Epoch Investment Partners, Inc.
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
OCTOBER 2024
TD Epoch Code of Ethics and Business Conduct October 2024
Table of Contents
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TD Epoch Code of Ethics and Business Conduct October 2024
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Pre-Clearance of Reportable Securities Transactions in Employee-Related Accounts |
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Reporting Requirements Applicable to Employee-Related Accounts |
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TD Epoch Code of Ethics and Business Conduct October 2024
1. | Statement of General Principles |
This Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (Code) applies to you, as an officer, director, or employee of Epoch Investment Partners, Inc.1 (TD Epoch, Epoch or the Company), as well as your Family Members (as defined below) and in appropriate circumstances, the Code may be provided and applied to TD Epochs agents and representatives, including but not limited to, consultants and temporary employees who may periodically work onsite at TD Epochs offices (collectively defined as You below). TD Epoch will evaluate such individuals on a case-by-case basis to determine if they should be considered access persons for purposes of this Code depending on their specific role and access to client information.
TD Epoch is committed to the principle of honest and ethical conduct in all aspects of its business. We both expect and require You to be familiar with this Code and to adhere to those principles and procedures set forth in the Code that apply to You. The Companys specific procedures contained in memoranda, policies, e-mail, or other guidance, which we may from time to time distribute to our officers, directors and employees, are separate requirements and are in addition to and not in derogation of this Code.
TD Epochs business should be carried on with loyalty to the interest of its Clients (as defined below). In furtherance of the foregoing, You shall not:
● | Employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud TD Epoch or a Client; or, |
● | Engage in any act, practice or course of conduct that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon TD Epoch or a Client. |
As a fiduciary, TD Epoch is committed to a high standard of business conduct which encompasses conducting business in accordance with both the spirit and letter of applicable laws and regulations as well as in accordance with ethical business practices. While this Code does not cover every issue that may arise, the Code sets out basic principles to guide You and is intended to provide a clear statement of the fundamental principles that govern TD Epochs business to promote, among other things:
● | Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
● | Mitigation of conflicts of interest, including disclosure to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code of any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict; |
● | Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that TD Epoch files with various regulatory authorities or prepares and distributes to various affiliates of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD); |
● | Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations, not only of the United States, but also of foreign jurisdictions in which we or any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries operate; |
1 This Code also applies to employees of Epoch Investment Partners UK, Ltd (Epoch UK) as well as employees of TD Southeast Asia who support Epoch. Epoch UK employees must also adhere to the FCA Principles in the UK Supplement. The UK Supplement sets out certain UK specific policies and procedures which the employees of Epoch UK must observe to fulfill Epoch UKs own administrative requirements and to achieve compliance with the requirements of the Financial Services & Markets Act 2000 and the FCA Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, by which Epoch UK is authorized and regulated. Unless otherwise directed, you must also comply with the policies and procedures contained within the Epoch Investment Partners Compliance Policies & Procedures Manual.
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TD Epoch Code of Ethics and Business Conduct October 2024
● | The prompt reporting of Code violations to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and, |
● | Accountability for adherence to the Code. |
Furthermore, to build a stronger company and maintain our culture of integrity - a culture of lawful and ethical conduct, we ask that You utilize the channels identified herein to ask questions or raise good faith concerns about observed or perceived violations of the Code. We are at our best when each of us helps identify and correct concerns in our workplace so that we may strengthen the business for all and enhance our reputation as an ethical and compliant company.
If an applicable law conflicts with a policy set forth in this Code, You must comply with the law; however, if a local custom or policy conflicts with this Code, You must comply with the Code. If You have any questions about these conflicts, You should ask your supervisor or the Code of Ethics Contact Person how to handle the situation.
If You violate the standards in this Code, You will be subject to disciplinary action. If You are in a situation that You believe may violate or lead to a violation of this Code, You should follow the guidelines described in Section 3 of this Code and notify your supervisor or the Code of Ethics Contact Person as soon as practical.
From time to time, the Company may waive some provisions of this Code. Any waiver of the Code for executive officers or directors of the Company requires the approval of the Chief Compliance Officer who may consult with the Directors (as defined below) or the Operating Committee (as defined below).
2. | Definition of Terms Used |
Business Associate means any supplier of services or materials, Client, customer, consultant, professional advisor, lessor of space or goods, tenant, licensor, licensee or partner of TD Epoch.
Client means any entity which receives investment advisory services from TD Epoch for a fee.
Code of Ethics Contact Person means the Chief Compliance Officer or such person or persons as may be designated from time to time.
Conflict Resolution Group means the TD Epochs President, Chief Compliance Officer and business line Chief Financial Officer.
Directors means the directors of Epoch Investment Partners, Inc.
Family Members means Immediate Family Members and any company, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity that is directly or indirectly controlled by You or by any Immediate Family Member.
Immediate Family Member includes the spouse (or life partner) and children of You and any relative (by blood or marriage) of You residing in the same household.
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Investor means an investor in a Private Fund or UCITS managed by TD Epoch.
PTCC means Compliance Science Personal Trading Control Center.
Operating Committee means the TD Epochs Operating Committee which meets frequently and is responsible for implementing the Companys strategy, making operational decisions and overseeing the day-to-day running of the Company.
You means each director, officer, and employee of TD Epoch, temporary employees and consultants who reside in TD Epoch offices.
3. | Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations |
Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on which TD Epochs ethical standards are built. You must respect and obey the laws of the cities, states, and countries in which TD Epoch and its direct and indirect subsidiaries operate. It is our personal responsibility to adhere to the standards and restrictions imposed by those laws, rules and regulations. Although not all employees are expected to know the details of these laws, it is important that You know enough to determine when to seek advice from your supervisors or other appropriate personnel.
Where You reasonably believe that TD Epoch, or a director, officer or employee of TD Epoch, is not compliant with any law, regulation or section of this Code, we ask that You utilize our established channels identified herein to report such violations so that they may be properly addressed. As an initial matter, please bring the matter up directly with your immediate supervisor and the Code of Ethics Contact Person (or if the matter involves your supervisor, then directly with the Code of Ethics Contact Person), and if the matter is not ultimately resolved by either a reasonable explanation or action taken to rectify any non-compliance, we encourage You to bring the matter directly to the attention of the Operating Committee. With respect to financial matters in particular, and not just confined to those of our employees performing accounting functions, where You believe that TD Epoch has or is about to engage in any financial irregularity or impropriety, You are encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the Operating Committee. This may be done anonymously and without fear of reprisal of any sort. Any complaint directed to the Operating Committee may be sent by mail as follows:
The Operating Committee
Attention: David A Barnett
Epoch Investment Partners, Inc.
One Vanderbilt Avenue
New York, New York 10017
In addition, TD Epoch officers or employees can also report violations to an independent third party, EthicsPoint:
EthicsPoint
www.ethicspoint.com
1-866-293-2365
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Nothing contained in this Code prohibits employees from exercising their legal rights to communicate with or report violations of law to government entities or regulatory authorities (e.g., the SEC). For avoidance of doubt, You do not need prior authorization from Your supervisor, the Operating Committee, the CCO, nor any other person or entity affiliated with TD Epoch to make any such reports or disclosures and do not need to notify TD Epoch that they have made such reports or disclosures. Additionally, nothing in this Manual prohibits You from recovering an award pursuant to a whistleblower program of a government agency or entity.
TD Epoch will not tolerate retaliation of any kind (also known as victimization in some jurisdictions) because an employee in good faith raises a concern or reports a violation or suspected violation of our Code or of an TD Epoch policy or practice.
Retaliation is any conduct that would reasonably dissuade an employee from raising or reporting good faith concerns through our internal reporting channels or with any governmental body, or from participating in or cooperating with any investigation of such concerns. It includes conduct that would reasonably dissuade an employee from filing, testifying or participating in a legal proceeding relating to a violation of law, or from providing information to or otherwise assisting a government or law enforcement agency pursuing a violation of law.
If you feel You have been subjected to retaliation, we encourage you to immediately raise your concerns through the provided channels so that TD Epoch may promptly and properly address such concerns.
4. | Compliance with Disclosure Controls and Dealing with External Auditors |
The honest and accurate recording and reporting of financial information is of critical importance to TD Epoch. This is not only essential for our officers and directors to make informed business decisions, but is essential to TD Epochs ability to file accurate financial reports with regulatory bodies and TD and to enable TD Epoch to comply with various laws relating to the maintenance of books and records and financial reporting.
TD Epoch has implemented internal accounting controls that must be strictly adhered to by You as an officer, director or employee or any other person subject to the Code. You are prohibited from knowingly circumventing or failing to implement the internal accounting controls of TD Epoch as now existing or as may be modified, revised, amended or supplemented in the future. If You become aware of actual or suspected breaches or violations of TD Epochs internal accounting controls or any fraudulent or questionable transactions or occurrences, whether actual or suspected, we ask that You immediately utilize our established channels to report such concerns to enable us to take proper corrective action. Potentially fraudulent or questionable transactions or occurrences include, without limitation, embezzlement, forgery, alteration of checks and other documents, theft, misappropriation or conversion of assets for personal use, falsification of
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records, and the reporting of the financial condition of TD Epoch contrary to generally accepted accounting principles.
TD Epoch has implemented a system of disclosure controls and procedures to assure that all important information regarding the business and prospects of Epoch is brought to the attention of TD Epochs Chief Executive Officer. You are required to adhere to this system of disclosure controls and procedures, and You should promptly report any significant event or occurrence (whether positive or negative) that affects TD Epoch or its Business Associates to enable us to respond appropriately. General economic conditions need not be reported.
Open, honest and fair dealings with our external and internal auditors are essential to the financial reporting process. You are required to be candid in discussing matters concerning internal controls and business disclosures with TD Epochs officers, directors, and external auditors. Factual information is important. Opinions and observations are strongly encouraged. You are prohibited from making any false or misleading statement to any external auditor of TD Epoch in connection with an audit or examination of TD Epochs financial statements or the preparation or filing of any document or report. Similarly, You are prohibited from engaging in any conduct to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead any accountant engaged in the audit or review of any of TD Epochs financial statements.
5. | Conflicts of Interest |
Section 206(2) of the Advisers Act prohibits investment advisers from engaging in any transaction, practice, or course of business which operates as a fraud or deceit upon any client or prospective client whereas Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act prohibits investment advisers from engaging in any act, practice, or course of business which is fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative. Rule 206(4)-8(a) under the Advisers Act effectively extends this prohibition so as to apply to pooled investment vehicle investors or prospective investors. A failure to identify, disclose and/or manage a conflict of interest could constitute a violation of any of these provisions.
TD Epochs policy is to disclose, mitigate, and/or eliminate all identified conflicts of interest in the best interests of its Clients and Investors. In the event that a conflict of interest arises between Clients and/or Investors, TD Epochs policy is to seek to resolve such conflict as fairly as possible in relation to all parties.
You must avoid any activity or personal interest that creates, or appears to create, a conflict between your interests and the interests of TD Epoch or a Client or Investor. A conflict of interest occurs when your private interest interferes or appears to interfere with the interests of the Company or a Client or Investor. For example, a conflict of interest would arise where You or a Family Member receives improper personal benefits as a result of your position in the Company. Conflicts of interest include, by way of example:
● | Soliciting or accepting gifts, entertainment, or other benefits from an organization that does, or seeks to do, business with TD Epoch in violation of TD Epochs policies; |
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● | Owning a meaningful financial interest in, being employed by or acting as a consultant to or board member of an organization that competes with TD Epoch; |
● | Owning a meaningful financial interest in, being employed by or acting as a consultant to or board member of an organization that does, or seeks to do, business with TD Epoch; |
● | Borrowing money from a Business Associate unless that Business Associate is regularly engaged in the business of lending money or such other property, and the loan and the terms thereof are in the ordinary course of the Business Associates business; or |
● | Making a material decision on a matter on behalf of TD Epoch or a Client where your financial, reputational, or other self-interests may reasonably call the appropriateness of the decision into question. |
6. | Disclosure and Reporting of Conflicts of Interest |
TD Epoch requires You to fully disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest as soon as it is known by speaking with the Code of Ethics Contact Person who may discuss and/or seek the approval of the conflict with the Conflict Resolution Group and the Operating Committee depending on the nature and severity of the conflict. Additionally, TD Epoch requires You to complete a Compliance Questionnaire upon joining the firm and at least annually thereafter. Many of the questions contained in the Compliance Questionnaire are intended to identify actual or potential conduct that could constitute a conflict of interest.
Neither You nor a Family Member shall personally benefit, directly or indirectly, or derive any other personal gain from any business transaction or activity of TD Epoch, except when the transaction or activity has been fully disclosed to and approved in writing by the Conflict Resolution Group. For the avoidance of doubt, the receipt of business gifts or entertainment pursuant to TD Epochs Business Entertainment and Gift Policy does not require written Conflict Resolution Group approval.
Neither You nor a Family Member shall have any meaningful personal business or financial interest in any Business Associate or competitor of TD Epoch, without prior written consent from the Conflict Resolution Group. For the avoidance of doubt, holding 5% or less of the outstanding equity interests of a Business Associate or competitor whose equity interests are publicly traded shall not be deemed meaningful.
Neither You nor a Family Member shall hold any position with (including as a member of the board of directors or other governing body) or perform services for a Business Associate or a competitor of TD Epoch, without prior written consent from the Conflict Resolution Group.
Neither You nor a Family Member shall provide any services to other business enterprises which reasonably could be deemed to adversely affect the proper performance of your work for TD Epoch or which might jeopardize the interests of TD Epoch or a Client, including serving as a director, officer, consultant or advisor of another business, without prior consent in writing by the Conflict Resolution Group. In addition, You must
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list all outside business interests on the new employee certification and on the annual Code of Ethics and Business Conduct acknowledgement and certification.
Neither You nor a Family Member shall direct, or seek to direct, any business of TD Epoch to any business enterprise in which you or a Family Member has a meaningful ownership position or serves in a leadership capacity, without prior written consent from the Conflict Resolution Group. For the avoidance of doubt, holding 5% or less of the outstanding equity interests of a Business Associate or competitor whose equity interests are publicly traded shall not be deemed meaningful.
7. | Insider Trading |
You are not permitted to use or share information that is both non-public and confidential about TD Epoch for trading purposes or for any other purpose except the conduct of TD Epochs business. You are not permitted to use or share information that is both non-public and material about other public companies for trading purposes or for any purpose. To use such information for personal financial benefit or to tip others who might make an investment decision on the basis of this information is not only unethical but also illegal. You are strictly prohibited from using any illegal means, such as hacking, to obtain any non-public or material information. TD Epoch has separately prepared and distributed to You a copy of TD Epochs Personal Trading Procedures relating to personal securities trades by You and Family Members, which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
What is confidential information about TD Epoch?
Confidential information regarding TD Epoch includes any information regarding TD Epochs business activities, any information regarding TD Epochs directors, officers and employees, and any information regarding TD Epochs clients for which disclosure, by an individual authorized to make such disclosure, has not been previously made. By way of example, the following information is considered confidential:
● | Information You obtain concerning present or future securities transactions undertaken for TD Epochs clients; |
● | Information You obtain relating to past, present, or future business activities of TD Epoch; or, |
● | Information You obtain relating to a directors, officers, or employees medical, financial, employment, legal or personal affairs. |
For the avoidance of doubt, all information regarding TD Epochs revenue, assets under management, fee structures, number and types of clients, and business plans is confidential unless such information has been previously disclosed by an individual authorized to make such disclosure.
What is non-public information?
Information is non-public until it has been made available to investors. The distribution of non-public information must occur through commonly recognized channels for the classification to change, such as through the inclusion in reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases issued by the issuer of the securities,
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or reference to such information in publications of general circulation such as The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times. In addition, there must be adequate time for the public to receive and digest the information. Non-public information does not change to public information solely by selective dissemination. The confirmation by an insider of unconfirmed rumors, even if the information in question was reported as rumors in a public form, may be non-public information. Examples of the ways in which You might receive non-public information or be transmitted include in person, in writing, by telephone, during a presentation, by email, IM, or Bloomberg messaging, by texting, through social media sites, by drone, through online black or grey markets, and artificial intelligence engines. You must be aware that even where there is no expectation of confidentiality, a person may become an insider upon receiving Material Nonpublic Information. You should consult with the CCO or designee if there is any question as to whether material information is non-public.
Information is material where there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor could consider the information important in deciding whether to buy or sell the securities in question, or where the information, if disclosed, could be viewed by a reasonable investor as having significantly altered the total mix of information available. Where the nonpublic information relates to a possible or contingent event, materiality depends upon a balancing of both the probability that the event will occur and the anticipated magnitude of the event in light of the totality of the activities of the issuer involved.
Common examples of material information include information concerning a companys sales, earnings, dividends, significant acquisitions or mergers, business opportunities, discovery or research developments, bankruptcy or insolvency, debt service or liquidity problems, change in capital structure, major litigation or events that could lead to litigation, and criminal, civil and government investigations and indictments. So-called market information, such as information concerning an impending securities transaction may also, depending upon the circumstances, be material. Material information need not relate to a companys business. For example, information about the contents of an upcoming newspaper column may affect the price of a security, and therefore be considered material. Advance notice of forthcoming secondary market transactions could also be material. Additionally, material information pertaining to one issuer may affect the stock prices of other companies (such as competitors or major service providers). These examples are by no means exclusive. Because materiality determinations are often challenged with the benefit of hindsight, if You have any doubt whether certain information is material, such doubt should be resolved against trading or communicating such information.
How might I receive information about TD Epoch that is non-public and confidential?
You can expect to receive various forms of information about TD Epoch in the normal course of your role as a director, officer, or employee that is both non-public and confidential; however, You are prohibited from seeking to obtain such information if the information is not directly related to your duties or responsibilities. For example, if your duties or responsibilities do not require You to know about present or future securities
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transactions undertaken for TD Epochs clients, You are prohibited from seeking to obtain such information.
How might I receive information that is non-public and material?
You may encounter information that is both non-public and material in variety of ways, including, without limitation:
● | During discussions or interviews, either private or group, with a public companys management; |
● | During discussions or interviews with a public companys vendors, suppliers, or competitors; |
● | During discussions or interviews with members of the press; |
● | During discussions with credit analysts, traders, attorneys, accountants, consultants, research providers, investment bankers or other professionals; |
● | By receiving information packages from issuers; |
● | During discussions with certain sensitive Clients or Investors such as executive-level officers or directors of a public company; or |
● | By being a board member of a public company. |
You are prohibited from soliciting or accepting information about a public company where You know, or should know, that such information is both non-public and material.
How do I protect information that is non-public and confidential about TD Epoch?
When not in use, You must keep all documents or files containing confidential information in locked desk drawers or file cabinets. Under no circumstances, should confidential information be left on desks, counter tops, or floors where the information is visible to others. You must not review or work on any documents that contain confidential information about TD Epoch in any setting that would permit others to see the information, such as in airplanes, public spaces, or even open areas in TD Epochs offices.
How do I protect information that is non-public and material?
If You believe that You are in possession of non-public and material information, You are instructed to immediately contact the Code of Ethics Contact Person. You are prohibited from sharing this information with any other officer, director, or employee at TD Epoch unless You receive permission from the Code of Ethics Contact Person and follow the information barrier procedures implemented by the Code of Ethics Contact Person. For the avoidance of doubt, You are prohibited from sharing this information with anyone other than the Code of Ethics Contact Person until the Code of Ethics Contact Person implements information barrier procedures. In addition, the Code of Ethics Contact Person may add the company to the TD Epoch restricted list which is maintained by the Compliance Department.
For the avoidance of doubt, You are prohibited from trading the securities of any company about which You may possess Material Nonpublic Information, or derivatives related to the issuer in question. Additionally, You may not conduct research, trading, or other investment activities regarding a security for which You may have Material
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Nonpublic Information until the CCO or Code of Ethics Contact Person dictates an appropriate course of action.
When not in use, You must keep all documents or files containing non-public and material information in locked desk drawers or file cabinets. Under no circumstances, should such information be left on desks, counter tops, or floors where others can see the documents. You must not review or work on any documents that contain non-public and material information in any setting that would permit others to see the documents, such as in airplanes, public spaces, or even open areas in TD Epochs offices.
Usage of Expert Networks and Political Intelligence Firms for Research
Prior to engaging with a new expert network/consultants or political intelligence firm, employees must request pre-approval from the CCO and CIO. Such relationships may only be approved after sufficient due diligence by the CCO including a review of the relevant companys policies prohibiting experts from disclosing material non-public information.
Discussions with Other Buy Side Investors
Employees may consider it beneficial to communicate with other investment advisers, buy side investors, and/or employees thereof (Buy Side Investors), either because they have knowledge of a specific investment, theme, or thesis, or because it is condition of participating in an idea dinner or idea sharing website. In connection with these interactions, an Employee may subsequently determine that it is in TD Epochs (and our clients) interests to disclose certain information on TD Epochs investments and research to the other Buy Side Investor.
While these interactions and disclosures are permissible, You should not disclose:
● | Information that could be considered MNPI or that TD Epoch has otherwise agreed with a third party to keep confidential; |
● | Specific information relating to TD Epochs trading of securities, including the timing and/or sizing of trades; |
● | Information that could be detrimental to TD Epochs (or the clients) business interests, such as disclosure of information on a short position where there is limited capacity for borrow; or, |
● | Information on TD Epochs intentions for future proxy votes. |
You are also subject to the following prohibitions when interacting with other Buy Side Investors:
● | You may not provide proprietary models or other research without the prior approval of the CCO; |
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● | You may not provide research obtained from a third-party research provider to any Buy Side Investor; and |
● | You must not participate in/provide ideas via an idea dinner without the prior approval of the CCO. |
If you have any questions about whether any information is permissible to be disclosed in an interaction with a Buy Side Investor, you should consult with the CCO.
8. | Corporate Opportunities |
You owe a duty to the Company to advance the Companys business interests wherever possible. You and Family Members are prohibited from personally profiting, directly or indirectly, due to your position with TD Epoch, to the detriment (or at the expense) of TD Epoch or any Business Associate. You are prohibited from taking for yourself opportunities that are discovered through the use of Company property or information or through your position with TD Epoch, without the consent of TD Epochs Code of Ethics Contact Person.
9. | Prohibition on Illegal Payments |
You and your Family Members are prohibited from, directly or indirectly, making any illegal payment, offering to make any illegal payment, promising to make any illegal payment, or taking any other unlawful action with respect to any government official, including officials of foreign governments. By way of example, You are prohibited from paying, offering, or promising anything of value to a foreign official, foreign political party, foreign party official, or candidate for foreign office with the intent to influence any act or decision of a foreign official, to induce the official to do or omit to do any act in violation of the officials lawful duty, or to obtain any improper advantage.
10. | Competition and Fair Dealing |
TD Epoch seeks to outperform competitors fairly and honestly through superior performance, and never through unethical or illegal business practices. Stealing proprietary information, possessing trade secret information that was obtained without the owners consent, inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other companies, or engaging in any unlawful competitive practices is prohibited. You should respect the rights of and deal fairly with TD Epochs clients, suppliers, competitors, and employees. You are prohibited from taking unfair advantage of any person through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other intentional, unfair-dealing practice.
11. | Preferential Treatment and Gifts & Entertainment |
The purpose of business entertainment and gifts in a commercial setting is to create goodwill and sound working relationships, not to gain unfair advantage. You shall not offer or provide a business gift or entertainment unless it (1) is not a cash gift or cash equivalent, (2) is consistent with customary business practices, (3) is not excessive in value, (4) cannot
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be construed as a bribe or payoff, and (5) does not violate any applicable laws or regulations. If You are uncertain whether a business gift or entertainment is inappropriate, You should seek guidance from your supervisor or the Code of Ethics Contact Person. Additional policies with respect to the giving and receipt of gifts are contained in TD Epochs Compliance Policies and Procedures Manual.
12. | Corporate Books and Records |
You must ensure that all of TD Epochs documents that You are responsible for in the normal course of your duties are completed accurately, truthfully, in a timely manner and properly authorized.
All of TD Epochs books, records, accounts, and financial statements must be maintained in reasonable detail, appropriately reflect the Companys transactions, conform to applicable legal requirements, must be recorded in compliance with all applicable laws and accounting practices and in accordance with the United States generally accepted accounting principles designated by TD Epoch, and be accurately maintained in accordance with the Companys system of internal controls. The making of false or misleading entries, records or documentation is strictly prohibited.
Ensuring accurate and complete business and financial records is everyones responsibility, not just the obligation of accounting and finance personnel. Accurate recordkeeping and reporting reflects on TD Epochs reputation and credibility, and ensures that our Company satisfies its legal and regulatory obligations. Always record and classify transactions properly, never falsify any document, and never distort the true nature of any transaction or other company information. You may never create a false or misleading report under TD Epochs name. In addition, no payments or established accounts shall be used for any purpose other than as described by their supporting documentation. Unrecorded or off the books funds or assets should not be maintained unless permitted by applicable law or regulation.
You may not take any action to defraud, influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead any other officer, director or employee of TD Epoch or any external auditor or legal counsel for TD Epoch for the purpose of rendering the books, records or financial statements of TD Epoch incorrect or misleading.
Errors, or possible errors or misstatements in TD Epochs books and records should be brought to the attention of the Code of Ethics Contact Person promptly upon discovery thereof. The Code of Ethics Contact Person shall promptly inform the Chief Financial Officer of any such error or misstatement.
You are expected to cooperate fully with TD Epochs internal auditors and external auditors. You shall not impede or interfere with the financial statement audit process.
13. | Document Retention |
The Company seeks to comply fully with all laws and regulations relating to the retention and preservation of records. You shall comply fully with the Companys policies or procedures regarding the retention and preservation of records. Under no circumstances
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may Company records be destroyed selectively or maintained outside Company premises or designated storage facilities. Specific document retention policies are contained in the Compliance Policies and Procedures Manual.
Where there is actual or potential litigation or reasonable likelihood of an external investigation, TD Epoch may determine that it is necessary to preserve information relating to the matter, such as emails and other documents that might otherwise be deleted in the ordinary course of business. If You become aware of any actual or potential litigation, subpoena, or other legal proceeding involving TD Epoch, you should notify the Chief Compliance Officer immediately, so that the Company may determine what additional document preservation may be necessary. You are expected to comply with any document retention or preservation instructions that you receive from the Compliance Department.
14. | Non-Disclosure of Information |
Neither You nor your Family Members shall discuss, or inform others about, any actual or contemplated business transaction by a Business Associate or the Company except in the performance of your employment duties or in an official capacity and then only for the benefit of the Business Associate or the Company, as appropriate. In no event should you discuss, or inform others about, any actual or contemplated business transaction by a Business Associate or the Company in violation of applicable law.
15. | Guarding of Corporate Assets |
You have a duty to safeguard Company assets, including its physical premises and equipment, records, customer information and Company trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property. Company assets shall be used for Company business only. Without specific authorization, neither you nor a Family Member may take, loan, sell, damage or dispose of Company property or use, or allow others to use, Company property for any non-Company purposes.
16. | Implementation of the Code |
While each of us is individually responsible for compliance with the Code, You do have access to a number of resources to assist You in understanding your legal and ethical obligations as an employee of the Company. The Company has the following resources, people and processes in place to answer questions and guide You through difficult decisions.
The Chief Compliance Officer is the designated Code of Ethics Contact Person for purposes of this Code and shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer all material matters arising under this Code. At his discretion, the Chief Executive Officer will report matters arising under this Code to the Directors, or to the Companys Operating Committee, as may be determined to be appropriate. The Code of Ethics Contact Person is responsible for overseeing, interpreting, and monitoring compliance with the Code. Any questions relating to how this Code should be interpreted or applied should be addressed
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to the Code of Ethics Contact Person. If You are unsure of whether a situation violates this Code, You should discuss the situation with your supervisor or the Code of Ethics Contact Person.
With regards to reporting violations, please see Section 3. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations.
Reported violations will be promptly and thoroughly investigated and, to the extent possible, treated confidentially. TD Epoch complies with the law in conducting investigations and TD Epoch expects that employees will cooperate with lawful investigations and provide truthful information to facilitate an effective investigation.
The Code is updated and maintained on a regular basis. You are required to acknowledge and comply with the Code and all amendments. At a minimum, all employees are required to complete an annual certification through PTCC during TD Epochs annual recertification period.
17. | Enforcement |
You can expect that TD Epoch will take appropriate action with respect to any employee, officer, or director who violates, or whose Family Member violates, any provision of this Code. Any alleged violation of the Code shall be reported promptly to the CEO for his consideration and such action as the CEO in its sole judgment, shall deem warranted.
18. | Condition of Employment or Service2 |
Compliance with this Code is a condition of your employment. Employee conduct not in accordance with this Code shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including, without limitation, termination of employment.
This Code is not an employment contract nor is it intended to be an all-inclusive policy statement on the part of the Company. TD Epoch reserves the right to provide the final interpretation of the policies contained in this Code as well as the specific procedures contained in memorandums, policies, e-mail or other guidance, which we may from time to time distribute to You. TD Epoch reserves the right to revise these policies or procedures as deemed necessary or appropriate.
By signing below or completing the certification on PTCC, I acknowledge that I have read TD Epochs Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (a copy of which has been
2 Full time employees, or persons deemed access persons, are generally required to complete an initial certification of the Code in a substantially similar format online.
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supplied to me and which I will retain for future reference) and agree to comply in all respects with the terms and provisions hereof. I also acknowledge that this Code of Ethics and Business Conduct may be modified or supplemented from time to time and I agree to comply with those modifications and supplements as well.
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Exhibit A Personal Trading Procedures
1. | Requirements Applicable to Personal Trading Activity |
TD Epoch has adopted the following procedures concerning the pre-clearance and periodic reporting of transactions and accounts for all Access Persons (as defined below). TD Directors (as defined below), shall not be required to adhere to such pre-clearance or reporting requirements since TD Directors do not have access to non-public information regarding client purchases or sales, have no access to portfolio holdings and are not involved in securities recommendations to clients. The Chief Compliance Officer shall, on an annual basis, meet with the TD Directors in person and discuss and confirm that each of them will abide by these policies.
Access Persons for purposes of personal trade reporting and pre-clearance includes all TD Epoch employees, including certain temporary employees and consultants who reside on TD Epoch premises.
Approving Official for a personal trade pre-clearance request is the Code of Ethics Contact Person, or in his or her absence the Compliance Officer or other personnel as may be appointed from time-to-time. At no time may an individual who may otherwise serve as an Approving Official also be the Approving Official for a pre-clearance request for their own personal trade or for the personal trade of their Family Members.
Beneficial ownership of a Security (as defined below) is to be determined in the same manner as it is for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This means that a person should generally consider themselves the beneficial owner of any securities in which he has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest. In addition, a person should consider themselves the beneficial owner of securities held by his or her spouse, his or her dependent children, a relative who shares his or her home, or other persons by reason of any contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship that provides them with sole or shared voting or investment power.
Client Account means any account which receives investment advisory services from TD Epoch for a fee.
Code of Ethics Contact Person shall mean the Chief Compliance Officer or such person or persons as may be from time to time designated.
Employee-Related Account is any personal account or any other account in which You or a Family Member has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest and over which You or a Family Member exercises any control or influence and can transact in Reportable Securities or Securities. For example, an Employee-Related Account includes any account of your Immediate Family Members, but excludes any such account over which neither You nor your Immediate Family Members exercises control or influence (i.e., an account over which some other third person or entity exercises exclusive discretionary authority). Employee-Related Accounts include but are not
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limited to brokerage accounts, Treasury Direct accounts, 401(k) plans, IRAs, or other retirement plans, among other accounts.
Family Members means Immediate Family Members and any company, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity that is directly or indirectly controlled by You or by any Immediate Family Member of You.
Immediate Family Member includes the spouse (or life partner) and children of You and any relative (by blood, marriage or adoption) of You residing in the same household as You. Immediate Family Members include children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, spouse, siblings, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, or sisters-in-law, and any such adoptive relationships.
Investment Person or Investment Personnel means all officers, directors or employees who occupy the position of portfolio manager (or who serve on an investment committee that carries out the portfolio management function) with respect to any Client Accounts and all officers, directors or employees who provide or supply information and/or advice to any portfolio manager (or committee), or who execute or help execute any portfolio managers (or committees) decisions, and all officers, directors or employees who, in connection with their regular functions, obtain contemporaneous or advance information regarding the purchase or sale of a Security by or for any Client Accounts.
New Idea Research Monitor List means the list of securities maintained by Investment Personnel that may lead to investments for Client Accounts.
Operating Committee means the Operating Committee of TD Epoch which meets periodically and is responsible for implementation of TD Epochs business strategy.
Private Placement is also known as a Limited Offering. An offering that is exempt from registration pursuant to sections 4(a)(2) or 4(6) of the Securities Act, or pursuant to Rules 504 or 506 of Regulation D. Private placements include interests in private funds (e.g., hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds, real estate funds, etc.), interests in LLCs, including real estate for investment purposes, and interests in private companies, among other things.
Purchase or sale of a Security includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a Security.
Reportable Security shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act, except that it shall not include securities issued by the Government of the United States or an agency thereof, bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high-quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements, shares issued by money market funds, registered, open-end mutual funds other than those open-end mutual funds advised by TD Epoch, and interests in 529 college savings plans. For the sole purpose of this policy, the term Reportable Security shall also include all exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded notes, closed-end funds, and index or ETF derivatives. Common examples of
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Reportable Securities include equities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, options, warrants, and Private Placements. Commodities are not Reportable Securities.
Security3 is defined by the SEC broadly to include stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, options, interests in Private Placements, futures contracts on other securities, participations in profit-sharing agreements, and interests in oil, gas, or other mineral royalties or leases, among other things. Security is also defined to include any instrument commonly known as a security.
A Security held or to be acquired by a Client Account means any Security which, within the most recent fifteen days: (i) is or has been held by a Clients Account; or (ii) is being or has been considered by TD Epoch for purchase within a Clients Account.
A Security is being purchased or sold by a Client Account from the time when a purchase or sale order has been communicated to the person who places the buy and sell orders for Client Accounts until the time when such order has been fully completed or terminated.
TD Director refers to those directors who are non-employee directors of TD Epoch.
You means all Access Persons.
Prohibited Activities and Transactions
You and your Family Members, with respect to a Security held or to be acquired by a Client Account and with respect to a Security being purchased or sold by a Client Account, are prohibited from:
● | Short selling securities issued by TD or other TD Restricted Securities. |
● | Entering into any contract or series of contracts that create a short sale of TD or other TD Restricted Securities. |
● | Trading in put or call options or other derivatives on securities issued by TD or other TD Restricted Securities. |
● | Trading in units or shares in TD mutual funds or pooled funds in any manner that is not consistent with the best interests of other unit holders. |
● | Certain Access Persons may from time to time be subject to blackout periods restricting the ability to purchase or sell securities issued by TD or other TD Restricted Securities. |
● | Acquiring securities as part of an initial public offering by an issuer. |
3 Security may also include certain assets that are issued and transferred using distributed ledger or blockchain technology, including, but not limited to, virtual currencies, cryptocurrencies, digital coins or tokens (Digital Assets). A Digital Asset is likely to be considered a Security if it is offered and sold as an investment contract. On April 3, 2019, the SEC published a framework for investment contract analysis of Digital Assets: https://www.sec.gov/files/dlt-framework.pdf. Generally, virtual currency or cryptocurrency coins or tokens that are being offered, or previously were offered, as part of certain types of initial coin offerings (ICOs). For the avoidance of doubt, virtual currency or cryptocurrency coins or tokens that were created outside the context of an ICO are not to be considered Securities. Any questions about whether an instrument is a security for purposes of the Federal Securities Laws should be directed to the CCO or the Code of Ethics Contact Person.
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TD Epoch Code of Ethics and Business Conduct October 2024
● | Trading in securities that are on the TD Epoch restricted list or TD Epochs New Idea Research Monitor List without approval of the Code of Ethics Contact Person. |
● | Trading in securities of market comparable or related companies to a company in which you are in possession of MNPI of. |
● | Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a Client. |
● | Making any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. |
● | Engaging in any act, practice or course of business which would operate as a fraud or deceit upon a Client. |
● | Engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to a Client. |
Subject to the pre-clearance procedures below, neither you nor your Family Members may purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any Reportable Security during the time4 that the same (or a related) Reportable Security is being purchased or sold by a Client Account where You or your Family Members trade is on the same side (purchase or sale) as the trade for the Client Account.
Opposite Direction Transactions
Subject to the pre-clearance procedures below, neither You nor your Family Members may purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any Security within 7 calendar days after the time that the same (or a related) Security is being purchased or sold by a Client Account where your trade or your Family Members trade is on the opposite side (purchase or sale) as the trade in the Client Account. The determination of whether a Client Account has transacted within 7 calendar days shall be made at the time the Access Person requests pre-clearance. In limited circumstances, where subsequent to execution of your or your Family Members trade, TD Epoch receives an additional Client or new assets which would necessitate the purchase or sale of the same security such a personal trade will not be considered a violation of this prohibition. Furthermore, subject to the discretion of the Code of Ethics Contact person, certain de minimis transactions may be approved and not be considered a violation of this section of the Code. For purposes of this section de minimis is defined to include purchases or sales of up to 1,000 shares of a Security if the issuer has a market capitalization of over $1 billion.
Neither You nor your Family Member shall sell a Security or cover a short sale within 30 days of acquiring that Security or short sale, other than broad based ETFs or ETF derivative for which a 7 day holding period applies, except in the case of involuntary transactions, such as in connection with a reorganization or other extraordinary transactions requiring the surrender or exchange of securities, or upon the prior written consent of an Approving Official for good cause shown. You or your Family Member must adhere to the stated holding period irrespective of taxable lots.
4 Applies to personal trades within a permitted daily trading window in securities where Epoch has active open orders.
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TD Epoch Code of Ethics and Business Conduct October 2024
Limitation on the Number of Pre-Clearance Requests
You and your Family Members are limited to a maximum of fifteen (15) pre-clearance requests per quarter. Exceptions to this restriction will be considered in hardship situations and at the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer.
Pre-Clearance of Reportable Securities Transactions in Employee-Related Accounts
Neither You nor your Family Member may place an order for the purchase or sale of any Reportable Security (including a Private Placement) for an Employee-Related Account until the transaction has been approved by an Approving Official in accordance with the following procedures.
When either You or your Family Member wishes to complete a transaction in an Employee-Related Account, You must submit electronically a pre-clearance request through PTCC between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. EST. Your pre-clearance request will be routed electronically to the TD Epoch trading desk who will review the electronic request and determine whether TD Epoch is active in the Security in which you have requested approval. Once approved by the trading desk, the pre-clearance request will be sent electronically to the Code of Ethics Contact Person and other designated Approving Officials. Approval or denial of that request is then made by the Code of Ethics Contact person or in their absence an Approving Official. Once the Code of Ethics Contact person or an Approving Official has approved or denied the trade request, You will receive electronic notification from PTCC. In limited circumstances, an Approving Official or a designee may waive the requirement that a Pre-Clearance Request Form be electronically submitted on or before the date of the proposed transaction, provided that:
● | You communicate orally or via e-mail the required information and make the required representations to the Approving Official or a designee on or before the date of the proposed transactions; |
● | The Approving Official or a designee makes a written record of the same; and |
● | You submit a pre-clearance request through PTCC by the end of the same trading day as your verbal or email pre-clearance request. |
By submitting an electronic pre-clearance request through PTCC, You represent that to the best of your knowledge and belief, and after due inquiry, neither You nor your Family Member is in possession of any material, nonpublic information concerning the Security proposed to be bought or sold, and the proposed transaction is not otherwise prohibited by the Code or these procedures.
An Approving Official will base their decision to approve or disapprove a Pre-Clearance Request on the following factors:
● | The general policies set forth in the Code and these procedures; |
● | The requirements under federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as they may apply to the proposed transaction; |
● | The timing of the proposed transaction in relation to transactions or contemplated transactions for any Client Accounts; and |
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TD Epoch Code of Ethics and Business Conduct October 2024
● | The nature of the securities and the parties involved in the proposed transaction. |
Any approval of a proposed transaction is effective for the proposed transaction date only and is subject to the conditions, if any, specified by the Approving Official. A breach of any of the above procedures may, depending upon the circumstances, subject you to sanctions, up to and including termination of employment.
Investment Personnel, before acting on personal investment opportunities, must share all personal trading ideas with the Portfolio Manager, in each respective strategy, so the Portfolio Manager can determine whether the investment opportunity may be appropriate for Client accounts. The Compliance Department monitors all employees trading and provides periodic reports to all Portfolio Managers regarding the volume and nature of Investment Personnel transactions.
For the avoidance of confusion, the pre-clearance requirements shall not apply to the following transactions:
● | Purchases and sales of any Security by TD Directors5; |
● | Purchases and sales of shares of open-end mutual funds not managed by TD Epoch; |
● | Purchases that are part of an automatic purchase plan, such as an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or a plan to purchase a fixed number of shares or face value per month (e.g. purchases of an TD Epoch sub-advised mutual fund as part of an on-going payroll contribution (401(k) Plan) do not require pre- mutual fund in the 401(k) plan requires pre-clearance as does any rebalancing You make which results in the purchase or sale of shares of an TD Epoch sub-advised fund within the 401(k) plan); |
● | Purchases and sales of fixed income securities issued, guaranteed or sponsored by a government member of the Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD); |
● | Purchases and sales that are involuntary (e.g., stock splits, tender offers, and share buy-backs); |
● | Acquisitions of securities through inheritance; |
● | Purchases and sales in any account over which neither You nor your Family Member has direct or indirect influence or control over the investment or trading of the account (e.g., an account managed on a discretionary basis by an outside portfolio manager, including a Blind Trust). Such accounts must be brought to the attention of the CCO. You may be asked to provide documentation to determine whether the account is eligible for the exception and the Employee may be required to provide account statements on a periodic basis to identify transactions that may be inconsistent with the provisions of this Code.; and, |
● | Purchases and sales of certain broad-based ETFs described in PTCC, as amended from time-to-time. |
Furthermore, subject to the discretion of the Code of Ethics Contact person, a supplementary review of Investment Personnel transactions may be conducted.
5 TD Director refers to those directors who are non-employee directors of Epoch
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TD Epoch Code of Ethics and Business Conduct October 2024
Reporting Requirements Applicable to Employee-Related Accounts
Neither You nor your Family Members are permitted to maintain Employee-Related Accounts, at a domestic or foreign broker-dealer, investment adviser, bank, or other financial institution without the approval of the Code of Ethics Contact Person. All Employee-Related Accounts must be maintained at broker-dealers or financial institutions that provide TD Epoch with duplicate copies of all confirmations and periodic statements for such accounts. In addition, many broker-dealers supply account information in real time to the Code of Ethics Contact Person. Within 10 days of beginning your employment with TD Epoch, you must log into the PTCC system and disclose all Employee-Related Accounts and the Reportable Securities held in those accounts. The information must be no more than 45 days old prior to becoming a director, officer, or employee of TD Epoch. Initial reports must disclose the existence of all accounts that hold any Securities, even if none of those Securities fall within the definition of a Reportable Security.
In addition to electronic feeds with PTCC, you are required to send to the broker-dealer or financial institution carrying each Employee-Related Account a letter authorizing and requesting that it forward duplicate confirmations of all trades and duplicate periodic statements, as well as any other information or documents as an Approving Official may request, directly to TD Epoch. A form letter drafted for this purpose may be obtained from the Code of Ethics Contact Person.
You are required to obtain pre-approval, through PTCC when You or a Family Member wish to open a new Employee-Related Account.
You shall certify your securities transactions and your Family Members Reportable Securities transactions during each quarter within ten (10) days of quarter-end and Reportable Security holdings and Employee-Related Accounts as of December 31st of each year within ten (10) days of year-end via PTCC. With respect to an employees TD Epoch 401(k) plan account, employees are not required to report transactions in their quarterly transaction certification or update holdings in their TD Epoch 401(k) annually. TD Epoch maintains the 401(k) accounts in PTCC on behalf of all employees. Additionally, employees are not required to submit quarterly reports for any transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan or any reports with respect to Securities held in accounts over which the employee had no direct or indirect influence or control, such as an account managed by an investment adviser on a discretionary basis. Any investment plans or accounts that may be eligible for either of these exceptions should be brought to the attention of the Code of Ethics Contact Person who will, on a case-by-case basis, determine whether the plan or account qualifies for an exception.
All new employees receive a username and password in order to access PTCC and are required to enter all accounts and securities in the system, including 401(k) or other retirement accounts from prior employers within 10 days of the commencement of their employment.
Access to information submitted pursuant to these procedures will be restricted to those persons who are assigned by TD Epoch to perform the review functions, and all such materials will be kept confidential, subject to the rights of inspection by the Board of
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Directors of TD Epoch, TD Epochs Operating Committee or their designee, and governmental bodies authorized by law to obtain such access.
TD Epochs Personal Trading Procedures are designed to mitigate any potential material conflicts of interest associated with Employees personal trading activities. Accordingly, the Code of Ethics Contact Person will closely monitor Employees investment patterns to detect potentially abusive behavior.
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Exhibit B - Initial Certification6
I certify that:
● | I have read and understand the Epoch Investment Partners, Inc. (TD Epoch) Personal Trading Procedures, as outlined in the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, and recognize that I am subject to its requirements. |
● | I have disclosed or reported all personal Reportable Securities holdings information on Compliance Science Personal Trading Control Center in which I or a Family Member has a Beneficial Interest, including all Employee-Related Accounts as defined in the Personal Trading Procedures, as of the date I became a director, officer, or employee of TD Epoch. I have also reported the name(s) of each person or institution managing any account (or portion thereof) for which I or my Immediate Family Members have no direct or indirect influence or control over the investment or trading of the account. |
● | I understand that TD Epoch will monitor securities transactions and holdings in order to ensure compliance with the Code and the Personal Trading Procedures. I also understand that personal trading information will be made available to any regulatory or self-regulatory organization to the extent required by applicable law or regulation. |
● | For the purpose of monitoring securities transactions and holdings information under the TD Epoch Personal Trading Procedures, I confirm that I will instruct all financial institutions to provide copies of trade confirmation and periodic statements, subject to these procedures. This covers my current Employee-Related Accounts and accounts that will be opened in the future during my employment with TD Epoch. |
● | I understand that any circumvention or violation of the TD Epoch Personal Trading Procedures will lead to disciplinary and/or legal actions, including up to and including termination of employment. |
● | I understand that I have to pre-clear any additions and report deletions or changes with respect to my Employee-Related Accounts. |
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6 Full time employees are generally required to complete an initial certification of the Code in a substantially similar format online..
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