Custody of Subsidiary Securities.

 

(a)With respect to each Subsidiary identified to the Custodian by the Company, there shall be established at the Custodian a segregated account to which the Custodian shall deposit and hold any Subsidiary Securities (other than Loans) received by it (and any Proceeds received by it in the form of dividends in kind) pursuant to this Agreement, which account shall be designated the “[INSERT NAME OF SUBSIDIARY] Securities Account” (the “Subsidiary Securities Account”).

 

(b)With respect to each Subsidiary identified to the Custodian by the Company, there shall be established at the Custodian a segregated account to which the Custodian shall deposit and hold any cash Proceeds received by it from time to time from or with respect to Subsidiary Securities or other Proceeds, which account shall be designated the “[INSERT NAME OF SUBSIDIARY] Cash Proceeds Account” (the “Subsidiary Cash Account”).

 

(c)To the maximum extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement regarding Securities of the Company, the Securities Account and the Cash Account shall be applicable to any Subsidiary Securities, cash and other investment assets, Subsidiary Securities Account and Subsidiary Cash Account, respectively. The parties hereto agree that the Company shall notify the Custodian in writing as to the establishment of any Subsidiary as to which the Custodian is to serve as custodian pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; and identify in writing any accounts the Custodian shall be required to establish for such Subsidiary as herein provided.
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3.14 Responsibility for Property Held by Sub-custodians. The Custodian’s responsibility with respect to the selection or appointment of a sub-custodian shall be limited to a duty to exercise reasonable care in the selection of such sub-custodian in light of prevailing settlement and securities handling practices, procedures and controls in the relevant market. With respect to any costs, expenses, damages, liabilities, or claims (including attorneys’ and accountants’ fees) incurred as a result of the acts or the failure to act by any sub-custodian, the Custodian shall take reasonable action to recover such costs, expenses, damages, liabilities, or claims from such sub-custodian; provided that the Custodian’s sole liability in that regard shall be limited to amounts actually received by it from such sub-custodian (exclusive of related costs and expenses incurred by the Custodian).

 

3A.DUTIES OF DOCUMENT CUSTODIAN

 

(a)With respect to Loans, Required Loan Documents and other Underlying Loan Documents shall be delivered to the Custodian in its role as, and at the address identified for, the Document Custodian. All Required Loan Documents shall be held in safekeeping by the Document Custodian, individually segregated from the Securities and investments of any other Person and marked so as to clearly identify them as the property of the Company.

 

(b)In connection with its acquisition of a Loan or other delivery of a Security constituting a Loan, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Document Custodian the Required Loan Documents, including the Loan Checklist.

 

(c)The Document Custodian shall release and ship for delivery, or direct its agents or sub-custodian to release and ship for delivery, as the case may be, Required Loan Documents (or other Underlying Loan Documents) of the Company held by the Document Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodian from time to time upon receipt of a Request for Release (which shall, among other things, specify the Required Loan Documents (or other Underlying Loan Documents) to be released, with such delivery and other information as may be necessary to enable the Document Custodian to perform (including the delivery method). Any request for release by the Company shall be in the form of the Request for Release. The Company is authorized to transmit and the Document Custodian is authorized to accept signed facsimile or email copies of Requests for Release submitted in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (or as otherwise agreed between the Document Custodian and the Company.

 

(d)For the avoidance of doubt, the Document Custodian shall have no obligation to review or monitor any Required Loan Documents or other Underlying Loan Documents but shall only be required to hold those Required Loan Documents or other Underlying Loan Documents received by it in accordance with this Agreement. All rights, protections, indemnities and immunities provided in this Agreement in favor of the Custodian under this Agreement shall also apply to the Document Custodian.

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4.REPORTING

 

(a)The Custodian shall render to the Company a monthly report of (i) all deposits to and withdrawals from the Cash Account during the month, and the outstanding balance (as of the last day of the preceding monthly report and as of the last day of the subject month) and (ii) an itemized statement of the Securities held pursuant to this Agreement as of the end of each month, all transactions in the Securities during the month, as well as a list of all Securities transactions that remain unsettled at that time, and (iii) such other matters as the parties may agree from time to time.

 

(b)For each Business Day, the Custodian shall render to the Company a daily report of (i) all deposits to and withdrawals from the Cash Account for such Business Day and the outstanding balance as of the end of such Business Day, and (ii) a report of settled trades of Securities for such Business Day.

 

(c)The Custodian shall have no duty or obligation to undertake any market valuation of the Securities under any circumstance.

 

(d)The Custodian shall provide the Company, promptly upon request, with such reports as are reasonably available to it and as the Company may reasonably request from time to time on the internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities, which are employed by the Custodian or any Foreign Sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 6.1.

 

5.DEPOSIT IN U.S. SECURITIES SYSTEMS

 

The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain Securities in a Securities System within the United States in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, including Rule 17f-4 and subject to the following provisions:

 

(a)The Custodian may keep domestic Securities in a U.S. Securities System provided that such Securities are represented in an account of the Custodian in the U.S. Securities System which shall not include any assets of the Custodian other than assets held by it as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;

 

(b)The records of the Custodian with respect to Securities which are maintained in a U.S. Securities System shall identify by book-entry those Securities belonging to the Company;

 

(c)The Custodian shall provide to the Company copies of all notices received from the U.S. Securities System of transfers of Securities for the account of the Company; and
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(d)Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding, the Custodian shall not be liable to the Company for any direct loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim to the Company resulting from use of any Securities System (other than to the extent resulting from the gross negligence, misfeasance or willful misconduct of the Custodian itself, or from failure of the Custodian to enforce effectively such rights as it may have against the U.S. Securities System) provided however that to the extent it places and maintains financial assets, corresponding to the Company’s security entitlements, with a Securities Depository, nothing in this paragraph (d) shall relieve the Custodian from its obligation to exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain such financial assets.

 

6.SECURITIES HELD OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

6.1        Appointment of Foreign Sub-custodian. The Company hereby authorizes and instructs the Custodian in its sole discretion to employ one or more Foreign Sub-custodians to act as Eligible Securities Depositories or as sub-custodian to hold the Securities and other assets of the Company maintained outside the United States, subject to the Company’s approval in accordance with this Section. If the Custodian wishes to appoint a Foreign Sub-custodian to hold property of the Company subject to this Agreement, it will so notify the Company and provide it with information reasonably necessary to determine any such new Foreign Sub-custodian’s eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, including a copy of the proposed agreement with such Foreign Sub-custodian. The Company shall at the meeting of its board of directors next following receipt of such notice and information give a written approval or disapproval of the proposed action.

 

6.2        Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the Securities and other assets maintained in the custody of the Foreign Sub-custodian to: (a) Foreign Securities and (b) cash and cash equivalents in such amounts as the Company (through Proper Instructions) may determine to be reasonably necessary to effect the Company’s transactions in such investments.

 

6.3       Omnibus Accounts. The Custodian may hold Foreign Securities and related Proceeds with one or more Foreign Sub-custodians or Eligible Securities Depositories in each case in a single account with such Sub-custodian or Securities Depository that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers; provided however, that the records of the Custodian with respect to Securities and related Proceeds that are property of the Company maintained in such account(s) shall identify by book-entry those Securities and other property as belonging to the Company.

 

6.4        Reports Concerning Foreign Sub-custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Company, upon request from time to time, statements in respect of the Securities held by Foreign Sub-custodians or Eligible Securities Depositories, including an identification of the Foreign Sub-custodians and Eligible Securities Depositories having physical possession of the Foreign Securities.

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6.5        Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, settlement and payment for Securities received by a Foreign Intermediary for the account of the Company may be effected in accordance with the customary established securities trading or securities processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in which the transaction occurs, including delivering Securities to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) against a receipt with the expectation of receiving later payment for such Securities from such purchaser or dealer.

 

6.6        Foreign Sub-custodian. Each contract or agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a Foreign Sub-custodian shall include provisions that provide: (i) for indemnification or insurance arrangements (or any combination of the foregoing) such that the Company will be adequately protected against the risk of loss of assets held in accordance with such contract; (ii) that the Company’s assets will not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Sub-custodian or its creditors (except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration) or, in the case of cash deposits, liens or rights in favor of creditors of the Sub-custodian arising under bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws; (iii) that beneficial ownership for the Company’s assets will be freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for safe custody or administration; (iv) that adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets as belonging to the Company or as being held by a third party for the benefit of the Company; (v) that the Company’s independent public accountants will be given access to those records or confirmation of the contents of those records; and (vi) that the Company will receive periodic reports with respect to the safekeeping of the Company’s assets, including notification of any transfer to or from a Company’s account or a third party account containing assets held for the benefit of the Company. Such contract may contain, in lieu of any or all of the provisions specified above, such other provisions that the Custodian determines will provide, in their entirety, the same or a greater level of care and protection for Company assets as the specified provisions, in their entirety.

 

6.7Custodian’s Responsibility for Foreign Sub-custodian.

 

(a)With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 6, the Custodian agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of property of the Company would exercise. The Custodian further agrees that the Foreign Securities will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to the Custodian in the relevant market, if maintained with each Foreign Sub-custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets, including: (i) the Foreign Sub-custodian’s practices, procedures, and internal controls, including the physical protections available for certificated securities (if applicable), the method of keeping custodial records, and the security and data protection practices; (ii) whether the Foreign Sub-custodian has the requisite financial strength to provide reasonable care for Company assets; (iii) the Foreign Sub-custodian’s general reputation and standing and, in the case of Eligible Securities Depository, the Eligible Securities Depository’s operating history and number of participants; and (iv) whether the Company will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce judgments against the Foreign Sub-custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of any offices of the Foreign Sub-custodian in the United States or the Sub-custodian’s consent to service of process in the United States.
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(b)At the end of each calendar quarter or at such other times as the Company’s board of directors deems reasonable and appropriate based on the circumstances of the Company’s foreign custody arrangements, the Custodian shall provide written reports notifying the board of directors of the Company as to the placement of the Foreign Securities and cash of the Company with a particular Foreign Sub-custodian and of any material changes in the Company’s foreign custody arrangements. The Custodian shall promptly take such steps as may be required to withdraw assets of the Company from any Foreign Sub-custodian that has ceased to meet the requirements of Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act.

 

(c)The Custodian shall establish a system to monitor the appropriateness of maintaining the Company’s assets with a particular Foreign Sub-custodian and the performance of the contract governing the Company’s arrangements with such Foreign Sub-custodian. To the extent the Custodian holds Foreign Securities and related Proceeds with one or more Eligible Securities Depositories, the Custodian shall provide the Company with an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with such Eligible Securities Depository and shall monitor such custody risks on a continuing basis and promptly notify the Company of any material change in these risks. The Custodian agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence in performing its obligations under this clause (c). If the Custodian determines that a custody arrangement with an Eligible Securities Depository no longer meets the requirements of this Section, the Company’s Foreign Securities must be withdrawn from such depository as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

(d)The Custodian’s responsibility with respect to the selection or appointment of a Foreign Sub-custodian shall be limited to a duty to exercise reasonable care in the selection or retention of such Foreign Intermediaries in light of prevailing settlement and securities handling practices, procedures and controls in the relevant market. With respect to any costs, expenses, damages, liabilities, or claims (including attorneys’ and accountants’ fees) incurred as a result of the acts or the failure to act by any Foreign Sub-custodian, the Custodian shall take reasonable action to recover such costs, expenses, damages, liabilities, or claims from such Foreign Sub-custodian; provided that the Custodian’s sole liability in that regard shall be limited to amounts actually received by it from such Foreign Intermediaries (exclusive of related costs and expenses incurred by the Custodian). The Custodian shall have no responsibility for any act or omission (or the insolvency of) any Securities System (including an Eligible Securities Depository). In the event the Company incurs a loss due to the negligence, willful misconduct, or insolvency of a Securities System (including an Eligible Securities Depository), the Custodian shall make reasonable endeavors, in its discretion, to seek recovery from the Eligible Securities Depository.
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7.CERTAIN GENERAL TERMS

 

7.1        No Duty to Examine Financing Documents. Nothing herein shall obligate the Custodian to review or examine the terms of any underlying instrument, certificate, credit agreement, indenture, loan agreement, promissory note, or other financing document evidencing or governing any Security to determine the validity, sufficiency, marketability or enforceability of any Security or Loan (and shall have no responsibility for the genuineness or completeness thereof), or otherwise.

 

7.2        Resolution of Discrepancies. In the event of any discrepancy between the information set forth in any report provided by the Custodian to the Company and any information contained in the books or records of the Company, the Company shall promptly notify the Custodian thereof and the parties shall cooperate to diligently resolve the discrepancy.

 

7.3        Improper Instructions. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Custodian shall not be obligated to take any action (or forebear from taking any action), which it reasonably determines (at its sole option) to be contrary to the terms of this Agreement or applicable law. In no instance shall the Custodian be obligated to provide services on any day that is not a Business Day.

 

7.4Proper Instructions.

 

(a)The Company will give a notice to the Custodian, in form acceptable to the Custodian, specifying the names and specimen signatures (whether manual, facsimile, .pdf or other electronic signature) of persons authorized to give Proper Instructions (collectively, “Authorized Persons” and each is an “Authorized Person”) which notice shall be signed by any two Authorized Persons previously certified to the Custodian. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon the identity and authority of such persons until it receives written notice from an Authorized Person of the Company to the contrary. The initial Authorized Persons are set forth on Schedule B attached hereto and made a part hereof (as such Schedule B may be modified from time to time by written notice from the Company to the Custodian) and the Company hereby represents and warrants that the true and accurate specimen signatures of such initial Authorized Persons are set forth on Schedule B. If such person elects to give the Custodian email or facsimile instructions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Custodian in its discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Custodian’s reasonable understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Custodian shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Custodian’s reliance upon and compliance with such instructions notwithstanding such instructions conflicting with or being inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. Any person providing such instructions or directions agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit instructions and directions to the Custodian, including without limitation the risk of the Custodian acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties (except, in each case, to the extent due to the Custodian’s bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence, as applicable).
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(b)The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability to the Company (or any other person or entity), and shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company, in the event that a subsequent written confirmation of an oral instruction fails to conform to the oral instructions received by the Custodian. The Custodian shall not have an obligation to act in accordance with purported instructions to the extent that they conflict with applicable law or regulations, local market practice or the Custodian’s operating policies and practices. The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss resulting from a delay while it obtains clarification of any Proper Instructions.

 

7.5        Actions Permitted Without Express Authority. The Custodian may, at its discretion, without express authority from the Company:

 

(a)make payments to itself as described in or pursuant to Section 3.6(b), or to make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling Securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this Agreement, provided that (i) the Custodian shall have first invoiced or billed the Company for such amounts and the Company shall have failed to pay such amounts within thirty (30) days after the date of such invoice or bill, and (ii) all such payments shall be regularly accounted for to the Company;

 

(b)surrender Securities in temporary form for Securities in definitive form;

 

(c)endorse for collection cheques, drafts and other negotiable instruments; and

 

(d)in general, attend to all nondiscretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with the Securities and property of the Company.

 

7.6        Evidence of Authority. The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice, request, consent, certificate, instrument or paper reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed or otherwise given by or on behalf of the Company by Authorized Persons. The Custodian may receive and accept a certificate signed by any two Authorized Persons as conclusive evidence of:

 

(a)the authority of any person to act in accordance with such certificate; or

 

(b)any determination or of any action by the Company as described in such certificate,

 

and such certificate may be considered as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary from an Authorized Person of the Company.

 

7.7        Receipt of Communications. Any communication received by the Custodian on a day which is not a Business Day or after 3:30 p.m., Eastern time (or such other time as is agreed by the Company and the Custodian from time to time), on a Business Day will be deemed to have been received on the next Business Day (but in the case of communications so received after 3:30 p.m., Eastern time, on a Business Day the Custodian will use its best efforts to process such communications as soon as possible after receipt).

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7.8        Actions on the Loans. The Custodian shall have no duty or obligation hereunder to take any action on behalf of the Company, to communicate on behalf of the Company, to collect amounts or proceeds in respect of, or otherwise to interact or exercise rights or remedies on behalf of the Company, with respect to any of the Loans. All such actions and communications are the responsibility of the Company.

 

8.COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN

 

8.1        Fees. The Custodian and the Document Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for their services in accordance with the terms of that certain fee letter dated April 13, 2021, among the Company, the Custodian and the Document Custodian.

 

8.2        Expenses. The Company agrees to pay or reimburse to the Custodian and the Document Custodian upon its request from time to time all costs, disbursements, advances, and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel) incurred, and any disbursements and advances made (including any account overdraft resulting from any settlement or assumed settlement, provisional credit, chargeback, returned deposit item, reclaimed payment or claw-back, or the like), in connection with the preparation or execution of this Agreement, or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or the administration of this Agreement or performance by the Custodian or the Document Custodian, as applicable, of its duties and services under this Agreement, from time to time (including costs and expenses of any action deemed necessary by the Custodian or the Document Custodian to collect any amounts owing to it under this Agreement).

 

9.RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN

 

9.1        General Duties. The Custodian shall have no duties, obligations or responsibilities under this Agreement or with respect to the Securities or Proceeds except for such duties as are expressly and specifically set forth in this Agreement, and the duties and obligations of the Custodian shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Agreement. No implied duties, obligations or responsibilities shall be read into this Agreement against, or on the part of, the Custodian.

 

9.2Instructions.

 

(a)The Custodian shall be entitled to refrain from taking any action unless it has such instruction (in the form of Proper Instructions) from the Company as it reasonably deems necessary, and shall be entitled to require, upon notice to the Company, that Proper Instructions to it be in writing. The Custodian shall have no liability for any action (or forbearance from action) taken pursuant to the Proper Instruction of the Company.
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(b)Whenever the Custodian is entitled or required to receive or obtain any communications or information pursuant to or as contemplated by this Agreement, it shall be entitled to receive the same in writing, in form, content and medium reasonably acceptable to it and otherwise in accordance with any applicable terms of this Agreement; and whenever any report or other information is required to be produced or distributed by the Custodian it shall be in form, content and medium reasonably acceptable to it and the Company, and otherwise in accordance with any applicable terms of this Agreement.

 

9.3        General Standards of Care. Notwithstanding any terms herein contained to the contrary, the acceptance by the Document Custodian and the Custodian of each of their appointments hereunder is expressly subject to the following terms, which shall govern and apply to each of the terms and provisions of this Agreement (whether or not so stated therein):

 

(a)Each of the Custodian and the Document Custodian may rely on and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any written notice, instruction, statement, certificate, request, waiver, consent, opinion, report, receipt or other paper or document furnished to it (including any of the foregoing provided to it by telecopier or electronic means), not only as to its due execution and validity, but also as to the truth and accuracy of any information therein contained, which it in good faith believes to be genuine and signed or presented by the proper person (which in the case of any instruction from or on behalf of the Company shall be any two Authorized Persons); and the Custodian and the Document Custodian shall be entitled to presume the genuineness and due authority of any signature appearing thereon. Neither the Custodian nor the Document Custodian shall be bound to make any independent investigation into the facts or matters stated in any such notice, instruction, statement, certificate, request, waiver, consent, opinion, report, receipt or other paper or document, provided, however, that if the form thereof is specifically prescribed by the terms of this Agreement, the Custodian or Document Custodian, as applicable, shall examine the same to determine whether it substantially conforms on its face to such requirements hereof.

 

(b)Neither the Custodian, the Document Custodian nor any of their directors, officers or employees shall be liable to anyone for any error of judgment, or for any act done or step taken or omitted to be taken by it (or any of its directors, officers of employees), or for any mistake of fact or law, or for anything which it may do or refrain from doing in connection herewith, unless such action or inaction constitutes gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith on its part and in breach of the terms of this Agreement. Neither the Custodian nor the Document Custodian shall be liable for any action taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be within powers conferred upon it, or taken by it pursuant to any direction or instruction by which it is governed hereunder, or omitted to be taken by it by reason of the lack of direction or instruction required hereby for such action. Neither the Custodian nor the Document Custodian shall be under any obligation at any time to ascertain whether the Company is in compliance with the 1940 Act, the regulations thereunder, or the Company’s investment objectives and policies then in effect.
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(c)In no event shall the Document Custodian or the Custodian be liable for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages (including lost profits) whether or not it has been advised of the likelihood of such damages.

 

(d)The Custodian and the Document Custodian may consult with, and obtain advice from, legal counsel selected in good faith with respect to any question as to any of the provisions hereof or its duties hereunder, or any matter relating hereto, and the written opinion or advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by the Custodian or the Document Custodian in good faith in accordance with the opinion and directions of such counsel; the reasonable cost of such services shall be reimbursed pursuant to Section 8.2 above.

 

(e)Neither the Custodian nor the Document Custodian shall be deemed to have notice of any fact, claim or demand with respect hereto unless actually known by an officer working in its Corporate Trust Services group and charged with responsibility for administering this Agreement or unless (and then only to the extent received) in writing by the Custodian or the Document Custodian at the applicable address(es) as set forth in Section 15 and specifically referencing this Agreement.

 

(f)No provision of this Agreement shall require the Custodian or the Document Custodian to expend or risk its own funds, or to take any action (or forbear from action) hereunder which might in its judgment involve any expense or any financial or other liability unless it shall be furnished with acceptable indemnification. Nothing herein shall obligate the Custodian or the Document Custodian to commence, prosecute or defend legal proceedings in any instance, whether on behalf of the Company or on its own behalf or otherwise, with respect to any matter arising hereunder, or relating to this Agreement or the services contemplated hereby.

 

(g)The permissive rights of the Custodian and the Document Custodian to take any action hereunder shall not be construed as duty.

 

(h)The Custodian and the Document Custodian may each act or exercise duties or powers hereunder through agents (including for the avoidance of doubt, sub-custodians) or attorneys, and the Custodian and Document Custodian, as applicable, shall not be liable or responsible for the actions or omissions of any such agent or attorney appointed and maintained with reasonable due care.
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(i)All indemnifications contained in this Agreement in favor of the Custodian and the Document Custodian shall survive the termination of this Agreement or earlier resignation of the Custodian or the Document Custodian, as applicable.

 

9.4Indemnification.

 

(a)The Company shall and does hereby indemnify and hold harmless each of the Custodian, the Document Custodian and any Foreign Sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 6.1 above, for and from any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses) and any and all losses, damages, claims and liabilities, that may arise, be brought against or incurred by the Custodian or the Document Custodian, whether direct, indirect or consequential, as a result of or arising from or in any way relating to any claim, demand, suit, action or proceeding (including any inquiry or investigation) by any person, including without limitation the Company or any Subsidiary, and any advances or disbursements made by the Custodian or the Document Custodian (including in respect of any Account overdraft, returned deposit item, chargeback, provisional credit, settlement or assumed settlement, reclaimed payment, claw-back or the like), as a result of, relating to, or arising out of this Agreement, or the administration or performance of the duties of the Custodian and the Document Custodian hereunder, or the relationship between the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Subsidiary), the Custodian and the Document Custodian created hereby, including the enforcement of any indemnification rights hereunder, other than such liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses as are directly caused by the Custodian’s or the Document Custodian’s, as applicable, own action or inaction constituting bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part.

 

(b)If the Company requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents, to advance cash or Securities for any purpose (including but not limited to securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement) or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance of this Agreement, except such as may arise from its or its nominee’s own gross negligent action, grossly negligent failure to act, bad faith, or willful misconduct, or if the Company fails to compensate or pay the Custodian pursuant to Section 8.1 or Section 9.4 hereof, any cash at any time held for the account of the Company shall be security therefor and should the Company fail to repay the Custodian promptly (or, if specified, within the time frame provided herein), the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.

 

9.5        Force Majeure. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, neither the Custodian nor the Document Custodian shall be liable to the Company for any damage or loss resulting from or caused by events or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian or Document Custodian, including nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, the interruption, disruption or suspension of the normal procedures and practices of any securities market, power, mechanical, communications or other technological failures or interruptions, computer viruses or the like, fires, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters, civil and military disturbance, acts of war or terrorism, riots, revolution, acts of God, work stoppages, strikes, national disasters of any kind, or other similar events or acts; errors by the Company (including any Authorized Person) in its instructions to the Custodian or the Document Custodian; or changes in applicable law, regulation or orders.

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10.SECURITY CODES

 

If the Custodian or Document Custodian issue to the Company security codes, passwords or test keys in order that it may verify that certain transmissions of information, including Proper Instructions, have been originated by the Company, the Company shall take all commercially reasonable steps to safeguard any security codes, passwords, test keys or other security devices which the Custodian or Document Custodian shall make available.

 

11.TAX LAW

 

11.1        Domestic Tax Law. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Company or the Custodian as custodian of the Securities or the Proceeds, by the tax law of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof. The Custodian shall be kept indemnified by and be without liability to the Company for such obligations including taxes, (but excluding any income taxes assessable in respect of compensation paid to the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement) withholding, certification and reporting requirements, claims for exemption or refund, additions for late payment interest, penalties and other expenses (including legal expenses) that may be assessed against the Company, or the Custodian as custodian of the Securities or Proceeds.

 

11.2        Foreign Tax Law. It shall be the responsibility of the Company to notify the Custodian of the obligations imposed on the Company by the tax law of foreign (e.g., non-U.S.) jurisdictions, including responsibility for withholding and other taxes, assessments or other government charges, certifications and government reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company with respect to any claims for exemption or refund under the tax law of the jurisdictions for which the Company has provided such information.

 

12.EFFECTIVE PERIOD AND TERMINATION

 

12.1        Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective as of its due execution and delivery by each of the parties. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided. This Agreement may be terminated by the Document Custodian, the Custodian or the Company pursuant to Section 12.2.

 

12.2        Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest of (a) occurrence of the effective date of termination specified in any written notice of termination given by any party to the other parties not later than sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of termination specified therein, (b) such other date of termination as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties in writing.

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12.3        Resignation. The Custodian may at any time resign under this Agreement by giving not less than sixty (60) days advance written notice thereof to the Company. The Company may at any time remove the Custodian under this Agreement by giving not less than sixty (60) days advance written notice to the Custodian.

 

12.4        Successor. Prior to the effective date of termination of this Agreement, or the effective date of the resignation or removal of the Custodian, as the case may be, the Company shall give Proper Instruction to the Custodian designating a successor Custodian, if applicable. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of Proper Instruction from the Company (i) deliver directly to the successor Custodian all Securities (other than Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) and cash then owned by the Company and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (ii) transfer any Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to an account of or for the benefit of the Company at the successor Custodian, provided that the Company shall have paid to the Custodian all fees, expenses and other amounts to the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled. In addition, the Custodian shall, at the expense of the Company, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by the Custodian under this Agreement (if such form differs from the form in which the Custodian has maintained the same, the Company shall pay any expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities. Upon such delivery and transfer, the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement.

 

12.5        Payment of Fees, etc. Upon termination of this Agreement or resignation of the Custodian, the Company shall pay to each of the Custodian and the Document Custodian such compensation, and shall likewise reimburse each of the Custodian and the Document Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements, as may be due as of the date of such termination or resignation. All indemnifications in favor of the Custodian and the Document Custodian under this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement or any resignation of the Custodian or the Document Custodian, as applicable.

 

12.6        Final Report. In the event of any resignation or removal of the Custodian, the Custodian shall provide to the Company a complete final report or data file transfer of any Confidential Information as of the date of such resignation or removal.

 

13.REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

13.1        Representations of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to the Custodian that:

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(a)it has the power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, and it has duly authorized, executed and delivered this Agreement so as to constitute its valid and binding obligation;

 

(b)in giving any instructions which purport to be “Proper Instructions” under this Agreement, the Company will act in accordance with the provisions of its certificate of incorporation and bylaws and any applicable laws and regulations; and

 

(c)(i) it is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and (ii) pursuant to DOL Regulations Section 2510.3-101(a)(2) and ERISA Section 401(b)(1), the Company’s assets are not “plan assets” and the Company is not subject to ERISA.

 

13.2        Representations of the Custodian. The Custodian hereby represents and warrants to the Company that:

 

(a)it is qualified to act as a custodian pursuant to Sections 17(f) and 26(a)(1) of the 1940 Act;

 

(b)it has the power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement;

 

(c)it has duly authorized, executed and delivered this Agreement so as to constitute its valid and binding obligations; and

 

(d)it maintains business continuity policies and standards that include data file backup and recovery procedures that comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.

 

14.PARTIES IN INTEREST; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFIT

 

This Agreement is not intended for, and shall not be construed to be intended for, the benefit of any third parties and may not be relied upon or enforced by any third parties (other than successors and permitted assigns pursuant to Section 19).

 

15.NOTICES

 

Any Proper Instructions shall be given to the following address (or such other address as either party may designate by written notice to the other party), and otherwise any notices, approvals and other communications hereunder shall be sufficient if made in writing and given to the parties at the following address (or such other address as either of them may subsequently designate by notice to the other), given by (i) certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, (ii) recognized courier or delivery service, (iii) electronic mail or (iv) confirmed telecopier or telex, with a duplicate sent by first class mail, postage prepaid:

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(a)if to the Company or any Subsidiary, to

 

  For matters relating to a legal nature:
   
  CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund
  4700 Wilshire Blvd
  Los Angeles, CA 90010
  Attention: General Counsel (RACR—US Bank Custody Agreement
  Email: generalcounsel@cimgroup.com
   
  For matters relating to an operational nature:
   
  CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund
  2398 East Camelback Road
  4th Floor
  Phoenix, AZ 85016
  Attention:  Operations (RACR—US Bank Custody Arrangement)
  Email:  ShareholderRelations@cimgroup.com;  
  CIM-RACR-Notice@cimgroup.com

 

(b)if to the Custodian, to

 

  U.S. Bank National Association
  Global Corporate Trust
  190 S. LaSalle Street, 8th Floor
  Chicago, IL 60603
  Ref: CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund  
  Attention: Brett Briggs
  Telephone: 312-332-7317
  E-mail: brett.briggs@usbank.com

 

(c)if to the Document Custodian, to

 

  U.S. Bank National Association
  1719 Otis Way
  Florence, South Carolina 29501
  Mail Code: EX-SC-FLOR
  Ref: CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund
  Attention: Steven Garrett
  Telephone: (843) 676-8901
  E-mail: steven.garrett@usbank.com

 

16.CHOICE OF LAW AND JURISDICTION

 

This Agreement shall be construed, and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York for all purposes (without regard to its choice of law provisions); except to the extent such laws are inconsistent with federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, in which case such federal securities laws shall govern.

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17.ENTIRE AGREEMENT; COUNTERPARTS

 

17.1        Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the complete and exclusive agreement of the parties with regard to the matters addressed herein and supersedes and terminates as of the date hereof, all prior agreements or understandings, oral or written, between the parties to this Agreement relating to such matters.

 

17.2        Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (whether manual, facsimile, .pdf or other electronic signature) and all counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

17.3        Facsimile and Electronic Signatures. The exchange of copies of this Agreement and of signature pages by facsimile, pdf or e-mail or other electronic transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Agreement as to the parties and may be used in lieu of the original Agreement for all purposes. Signatures of the parties transmitted by facsimile or pdf or e-mail shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. By executing this Agreement, the Company hereby acknowledges and agrees, and directs the Custodian to acknowledge and agree and the Custodian does hereby acknowledge and agree, that execution of this Agreement, any Proper Instructions and any other notice, form or other document executed by the Company or the Custodian in connection with this Agreement, by facsimile transmission or electronic signature (including, without limitation, any .pdf file, .jpeg file or any other electronic or image file, or any other “electronic signature” as defined under E-SIGN or ESRA, including Orbit, Adobe Sign, DocuSign, or any other similar platform identified by the Company and reasonably available at no undue burden or expense to the Custodian) shall be permitted hereunder notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein and such facsimile or electronic signatures shall be legally binding as if such facsimile or electronic signatures were handwritten signatures. Any electronically signed document delivered via email from a person purporting to be an Authorized Person shall be considered signed or executed by such Authorized Person on behalf of the Company. The Company also hereby acknowledges that the Custodian shall have no duty to inquire into or investigate the authenticity or authorization of any such electronic signature and shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any such electronic signature without any liability with respect thereto.

 

18.AMENDMENT; WAIVER

 

18.1        Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except by an express written instrument duly executed by the Company, the Custodian, and the Document Custodian.

 

18.2        Waiver. In no instance shall any delay or failure to act be deemed to be or effective as a waiver of any right, power or term hereunder, unless and except to the extent such waiver is set forth in an express written instrument signed by the party against whom it is to be charged.

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19.SUCCESSOR AND ASSIGNS

 

19.1        Successors Bound. The covenants and agreements set forth herein shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Neither party shall be permitted to assign their rights under this Agreement without the written consent of the other party; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not limit the ability of the Custodian to delegate certain duties or services to or perform them through agents or attorneys appointed with due care as expressly provided in this Agreement.

 

19.2        Merger and Consolidation. Any corporation or association into which the Custodian may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation or association resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Custodian or the Document Custodian shall be a party, or any corporation or association to which the Custodian or Document Custodian transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business, shall be the successor of the Custodian or Document Custodian, as applicable hereunder, and shall succeed to all of the rights, powers and duties of the Custodian or Document Custodian, as applicable, hereunder, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.

 

20.SEVERABILITY

 

The terms of this Agreement are hereby declared to be severable, such that if any term hereof is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the remaining terms.

 

21.REQUEST FOR INSTRUCTIONS

 

If, in performing its duties under this Agreement, the Custodian is required to decide between alternative courses of action, the Custodian may (but shall not be obliged to) request written instructions from the Company as to the course of action desired by it. If the Custodian does not receive such instructions within two (2) Business Days after it has requested them, the Custodian may, but shall be under no duty to, take or refrain from taking any such courses of action. The Custodian shall act in accordance with instructions received from the Company in response to such request after such two-Business Day period except to the extent it has already taken, or committed itself to take, action inconsistent with such instructions.

 

22.OTHER BUSINESS

 

Nothing herein shall prevent the Custodian, the Document Custodian or any of their affiliates from engaging in other business, or from entering into any other transaction or financial or other relationship with, or receiving fees from or from rendering services of any kind to the Company or any other Person. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute the Company and/or the Custodian or the Document Custodian (and/or any other Person) as members of any partnership, joint venture, association, syndicate, unincorporated business or similar assignment as a result of or by virtue of the engagement or relationship established by this Agreement.

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23.REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

 

This Agreement and all schedules, exhibits, attachments and amendment hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further production shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

 

24.MISCELLANEOUS

 

The Company acknowledges receipt of the following notice:

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT.

 

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. For a non-individual person such as a business entity, a charity, a trust or other legal entity the Custodian will ask for documentation to verify its formation and existence as a legal entity. The Custodian may also ask to see financial statements, licenses, identification and authorization documents from individuals claiming authority to represent the entity or other relevant documentation.”

 

[PAGE INTENTIONALLY ENDS HERE. SIGNATURES APPEAR ON NEXT PAGE.]

 34 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer, intending the same to take effect as of the 7th day of September, 2021.

 

CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND

 

  By:  
  Name: David Thompson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Custodian

 

  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Document Custodian

 

  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Signature Page to Custody Agreement

 
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer, intending the same to take effect as of the 7th day of September, 2021.

 

CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND

  

  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Custodian

 

  By:  
  Name: Elaine Mah
  Title: Senior Vice President

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Document Custodian

 

  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Signature Page to Custody Agreement

 
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer, intending the same to take effect as of the 7th day of September, 2021.

 

CIM REAL ASSETS & CREDIT FUND

 

  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Custodian

 

  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Document Custodian

 

  By:  
  Name: Kenneth Brandt
  Title: Vice President

 

Signature Page to Custody Agreement

 
 

SCHEDULE A

 

(Trade Confirmation)

 

On file with Custodian

 
 

SCHEDULE B

 

Attached

 
 

SCHEDULE B

 

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORIZED PERSONS

 

Each of the undersigned hereby certifies that he/she is the duly elected officer or acting in the capacity as designated, respectively, of CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (the "Client"), and further certifies that the following officers or employees of the Client have been duly authorized to deliver Proper Instructions to the Custodian pursuant to the Agreement between the Client and Custodian dated September 7, 2021, and that the signatures appearing opposite their names are true and correct:

 

David Thompson   Chief Executive Officer    
Name   Title   Signature
         
Nathan D. DeBacker   Chief Financial Officer    
Name   Title   Signature
         
Brandon Hill   Authorized Signatory    
Name   Title   Signature
         
Shawn Teel   Authorized Signatory    
Name   Title   Signature
         
Tia Wee   Authorized Signatory    
Name   Title   Signature
         
Name   Title   Signature
         
Name   Title   Signature   

 

This certificate supersedes any certificate of Authorized Persons you may currently have on file.

 

  By:  
  Name: David Thompson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  Date: September 7, 2021
     
  By:  
  Name: Nathan D. DeBacker
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
     
  Date: September 7, 2021

 
 

EXHIBIT A

FORM OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE

 

(attached)

 
 

 

Request for Release of Documents

 

  U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust Services   Attention: Document Custody Services
  1719 Otis Way Receiving Unit
  Florence, South Carolina 29501 Email:   dcs@usbank.com
  Ref: CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund Fax:       (651) 695-6100 or (651) 695-6101

 

  RE: Custody Agreement, dated as of September 7, 2021 (the “Custody Agreement”) between CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, (the “Company”) and U.S. Bank National Association, as custodian and document custodian (the “Document Custodian”)

 

Pursuant to Section 6 of the Custody Agreement, we request the release of the Collateral Files relating to the Collateral listed on the attached Excel spreadsheet for the reason indicated below:

 

Reason for Requesting Documents (Check One):

 
  1) Collateral Paid in Full
  2) Collateral being Substituted
  3) Collateral being Liquidated by Company
  4) Other- Description Needed Below

 

Company:  
Authorized Representative:  
Name (Printed):  
Title (Printed):  
Date:  
Phone:  

 

File Delivery Instructions – Address Needed
 
 
 
 

 

Upon Completion of Request, for Release, please scan and email the request to the appropriate DCS Vault Location.

If applicable, please indicate if the request is a “Rush” in the subject line. Please fax the form if you do not have access to email.
  Florence:   dcsflorencescreleases@usbank.com  
  Frederick:   electronic.release.requests@usbank.com  
  Jacksonville:   dcsctsjacksonville.requests@usbank.com  
  Saint Paul:   dcs@usbank.com  
  St. Petersburg:   documentcustody.stpete@usbank.com  
  Rocklin:   dcs-rocklin@usbank.com  
  Tempe:   tempe.dcs.request@usbank.com