The following table is intended to help you
better understand the Funds’ financial performance since its inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single Fund share. Total return represents the rate you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Funds, assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions. The information for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2017, fiscal year ended November 30,
2018 and the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2019 has been audited by BBD, LLP, an independent registered public accounting
firm, whose report, along with the Funds’ financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon
request.
Additional information about the Funds is included
in the Funds’ SAI dated March 30, 2020. The SAI is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference (i.e., legally made a part
of this Prospectus). The SAI provides more details about the Funds’ policies and management. Additional information about
the Funds’ investments will also be available in the Funds’ Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the
Funds’ Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected
the Funds’ performance during the last fiscal year.
To obtain a free copy of the SAI and the Annual
and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders, or other information about the Funds, or to make shareholder inquiries about the Funds,
please call 877.658.9473. The Funds do not have a website; however information relating to the Fund can be found on the website
at Inspireinvesting.com. You may also write to:
You may review and obtain copies of the Funds’
information at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Please call 1-202-551-8090 for information relating to the operation of the Public Reference Room. Reports and other information about the
Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the information may
be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing
the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
March 30, 2020
Listed and traded on:
the NYSE Arca
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the combined Prospectus of the Inspire Global Hope ETF, Inspire Small/Mid
Cap Impact ETF, Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF, Inspire 100 ETF and Inspire International ESG ETF (each a "Fund" and,
together, the “Funds”) dated March 30, 2020. The Funds’ Prospectus is hereby incorporated by reference, which
means it is legally part of this document. You can obtain copies of the Funds’ Prospectus, annual or semi-annual reports
without charge by contacting the Funds’ Distributor, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100,
Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474 or by calling 877.658.9473 You may also obtain a Prospectus by visiting the website at Inspireinvesting.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE FUNDS
|
1
|
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
|
1
|
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
|
14
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
|
15
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MANAGEMENT
|
16
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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
|
21
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INVESTMENT ADVISER AND INDEX PROVIDER
|
21
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THE DISTRIBUTOR
|
24
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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
|
26
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ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE
|
27
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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
|
28
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OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
|
28
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
|
32
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ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM
|
32
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PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
|
32
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TAX STATUS
|
54
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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
|
58
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LEGAL COUNSEL
|
58
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
58
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APPENDIX A – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
|
A-1
|
THE FUNDS
The Funds are each diversified
series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, a Delaware statutory trust organized on June 2, 2015 (the "Trust"). The Trust
is registered as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the "Board"
or "Trustees").
The Funds may issue an unlimited
number of shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”). All Shares have equal rights and privileges. Each Share is entitled
to one vote on all matters as to which Shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each Share is entitled to participate equally
with other Shares (i) in dividends and distributions declared by such Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of
the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable
when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights.
Each Fund’s investment
objective is to seek investment results that generally correspond to the performance of an applicable underlying index (the “Underlying
Index”). Each Fund is managed by Inspire (CWM Advisors, LLC) (the "Adviser" or “Index Provider”), which
is also each Fund’s index provider. The Board may start other series and offer shares of a new fund under the Trust at any
time.
The Funds issue and redeem
Shares at net asset value ("NAV") only in aggregations of 50,000 Shares for Inspire Global Hope ETF, Inspire Small/Cap
Impact ETF, Inspire 100 ETF and Inspire International ESG ETF and only in aggregations of 100,000 Shares for Inspire Corporate
Bond (each a "Creation Unit"). The Funds issue and redeem Creation Units principally in exchange for a basket of securities
included in the Underlying Index (the "Deposit Securities"), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the
"Cash Component"), plus a transaction fee (unless waived). The Shares of each Fund are listed on the NYSE Arca
(“NYSE Arca” or the "Exchange"). Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at, or
above a Fund’s NAV.
The Funds reserve the right
to offer creations and redemptions of Shares for cash. In addition, Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities
subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash equal to up to 115% of the market
value of the missing Deposit Securities. In each instance of such cash creations or redemptions, transaction fees, may be imposed
and may be higher than the transaction fees associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. See PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING
OF SHARES below.
Exchange Listing and
Trading
In order to provide additional
information regarding the indicative value of Shares, the Exchange or a market data vendor will disseminate every 15 seconds through
the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association or other widely disseminated means an updated "indicative optimized portfolio
value" ("IOPV") for the Funds as calculated by an information provider or market data vendor. The Trust is not involved
in or responsible for any aspect of the calculation or dissemination of the IOPV and makes no representation or warranty as to
the accuracy of the IOPV.
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
Each Fund seeks to achieve
its investment objective by investing primarily in securities that comprise the Underlying Index or a representative sampling of
such securities. Each Fund operates as an index fund and will not be actively managed. Each Fund may use a “representative
sampling” methodology – in seeking to achieve its investment objective including when securities in the Underlying
Index are unavailable or trading in round lots that are too large to include in the Deposit Securities or until the Fund achieves
scale. Sampling involves using a quantitative analysis to select securities that, in the aggregate, have investment characteristics
resembling the Underlying Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics.
A discussion of each Fund's
investment policies and the risks associated with an investment in the Fund is contained in the Prospectus. The discussion below
supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.
An investment in a Fund
should be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in securities, including the risk that the general
condition of the securities market may deteriorate. Securities are susceptible to general securities market fluctuations and to
volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable
factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic
expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.
The existence of a liquid
trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance
that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be
sold and the value of the Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for a Fund's portfolio securities are limited or
absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide. The performance of a Fund and the Underlying Index may vary due to asset valuation differences:
a Fund may fair value certain of the securities it holds and to the extent it calculates its NAV based on fair value prices, the
Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected. There may also be differences between a Fund’s
portfolio and the Underlying Index as a result of legal restrictions, cost or liquidity constraints. Similarly, liquidity constraints
also may delay a Fund’s purchase or sale of securities included in the Underlying Index. Further, the investment activities
of one or more of the Adviser’s affiliates for their proprietary accounts and for client accounts may also adversely impact
a Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index.
In addition, the use of
a representative sampling approach by a Fund may cause the Fund to not be as well correlated with the return of the Underlying
Index as would be the case if the Fund purchased all of the securities in the Underlying Index in the proportions represented in
the Underlying Index. It is also possible that a Fund may not replicate the performance of the Underlying Index due to the temporary
unavailability of certain Underlying Index securities in the secondary market or due to other extraordinary circumstances. A Fund
may also have to vary its portfolio holdings from the composition of the Underlying Index in order to qualify, and continue to
qualify, as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal
Revenue Code"). See “Tax Status” below for additional information on the Fund’s tax treatment.
The Funds are not actively
managed, and therefore would not necessarily sell a security, even if the security’s issuer is in financial trouble, unless
the security is removed from the Underlying Index.
Securities of Other Investment Companies
Investments in exchange
traded funds (“ETFs”) and mutual funds involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not
be present in a direct investment in such funds. Due to legal limitations, a Fund will be prevented from: 1) purchasing more than
3% of an investment company's (including ETFs) outstanding shares; 2) investing more than 5% of a Fund’s assets in any single
such investment company, and 3) investing more than 10% of a Fund’s assets in investment companies overall; unless: (i) the
underlying investment company and/or a Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from such limitations from the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); and (ii) the underlying investment company and a Fund take appropriate steps to comply
with any conditions in such order. In the alternative, a Fund may rely on Rule 12d1-3, which allows unaffiliated mutual funds to
exceed the 5% limitation and the 10% limitation, provided the aggregate sales loads any investor pays (i.e., the combined distribution
expenses of both the acquiring fund and the acquired fund) does not exceed the limits on sales loads established by Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) for funds of funds. In addition to ETFs, a Fund may invest in other investment companies
such as open-end mutual funds or exchange-traded funds, within the limitations described above. Each investment company is subject
to specific risks, depending on the nature of a Fund. ETFs and mutual funds may employ leverage, which magnifies the changes in
the underlying stock or other index upon which they are based.
Open-End Investment Companies
A Fund and any "affiliated
persons," as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) may purchase in the aggregate
only up to 3% of the total outstanding securities of any underlying fund. Accordingly, when affiliated persons hold shares of any
of the underlying fund, a Fund’s ability to invest fully in shares of those funds is restricted, and the Adviser must then,
in some instances, select alternative investments that would not have been its first preference. The 1940 Act also provides that
an underlying fund whose shares are purchased by a Fund will be obligated to redeem shares held by a Fund only in an amount up
to 1% of the underlying fund’s outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Shares in excess of 1% of an
underlying fund’s outstanding securities therefore, will be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together
with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of a Fund’s total assets.
Under certain circumstances
an underlying fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by a Fund wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of securities
from its portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with the rules of the SEC. In such cases, a Fund may hold securities distributed
by an underlying fund until the Adviser determines that it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.
Investment decisions by
the investment advisers of the underlying fund(s) are made independently of a Fund and the Adviser. Therefore, the investment adviser
of one underlying fund may be purchasing shares of the same issuer
whose shares are being sold by the investment
adviser of another such fund. The result would be an indirect expense to a Fund without accomplishing any investment purpose.
Exchange Traded Funds
ETFs are often passive funds
that track their related index and have the flexibility of trading like a security. They are managed by professionals and typically
provide the investor with diversification, cost and tax efficiency, liquidity, marginability, are useful for hedging, have the
ability to go long and short, and some provide quarterly dividends. Additionally, some ETFs are unit investment trusts. Under certain
circumstances, the adviser may invest in ETFs, known as "inverse funds," which are designed to produce results opposite
to market trends. Inverse ETFs are funds designed to rise in price when stock prices are falling.
ETFs have two markets. The
primary market is where institutions swap "creation units" in block-multiples of, for example, 50,000 shares for in-kind
securities and cash in the form of dividends. The secondary market is where individual investors can trade as little as a single
share during trading hours on the exchange. This is different from open-ended mutual funds that are traded after hours once the
NAV is calculated. ETFs share many similar risks with open-end and closed-end funds.
Foreign Securities
Investing in securities
of foreign companies and countries involves certain considerations and risks that are not typically associated with investing in
U.S. government securities and securities of domestic companies. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign
issuer than a domestic one, and foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards
and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. There may also be less government supervision and regulation
of foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the United States. Interest and dividends paid by
foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may decrease the net return on such investments as
compared to dividends and interest paid to a Fund by domestic companies or the U.S. government. There may be the possibility of
expropriations, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability
or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of a Fund held in foreign countries. Finally, the establishment of exchange
controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions could adversely affect the payment of obligations.
To the extent currency exchange
transactions do not fully protect a Fund against adverse changes in currency exchange rates, decreases in the value of currencies
of the foreign countries in which a Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the
U.S. dollar value of a Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding increase in the amount
of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements). Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of
the foreign countries in which a Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar
value of a Fund’s assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).
Short Sales
A Fund may sell securities
short as an outright investment strategy and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale
is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish
to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.
When a Fund makes a short
sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing
the security. A Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; a Fund may have to pay a fee to
borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.
If the price of the security
sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time a Fund covers its short position, a Fund will incur a loss;
conversely, if the price declines, a Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the
transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between
movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
To the extent a Fund sells
securities short, it will provide collateral to the broker-dealer and (except in the case of short sales "against the box")
will maintain additional asset coverage in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities with its custodian
in a segregated account in an amount at least equal to the difference between the current market value of the securities sold short
and any amounts required to be deposited as collateral with the selling
broker. A short sale is "against the box"
to the extent a Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short.
Equity Securities
Equity securities include
common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, such as convertible esg, warrants, rights and options.
The value of equity securities varies in response to many factors, including the activities and financial condition of individual
companies, the business market in which individual companies compete and general market and economic conditions. Equity securities
fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such fluctuations can be
significant.
ESG
An environmental, social
and governance (“ESG”) investment strategy limits the types and number of investment opportunities available and, as
a result, the strategy may underperform other strategies that do not have an ESG focus. An ESG investment strategy may result in
the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole or underperform other funds screened
for ESG standards.
Common Stock
Common stock represents
an equity (ownership) interest in a company, and usually possesses voting rights and earns dividends. Dividends on common stock
are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer. Common stock generally represents the riskiest investment in a
company. In addition, common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential because increases and decreases
in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock is a class
of stock having a preference over common stock as to the payment of dividends and the recovery of investment should a company be
liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of the issuer. Preferred stock typically does not
possess voting rights and its market value may change based on changes in interest rates.
A fundamental risk of investing
in common and preferred stock is the risk that the value of the stock might decrease. Stock values fluctuate in response to the
activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have
provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than preferred stocks, fixed-income securities and
money market investments. The market value of all securities, including common and preferred stocks, is based upon the market's
perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measures of a company's worth.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities include
fixed income securities that may be exchanged or converted into a predetermined number of shares of the issuer's underlying common
stock at the option of the holder during a specified period. Convertible securities may take the form of convertible preferred
stock, convertible bonds or debentures, units consisting of "usable" bonds and warrants or a combination of the features
of several of these securities. Convertible securities are senior to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure, but are usually
subordinated to similar non-convertible securities. While providing a fixed-income stream (generally higher in yield than the income
derivable from common stock but lower than that afforded by a similar nonconvertible security), a convertible security also gives
an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the issuing company
depending upon a market price advance in the convertible security's underlying common stock.
Bonds
A bond is an interest-bearing
security issued by a U.S. or non-U.S. company, or U.S. or non-U.S. governmental unit. The issuer of a bond has a contractual obligation
to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the bond’s face value) periodically or on a specified
maturity date. Bonds generally are used by corporations and governments to borrow money from investors.
An issuer may have the right
to redeem or “call” a bond before maturity, in which case a fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower market
rates. Similarly, a fund may have to reinvest interest income or payments received
when bonds mature, sometimes at lower market
rates. Most bonds bear interest income at a “coupon” rate that is fixed for the life of the bond. The value of a fixed-rate
bond usually rises when market interest rates fall, and falls when market interest rates rise. Accordingly, a fixed-rate bond’s
yield (income as a percent of the bond’s current value) may differ from its coupon rate as its value rises or falls. When
an investor purchases a fixed-rate bond at a price that is greater than its face value, the investor is purchasing the bond at
a premium. Conversely, when an investor purchases a fixed-rate bond at a price that is less than its face value, the investor is
purchasing the bond at a discount. Fixed-rate bonds that are purchased at a discount pay less current income than securities with
comparable yields that are purchased at face value, with the result that prices for such fixed-rate securities can be more volatile
than prices for such securities that are purchased at face value. Other types of bonds bear interest at an interest rate that is
adjusted periodically. Interest rates on “floating rate” or “variable rate” bonds may be higher or lower
than current market rates for fixed-rate bonds of comparable quality with similar final maturities.
Because of their adjustable
interest rates, the value of “floating rate” or “variable rate” bonds fluctuates much less in response
to market interest rate movements than the value of fixed-rate bonds, but their value may decline if their interest rates do not
rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. The Funds may treat some of these bonds as having a shorter maturity
for purposes of calculating the weighted average maturity of its investment portfolio. Generally, prices of higher quality issues
tend to fluctuate less with changes in market interest rates than prices of lower quality issues and prices of longer maturity
issues tend to fluctuate more than prices of shorter maturity issues. Bonds may be senior or subordinated obligations. Senior obligations
generally have the first claim on a corporation’s earnings and assets and, in the event of liquidation, are paid before subordinated
obligations. Bonds may be unsecured (backed only by the issuer’s general creditworthiness) or secured (backed by specified
collateral).
Corporate Bonds
The investment return of
corporate bonds reflects interest earned on the security and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a
corporate bond may be affected by changes in the market rate of interest, the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation’s
performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace. There is a risk that the issuers of the securities may not be
able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
A Fund may invest in securities
of real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). REITs are publicly traded corporations or trusts that specialize in acquiring,
holding and managing residential, commercial or industrial real estate. A REIT is not taxed at the entity level on income distributed
to its shareholders or unitholders if it distributes to shareholders or unitholders at least 95% of its taxable income for each
taxable year and complies with regulatory requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets and income.
REITs generally can be classified
as "Equity REITs", "Mortgage REITs" and "Hybrid REITs." An Equity REIT invests the majority of its
assets directly in real property and derives its income primarily from rents and from capital gains on real estate appreciation,
which are realized through property sales. A Mortgage REIT invests the majority of its assets in real estate mortgage loans and
services its income primarily from interest payments. A Hybrid REIT combines the characteristics of an Equity REIT and a Mortgage
REIT. Although a Fund can invest in all three kinds of REITs, its emphasis is expected to be on investments in Equity REITs.
Investments in the real
estate industry involve particular risks. The real estate industry has been subject to substantial fluctuations and declines on
a local, regional and national basis in the past and may continue to be in the future. Real property values and income from real
property continue to be in the future. Real property values and income from real property may decline due to general and local
economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning
laws, casualty or condemnation losses, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhoods and in demographics, increases
in market interest rates, or other factors. Factors such as these may adversely affect companies that own and operate real estate
directly, companies that lend to such companies, and companies that service the real estate industry.
Investments in REITs also
involve risks. Equity REITs will be affected by changes in the values of and income from the properties they own, while Mortgage
REITs may be affected by the credit quality of the mortgage loans they hold. In addition, REITs are dependent on specialized management
skills and on their ability to generate cash flow for operating purposes and to make distributions to shareholders or unitholders
REITs may have limited diversification and are subject to risks associated with obtaining financing for real property, as well
as to the risk of self-liquidation. REITs also can be adversely affected by their failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through
treatment of their income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or their failure to maintain an exemption from registration
under the 1940 Act. By investing in
REITs indirectly through a Fund, a shareholder
bears not only a proportionate share of the expenses of a Fund, but also may indirectly bear similar expenses of some of the REITs
in which it invests.
Warrants
Warrants are options to
purchase common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of the optioned common stock at issuance)
valid for a specific period of time. Warrants may have a life ranging from less than one year to twenty years, or they may be perpetual.
However, most warrants have expiration dates after which they are worthless. In addition, a warrant is worthless if the market
price of the common stock does not exceed the warrant's exercise price during the life of the warrant. Warrants have no voting
rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase
or decrease in the market price of the warrant may tend to be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the market price
of the optioned common stock.
Depositary Receipts
Sponsored and unsponsored
American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), are receipts issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing ownership
of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in U.S. securities markets.
Unsponsored ADRs may be created without the participation of the foreign issuer. Holders of these ADRs generally bear all the costs
of the ADR facility, whereas foreign issuers typically bear certain costs in a sponsored ADR. The bank or trust company depositary
of an unsponsored ADR may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the foreign issuer or to
pass through voting rights. Many of the risks described below regarding foreign securities apply to investments in ADRs.
Emerging Markets Securities
Investing in emerging market
securities imposes risks different from, or greater than, risks of investing in foreign developed countries. These risks include:
smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility;
restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may
be required to register the proceeds of sales; future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization, or creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging
market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments
in these currencies by a Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative
effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.
Additional risks of emerging
markets securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental
involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies
that are newly organized and small; differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability
of material information about issuers; and less developed legal systems. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different
clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make
it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities,
hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could
result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security.
Certificates of Deposit and Bankers' Acceptances
Certificates of deposit
are receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited
plus interest to the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually can be traded in the
secondary market prior to maturity. Bankers' acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable
businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter
or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a
bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may
then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount
for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six
months or less.
Commercial Paper
Commercial paper consists
of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current
operations. It may be secured by letters of credit, a surety bond or other forms of collateral. Commercial paper is usually repaid
at maturity by the issuer from the proceeds of the issuance of new commercial paper. As a result, investment in commercial paper
is subject to the risk the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its outstanding commercial paper, also known
as rollover risk. Commercial paper may become illiquid or may suffer from reduced liquidity in certain circumstances. Like all
fixed income securities, commercial paper prices are susceptible to fluctuations in interest rates. If interest rates rise, commercial
paper prices will decline. The short-term nature of a commercial paper investment makes it less susceptible to interest rate risk
than many other fixed income securities because interest rate risk typically increases as maturity lengths increase. Commercial
paper tends to yield smaller returns than longer-term corporate debt because securities with shorter maturities typically have
lower effective yields than those with longer maturities. As with all fixed income securities, there is a chance that the issuer
will default on its commercial paper obligation.
Information on Time Deposits and Variable
Rate Notes
Time deposits are issued
by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to
the depositor on the date specified with respect to the deposit. Time deposits do not trade in the secondary market prior to maturity.
However, some time deposits may be redeemable prior to maturity and may be subject to withdrawal penalties.
The commercial paper obligations
are typically unsecured and may include variable rate notes. The nature and terms of a variable rate note (i.e., a "Master
Note") permit a Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement between a
Fund and the issuer. It permits daily changes in the amounts invested. A Fund, typically, has the right at any time to increase,
up to the full amount stated in the note agreement, or to decrease the amount outstanding under the note. The issuer may prepay
at any time and without penalty any part of or the full amount of the note. The note may or may not be backed by one or more bank
letters of credit. Because these notes are direct investment arrangements between a Fund and the issuer, it is not generally contemplated
that they will be traded; moreover, there is currently no secondary market for them. Except as specifically provided in the Prospectus,
there is no limitation on the type of issuer from whom these notes may be purchased; however, in connection with such purchase
and on an ongoing basis, the Adviser will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuer, and its
ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes made demand simultaneously.
Variable rate notes are subject to a Fund’s investment restriction on illiquid securities unless such notes can be put back
to the issuer (redeemed) on demand within seven days.
Insured Bank Obligations
The Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation ("FDIC") insures the deposits of federally insured banks and savings and loan associations (collectively
referred to as "banks") up to $250,000. A Fund may elect to purchase bank obligations in small amounts so as to be fully
insured as to principal by the FDIC. Currently, to remain fully insured as to principal, these investments must be limited to $250,000
per bank; if the principal amount and accrued interest together exceed $250,000, the excess principal and accrued interest will
not be insured. Insured bank obligations may have limited marketability.
Closed-End Investment Companies
A Fund may invest its assets
in "closed-end" investment companies (or "closed-end funds"), subject to the investment restrictions set forth
above. Shares of closed-end funds are typically offered to the public in a one-time initial public offering by a group of underwriters
who retain a spread or underwriting commission of between 4% or 6% of the initial public offering price. Such securities are then
listed for trading on the NYSE Arca, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (commonly known
as "NASDAQ") or, in some cases, may be traded in other over-the-counter markets. Because the shares of closed-end funds
cannot be redeemed upon demand to the issuer like the shares of an open-end investment company (such as a Fund), investors seek
to buy and sell shares of closed-end funds in the secondary market.
A Fund generally will purchase
shares of closed-end funds only in the secondary market. A Fund will incur normal brokerage costs on such purchases similar to
the expenses a Fund would incur for the purchase of securities of any other type of issuer in the secondary market. A Fund may,
however, also purchase securities of a closed-end fund in an initial public offering when, in the opinion of the Adviser, based
on a consideration of the nature of the closed-end fund’s proposed investments, the prevailing market conditions and the
level of demand for such securities, they represent an attractive opportunity for growth of capital. The initial offering price
typically will include a dealer spread, which may be higher than the applicable brokerage cost if a Fund purchased such securities
in the secondary market.
The shares of many closed-end
funds, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is less than the net asset value per share,
the difference representing the "market discount" of such shares. This market discount may be due in part to the investment
objective of long-term appreciation, which is sought by many closed-end funds, as well as to the fact that the shares of closed-end
funds are not redeemable by the holder upon demand to the issuer at the next determined net asset value but rather are subject
to the principles of supply and demand in the secondary market. A relative lack of secondary market purchasers of closed-end fund
shares also may contribute to such shares trading at a discount to their net asset value.
A Fund may invest in shares
of closed-end funds that are trading at a discount to net asset value or at a premium to NAV. There can be no assurance that the
market discount on shares of any closed-end fund purchased by a Fund will ever decrease. In fact, it is possible that this market
discount may increase and a Fund may suffer realized or unrealized capital losses due to further decline in the market price of
the securities of such closed-end funds, thereby adversely affecting the net asset value of a Fund’s shares. Similarly, there
can be no assurance that any shares of a closed-end fund purchased by a Fund at a premium will continue to trade at a premium or
that the premium will not decrease subsequent to a purchase of such shares by a Fund.
Closed-end funds may issue
senior securities (including preferred stock and debt obligations) for the purpose of leveraging the closed-end fund’s common
shares in an attempt to enhance the current return to such closed-end fund’s common shareholders. A Fund’s investment
in the common shares of closed-end funds that are financially leveraged may create an opportunity for greater total return on its
investment, but at the same time may be expected to exhibit more volatility in market price and net asset value than an investment
in shares of investment companies without a leveraged capital structure.
United States Government Obligations
These consist of various
types of marketable securities issued by the United States Treasury, i.e., bills, notes and bonds. Such securities are direct obligations
of the United States government and differ mainly in the length of their maturity. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable
government security, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis.
Debt
Issued by United States Government Agencies
These consist of debt securities
issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including the various types of instruments currently
outstanding or which may be offered in the future. Agencies include, among others, the Federal Housing Administration, Government
National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), Farmer's Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States,
Maritime Administration, and General Services Administration. Instrumentalities include, for example, each of the Federal Home
Loan Banks, the National Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), the Farm
Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), and the United States Postal Service. These securities
are either: (i) backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government (e.g., United States Treasury Bills); (ii)
guaranteed by the United States Treasury (e.g., Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency's
or instrumentality's right to borrow from the United States Treasury (e.g., Fannie Mae Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only
by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Association).
Government-related guarantors
(i.e. not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae is
a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development. Fannie Mae purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency)
residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations,
mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are
guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States Government.
Freddie Mac was created
by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a government-sponsored
corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders. Freddie Mac issues
participation certificates (“PCs”), which represent interests in conventional mortgages from Freddie Mac's national
portfolio. Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance
companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage
loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the
guarantors of the mortgage-related securities.
Pools created by such nongovernmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related
pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in the former pools. However, timely
payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual
loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities,
private insurers and the mortgage poolers.
On September 7, 2008, the
U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the "FHFA") announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie
Mac had been placed into conservatorship, a statutory process designed to stabilize a troubled institution with the objective of
returning the entity to normal business operations. The U.S. Treasury Department and the FHFA at the same time established a secured
lending facility and a Secured Stock Purchase Agreement with both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure that each entity had the
ability to fulfill its financial obligations. The FHFA announced that it does not anticipate any disruption in pattern of payments
or ongoing business operations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Securities Options
A Fund may purchase and
write (i.e., sell) put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities or stock indices, and may or may
not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options
trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than
the underlying instruments, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation
than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.
A call option for a particular
security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) the obligation to sell, the underlying security
at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.
The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a
particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration
date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.
Stock index options are
put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks.
The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options,
the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by
delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if
the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the
case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the
stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with
changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market
index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500® Index or the Value Line Composite Index or a narrower market index, such as the
Standard & Poor's 100®. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment, such as the NYSE Arca Oil and Gas Index
or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange,
the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ PHLX.
A Fund’s obligation
to sell an instrument subject to a call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a put option written by it,
may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by a Fund’s execution of a closing purchase transaction, which
is effected by purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series (i.e., same underlying instrument, exercise price
and expiration date) as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a
profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument
or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a liquidation
purchase plus transactions costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event a Fund will
have paid a loss in the transaction. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option.
An option writer unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument or liquidate
the assets held in a segregated account, as described below, until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon
exercise. In such circumstances, the writer will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during
such period.
If an option purchased by
a Fund expires unexercised, a Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If a Fund enters into a closing sale transaction
on an option purchased by it, a Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by a Fund on the closing transaction is more than
the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a Fund expires on the stipulated expiration
date or if a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it
will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of
a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold). If an option written by a Fund is exercised,
the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and a Fund will realize a gain or loss.
Certain Risks Regarding Options
There are several risks
associated with transactions in options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets
that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives.
In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent
for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed
by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be
imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances
may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all
times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be
compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event
the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options
that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable
in accordance with their terms.
Successful use by a Fund
of options on stock indices will be subject to the ability of the Adviser to correctly predict movements in the directions of the
stock market. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. In
addition, a Fund’s ability to effectively hedge all or a portion of the securities in its portfolio, in anticipation of or
during a market decline, through transactions in put options on stock indices, depends on the degree to which price movements in
the underlying index correlate with the price movements of the securities held by a Fund. In as much as a Fund’s securities
will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, a Fund bears the risk that the
prices of its securities being hedged will not move in the same amount as the prices of its put options on the stock indices. It
is also possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index and a Fund’s securities that would result in
a loss on both such securities and the options on stock indices acquired by a Fund.
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 that involves investment
techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of stock index
options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by a Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result
of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the stock index on which the option is based.
There is no assurance that
a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some
options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If a Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities
that it has written before the option is exercised, a Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy
its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If a 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.
Cover for Options Positions
Transactions using options
(other than options that a Fund has purchased) expose a Fund to an obligation to another party. A Fund will not enter into any
such transactions unless it owns either (i) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities or other options or (ii)
cash or liquid securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations not covered as provided in (i)
above. A Fund will comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the guidelines so require, set aside
cash or liquid securities in a segregated account with a Fund’ custodian in the prescribed amount. Under current SEC guidelines,
a Fund will segregate assets to cover transactions in which a Fund writes or sells options.
Assets used as cover or
held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding option is open, unless they are replaced with
similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a large portion of a Fund’s assets to cover or segregated accounts could impede
portfolio management or a Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
Options on Futures Contracts
A Fund may purchase and
sell options on the same types of futures in which it may invest. Options on futures are similar to options on underlying instruments
except that options on futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures
contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell
the futures contract, at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the
delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by the delivery of
the accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures
contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option
on the futures contract. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the
premium paid.
Dealer Options
A Fund may engage in transactions
involving dealer options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to dealer options. While a Fund
might look to a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if a Fund were to purchase a dealer option it would need
to rely on the dealer from which it purchased the option to perform if the option were exercised. Failure by the dealer to do so
would result in the loss of the premium paid by a Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.
Exchange-traded options
generally have a continuous liquid market while dealer options may not. Consequently, a Fund may generally be able to realize the
value of a dealer option it has purchased only by exercising or reselling the option to the dealer who issued it. Similarly, when
a Fund writes a dealer option, it may generally be able to close out the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a
closing purchase transaction with the dealer to whom a Fund originally wrote the option. While a Fund will seek to enter into dealer
options only with dealers who will agree to and which are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with a Fund,
there can be no assurance that a Fund will at any time be able to liquidate a dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior
to expiration. Unless a Fund, as a covered dealer call option writer, is able to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will
not be able to liquidate securities (or other assets) used as cover until the option expires or is exercised. In the event of insolvency
of the other party, a Fund may be unable to liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by a Fund, the inability
to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to a Fund. For example, because a Fund must maintain a secured
position with respect to any call option on a security it writes, a Fund may not sell the assets, which it has segregated to secure
the position while it is obligated under the option. This requirement may impair a Fund’s ability to sell portfolio securities
at a time when such sale might be advantageous.
The Staff of the SEC has
taken the position that purchased dealer options are illiquid securities. A Fund may treat the cover used for written dealer options
as liquid if the dealer agrees that a Fund may repurchase the dealer option it has written for a maximum price to be calculated
by a predetermined formula. In such cases, the dealer option would be considered illiquid only to the extent the maximum purchase
price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option. Accordingly, a Fund will treat dealer options as subject to
a Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of dealer options, a Fund will
change its treatment of such instruments accordingly.
Spread Transactions
A Fund may purchase covered
spread options from securities dealers. These covered spread options are not presently exchange-listed or exchange-traded. The
purchase of a spread option gives a Fund the right to put securities that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield spread
in relationship to another security that a Fund does not own, but which is used as a benchmark. The risk to a Fund, in addition
to the risks of dealer options described above, is the cost of the premium paid as well as any transaction costs. The purchase
of spread options will be used to protect a Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads, i.e., the
yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities. This protection is provided only during the life of the spread
options.
Repurchase Agreements
A Fund may enter into repurchase
agreements. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (such as a Fund) purchases a security (known as the "underlying security")
from a securities dealer or bank. Any such dealer or bank must be deemed creditworthy by the Adviser. At that time, the bank or
securities dealer agrees to repurchase the underlying security at a mutually agreed upon price on a designated future date. The
repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to a Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices
may be the same, with interest at an agreed upon rate due to a Fund on repurchase. In either case, the income to a Fund generally
will be unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying securities. Repurchase agreements must be "fully collateralized,"
in that
the market value of the underlying securities
(including accrued interest) must at all times be equal to or greater than the repurchase price. Therefore, a repurchase agreement
can be considered a loan collateralized by the underlying securities.
Repurchase agreements are
generally for a short period of time, often less than a week, and will generally be used by a Fund to invest excess cash or as
part of a temporary defensive strategy. Repurchase agreements that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated
as illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default by the seller of a repurchase agreement, a Fund could experience
both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses. These losses could result from: (a) possible decline in the value
of the underlying security while a Fund is seeking to enforce its rights under the repurchase agreement; (b) possible reduced levels
of income or lack of access to income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Trading in Futures Contracts
A futures contract provides
for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (e.g.,
units of a stock index) for a specified price, date, time and place designated at the time the contract is made. Brokerage fees
are paid when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. Entering into a contract to buy is commonly
referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position. Entering into a contract to sell is commonly referred
to as selling a contract or holding a short position.
Unlike when a Fund purchases
or sells a security, no price would be paid or received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering
into a futures contract, and to maintain a Fund’s open positions in futures contracts, a Fund would be required to deposit
with its custodian or futures broker in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. government
securities, suitable money market instruments, or other liquid securities, known as "initial margin." The margin required
for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from
time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margins that
may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
If the price of an open
futures contract changes (by increase in underlying instrument or index 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 a Fund.
These subsequent payments,
called "variation margin," to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets
fluctuate making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as "marking to
the market." A Fund expects to earn interest income on margin deposits.
Although certain futures
contracts, by their terms, require actual future delivery of and payment for the underlying instruments, in practice most futures
contracts are usually closed out before the delivery date. Closing out an open futures contract purchase or sale is effected by
entering into an offsetting futures contract sale or purchase, respectively, for the same aggregate amount of the identical underlying
instrument or index and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a Fund realizes
a gain; if it is more, a Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price,
a Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, a Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.
There can be no assurance, however, that a Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular
futures contract at a particular time. If a Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, a Fund will continue to be
required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract.
For example, one contract
in the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index future is a contract to buy 25 pounds sterling multiplied by the level of the UK
Financial Times 100 Share Index on a given future date. Settlement of a stock index futures contract may or may not be in the underlying
instrument or index. If not in the underlying instrument or index, then settlement will be made in cash, equivalent over time to
the difference between the contract price and the actual price of the underlying asset at the time the stock index futures contract
expires.
Regulation as a Commodity Pool Operator
The Trust, on behalf of
each Fund, has filed with the National Futures Association, a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity
pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules
of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Funds’ operation. Accordingly, each Fund is not subject to registration or regulation
as a commodity pool operator.
When-Issued, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements
A Fund may purchase and
sell securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis. In this event, the Custodian (as defined under
the section entitled "Custodian") will segregate liquid assets equal to the amount of the commitment in a separate account.
Normally, the Custodian will set aside portfolio securities to satisfy a purchase commitment. In such a case, a Fund may be required
subsequently to segregate additional assets in order to assure that the value of the account remains equal to the amount of a Fund’s
commitment. It may be expected that a Fund’s net assets will fluctuate to a greater degree when it sets aside portfolio securities
to cover such purchase commitments than when it sets aside cash.
The Funds do not intend
to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of their investment objectives. Because a Fund
will segregate liquid assets to satisfy purchase commitments in the manner described, a Fund’s liquidity and the ability
of the Adviser to manage them may be affected in the event a Fund’s forward commitments, commitments to purchase when-issued
securities and delayed settlements ever exceeded 15% of the value of its net assets.
A Fund will purchase securities
on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis only with the intention of completing the transaction. If deemed
advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into,
and may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to a Fund on the settlement date. In
these cases a Fund may realize a taxable capital gain or loss. When a Fund engages in when-issued, forward commitment and delayed
settlement transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of such party to do so may result in a Fund
incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price credited to be advantageous.
The market value of the
securities underlying a when-issued purchase, forward commitment to purchase securities, or a delayed settlement and any subsequent
fluctuations in their market value is taken into account when determining the market value of a Fund starting on the day a Fund
agrees to purchase the securities. A Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until it has paid
for and delivered on the settlement date.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
A Fund may invest up to
15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities include securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions
on resale (e.g., because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"))
and securities that are otherwise not readily marketable (e.g., because trading in the security is suspended or because market
makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers). Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are
referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market.
Foreign securities that are freely tradable in their principal markets are not considered to be illiquid.
Restricted and other illiquid
securities may be subject to the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. A Fund might be unable to dispose
of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemption requests
from shareholders. A Fund might have to register restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense
and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.
A large institutional market
exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including foreign securities. The fact that there
are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity
of such investments. Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows such a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise
subject to restrictions on resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act for resale of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A has produced enhanced
liquidity for many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation
and the consequent existence of the PORTAL system, which is an automated system for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered
securities of domestic and foreign issuers sponsored by NASDAQ.
Under guidelines adopted
by the Board, the Adviser may determine that particular Rule 144A securities, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the private
placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, are liquid even though they are not registered.
A determination of whether such a security is liquid or
not is a question of fact. In making this determination,
the Adviser will consider, as it deems appropriate under the circumstances and among other factors: (1) the frequency of trades
and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; (3) the number of other potential
purchasers of the security; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (5) the nature of the security (e.g., debt
or equity, date of maturity, terms of dividend or interest payments, and other material terms) and the nature of the marketplace
trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer); and
(6) the rating of the security and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. In the case of commercial paper, the Adviser
will also determine that the paper (1) is not traded flat or in default as to principal and interest, and (2) is rated in one of
the two highest rating categories by at least two Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSROs") or,
if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or, if the security is unrated, the Adviser determines that it is of equivalent
quality.
Rule 144A securities and
Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper that have been deemed liquid as described above will continue to be monitored by the Adviser to
determine if the security is no longer liquid as the result of changed conditions. Investing in Rule 144A securities or Section
4(a)(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the amount of a Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities
if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.
Lending Portfolio Securities
For the purpose of achieving
income, a Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S.
Government securities or cash or cash equivalents (cash, U.S. Government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances or letters of credit) maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market
value of the securities loaned, (2) a Fund may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of securities loaned, (3) a Fund
will receive any interest or dividends received on the loaned securities, and (4) the aggregate value of the securities loaned
will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of a Fund.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each Fund has adopted
the following investment restrictions that may not be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding shares"
of the Fund, which, as used in this SAI, means the vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund represented
at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b)
more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Each Fund may not:
|
1.
|
Issue senior securities, except as otherwise
permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
|
|
2.
|
Borrow money, except (a) from a bank, provided
that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or
other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s
total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase
transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant
to reverse repurchase transactions;
|
|
3.
|
Purchase securities on margin, participate
on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. This limitation does not preclude
the Fund from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities,
and except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act, by virtue of disposing of portfolio
securities;
|
|
4.
|
Purchase or sell real estate or interests
in real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests
in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies
engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including REITs);
|
|
5.
|
Invest more than 25% of the market value
of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry or group of industries, except that the Fund will concentrate
to approximately the same extent that its Underlying Index concentrates in the stocks of such particular industry or industries.
This limitation does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities;
|
|
6.
|
Purchase or sell commodities (unless acquired
as a result of ownership of securities or other investments) or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase
and sell futures contracts and options to the full extent permitted under the 1940 Act, sell foreign currency contracts in accordance
with any rules of the Commodity
|
Futures Trading Commission, invest
in securities or other instruments backed by commodities, and invest in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or
have a significant portion of their assets in commodities; or
|
7.
|
Make loans to others, except that the Fund
may, in accordance with its investment objective and policies, (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) purchase and hold debt securities
or other debt instruments, including but not limited to loan participations and sub-participations, assignments, and structured
securities, (iii) make loans secured by mortgages on real property, (iv) enter into repurchase agreements, (v) enter into transactions
where each loan is represented by a note executed by the borrower, and (vi) make time deposits with financial institutions and
invest in instruments issued by financial institutions. 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.
|
If a restriction on a Fund’s
investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain
securities or other instruments of the Fund’s investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Fund’s
total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable
to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.
With respect to fundamental
investment restriction #2 above, if a Fund’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the Fund will reduce borrowing within 3 days
in order to ensure that the Fund has 300% asset coverage.
Although fundamental investment
restriction #7 reserves for the Funds the ability to make loans, there is no present intent to loan money or portfolio securities
and additional disclosure will be provided if such a strategy is implemented in the future.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Trust has adopted a
policy regarding the disclosure of information about each Fund's portfolio holdings. The Funds and their service providers may
not receive compensation or any other consideration (which includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment
companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser) in connection with the disclosure of portfolio
holdings information of the Funds. The Trust’s policy is implemented and overseen by the Chief Compliance Officer of the
Trust, subject to the oversight of the Board. Periodic reports regarding these procedures will be provided to the Board. The Trust,
the Adviser and the Distributor (as defined below) will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust. The Board
must approve all material amendments to this policy.
Each business day, the Fund’s
portfolio holdings information will generally be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing
Corporation ("NSCC") and/or other fee-based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to those other fee-based
subscription services, including Authorized Participants (as defined below), and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information
in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of the Funds in the secondary market.
This information typically reflects the Fund’s anticipated holdings as of the next Business Day (as defined below).
Access to information concerning
each Fund's portfolio holdings may be permitted to personnel of third party service providers, including the Funds’ custodian,
transfer agent, auditors and counsel, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with
such service providers' agreements with the Trust on behalf of the Funds.
Portfolio
holdings information made available in connection with the creation/redemption process may be provided to other entities that provide
services to a Fund in the ordinary course of business after it has been disseminated to the NSCC. From time to time, information
concerning portfolio holdings other than portfolio holdings information made available in connection with the creation/redemption
process, as discussed above, may be provided to other entities that provide services to the Fund, including rating or ranking organizations,
in the ordinary course of business, no earlier than one business day following the date of the information.
The Funds disclose on the
Adviser’s website at Inspireinvesting.com at the start of each Business Day the identities and quantities of the securities
and other assets held by the Funds that will form the basis of each Fund’s calculation of its NAV on that Business Day. The
portfolio holdings so disclosed will be based on information as of the close of business on the prior Business Day and/or trades
that have been completed prior to the opening of business on that Business Day and that are expected to settle on that Business
Day. The Funds may also concurrently disclose this portfolio holdings information directly to ratings agencies on a daily basis.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule.
The Trust is required to disclose the complete schedule of each Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-PORT. The Trust
will also disclose a complete schedule of each Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-CSR after its second and fourth
quarters.
Form N-PORT and Form N-CSR
for the Funds will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund's Form N-PORT and Form N-CSR, when available, may
also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public
Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202-551-8090. Each Fund's Form N-PORT and Form N-CSR will be available without charge,
upon request, by calling Inspireinvesting.com or by writing to: Blue Sky Funds, c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC, 4221 North 203rd
Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474.
The Adviser and Index Provider. Personnel
of the Adviser, including personnel responsible for managing each Fund’s portfolio, may have full daily access to Fund portfolio
holdings since that information is necessary in order for the Adviser to provide its management, administrative, and investment
services to the Funds. As required for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability,
as demand and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the assistance of portfolio managers in the trading of such securities,
Adviser personnel may also release and discuss certain portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers. Personnel of the Index Provider
will have access to information about the applicable Index prior to its publication, which index is tracked by each respective
Fund.
Gemini Fund Services, LLC. Gemini Fund
Services, LLC is the fund accountant, administrator and custody administrator for the Funds; therefore, its personnel have full
daily access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon
services for the Trust.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Brown
Brothers Harriman & Co. is custodian and transfer agent for the Funds; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to each
Fund’s portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the
Trust.
BBD, LLP. BBD, LLP is each Fund’s
independent registered public accounting firm; therefore, its personnel have access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings in
connection with auditing of each Fund’s annual financial statements and providing assistance and consultation in connection
with SEC filings.
Thompson Hine LLP. Thompson Hine LLP
is counsel to the Funds; therefore, its personnel have access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings in connection with review
of each Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports and SEC filings.
Additions to List of Approved Recipients
The Trust’s Chief
Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio
securities at any time or to any persons other than those described above. In such cases, the recipient must have a legitimate
business need for the information and must be subject to a duty to keep the information confidential. There are no ongoing arrangements
in place with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings. In no event shall the Funds, the Adviser, or any other party receive
any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Funds’ portfolio holdings.
Compliance with Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
Procedures
The Trust’s Chief
Compliance Officer will report periodically to the Board with respect to compliance with the Funds’ portfolio holdings disclosure
procedures, and from time to time will provide the Board any updates to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures.
There is no assurance that
the Trust's policies on disclosure of portfolio holdings will protect the Funds from the potential misuse of holdings information
by individuals or firms in possession of that information.
MANAGEMENT
The business of the Trust
is managed under the direction of the Board in accordance with the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust's By-laws (the
"Governing Documents"), which have been filed with the SEC and are available upon request. The Board consists of four
(4) individuals, each of whom are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust or any investment
adviser to any series of the Trust ("Independent Trustees"). Pursuant to the Governing Documents, the Trustees shall
elect officers including a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Principal Executive Officer and a Principal Accounting Officer.
The Board retains the power to conduct, operate and carry on the business of the Trust and has the power to incur and pay any expenses,
which, in the opinion of the Board, are necessary
or incidental to carry out any of the Trust's purposes.
The Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust, when acting in such capacities, shall not be subject to any personal
liability except for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.
Board Leadership Structure
The Trust is led by Joseph
Breslin, who has served as the Chairman of the Board since July 2015. The Board of Trustees is comprised of three independent Trustees.
Additionally, under certain 1940 Act governance guidelines that apply to the Trust, the Independent Trustees will meet in executive
session, at least quarterly. Under the Governing Documents, the Chairman of the Board is responsible for (a) presiding at board
meetings, (b) calling special meetings on an as-needed basis, (c) executing and administering of Trust policies including (i) setting
the agendas for board meetings and (ii) providing information to board members in advance of each board meeting and between board
meetings. The Trust believes that its Chairman, the independent chair of the Audit Committee, and, as an entity, the full Board
of Trustees, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its funds and each shareholder.
Board Risk Oversight
The Board of Trustees has
a standing independent Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Contract Review Committee, each with a separate
chair. The Board is responsible for overseeing risk management, and the full Board regularly engages in discussions of risk management
and receives compliance reports that inform its oversight of risk management from its Chief Compliance Officer at quarterly meetings
and on an ad hoc basis, when and if necessary. The Audit Committee considers financial and reporting risk within its area of responsibilities.
Generally, the Board believes that its oversight of material risks is adequately maintained through the compliance-reporting chain
where the Chief Compliance Officer is the primary recipient and communicator of such risk-related information. The primary purposes
of the Nominating and Governance Committee are to consider and evaluate the structure, composition and operation of the Board,
to evaluate and recommend individuals to serve on the Board of the Trust, and to consider and make recommendations relating to
the compensation of the Trust’s independent trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee may consider recommendations
for candidates to serve on the Board from any source it deems appropriate. The primary purpose of the Contract Review Committee
is to oversee and guide the process by which the Independent Trustees annually consider whether to approve or renew the Trust’s
investment advisory, sub-advisory and distribution agreements, Rule 12b-1 plans, and such other agreements or plans involving the
Trust as specified in the Contract Review Committee’s charter or as the Board determines from time to time.
Trustee Qualifications
Generally, the Trust believes
that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications,
(iii) attributes and (iv) skills. Mr. Breslin has over 20 years of business experience in the investment management and brokerage
business and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based,
in part, upon his years of service as an officer and/or Trustee to other registered investment companies. Thomas Sarkany is qualified
to serve as a Trustee based on his experience in various business and consulting positions, and through his experience from service
as a board member of the Trust and other investment companies. Since 2010, he has been the President of a financial services firm
and from 1994 through 2010, held various roles at a publicly held company providing financial research, publications and money
management services to retail and institutional investors, including Director of Marketing and Asset Management, Director of Index
Licensing, and member of the Board of Directors. In addition to his service as a Trustee of the Trust, Mr. Sarkany serves as a
trustee of the Northern Lights Fund Trust II and has previously served as a director of certain public companies. Charles R. Ranson
has more than 20 years’ experience in strategic analysis and planning, risk assessment, and capital formation in the operation
of complex organizations and entrepreneurial ventures. In addition to his service to the Trust, Mr. Ranson serves as an independent
trustee to another mutual fund complex. Each Trustee’s ability to perform his duties effectively also has been enhanced by
his educational background and professional training. The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in assessing a
Trustee's qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them each highly qualified.
The following is a list
of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and each person’s principal occupation over the last five years. The
business address of each Trustee and Officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246. All correspondence to the
Trustees and Officers should be directed to c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 541150, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.
Independent Trustees
Name and Year of Birth
|
Position/Term of Office*
|
Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years
|
Number of Funds in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee
|
Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years
|
Joseph Breslin
Year of Birth: 1953
|
Independent Trustee and Chairman of the Board since 2015
|
President and Consultant, Adviser Counsel, Inc. (formerly J.E. Breslin
& Co.) (management consulting firm to investment advisers), (since 2009); Senior Counsel, White Oak Global Advisors, LLC. (since
2016).
|
5
|
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2015); Director, Kinetics Mutual Funds, Inc. (since 2000); Trustee, Kinetics Portfolios Trust (since 2000); Trustee, Forethought Variable Insurance Trust (since 2013); Trustee, BlueArc Multi-Strategy Fund (2014-2017); Hatteras Trust (2004-2016)
|
Thomas Sarkany
Year of Birth: 1946
|
Independent Trustee since 2015
|
Founder and President, TTS Consultants, LLC (financial services) (since 2010).
|
5
|
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2015); Arrow Investments Trust (since 2014), Arrow ETF Trust (since 2012), Trustee, Northern Lights Fund Trust II (since 2011); Director, Aquila Distributors (since 1981)
|
Charles Ranson
Year of Birth: 1947
|
Independent Trustee since 2015
|
Principal, Ranson & Associates (strategic analysis and planning, including risk assessment and capital formation for entrepreneurial ventures) (since 2003).
|
5
|
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2015); Advisors Preferred Trust (since November 2012)
|
Officers
Name and Year of Birth
|
Position/Term of Office*
|
Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years
|
Number of Funds in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee
|
Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years
|
Wendy Wang
Year of Birth: 1970
|
President since 2015
|
Senior Vice President, Director of Tax and Compliance Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012).
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Sam Singh
Year of Birth: 1976
|
Treasurer since 2015
|
Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2015); Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2011-2014).
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Jennifer Farrell
Year of Birth: 1969
|
Secretary since 2017
|
Manager, Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2018); Senior Paralegal, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2015); Legal Trainer, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2013-2015); Senior Paralegal, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2006-2012).
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
James Ash
Year of Birth: 1976
|
Chief Compliance Officer since 2019
|
Senior Compliance Officer, Northern Lights Compliance, LLC (since 2019); Senior Vice President, National Sales Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2017-2019); Senior Vice President and Director of Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2012 - 2017).
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
* The term of office for each Trustee and officer listed above will
continue indefinitely until the individual resigns or is removed.
** As of March 1, 2020, the Trust was
comprised of 13 other active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex”
applies only to the Funds. The Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment
purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series.
Board Committees
Audit Committee
The Board has an Audit Committee
that consists of all the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The
Audit Committee's responsibilities include: (i) recommending to the Board the selection, retention or termination of the Trust's
independent auditors; (ii) reviewing with the independent auditors the scope, performance and anticipated cost of their audit;
(iii) discussing with the independent auditors certain matters relating to the Trust's financial statements, including any adjustment
to such financial statements recommended by such independent auditors, or any other results of any audit; (iv) reviewing on a periodic
basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors with respect to their independence, discussing with the independent
auditors any relationships or services disclosed in the statement that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Trust's
independent auditors and recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response thereto to satisfy itself of the auditor's
independence; and (v) considering the comments of the independent auditors and management's responses thereto with respect to the
quality and adequacy of the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and internal controls. The Audit
Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter. The Audit Committee is responsible for seeking and reviewing nominee
candidates for consideration as Independent Trustees as is from time to time considered necessary or appropriate. The Audit Committee
generally will not consider shareholder nominees. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing and setting Independent
Trustee compensation from time to time when considered necessary or appropriate. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2019,
the Audit Committee met four times.
Nominating and Governance Committee
The Board has a Nominating
and Governance Committee that consists of all the "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act.
The Committee’s responsibilities (which may also be conducted by the Board) include: (i) recommend persons to be nominated
or re-nominated as Trustees in accordance with the Independent Trustee's Statement of Policy on Criteria for Selecting Independent
Trustees; (ii) review the Funds’ officers, and conduct Chief Compliance Officer searches, as needed, and provide consultation
regarding other CCO matters, as requested; (iii) reviewing trustee qualifications, performance, and compensation; (iv) review periodically
with the Board the size and composition of the Board as a whole; (v) annually evaluate the operations of the Board and its Committees
and assist the Board in conducting its annual self-evaluation; (vi) make recommendations on the requirements for, and means of,
Board orientation and training; (vii) periodically review the Board’s corporate Governance policies and practices and recommend,
as it deems appropriate, any changes to the Board; (ix) considering any corporate governance issues that arise from time to time,
and to develop appropriate recommendations for the Board; and (x) supervising counsel for the Independent Directors. Mr. Ranson
serves as the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee operates pursuant to
a Nominating and Governance Committee Charter. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2019, the Nominating and Governance Committee
met once.
Contract Review Committee
The Board has a Contract
Review Committee that consists of all the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of
the 1940 Act. The primary purpose of the Contract Review Committee is to oversee and guide the process by which the Independent
Trustees annually consider whether to approve or renew the Trust’s investment advisory, sub-advisory and distribution agreements,
Rule 12b-1 plans, and such other agreements or plans involving the Trust as specified in the Contract Review Committee’s
charter or as the Board determines from time to time. The Board may also assign to the Contract Review Committee responsibility
to evaluate and make recommendations on contracts in unusual situations, for example, where a contract is expected to terminate
because of a change of control of an investment adviser. The Contract Review Committee's responsibilities include: (i) identifying
the scope and format of information to be requested from service providers in connection with the evaluation of each contract or
plan and meet and evaluate such information at least annually in advance of the automatic expiration of such contracts by operation
of law or by their terms; (ii) providing guidance to independent legal counsel regarding specific information requests to
be made by such counsel on behalf of the Board or the Independent Trustees; (iii) evaluating regulatory and other developments
coming to its attention that might reasonably be expected to have an impact on the Independent Trustees’ consideration of
how to evaluate and whether or not to renew a contract or plan; (iv) assisting in circumscribing the range of factors considered
by the Board relating to the approval or renewal of advisory or sub-advisory agreements; (v) recommending to other committees
and/or to the Independent Trustees specific steps to be taken by them regarding the renewal process, including, for example, proposed
schedules of meetings by Independent Trustees; (vi) investigating and reporting on any other matter brought to its attention
within the scope of its duties; and (vii) performing such other duties as are consistent with the Contract Review Committee’s
purpose or that are assigned to it by the Board. Mr. Sarkany serves as the Chairman of the Contract Review Committee. The Chairman
of the Contract Review Committee met with independent trust counsel, Trust Counsel and Trust Officers quarterly to review and discuss
the proposed 15(c) questionnaires submitted by each adviser regarding Board approval of investment advisory contract The Contract
Review Committee operates pursuant to a Contract Review Committee Charter. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2019, the
Contract Review Committee met once.
Compensation
Effective January
1, 2020, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust (each an "Independent
Trustee") will receive a quarterly fee of $22,500 to be paid by the Trust within 10 days of the commencement of each calendar
quarter for his service as a Trustee of the Board and for serving in his respective capacity as Chair of the Audit Committee, Nomination
and Governance Committee and Contract Review Committee, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred for attending
regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings.
Additionally,
in the event that an in-person meeting of the Board of Trustees other than its regularly scheduled meetings (a "Special Meeting")
is required, each Independent Trustee will receive a fee of $5,000 per Special Meeting, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable
expenses incurred, to be paid by the Trust or the relevant series of the Trust or its investment adviser depending on the circumstances
necessitating the Special Meeting. The Independent Trustees at their sole discretion shall determine when a particular meeting
constitutes a Special Meeting for purpose of the $5,000 fee.
None of the executive
officers receive compensation from the Trust.
The table below
details the amount of compensation the Trustees received from Inspire Global Hope ETF, Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF, Inspire
Corporate Bond Impact ETF, Inspire 100 ETF, and Inspire International ESG ETF during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2019. Each
Independent Trustee is expected to attend all quarterly meetings during the period. The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing,
pension or retirement plan.
Name and Position
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
Inspire International ESG ETF
|
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Funds Expenses
|
Annual Benefits Upon Retirement
|
Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex* Paid to Trustees
|
Joseph
Breslin
|
$3,741
|
$3,539
|
$3,620
|
$3,464
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$14,364
|
Thomas Sarkany
|
$3,741
|
$3,539
|
$3,620
|
$3,464
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$14,364
|
Charles Ranson
|
$3,741
|
$3,539
|
$3,620
|
$3,464
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$14,364
|
|
*
|
There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund
Complex” refers only to the Funds, and not to any other series of the Trust.
|
Management and Trustee Ownership
As of December 31, 2019,
the Trustees and officers, as a group, owned no shares of the Fund or any of the Fund Complex’s outstanding shares.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL
HOLDERS
A principal shareholder
is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund. A control person is one
who owns, either directly or indirectly more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control.
A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company
or acknowledged the existence of control.
The Depository Trust Company
(“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares and is recognized as the owner of all shares for
all purposes. Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. As of March
4, 2020, the Trust does not have information regarding the record or beneficial ownership of shares of the Fund held in the names
of DTC participants, as DTC has not provided the Trust with access to such information.
INVESTMENT ADVISER AND INDEX PROVIDER
Investment Adviser and Advisory Agreement
Inspire (CWM Advisors, LLC),
650 San Benito Street, Suite 130, Hollister, CA 95023, serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is registered
with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
Subject to the oversight
of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for the overall management of each Fund’s investment-related business
affairs. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Trust, on behalf of each Fund,
the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board, and in conformity with the stated policies of the Funds, manages the portfolio
investment operations of the Funds. The Adviser has overall supervisory responsibilities for the general management and investment
of each Fund’s securities portfolio, as detailed below, which are subject to review and approval by the Board of Trustees.
In general, the Adviser's duties include setting each Fund’s overall investment strategies and asset allocation.
Pursuant to the Advisory
Agreement, the Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, agrees to invest the assets of each Fund in accordance
with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in each Fund’s current Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further
limitations as the Trust may from time to time
impose by written notice to the Adviser. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Funds and, as such shall, (i) obtain
and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary
or useful in discharging its responsibilities here under, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets
of each Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to
time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Funds, and implement those decisions, including the selection of
entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser or its designee, directly,
will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if
with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its
discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and
similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers. The Adviser
also provides the Funds with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing each Fund’s investments, compensates
all officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Adviser, and all personnel of
the Funds or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Advisory Agreement
was approved by the Board of the Trust, including by a majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting held on January 12, 2017
for Inspire Global Hope ETF, Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF and Inspire Corporate Bond ETF, October 19, 2017 for Inspire 100
ETF, and July 18, 2019 for Inspire International ESG ETF. The Advisory Agreement with respect to all Funds except Inspire International
ESG ETF was renewed at a meeting held on January 17, 2020. A
discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ renewal of the Advisory Agreement with respect to these Funds,
and the approval of the Advisory Agreement with respect to Inspire International ESG ETF is available in the Funds’ annual
report to shareholders dated November 30, 2019.
In addition, the Adviser,
subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees, provides the management and supplemental administrative services necessary for
the operation of the Funds. These services include providing assistance in supervising relations with custodians, transfer and
pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the Funds; assisting in the preparing of all general shareholder
communications and conducting shareholder relations; assisting in maintaining the Funds’ records and the registration of
each Fund’s shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; assisting in developing
management and shareholder services for the Funds; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to
the Trustees.
Inspire Global Hope ETF,
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF, Inspire Corporate Bond ETF and Inspire 100 ETF pays an annual management fee (computed daily
and payable monthly) of 0.30% of the Funds’ average daily net assets to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Inspire
International ESG ETF pays an annual management fee (computed daily and payable monthly) of 0.45% of the Fund’s average daily
net assets to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement.
The Adviser has contractually
agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of each Fund, until at least March 31, 2021, to ensure that total annual fund
operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, brokerage
fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and
expenses, fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including
for example option and swap fees and expenses), or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 0.60% of Inspire
Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF’s, and 0.35% of Inspire 100 ETF’s average daily net assets; subject to possible recoupment
from the Fund in future years within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed if such recoupment can be achieved
within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits or the expense limits in place at the time of the recoupment. Fee waiver and
reimbursement arrangements can decrease a Fund’s expenses and boost its performance.
For the fiscal year/period
ended November 30, 2019, the Adviser earned (and waived or reimbursed) the following advisory fees:
Fund
|
Advisory Fees Earned
|
Advisory Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
$397,542
|
$29,470
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
$230,387
|
$(28,449)
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
$310,796
|
$83,103
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
$181,610
|
$(131,308)
|
Inspire International ESG ETF*
|
$8,154
|
$0
|
*Inspire International ESG
ETF commenced operations on September 30, 2019.
For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 2018, the Adviser earned (and waived or reimbursed) the following advisory fees:
Fund
|
Advisory Fees Earned
|
Advisory Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
$223,071
|
$967
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
$127,077
|
$(39,292)
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
$119,019
|
$(22,330)
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
$71,898
|
$(117,184)
|
For the fiscal period ended
November 30, 2017, the Adviser earned (and waived or reimbursed) the following advisory fees:
Fund
|
Advisory Fees Earned
|
Advisory Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
$88,569
|
$(30,707)
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
$51,931
|
$(51,103)
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
$20,992
|
$(60,773)
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
$1,389
|
$(16,256)
|
Expenses not expressly assumed
by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Funds. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, each Fund is responsible
for the payment of the following expenses among others: (a) the fees payable to the Adviser, (b) the fees and expenses of Trustees
who are not affiliated persons of the Adviser or Distributor (as defined under the section entitled "The Distributor")
(c) the fees and certain expenses of the Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, including the cost of maintaining
certain required records of the Funds and of pricing the Funds’ shares, (d) the charges and expenses of legal counsel and
independent accountants for the Funds, (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Funds in connection
with its securities transactions, (f) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Funds to governmental agencies, (g) the fees
of any trade association of which the Funds may be a member, (h) the cost of fidelity and liability insurance, (i) the fees and
expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Funds and of shares with the SEC, qualifying its shares under
state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Funds’ registration statements and prospectuses for
such purposes, (j) all expenses of shareholders and Trustees' meetings (including travel expenses of trustees and officers of the
Trust who are not directors, officers or employees of the Adviser) and of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements
and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the shareholders and (k)
litigation and indemnification expenses and
other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds’ business.
The Advisory Agreement is
in effect for two (2) years initially and shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually
by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting
on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of either all of the Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares
of the Funds. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days written notice by a vote of a majority of the
Trustees or by the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of each Fund’s outstanding shares (with respect to that Fund). The
Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Codes of Ethics
The Trust, the Adviser and
the Distributor have each adopted codes of ethics (each a “Code”) under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs
the personal securities transactions of their board members, officers and employees who may have access to current trading information
of the Trust. Under the Codes, the Trustees are permitted to invest in securities that may also be purchased by the Funds.
In addition, the Trust has
adopted a code of ethics (the “Trust Code”), which applies only to the Trust's executive officers to ensure that these
officers promote professional conduct in the practice of corporate governance and management. The purpose behind these guidelines
is to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between
personal and professional relationships; (ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents
that the Trust files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds; (iii) compliance with applicable
governmental laws, rule and regulations; (iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Trust Code to an appropriate person
or persons identified in the Trust Code; and (v) accountability for adherence to the Trust Code.
Proxy Voting Policies
The Board has adopted Proxy
Voting Policies and Procedures ("Policies") on behalf of the Trust, which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies
to the Adviser or its designee, subject to the Board's continuing oversight. The Policies require that the Adviser or its designee
vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds and shareholders. The Policies also require the
Adviser or its designee to present to the Board, at least annually, the Adviser's Proxy Policies, or the proxy policies of the
Adviser's designee, and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser or its designee on behalf of the Funds, including a report
on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser as involving a conflict of interest.
Where a proxy proposal raises
a material conflict between the Adviser's interests and a Fund’s interests, the Adviser will resolve the conflict by voting
in accordance with the policy guidelines or at the client's directive using the recommendation of an independent third party. If
the third party's recommendations are not received in a timely fashion, the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held
by that client's account. A copy of the Adviser's and proxy voting policies is attached hereto as Appendix A.
More information.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds during the most recent 12-month
period ending June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds at 877.658.9473; and (2) on the
SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures are also available
by calling 877.658.9473 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
Northern Lights Distributors,
LLC, located at 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska Financial Service, LLC, (the “Distributor”),
serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Funds pursuant to an ETF Distribution Agreement
with the Trust (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and each state’s securities laws and is a member of FINRA. The offerings of the Shares are continuous
and the Distributor acts as an agent for the Trust. The Distributor will deliver a Prospectus to persons purchasing Shares in Creation
Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor
has no role in determining the investments or investment policies of the Fund.
The Distribution Agreement
provides that, unless sooner terminated, it will continue in effect for two years initially and thereafter shall continue from
year to year, subject to annual approval by (a) the Board or a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares, and (b) by a majority
of the Trustees who are not parties to the Distribution Agreement or the Trust’s distribution plan or interested persons
of the Trust or of the Distributor (“Qualified Trustees”) by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such approval.
The Distribution Agreement
may at any time be terminated, without penalty by the Trust, by vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by vote of a majority
of the outstanding shares of the Trust on 60 days' written notice to the other party. The Distribution Agreement will automatically
terminate in the event of its assignment.
The Funds do not pay the
Distributor any fees under the Distribution Agreement. However, the Adviser pays an annual fee to the Distributor plus reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Distributor in connection with activities performed for the Funds, including, without limitation,
printing and distribution of prospectuses and shareholder reports, out of its own resources.
Rule 12b-1 Plans
The Trust, with respect
to each Fund, has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
1940 Act (the "Plan") for Shares pursuant to which the Funds are authorized to pay the Distributor, as compensation for
Distributor's account maintenance services under the Plans. The Board has approved a distribution and shareholder servicing fee
at the rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Such fees are to be paid by the Funds monthly, or at such
other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees shall be based upon each Fund’s average daily net assets during the
preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The Funds may pay fees to the Distributor at a lesser rate, as agreed
upon by the Board of Trustees and the Distributor. The Plan authorizes payments to the Distributor as compensation for providing
account maintenance services to Fund shareholders, including arranging for certain securities dealers or brokers, administrators
and others ("Recipients") to provide these services and paying compensation for these services. The Funds will bear their
own costs of distribution with respect to its shares. The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Fund’s
method of distribution. No fees are currently paid by the Funds under the Plan, and there are no current plans to impose such fees.
In the event such fees were to be charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Funds.
The services to be provided
by Recipients may include, but are not limited to, the following: assistance in the offering and sale of Fund shares and in other
aspects of the marketing of the shares to clients or prospective clients of the respective recipients; answering routine inquiries
concerning the Funds; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Funds and in processing
purchase and redemption transactions; making the Funds’ investment plan and shareholder services available; and providing
such other information and services to investors in shares of the Funds as the Distributor or the Trust, on behalf of the Funds,
may reasonably request. The distribution services shall also include any advertising and marketing services provided by or arranged
by the Distributor with respect to the Funds.
The Distributor is required
to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Board of Trustees, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended
pursuant to the Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Further, the Distributor will inform the Board of
any Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by the Distributor to Recipients.
The Plan may not be amended
to increase materially the amount of the Distributor's compensation to be paid by each Fund, unless such amendment is approved
by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). All material amendments
must be approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plans. During the term of the Plans, the selection and nomination of non-interested
Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of current non-interested Trustees. The Distributor will preserve copies
of the Plans, any related agreements, and all reports, for a period of not less than six years from the date of such document and
for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place.
Any agreement related to
a Plan will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the Funds at any time upon sixty days written
notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the respective Rule 12b-1 Trustees, or by vote of a majority
of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the Funds; (b) it will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment
(as defined in the 1940 Act); and (c) it will continue in effect for a period of more than one year from the date of its execution
or adoption only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board and a majority
of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement.
Robert Netzly and Darrell
Jayroe serve as the portfolio managers of the Funds.
As of November 30, 2019,
the portfolio managers are responsible for the portfolio management of the following types of accounts in addition to the Funds:
Robert Netzly
Total Other Accounts
By Type
|
Total Number of Accounts by Account Type
|
Total Assets By Account Type
(in millions)
|
Number of Accounts by Type Subject to a Performance Fee
|
Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a
Performance Fee
(in millions)
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
5
|
$503
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Accounts
|
2,087
|
$143
|
0
|
$0
|
Darrell Jayroe
Total Other Accounts
By Type
|
Total Number of Accounts by Account Type
|
Total Assets By Account Type
(in millions)
|
Number of Accounts by Type Subject to a Performance Fee
|
Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
5
|
$503
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Accounts
|
2,087
|
$143
|
0
|
$0
|
Conflicts of Interest
As a general matter, certain
conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager's management of a Fund’s investments, on the one hand,
and the investments of other accounts for which the portfolio manager is responsible, on the other. For example, it is possible
that the various accounts managed could have different investment strategies that, at times, might conflict with one another to
the possible detriment of a Fund. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more
than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them. Other potential conflicts might include conflicts
created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements, and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute
a Fund’s portfolio trades and/or specific uses of commissions from a Fund’s portfolio trades (for example, research,
or "soft dollars", if any). The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures and has structured the portfolio managers'
compensation in a manner reasonably designed to safeguard the Funds from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential
conflicts.
Compensation
Mr. Netzly is compensated
through a salary and equity participation in the Adviser. Mr. Jayroe is compensated through a salary and discretionary bonus.
Ownership of Securities
The following table shows
the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the portfolio managers in each Fund as of November 30, 2019.
Name of Portfolio Manager
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Inspire 100 ETF
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Inspire International ESG ETF
|
Robert Netzly
|
$1-10,000
|
$1-10,000
|
$1-10,000
|
$1-10,000
|
$1-10,000
|
Darrell Jayroe
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE
Specific decisions to purchase
or sell securities for the Funds are made by the portfolio managers who are employees of the Adviser. The Adviser are authorized
by the Trustees to allocate the orders placed by them on behalf of the Funds to brokers or dealers who may, but need not, provide
research or statistical material or other services to the Funds or the Adviser for the Funds’ use. Such allocation is to
be in such amounts and proportions as the Adviser may determine.
In selecting a broker
or dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Adviser will take the following into consideration:
|
·
|
the best net price available;
|
|
·
|
the reliability, integrity and financial
condition of the broker or dealer;
|
|
·
|
the size of and difficulty in executing
the order; and
|
|
·
|
the value of the expected contribution
of the broker or dealer to the investment performance of the Funds on a continuing basis.
|
Brokers or dealers executing
a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Funds may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or
dealer would have charged for executing the transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable
in relation to the value of brokerage and research services provided to the Funds. In allocating portfolio brokerage, the Adviser
may select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage, research and other services to other accounts over which the Adviser
exercises investment discretion. Some of the services received as the result of Fund transactions may primarily benefit accounts
other than the Funds, while services received as the result of portfolio transactions effected on behalf of those other accounts
may primarily benefit the Funds.
For the fiscal year/period
ended November 30, 2019, the Funds paid the following brokerage commissions:
Fund
|
Brokerage Commissions
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
$28,913
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
$31,997
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
$0
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
$3,196
|
Inspire International ESG ETF
|
$1,819
|
For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 2018, the Funds paid the following brokerage commissions:
Fund
|
Brokerage Commissions
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
$21,799
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
$8,667
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
$0
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
$661
|
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017,
the Funds paid the following brokerage commissions:
Fund
|
Brokerage Commissions
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
$ 8,105
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
$3,886
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
$0
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
$0
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Each Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly
average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. The calculation excludes from both the
numerator and the denominator securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. High portfolio turnover
involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. A
100% turnover rate would occur if all of a Fund’s portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period.
Fund
|
Portfolio Turnover Rates
|
For the Fiscal Year/Period Ended November 30, 2019
|
For the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2018
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
22%
|
22%
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
42%
|
24%
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
18%
|
5%
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
23%
|
8%
|
Inspire International ESG ETF
|
0%
|
N/A
|
Fund Administration
Gemini Fund Services, LLC,
(the "Administrator"), which has its principal office at 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474,
and is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional
mutual funds.
Pursuant to a Fund Services
Agreement with the Fund, the Administrator provides administrative services to the Funds, subject to the supervision of the Board.
The Administrator may provide persons to serve as officers of the Funds. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees
of the Administrator or its affiliates.
The Fund Services Agreement
is dated July 27, 2016. The agreement remained in effect for two years from the effective date of the agreement, and will remain
in effect subject to annual approval of the Board for one-year periods thereafter. The agreement is terminable by the Board or
the Administrator on ninety days' written notice and may be assigned provided the non-assigning party provides prior written consent.
This agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Administrator
or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, the Administrator shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in
accordance with its duties thereunder.
Under the Fund Services
Agreement, the Administrator provides facilitating administrative services, including: (i) providing services of persons competent
to perform such administrative and clerical functions as are necessary to provide effective administration of the Fund; (ii) facilitating
the performance of administrative and professional services to the Fund by others, including the Custodian; (iii) preparing, but
not paying for, the periodic updating of the Funds’ Registration Statement, Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information
in conjunction with Fund counsel, including the printing of such documents for the purpose of filings with the SEC and state securities
administrators, and preparing reports to the Fund's shareholders and the SEC; (iv) preparing in conjunction with Fund counsel,
but not paying for, all filings under the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of such states or countries as are designated
by the Distributor, which may be required to register or qualify, or continue the registration or qualification, of the Fund and/or
its shares under such laws; (v) preparing notices and agendas for meetings of the Board and minutes of such meetings in all matters
required by the 1940 Act to be acted upon by the Board; and (vi) monitoring daily and periodic compliance with respect to all requirements
and restrictions of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Prospectus.
The Administrator also provides
the Funds with accounting services, including: (i) daily computation of net asset value; (ii) maintenance of security ledgers and
books and records as required by the 1940 Act; (iii) production of the Funds’ listing of portfolio securities and general
ledger reports; (iv) reconciliation of accounting records; (v) calculation of yield and total return for the Funds; (vi) maintenance
of certain books and records described in Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and reconciliation of account information and balances
among the Custodian and Adviser; and (vii) monitoring and evaluation of daily income and expense accruals, and sales and redemptions
of shares of the Funds.
Effective February 1, 2019,
NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC, the parent company of Gemini Fund Services, LLC and its affiliated company including Northern
Lights Compliance Services, LLC (collectively, the “Gemini Companies”), sold its interest in the Gemini Companies to
a third party private equity firm that contemporaneously acquired Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (an independent mutual fund administration
firm) and its affiliates (collectively, the “Ultimus Companies”). As a result of these separate transactions,
the Gemini Companies and the Ultimus Companies are now indirectly owned through a common parent entity, The Ultimus Group, LLC.
For administrative services
rendered to the Funds under the agreement, the Funds pay the Administrator the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based
fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. For the fund accounting services rendered to the Funds under the Agreement, the
Funds pay the Administrator the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets.
The Funds also pay the Administrator for any out-of-pocket expenses.
For the fiscal year/period
ended November 30, 2019, the Funds paid the following amounts for administrative services.
Fund
|
Administrative Services Fees
|
Inspire Global Hope
|
$91,087
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
|
$65,825
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
|
$80,136
|
Inspire 100
|
$34,342
|
Inspire International ESG ETF
|
$8,188
|
For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 2018, the Funds paid the following amounts for administrative services.
Fund
|
Administrative Services Fees
|
Inspire Global Hope
|
$67,396
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
|
$59,053
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
|
$68,818
|
Inspire 100
|
$43,918
|
For the fiscal period ended
November 30, 2017, the Funds paid the following amounts for administrative services.
Fund
|
Administrative Services Fees
|
Inspire Global Hope
|
$31,826
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
|
$32,292
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
|
$25,086
|
Inspire 100
|
$2,803
|
Transfer Agent
Brown Brothers Harriman
& Co. (“BBH”), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder
servicing agent for the Fund pursuant to written agreement with Fund (the “Transfer Agent”). Under the agreement, the
Transfer Agent is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration,
and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
For the fiscal year/period
ended November 30, 2019, the Funds paid the following amounts for transfer agent services.
Fund
|
Transfer Agent Services Fees
|
Inspire Global Hope
|
$18,183
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
|
$13,602
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
|
$13,657
|
Inspire 100
|
$11,645
|
Inspire International ESG ETF
|
$2,340
|
For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 2018, the Funds paid the following amounts for transfer agent services.
Fund
|
Transfer Agent Services Fees
|
Inspire Global Hope
|
$14,305
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
|
$9,474
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
|
$11,332
|
Inspire 100
|
$13,211
|
For the fiscal period ended
November 30, 2017, the Funds paid the following amounts for transfer agent services.
Fund
|
Transfer Agent Services Fees
|
Inspire Global Hope
|
$18,508
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
|
$11,256
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
|
$5,272
|
Inspire 100
|
$1,189
|
Custodian
BBH, located at 50 Post
Office Square, Boston, MA 02110 (the "Custodian"), serves as the custodian of the Funds’ assets pursuant to a Custodian
and Transfer Agent Agreement by and between the Custodian and the Trust on behalf of the Funds. The Custodian's responsibilities
include safeguarding and controlling the Funds’ cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and
collecting interest and dividends on the Funds’ investments. Pursuant to the Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement, the
Custodian also maintains original entry documents and books of record and general ledgers; posts cash receipts and disbursements;
and records purchases and sales based upon communications from the Adviser. The Funds may employ foreign sub-custodians that are
approved by the Board to hold foreign assets.
Securities Lending Activities
Brown Brothers Harriman
& Co. (“BBH”) serves as the Funds’ securities lending agent pursuant to a Securities Lending Agency Agreement
between BBH and the Trust on behalf of the Funds. For the fiscal period ended November 30, 2019, the following amounts of income
and fees and compensation were paid to the Funds and BBH related to the Funds’ securities lending activities:
Fund/BBH
|
Securities Lending Activities
|
Inspire Global Hope
|
$0*
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
|
$27,478
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
|
$0
|
Inspire 100
|
$995
|
Inspire International ESG
|
$0
|
*Inspire Global Hope had
$2,301 on securities lending income during the period but did not have any securities on loan as of November 30, 2019.
Compliance Officer
Northern Lights Compliance
Services, LLC (“NLCS”), 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474, an affiliate of the Administrator
and the Northern Lights Distributor, LLC, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services
pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. NLCS’s compliance services consist primarily of reviewing
and assessing the policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers pertaining to compliance with applicable federal
securities laws, including Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. For the compliance services rendered to the Funds, the Funds pay NLCS
a one-time fee plus an annual asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Funds also pay NLCS for any out-of-pocket
expenses.
For the fiscal year/period ended November 30,
2019, the Funds paid the following amounts for compliance services.
Fund
|
Compliance Services Fees
|
Inspire Global Hope
|
$16,472
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
|
$14,215
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
|
$14,833
|
Inspire 100
|
$14,865
|
Inspire International ESG ETF
|
$2,256
|
For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 2018, the Funds paid the following amounts for compliance services.
Fund
|
Compliance Services Fees
|
Inspire Global Hope
|
$19,431
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
|
$13,506
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
|
$11,077
|
Inspire 100
|
$6,000
|
Index Provider
Each Underlying Index is
an index sponsored, created, compiled, and maintained by the Adviser.
In order to minimize any
potential for conflicts caused by the fact that the Adviser acts as both the Underlying Index provider and investment adviser to
the Funds, the Funds will post on their website on each day that the NYSE, the relevant Exchange and the Trust are open for business
(a "Business Day"), before commencement of trading of shares on the Exchange, the identities and quantities of the portfolio
securities, assets and other positions held by a Fund that will form the basis for the Fund's calculation of NAV at the end of
the Business Day.
The Adviser does not charge
a licensing fee for the Funds to use the Underlying Indexes. If the Adviser were to no longer serve as the adviser to the Funds,
it may determine to no longer allow the Funds to use the Underlying Indexes as part of each Fund’s strategy or to charge
a fee for the Funds to do so. Such an event could result in the Funds having to change their investment strategies, liquidation,
or an increase to each Fund’s expense ratio.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
Each share of beneficial
interest of the Trust has one vote in the election of Trustees. Cumulative voting is not authorized for the Trust. This means that
the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to
do so, and, in that event, the holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any Trustees.
Shareholders of the current
series of the Trust and any other future series of the Trust will vote in the aggregate and not by series except as otherwise required
by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interest of the shareholders of a particular
series or classes. Matters such as election of Trustees are not subject to separate voting requirements and may be acted upon by
shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.
The Trust is authorized
to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. Each share has equal, dividend, distribution and liquidation rights.
There are no conversion or preemptive rights applicable to any shares of the Fund. All shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM
The Trust has established
an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the "Program") as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 ("USA PATRIOT Act"). To ensure compliance
with this law, the Trust's Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures and controls, designation of
anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness
of the Program. The Trust's secretary serves as its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.
Procedures to implement
the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that a Fund’s Distributor and Transfer Agent have established proper
anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and a providing a complete and thorough review
of all new opening account applications. The Trust will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be
adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
As a result of the Program,
the Trust may be required to "freeze" the account of a shareholder if the shareholder appears to be involved in suspicious
activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of known terrorists or other suspicious persons,
or the Trust may be required to transfer the account or proceeds of the account to a governmental agency.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING
OF SHARES
Calculation of Share Price
As indicated in the Prospectus
under the heading "How Shares are Priced," NAV of a Fund's shares is determined by dividing the total value of a Fund's
portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of a Fund.
Generally, the Funds’
domestic securities (including underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges)
are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon
one or more securities exchanges for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale
shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at
the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ National Market System
for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If market quotations
are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Funds’
fair value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and as further described below. Securities that are not
traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily
available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and
ask price on such over-the- counter market.
Certain securities or investments
for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, with reference
to other securities or indices. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s)
based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other
securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity. Short-term investments having a maturity of
60 days or less may be generally valued at amortized cost when it approximated fair value.
Exchange traded options
are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the
exchange on which such options are traded. Futures and options on futures are valued at the settlement price determined by the
exchange, or, if no settlement price is available, at the last sale price as of the close of business prior to when the Funds calculate
NAV. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by
the Board or persons acting at their direction. Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily depending on the
type of instrument and reference assets based upon market prices, the mean between bid and asked prices quotations from market
makers or by a pricing service or other parties in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board.
Under certain circumstances,
the Fund may use an independent pricing service to calculate the fair market value of foreign equity securities on a daily basis
by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. The fair market values supplied by the independent
pricing service will generally reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable
securities or the value of other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair-valued securities. The independent pricing
service will also take into account the current relevant currency exchange rate. A security that is fair valued may be valued at
a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures.
Because foreign securities may trade on days when Shares are not priced, the value of securities held by the Funds can change on
days when Shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. In the event that a foreign security’s market quotations are not readily
available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closed before the Funds’
calculation of NAV), the security will be valued at its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ fair
value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board as discussed below. Without fair valuation, it is possible
that short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation
of the Funds’ portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there
is no assurance that it will prevent dilution of the Funds’ NAV by short-term traders. In addition, because the Funds may
invest in underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges, and these exchanges
may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of these portfolio securities
may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Shares.
Investments initially valued
in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services or other
parties in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board. As a result, the NAV of the Shares may be affected by
changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United
States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the Exchange is closed
and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange Shares.
Shares are valued at the
close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the "Exchange Close") on each day that the
Exchange is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund normally use pricing data for domestic equity securities received
shortly after the Exchange Close and does not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after
the Exchange Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing
of the principal markets for those securities. Information that becomes known to the Funds or its agents after the NAV has been
calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined
earlier that day.
When market quotations are
insufficient or not readily available, the Funds may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good
faith by the Board or its designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board
if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the Exchange Close.
Creation Units
Each Fund sells and redeems
Shares in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load, at the NAV next determined after
receipt of an order in proper form on any Business Day. A “Business Day” is any day on which the Exchange is open for
business. As of the date of this SAI, the Exchange observes the following
holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
A Creation Unit is an aggregation
of 50,000 Shares for Inspire Global Hope ETF, Inspire Small/Cap Impact ETF Inspire 100 ETF and Inspire International ESG ETF; and
100,000 Shares for Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF. The Board may declare a split or a consolidation in the number of Shares
outstanding of a Fund or Trust, and make a corresponding change in the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.
Authorized Participants
Only Authorized Participants
that have entered into agreements with the Trust or the Distributor may purchase or redeem Creation Units. In order to be an Authorized
Participant, a firm must be either a broker-dealer or other participant (“Participating Party”) in the Continuous Net
Settlement System (“Clearing Process”) of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) or a participant
in DTC with access to the DTC system (“DTC Participant”), and you must execute an agreement (“Participant Agreement”)
with the Distributor that governs transactions in each Fund’s Creation Units.
Investors who are not Authorized
Participants but want to transact in Creation Units may contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized Participants. An Authorized
Participant may require investors to enter into a separate agreement to transact through it for Creation Units and may require
orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in a particular form. Investors transacting through a broker that is not itself
an Authorized Participant and therefore must still transact through an Authorized Participant may incur additional charges. There
are expected to be a limited number of Authorized Participants at any one time.
Orders must be transmitted
by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Market disruptions and telephone
or other communication failures may impede the transmission of orders.
Transaction Fees
A fixed fee payable to the
Custodian is imposed on each creation and redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units involved in the transaction
(“Fixed Fee”). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in-lieu (as defined below) are
required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate the Funds and its ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact
expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions (“Variable Charge,” and together with the Fixed Fee, the “Transaction
Fees”). With the approval of the Board, the Adviser may waive or adjust the Transaction Fees, including the Fixed Fee and/or
Variable Charge (shown in the table below), from time to time. In such cases, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Funds
for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased
by a Fund and the cash-in-lieu amount, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes. In addition, purchasers
of Creation Units are responsible for the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to the account of a Fund.
Investors who use the services
of a broker, or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. The Transaction Fees for the Funds are listed in
the table below.
ETFs
|
Fee for In-Kind and Cash Purchases
|
Maximum Additional Variable Charge for Cash Purchases*
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
$5,000
|
2.00%
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
$2,500
|
2.00%
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
$750
|
2.00%
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
$750
|
2.00%
|
Inspire International ESG ETF
|
$4,500
|
2.00%
|
|
*
|
As a percentage of the amount invested.
|
The Clearing Process
Transactions by an Authorized
Participant that is a Participating Party using the NSCC system are referred to as transactions “through the Clearing Process.”
Transactions by an Authorized Participant that is a DTC Participant using the
DTC system are referred to as transactions
“outside the Clearing Process.” The Clearing Process is an enhanced clearing process that is available only for certain
securities and only to DTC participants that are also participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. In-kind
(portions of) purchase orders not subject to the Clearing Process will go through a manual clearing process run by DTC. Portfolio
Deposits that include government securities must be delivered through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system (“Federal
Reserve System”). Fund Deposits that include cash may be delivered through the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System.
In-kind deposits of securities for orders outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for
government securities) or through DTC (for corporate securities).
Foreign Securities
Because the portfolio securities
of the Funds may trade on days that the Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for the Funds, shareholders may not
be able to redeem their shares of the Funds, or to purchase or sell shares of the Funds on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of
the Funds could be significantly affected by events in the relevant foreign markets.
Purchasing Creation Units
Portfolio Deposit
The consideration for a
Creation Unit generally consists of the Deposit Securities and a Cash Component. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash
Component constitute the “Portfolio Deposit.” The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences
between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Deposit Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between
(x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Deposit Securities. If (x) is more than (y),
the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to a Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will receive
the Cash Component from a Fund.
On each Business Day, prior
to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available
through NSCC the name and amount of each Deposit Security in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of
the previous Business Day) for a Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business
Day, per Creation Unit. The Deposit Securities announced are applicable to purchases of Creation Units until the next announcement
of Deposit Securities.
The Deposit Securities may
change and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events of the Underlying Index are reflected from time to time by the
Adviser in a Fund’s portfolio. The Deposit Securities may also change in response to the rebalancing and/or constitution
of the Underlying Index. These adjustments will reflect changes known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect
by the time of delivery of the Portfolio Deposit.
Payment of any stamp duty
or the like shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant purchasing a Creation Unit. The Authorized Participant
must ensure that all Deposit Securities properly denote change in beneficial ownership.
Custom Orders and Cash-in-Lieu
Each Fund may, in its sole
discretion, permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (“cash-in-lieu”) to be added to the Cash Component
to replace any Deposit Security. The Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Deposit Security may not be available
in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly,
a Fund may permit or require cash in lieu of Deposit Securities when, for example, the Authorized Participant or its underlying
investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities laws or policies from transacting in one or more Deposit Securities. The
Funds will comply with the federal securities laws in accepting Deposit Securities including that the Deposit Securities are sold
in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All orders involving cash-in-lieu, as well as
certain other types of orders, are considered to be “Custom Orders.”
Purchase Orders
To order a Creation Unit,
an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order to the Distributor.
Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders
An Authorized Participant
must submit an irrevocable purchase order no later than the earlier of (i) 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or (ii) the closing time of the
bond markets and/or the trading session on the Exchange, on any Business Day in order to receive that Business Day’s NAV
(“Cut-off Time”). The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is
deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” An order to create Creation Units is deemed
received on a Business Day if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other
procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating custom orders and/or orders
involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve Bank wire
system, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the “Settlement
Date,” which is generally the Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date (“T+1”) for cash and the
third Business Day following the Transmittal Date for securities (“T+3”).
Orders Using the Clearing Process
If available, (portions
of) orders may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits, on behalf of
the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions,
the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Portfolio Deposit to a Fund, together with such additional information
as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve
System.
Orders Outside the Clearing Process
If the Clearing Process
is not available for (portions of) an order, Portfolio Deposits will be made outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing
Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will be effected
through DTC. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion
so as to ensure the delivery of Deposit Securities (whether standard or custom) through DTC to a Fund account by 11:00 a.m., Eastern
time, on T+1. The Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee, must be transferred directly to the Custodian
through the Federal Reserve System in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time,
on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive both the Deposit Securities and the cash by the appointed time, the order may be canceled.
A canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day but must conform to that Business Day’s Portfolio Deposit.
Authorized Participants that submit a canceled order will be liable to a Fund for any losses incurred by a Fund in connection therewith.
Orders involving foreign
Deposit Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable purchase order,
the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian of such order. The Custodian, who will have caused the appropriate local
sub-custodian(s) of a Fund to maintain an account into which an Authorized Participant may deliver Deposit Securities (or cash-in-lieu),
with adjustments determined by the Fund, will then provide information of the order to such local sub-custodian(s). The ordering
Authorized Participant will then deliver the Deposit Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) to a Fund’s account at the applicable
local sub-custodian. The Authorized Participant must also make available on or before the contractual settlement date, by means
satisfactory to a Fund, immediately available or same day funds in U.S. dollars estimated by the Fund to be sufficient to pay the
Cash Component and Transaction Fee. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement
process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Settlement must occur by 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the contractual
settlement date.
Acceptance of Purchase Order
All questions as to the
number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any
securities to be delivered shall be determined by a Fund. A Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.
Each Fund reserves the absolute
right to reject or revoke acceptance of a purchase order transmitted to it by the Distributor if (a) the order is not in proper
form; (b) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the
Fund; (c) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the Deposit Securities for the applicable date; (d) acceptance of
the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (e) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would,
in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust,
Fund or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust, Fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (g) in the event that circumstances
outside the control of the Trust, the
Distributor and the Adviser make it for all
practical purposes impossible to process purchase orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or
utility problems resulting in telephone, telecopy or computer failures; fires, floods or extreme weather conditions; market conditions
or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other informational systems affecting the Trust, the
Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the Adviser, the Custodian, a sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process; and similar
extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify an Authorized Participant of its rejection of the order. The Funds, the Custodian,
any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the
delivery of Portfolio Deposits, and they shall not incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
Issuance of a Creation Unit
Once a Fund has accepted
an order, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt
of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor will transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the
order.
Except as provided below,
a Creation Unit will not be issued until a Fund obtains good title to the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component, along with
any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. Except as provided in Appendix C, the delivery of Creation Units will generally occur no
later than T+3.
In certain cases, Authorized
Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to
settle these transactions on a net basis.
With respect to orders involving
foreign Deposit Securities, when the applicable local sub-custodian(s) have confirmed to the Custodian that the Deposit Securities
(or cash-in-lieu) have been delivered to a Fund’s account at the applicable local sub-custodian(s), the Distributor and the
Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. While, as stated
above, Creation Units are generally delivered on T+3, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+3
in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of
dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive
dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances.
A Fund may issue a Creation
Unit prior to receiving good title to the Deposit Securities, under the following circumstances. Pursuant to the applicable Participant
Agreement, the Fund may issue a Creation Unit notwithstanding that (certain) Deposit Securities have not been delivered, in reliance
on an undertaking by the relevant Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking
is secured by such Authorized Participant’s delivery to and maintenance with the Custodian of collateral having a value equal
to at least 115% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities (“Collateral”), as adjusted by time to time by the
Adviser. Such Collateral will have a value greater than the NAV of the Creation Unit on the date the order is placed. Such Collateral
must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. The only Collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in
U.S. Dollars.
While (certain) Deposit
Securities remain undelivered, the Collateral shall at all times have a value equal to at least 115% (as adjusted by the Adviser)
of the daily marked-to-market value of the missing Deposit Securities. At any time, the Fund may use the Collateral to purchase
the missing securities, and the Authorized Participant will be liable to the Fund for any costs incurred thereby or losses resulting
therefrom, whether or not they exceed the amount of the Collateral, including any Transaction Fee, any amount by which the purchase
price of the missing Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such securities on the Transmittal Date, brokerage and other
transaction costs. The Trust will return any unused Collateral once all of the missing securities have been received by the Fund.
More information regarding the Fund’s current procedures for collateralization is available from the Distributor.
Cash Purchase Method
When cash purchases of Creation
Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases. In the
case of a cash purchase, the investor must pay the cash equivalent of the Portfolio Deposit. In addition, cash purchases will be
subject to Transaction Fees, as described above.
Notice to Texas Shareholders
Under section 72.1021(a)
of the Texas Property Code, initial investors in a Fund who are Texas residents may designate a representative to receive notices
of abandoned property in connection with Shares. Texas shareholders who
wish to appoint a representative should notify
the Trust’s Transfer Agent by writing to the address below to obtain a form for providing written notice to the Trust:
Inspire Global Hope ETF;
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact
ETF;
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact
ETF;
Inspire 100 ETF; and/or
Inspire International ESG
ETF
c/o Gemini Fund Services,
LLC
4221 North 203rd Street,
Suite 100
Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474
Redeeming a Creation Unit
Redemption Basket
The consideration received
in connection with the redemption of a Creation Unit generally consists of an in-kind basket of designated securities (“Redemption
Securities”) and a Cash Component. Together, the Redemption Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Redemption
Basket.”
There can be no assurance
that there will be sufficient liquidity in Shares in the secondary market to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. In addition, investors
may incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a Creation Unit.
The Cash Component serves
the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Redemption Securities. Thus,
the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market
value of the Redemption Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component from a
Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to a Fund.
If the Redemption Securities
on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m.,
Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Redemption Security in
the current Redemption Basket (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund and the (estimated) Cash
Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. If the Redemption Securities on a Business
Day are different from the Deposit Securities, all redemption requests that day will be processed outside the Clearing Process.
The Redemption Securities
may change as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events of the Underlying Index are reflected from time to time by the
Adviser in a Fund’s portfolio. The Redemption Securities may also change in response to the rebalancing and/or reconstitution
of the Underlying Index. These adjustments will reflect changes known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect
by the time of delivery of the Redemption Basket.
The right of redemption
may be suspended or the date of payment postponed: (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend
and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during
which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares or determination of the ETF’s NAV is not reasonably
practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as permitted by the SEC, including as described below.
Custom Redemptions and Cash-in-Lieu
Each Fund may, in its sole
discretion, permit or require the substitution of cash-in-lieu to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Redemption Security.
Each Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Redemption Security may not be available in sufficient quantity
for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, each Fund may permit
or require cash-in-lieu of Redemption Securities when, for example, the Authorized Participant or its underlying investor is restricted
under U.S. or local securities law or policies from transacting in one or more Redemption Securities. Each Fund will comply with
the federal securities laws in satisfying redemptions with Redemption Securities, including that the Redemption Securities are
sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All redemption requests involving cash-in-lieu
are considered to be “Custom Redemptions.”
Redemption Requests
To redeem a Creation Unit,
an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable redemption request to the Distributor.
An Authorized Participant
submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to a Fund that it or, if applicable, the investor on whose behalf it is
acting, (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the Creation Unit to
be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) all of the Shares that are in the Creation Unit to
be redeemed have not been borrowed, loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities
lending agreement or such other arrangement that would preclude the delivery of such Shares to the Fund. Each Fund reserves the
absolute right, in its sole discretion, to verify these representations, but will typically require verification in connection
with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in a Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification
request, does not provide sufficient verification of the requested representations, the redemption request will not be considered
to be in proper form and may be rejected by a Fund.
Timing of Submission of Redemption Requests
An Authorized Participant
must submit an irrevocable redemption order no later than the Cut-off Time. The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two
hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.”
A redemption request is deemed received if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii)
all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating Custom Redemptions
and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve
System, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the Settlement
Date, as defined above.
Requests Using the Clearing Process
If available, (portions
of) redemption requests may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits
on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the redemption. Pursuant to such trade
instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Creation Unit(s) to a Fund, together with such additional
information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal
Reserve System, as described above.
Requests Outside the Clearing Process
If the Clearing Process
is not available for (portions of) an order, Redemption Baskets will be delivered outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside
the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the redemption will be effected
through DTC. The Authorized Participant must transfer or cause to be transferred the Creation Unit(s) of shares being redeemed
through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on received
T+1. In addition, the Cash Component must be received by the Custodian by 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does
not receive the Creation Unit(s) and Cash Component by the appointed times on T+1, the redemption will be rejected, except in the
circumstances described below. A rejected redemption request may be resubmitted the following Business Day.
Orders involving foreign
Redemption Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable redemption
request, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian. The Custodian will then provide information of the redemption
to the Fund’s local sub-custodian(s). The redeeming Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf is acting, will
have established appropriate arrangements with a broker-dealer, bank or other custody provider in each jurisdiction in which the
Redemption Securities are customarily traded and to which such Redemption Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) can be delivered from
the Fund’s accounts at the applicable local sub-custodian(s).
Acceptance of Redemption Requests
All questions as to the
number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any
securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust. The Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.
Delivery of Redemption Basket
Once a Fund has accepted
a redemption request, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Redemption Basket,
against receipt of the Creation Unit(s) at such NAV, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. A Creation Unit tendered for redemption
and the payment of the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant,
or the investor on whose behalf it is acting, will be recorded on the book-entry system of DTC.
The Redemption Basket will
generally be delivered to the redeeming Authorized Participant within T+3. Except under the circumstances described below, however,
a Redemption Basket generally will not be issued until the Creation Unit(s) are delivered to the Fund, along with the Cash Component,
any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee.
In certain cases, Authorized
Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to
settle these transactions on a net basis.
With respect to orders involving
foreign Redemption Securities, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+3 in order to accommodate
foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and
ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the
security), and in certain other circumstances. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market
settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Listed below are the dates in calendar year 2020
in which the regular holidays in non-U.S. markets may impact Fund settlement. This list is based on information available to the
Funds. The list may not be accurate or complete and is subject to change:
Market
|
Holiday Date
|
Holiday Name
|
Argentina
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Argentina
|
Monday, February 24, 2020
|
Carnival
|
Argentina
|
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
|
Carnival
|
Argentina
|
Monday, March 23, 2020
|
Bridge Holiday for Tourism
|
Argentina
|
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
|
Memorial Day
|
Argentina
|
Thursday, April 02, 2020
|
Malvinas Islands Memorial Day
|
Argentina
|
Thursday, April 09, 2020
|
Holy Thursday
|
Argentina
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Argentina
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Argentina
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
May Revolution's Day
|
Argentina
|
Monday, June 15, 2020
|
Martin Miguel Guemes Memorial
|
Argentina
|
Thursday, July 09, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Argentina
|
Friday, July 10, 2020
|
Bridge Holiday for Tourism
|
Argentina
|
Monday, August 17, 2020
|
San Martin's Memorial Day
|
Argentina
|
Monday, October 12, 2020
|
Respect to Cultural Diversity
|
Argentina
|
Friday, November 06, 2020
|
Banking Labor Day
|
Argentina
|
Monday, November 23, 2020
|
Day of National Sovereignty
|
Argentina
|
Monday, December 07, 2020
|
Bridge Holiday for Tourism
|
Argentina
|
Tuesday, December 08, 2020
|
Virgin Mary's Day
|
Argentina
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Australia
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Australia
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Australia
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Australia
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Australia
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Australia
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Austria
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Austria
|
Monday, January 06, 2020
|
Epiphany Day
|
Austria
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Austria
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Austria
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Austria
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Ascension Day
|
Austria
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Whit Monday
|
Austria
|
Thursday, June 11, 2020
|
Corpus Christi Day
|
Austria
|
Monday, October 26, 2020
|
National Holiday
|
Austria
|
Tuesday, December 08, 2020
|
Immaculate Conception
|
Austria
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Austria
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Austria
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Bahrain
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Bahrain
|
Sunday, May 03, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Bahrain
|
Sunday, May 24, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Bahrain
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Bahrain
|
Thursday, July 30, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Bahrain
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Bahrain
|
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
|
National Day
|
Bahrain
|
Thursday, December 17, 2020
|
National Day
|
Belgium
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Belgium
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Belgium
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Belgium
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Belgium
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Bermuda
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Bermuda
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Bermuda
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Bermuda Day
|
Bermuda
|
Monday, June 15, 2020
|
National Heroes' Day
|
Bermuda
|
Thursday, July 30, 2020
|
Emancipation and Somers Day
|
Bermuda
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Emancipation and Somers Day
|
Bermuda
|
Monday, September 07, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Bermuda
|
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
|
Remembrance Day
|
Bermuda
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Bermuda
|
Monday, December 28, 2020
|
Boxing Day (Observed)
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Thursday, January 02, 2020
|
New Year’s Holiday
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Tuesday, January 07, 2020
|
Orthodox Christmas
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Thursday, January 09, 2020
|
Republic Day
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Friday, April 17, 2020
|
Orthodox Good Friday
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Monday, April 20, 2020
|
Orthodox Easter Monday
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid-al-Fitr/Ramadan
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid-al-Adha/Hajj
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Saturday, November 21, 2020
|
Dayton Peace Agreement Day
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
|
Statehood Day
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Botswana
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Botswana
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Botswana
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Botswana
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Botswana
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Ascension Day
|
Botswana
|
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
|
Sir Seretse Khama Day
|
Botswana
|
Monday, July 20, 2020
|
Presidents' Day
|
Botswana
|
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
|
Presidents' Day
|
Botswana
|
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Botswana
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Bulgaria
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Bulgaria
|
Tuesday, March 03, 2020
|
Liberation Day
|
Bulgaria
|
Friday, April 17, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Bulgaria
|
Monday, April 20, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Bulgaria
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Bulgaria
|
Wednesday, May 06, 2020
|
Saint George's Day
|
Bulgaria
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Culture and Literacy Day
|
Bulgaria
|
Monday, September 07, 2020
|
Unification Day
|
Bulgaria
|
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Bulgaria
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Bulgaria
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Canada
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Canada
|
Monday, February 17, 2020
|
Family Day
|
Canada
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Canada
|
Monday, May 18, 2020
|
Victoria Day
|
Canada
|
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
|
Canada Day
|
Canada
|
Monday, August 03, 2020
|
Civic Holiday
|
Canada
|
Monday, September 07, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Canada
|
Monday, October 12, 2020
|
Thanksgiving Day
|
Canada
|
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
|
Remembrance Day
|
Canada
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Canada
|
Monday, December 28, 2020
|
Boxing Day (Observed)
|
Chile
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Chile
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Chile
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Chile
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Navy Day
|
Chile
|
Monday, June 29, 2020
|
St. Peter and St. Paul Dinner
|
Chile
|
Thursday, July 16, 2020
|
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
|
Chile
|
Friday, September 18, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Chile
|
Monday, October 12, 2020
|
Day of the Race
|
Chile
|
Tuesday, December 08, 2020
|
Immaculate Conception
|
Chile
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
China
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
China
|
Friday, January 24, 2020
|
Chinese New Year
|
China
|
Monday, January 27, 2020
|
Chinese New Year
|
China
|
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
|
Chinese New Year
|
China
|
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
|
Chinese New Year
|
China
|
Thursday, January 30, 2020
|
Chinese New Year
|
China
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
China
|
Thursday, June 25, 2020
|
Dragon Boat Festival
|
China
|
Friday, June 26, 2020
|
Dragon Boat Festival
|
China
|
Thursday, October 01, 2020
|
National Day Holiday
|
China
|
Friday, October 02, 2020
|
National Day Holiday
|
China
|
Monday, October 05, 2020
|
National Day Holiday
|
China
|
Tuesday, October 06, 2020
|
National Day Holiday
|
China
|
Wednesday, October 07, 2020
|
National Day Holiday
|
Costa Rica
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Costa Rica
|
Thursday, April 09, 2020
|
Holy Thursday
|
Costa Rica
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Costa Rica
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Costa Rica
|
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Costa Rica
|
Monday, October 12, 2020
|
Culture Encounter Day
|
Costa Rica
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Croatia
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Croatia
|
Monday, January 06, 2020
|
Epiphany Day
|
Croatia
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Croatia
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Croatia
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Croatia
|
Thursday, June 11, 2020
|
Corpus Christi Day
|
Croatia
|
Monday, June 22, 2020
|
Day of Antifascist Struggle
|
Croatia
|
Thursday, June 25, 2020
|
Statehood Day
|
Croatia
|
Wednesday, August 05, 2020
|
Victory and Homeland Day
|
Croatia
|
Thursday, October 08, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Croatia
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Croatia
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Croatia
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Cyprus
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Cyprus
|
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
|
Green Monday
|
Cyprus
|
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
|
Greek Independence Day
|
Cyprus
|
Wednesday, April 01, 2020
|
Cyprus National Day
|
Cyprus
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Cyprus
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Cyprus
|
Friday, April 17, 2020
|
Orthodox Good Friday
|
Cyprus
|
Monday, April 20, 2020
|
Orthodox Easter Monday
|
Cyprus
|
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
|
Orthodox Easter Tuesday
|
Cyprus
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Cyprus
|
Monday, June 08, 2020
|
Pentecost
|
Cyprus
|
Thursday, June 25, 2020
|
Public Holiday
|
Cyprus
|
Thursday, October 01, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Cyprus
|
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
|
Greek National Day
|
Cyprus
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Cyprus
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Czech Republic
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Czech Republic
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Czech Republic
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Czech Republic
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
May Day
|
Czech Republic
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Czech Republic
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Denmark
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Denmark
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Denmark
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Denmark
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
May Day
|
Denmark
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Whit Monday
|
Denmark
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Denmark
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Eswatini
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Eswatini
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Eswatini
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Eswatini
|
Monday, April 20, 2020
|
King's Birthday Holiday
|
Eswatini
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Women's Day
|
Eswatini
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Ascension Day
|
Eswatini
|
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
|
King Father's Birthday
|
Eswatini
|
Monday, September 07, 2020
|
Somhlolo Day Holiday
|
Eswatini
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Eswatini
|
Monday, December 28, 2020
|
Incwala Day
|
France
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
France
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
France
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
France
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
France
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Germany
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Germany
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Germany
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Germany
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Germany
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Ascension Day
|
Germany
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Whit Monday
|
Germany
|
Thursday, June 11, 2020
|
Corpus Christi Day
|
Germany
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Germany
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Germany
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Ghana
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Ghana
|
Friday, March 06, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Ghana
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Ghana
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Ghana
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
May Day
|
Ghana
|
Sunday, May 24, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Ghana
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Africa Unity Day
|
Ghana
|
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
|
Republic Day
|
Ghana
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Ghana
|
Tuesday, August 04, 2020
|
Founders Day
|
Ghana
|
Monday, September 21, 2020
|
Memorial Day
|
Ghana
|
Friday, December 04, 2020
|
Farmers' Day
|
Ghana
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Greece
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Greece
|
Monday, January 06, 2020
|
Epiphany Day
|
Greece
|
Monday, March 02, 2020
|
Ash Monday
|
Greece
|
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Greece
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Greece
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Greece
|
Friday, April 17, 2020
|
Orthodox Good Friday
|
Greece
|
Monday, April 20, 2020
|
Orthodox Easter Monday
|
Greece
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Greece
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Whit Monday
|
Greece
|
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
|
National Holiday
|
Greece
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Greece
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Friday, January 24, 2020
|
Lunar New Year
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Monday, January 27, 2020
|
Lunar New Year
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
|
Lunar New Year
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
|
Chinese New Year
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Thursday, January 30, 2020
|
Chinese New Year
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Thursday, April 30, 2020
|
Buddha Birthday
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Thursday, June 25, 2020
|
Tuen Ng Festival
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
|
Holiday
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Thursday, October 01, 2020
|
National Day
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Friday, October 02, 2020
|
Mid-Autumn Festival
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Monday, October 05, 2020
|
National Day Holiday
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Tuesday, October 06, 2020
|
National Day Holiday
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Wednesday, October 07, 2020
|
National Day Holiday
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Monday, October 26, 2020
|
Chung Yeung Festival
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Hong Kong SAR
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Hungary
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Hungary
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Hungary
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Hungary
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Hungary
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Whit Monday
|
Hungary
|
Thursday, August 20, 2020
|
Saint Stephen's Day
|
Hungary
|
Friday, August 21, 2020
|
Bridge Holiday
|
Hungary
|
Friday, October 23, 2020
|
Anniversary of 1956 Revolution
|
Hungary
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Hungary
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Hungary
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Iceland
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Iceland
|
Thursday, April 09, 2020
|
Maundy Thursday
|
Iceland
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Iceland
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Iceland
|
Thursday, April 23, 2020
|
First Day of Summer
|
Iceland
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Iceland
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Ascension Day
|
Iceland
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Whit Monday
|
Iceland
|
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Iceland
|
Monday, August 03, 2020
|
Commerce Day
|
Iceland
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Iceland
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Iceland
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Indonesia
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Indonesia
|
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
|
Day of Silence
|
Indonesia
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Indonesia
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Indonesia
|
Thursday, May 07, 2020
|
Vesak Day
|
Indonesia
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Ascension Day
|
Indonesia
|
Friday, May 22, 2020
|
Holiday
|
Indonesia
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Holiday
|
Indonesia
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Birth of Pancasila
|
Indonesia
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Holiday
|
Indonesia
|
Monday, August 17, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Indonesia
|
Thursday, August 20, 2020
|
Islamic New Year
|
Indonesia
|
Thursday, October 29, 2020
|
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
|
Indonesia
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Indonesia
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Ireland
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Ireland
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Ireland
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Ireland
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
May Day
|
Ireland
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Holiday
|
Ireland
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Italy
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Italy
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Italy
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Italy
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Italy
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Italy
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Italy
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Ivory Coast
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Ivory Coast
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Ivory Coast
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Ivory Coast
|
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
|
Revelation of Quran
|
Ivory Coast
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Ascension Day
|
Ivory Coast
|
Sunday, May 24, 2020
|
Korite
|
Ivory Coast
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Whit Monday
|
Ivory Coast
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Tabaski
|
Ivory Coast
|
Friday, August 07, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Ivory Coast
|
Saturday, August 15, 2020
|
Assumption Day
|
Ivory Coast
|
Thursday, October 29, 2020
|
Prophet’s Birthday
|
Ivory Coast
|
Sunday, November 01, 2020
|
All Saints' Day
|
Ivory Coast
|
Sunday, November 15, 2020
|
National Peace Day
|
Ivory Coast
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Japan
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Japan
|
Thursday, January 02, 2020
|
Bank Holiday
|
Japan
|
Friday, January 03, 2020
|
Bank Holiday
|
Japan
|
Monday, January 13, 2020
|
Coming-of-Age Day
|
Japan
|
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
|
National Foundation Day
|
Japan
|
Monday, February 24, 2020
|
Emperor's Birthday Observed
|
Japan
|
Friday, March 20, 2020
|
Vernal Equinox Day
|
Japan
|
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
|
Showa Day
|
Japan
|
Monday, May 04, 2020
|
Greenery Day
|
Japan
|
Tuesday, May 05, 2020
|
Children's Day
|
Japan
|
Wednesday, May 06, 2020
|
Memorial Day Observed
|
Japan
|
Thursday, July 23, 2020
|
Marine Day
|
Japan
|
Friday, July 24, 2020
|
Health and Sports Day
|
Japan
|
Monday, August 10, 2020
|
Mountain Day
|
Japan
|
Monday, September 21, 2020
|
Respect for the Aged Day
|
Japan
|
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
|
Autumnal Equinox Day
|
Japan
|
Tuesday, November 03, 2020
|
Culture Day
|
Japan
|
Monday, November 23, 2020
|
Labor Thanksgiving Day
|
Japan
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
Bank Holiday
|
Jordan
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Jordan
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Jordan
|
Sunday, May 24, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Jordan
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Jordan
|
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Jordan
|
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Jordan
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Jordan
|
Sunday, August 02, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Jordan
|
Monday, August 03, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Jordan
|
Tuesday, August 04, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Jordan
|
Thursday, August 20, 2020
|
Muharram/New Year
|
Jordan
|
Thursday, October 29, 2020
|
Prophet’s Birthday
|
Jordan
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Kenya
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Kenya
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Kenya
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Kenya
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Kenya
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Kenya
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Madaraka Day
|
Kenya
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Kenya
|
Saturday, October 10, 2020
|
Moi Day
|
Kenya
|
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
|
Mashujaa Day
|
Kenya
|
Saturday, December 12, 2020
|
Jamhuri Day
|
Kenya
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Kuwait
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Kuwait
|
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
|
National Day
|
Kuwait
|
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
|
Liberation Day
|
Kuwait
|
Sunday, March 22, 2020
|
Isra and Miraj holiday
|
Kuwait
|
Sunday, May 24, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Kuwait
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Kuwait
|
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Kuwait
|
Thursday, July 30, 2020
|
Waqfat Arafat
|
Kuwait
|
Sunday, August 02, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Kuwait
|
Monday, August 03, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Kuwait
|
Thursday, August 20, 2020
|
Islamic New Year holiday
|
Kuwait
|
Sunday, November 01, 2020
|
Prophet’s Birthday
|
Luxembourg
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Luxembourg
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Luxembourg
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Luxembourg
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Luxembourg
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Luxembourg
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Luxembourg
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Malaysia
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Malaysia
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Women's Day
|
Malaysia
|
Thursday, May 07, 2020
|
Wesak Day
|
Malaysia
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid-ul-Fitri
|
Malaysia
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid-ul-Adha
|
Malaysia
|
Thursday, August 20, 2020
|
Holiday
|
Malaysia
|
Monday, August 31, 2020
|
National Day
|
Malaysia
|
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
|
Malaysia Day
|
Malaysia
|
Thursday, October 29, 2020
|
Prophet’s Birthday
|
Malaysia
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Mauritius
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Mauritius
|
Thursday, January 02, 2020
|
New Year’s Holiday
|
Mauritius
|
Friday, February 21, 2020
|
Maha Shivaratree
|
Mauritius
|
Thursday, March 12, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Mauritius
|
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
|
Ugaadi
|
Mauritius
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Mauritius
|
Monday, November 02, 2020
|
Indentured Labourers
|
Mauritius
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Mexico
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Mexico
|
Monday, February 03, 2020
|
Constitution Day
|
Mexico
|
Monday, March 16, 2020
|
Benito Juarez Day
|
Mexico
|
Thursday, April 09, 2020
|
Holy Thursday
|
Mexico
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Mexico
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Mexico
|
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Mexico
|
Monday, November 02, 2020
|
All Souls Day
|
Mexico
|
Monday, November 16, 2020
|
Revolution Day
|
Mexico
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Namibia
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Namibia
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Namibia
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Namibia
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Women's Day
|
Namibia
|
Monday, May 04, 2020
|
Cassinga Day
|
Namibia
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Ascension Day
|
Namibia
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Africa Day
|
Namibia
|
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
|
Heroes Day
|
Namibia
|
Thursday, December 10, 2020
|
Women's Day
|
Namibia
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Netherlands
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Netherlands
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Netherlands
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Netherlands
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Netherlands
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
New Zealand
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
New Zealand
|
Thursday, January 02, 2020
|
New Year’s Holiday
|
New Zealand
|
Monday, January 20, 2020
|
Wellington Anniversary Day
|
New Zealand
|
Monday, January 27, 2020
|
Auckland Anniversary Day
|
New Zealand
|
Thursday, February 06, 2020
|
Waitangi Day
|
New Zealand
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
New Zealand
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
New Zealand
|
Monday, April 27, 2020
|
ANZAC Day Observed
|
New Zealand
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Queen's Birthday
|
New Zealand
|
Monday, October 26, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
New Zealand
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
New Zealand
|
Monday, December 28, 2020
|
Boxing Day (Observed)
|
Nigeria
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Nigeria
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Nigeria
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Nigeria
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Nigeria
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Id el Fitri Holiday
|
Nigeria
|
Friday, June 12, 2020
|
Democracy Day
|
Nigeria
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Id el Kabir
|
Nigeria
|
Thursday, October 01, 2020
|
National Day
|
Nigeria
|
Thursday, October 29, 2020
|
Id el Maulud
|
Nigeria
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Oman
|
Sunday, May 24, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Oman
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Oman
|
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Oman
|
Thursday, July 23, 2020
|
Renaissance Day
|
Oman
|
Thursday, July 30, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Oman
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Oman
|
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
|
Islamic New Year
|
Pakistan
|
Wednesday, February 05, 2020
|
Kashmir Day
|
Pakistan
|
Monday, March 23, 2020
|
Pakistan Day
|
Pakistan
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Pakistan
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Pakistan
|
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Pakistan
|
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Pakistan
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Pakistan
|
Sunday, August 02, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Pakistan
|
Friday, August 14, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Pakistan
|
Friday, August 28, 2020
|
First Day of Ashura
|
Pakistan
|
Thursday, October 29, 2020
|
Eid Milad un-Nabi
|
Pakistan
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Philippines
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Philippines
|
Thursday, April 09, 2020
|
Maundy Thursday
|
Philippines
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Philippines
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Philippines
|
Friday, June 12, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Philippines
|
Friday, August 21, 2020
|
Ninoy Aquino Day
|
Philippines
|
Monday, August 31, 2020
|
National Heroes' Day
|
Philippines
|
Monday, November 02, 2020
|
All Saints' Day
|
Philippines
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Philippines
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Philippines
|
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
|
Rizal Day
|
Philippines
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
Last Day of the Year
|
Portugal
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Portugal
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Portugal
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Portugal
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Portugal
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Qatar
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Qatar
|
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
|
Sports Day
|
Qatar
|
Sunday, May 24, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Qatar
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Qatar
|
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Qatar
|
Thursday, July 30, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Qatar
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Qatar
|
Saturday, August 01, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Qatar
|
Friday, December 18, 2020
|
National Day
|
Rwanda
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Rwanda
|
Thursday, January 02, 2020
|
New Year’s Holiday
|
Rwanda
|
Monday, February 03, 2020
|
National Heroes' Day
|
Rwanda
|
Tuesday, April 07, 2020
|
Memorial Day
|
Rwanda
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Rwanda
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Rwanda
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
Rwanda
|
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Rwanda
|
Monday, July 06, 2020
|
Liberation Day
|
Rwanda
|
Friday, August 07, 2020
|
Umuganura Day
|
Rwanda
|
Monday, August 17, 2020
|
Holiday
|
Rwanda
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Rwanda
|
Monday, December 28, 2020
|
Boxing Day (Observed)
|
Serbia
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Serbia
|
Thursday, January 02, 2020
|
New Year’s Holiday
|
Serbia
|
Tuesday, January 07, 2020
|
Orthodox Christmas Day
|
Serbia
|
Monday, February 17, 2020
|
Serbia National Day
|
Serbia
|
Friday, April 17, 2020
|
Orthodox Good Friday
|
Serbia
|
Monday, April 20, 2020
|
Orthodox Easter Monday
|
Serbia
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Serbia
|
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
|
Armistice Day
|
Serbia
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Singapore
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Singapore
|
Monday, January 27, 2020
|
Chinese New Year
|
Singapore
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Singapore
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Singapore
|
Thursday, May 07, 2020
|
Vesak Day
|
Singapore
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Hari Raya Puasa
|
Singapore
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Hari Raya Haji
|
Singapore
|
Monday, August 10, 2020
|
National Day
|
Singapore
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Slovenia
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Slovenia
|
Thursday, January 02, 2020
|
New Year’s Holiday
|
Slovenia
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Slovenia
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Slovenia
|
Monday, April 27, 2020
|
Holiday
|
Slovenia
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Slovenia
|
Thursday, June 25, 2020
|
Statehood Day
|
Slovenia
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Slovenia
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Slovenia
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
South Africa
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
South Africa
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
South Africa
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Family Day
|
South Africa
|
Monday, April 27, 2020
|
Freedom Day
|
South Africa
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Women's Day
|
South Africa
|
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
|
Youth Day
|
South Africa
|
Monday, August 10, 2020
|
Women's Day
|
South Africa
|
Thursday, September 24, 2020
|
Heritage Day
|
South Africa
|
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
|
Reconciliation Day
|
South Africa
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Spain
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Spain
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Spain
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Spain
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Spain
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
|
Christmas Eve
|
Spain
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Spain
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Switzerland
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Switzerland
|
Thursday, January 02, 2020
|
Bank Holiday
|
Switzerland
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Switzerland
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Switzerland
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Switzerland
|
Thursday, May 21, 2020
|
Ascension Day
|
Switzerland
|
Monday, June 01, 2020
|
Whit Monday
|
Switzerland
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Tanzania
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Tanzania
|
Tuesday, April 07, 2020
|
Karume Day
|
Tanzania
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Tanzania
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Tanzania
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Women's Day
|
Tanzania
|
Tuesday, July 07, 2020
|
Saba Saba
|
Tanzania
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Tanzania
|
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
|
Mwalimu Nyerere Day
|
Tanzania
|
Thursday, October 29, 2020
|
Maulid
|
Tanzania
|
Wednesday, December 09, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Tanzania
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Thailand
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Thailand
|
Monday, February 10, 2020
|
Makha Bucha Day (Observed)
|
Thailand
|
Monday, April 06, 2020
|
Memorial Day
|
Thailand
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Songkran Festival
|
Thailand
|
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
|
Songkran Festival
|
Thailand
|
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
|
Songkran Festival
|
Thailand
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Thailand
|
Monday, May 04, 2020
|
Coronation Day
|
Thailand
|
Wednesday, May 06, 2020
|
Vesak Day
|
Thailand
|
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
|
Queen Suthida's Birthday
|
Thailand
|
Monday, July 06, 2020
|
Asarnha Bucha Day (Observed)
|
Thailand
|
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
|
H.M. the King's Birthday
|
Thailand
|
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
|
Mother’s Day
|
Thailand
|
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
|
Great Memorial Day
|
Thailand
|
Friday, October 23, 2020
|
Chulalongkorn Day
|
Thailand
|
Monday, December 07, 2020
|
National Day
|
Thailand
|
Thursday, December 10, 2020
|
Constitution Day
|
Thailand
|
Thursday, December 31, 2020
|
New Year’s Eve
|
Tunisia
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Tunisia
|
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
|
Revolution National Day
|
Tunisia
|
Friday, March 20, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Tunisia
|
Thursday, April 09, 2020
|
Martyrs' Day
|
Tunisia
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Working National Day
|
Tunisia
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Aid El Fitr
|
Tunisia
|
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
|
Aid El Fitr
|
Tunisia
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Aid El Idha
|
Tunisia
|
Thursday, August 13, 2020
|
Women National Day
|
Tunisia
|
Monday, August 31, 2020
|
Islamic New Year
|
Tunisia
|
Thursday, October 15, 2020
|
Evacuation Day
|
Tunisia
|
Thursday, October 29, 2020
|
Prophet’s Birthday
|
Turkey
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Turkey
|
Thursday, April 23, 2020
|
National Sovereignty
|
Turkey
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Turkey
|
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
|
Youth and Sports Day
|
Turkey
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Ramadan Holiday
|
Turkey
|
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
|
National Unity Day
|
Turkey
|
Thursday, July 30, 2020
|
Sacrifice Feast
|
Turkey
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Sacrifice Feast
|
Turkey
|
Monday, August 03, 2020
|
Sacrifice Feast
|
Turkey
|
Sunday, August 30, 2020
|
Victory Day
|
Turkey
|
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
|
Republic Day
|
Turkey
|
Thursday, October 29, 2020
|
Republic Day
|
Uganda
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Uganda
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Uganda
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Uganda
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Uganda
|
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
|
Martyrs' Day
|
Uganda
|
Tuesday, June 09, 2020
|
National Heroes' Day
|
Uganda
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
Uganda
|
Friday, October 09, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Uganda
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
United Arab Emirates
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
United Arab Emirates
|
Sunday, May 24, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
United Arab Emirates
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
United Arab Emirates
|
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr
|
United Arab Emirates
|
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
United Arab Emirates
|
Sunday, August 02, 2020
|
Eid al-Adha
|
United Arab Emirates
|
Wednesday, December 02, 2020
|
National Day
|
Uruguay
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Uruguay
|
Monday, January 06, 2020
|
Children's Day
|
Uruguay
|
Monday, February 24, 2020
|
Carnival Monday
|
Uruguay
|
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
|
Carnival Tuesday
|
Uruguay
|
Thursday, April 09, 2020
|
Holy Thursday
|
Uruguay
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Uruguay
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Uruguay
|
Monday, May 18, 2020
|
Las Piedras Battle Day
|
Uruguay
|
Friday, June 19, 2020
|
Artigas Day
|
Uruguay
|
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
|
Independence Day
|
Uruguay
|
Monday, October 12, 2020
|
Columbus Day
|
Uruguay
|
Monday, November 02, 2020
|
All Souls Day
|
Uruguay
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Zambia
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Zambia
|
Monday, March 09, 2020
|
International Women's Day
|
Zambia
|
Thursday, March 12, 2020
|
Youth Day
|
Zambia
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Zambia
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Easter Monday
|
Zambia
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Labour Day
|
Zambia
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Africa Freedom Day
|
Zambia
|
Monday, July 06, 2020
|
Heroes' Day
|
Zambia
|
Tuesday, July 07, 2020
|
Unity Day
|
Zambia
|
Monday, August 03, 2020
|
Farmers' Day
|
Zambia
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Zimbabwe
|
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
|
New Year’s Day
|
Zimbabwe
|
Friday, February 21, 2020
|
Robert MugabeNationalYouth Day
|
Zimbabwe
|
Thursday, April 09, 2020
|
Holy Thursday
|
Zimbabwe
|
Friday, April 10, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Zimbabwe
|
Monday, April 13, 2020
|
Good Friday
|
Zimbabwe
|
Friday, May 01, 2020
|
Women's Day
|
Zimbabwe
|
Monday, May 25, 2020
|
Africa Day
|
Zimbabwe
|
Monday, August 10, 2020
|
Heroes' Day
|
Zimbabwe
|
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
|
Defense Forces Day
|
Zimbabwe
|
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
|
Unity Day
|
Zimbabwe
|
Friday, December 25, 2020
|
Christmas Day
|
Cash Redemption Method
When cash redemptions of
Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions.
In the case of a cash redemption, the investor will receive the cash equivalent of the Redemption Basket minus any Transaction
Fees, as described above.
TAX STATUS
The following discussion
is general in nature and should not be regarded as an exhaustive presentation of all possible tax ramifications. All shareholders
should consult a qualified tax advisor regarding their investment in a Fund.
Each Fund has qualified
and intends to continue to qualify and has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Tax Code"), and intends to continue to so qualify, which requires compliance with
certain requirements concerning the sources of its income, diversification of its assets, and the amount and timing of its distributions
to shareholders. Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any government
agency or bureau. By so qualifying, a Fund should not be subject to federal income or excise tax on its net investment income or
net capital gain, which are distributed to shareholders in accordance with the applicable timing requirements. Net investment income
and net capital gain of a Fund will be computed in accordance with Section 852 of the Tax Code.
Net investment income is
made up of dividends and interest less expenses. Net capital gain for a fiscal year is computed by taking into account any capital
loss carryforward of a Fund. Capital losses incurred after January 31, 2011 may now be carried forward indefinitely and retain
the character of the original loss. Under pre-enacted laws, capital losses could be carried forward to offset any capital gains
for eight years, and carried forward as short-term capital, irrespective of the character of the original loss. Capital loss carry
forwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carry forwards are used to offset future
capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.
As of November 30, 2019,
the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
|
|
Undistributed
|
|
|
Undistributed
|
|
|
Post October Loss
|
|
|
Capital Loss
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Ordinary
|
|
|
Long-Term
|
|
|
and
|
|
|
Carry
|
|
|
Book/Tax
|
|
|
Appreciation/
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
Income
|
|
|
Capital Gains
|
|
|
Late Year Loss
|
|
|
Forwards
|
|
|
Differences
|
|
|
(Depreciation)
|
|
|
Earnings/(Deficits)
|
|
Inspire Global Hope ETF
|
|
$
|
529,628
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
11,890,391
|
|
|
$
|
12,420,019
|
|
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF
|
|
|
157,412
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(238,571
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
5,099,120
|
|
|
|
5,017,961
|
|
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF
|
|
|
342,818
|
|
|
|
107,242
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
3,940,947
|
|
|
|
4,391,007
|
|
Inspire 100 ETF
|
|
|
195,274
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(1,137,456
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
9,822,430
|
|
|
|
8,880,248
|
|
Inspire International ESG ETF
|
|
|
243
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(10,683
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
858,808
|
|
|
|
848,368
|
|
Each Fund intends to distribute
all of its net investment income, any excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, and any excess
of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Tax
Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Distributions of net investment income will
be made quarterly for Inspire Global Hope ETF, Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF, Inspire 100 ETF and Inspire International ESG
ETF and distributions of net investment income will be made monthly for the Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF. Distributions of
net capital gain, if any, will be made annually no later than December 31 of each year. Both types of distributions will be in
shares of a Fund unless a shareholder elects to receive cash.
To be treated as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Tax Code, a Fund must also (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends,
interest, payments with respect to securities loans, net income from certain publicly traded partnerships and gains from the sale
or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures
or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify its
holding so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of a Fund's assets is represented by cash,
U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities (for purposes of this calculation,
generally limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the market value of a Fund's assets and 10%
of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer) and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities
of (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) any one issuer, two or more
issuers that a Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities
of certain publicly traded partnerships.
If a Fund fails to qualify
as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a corporation for federal income
tax purposes. As such the Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains,
if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Shareholders of the Fund generally would not be liable for income tax
on the Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains in their individual capacities. Distributions to shareholders,
whether from a Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent
of current or accumulated earnings and profits of a Fund.
Each Fund is subject to
a 4% nondeductible excise tax on certain undistributed amounts of ordinary income and capital gain under a prescribed formula contained
in Section 4982 of the Tax Code. The formula requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing
at least 98% of a Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year and at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess
of its capital gains over capital losses) realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year plus 100% of any
income that was neither distributed nor taxed to a Fund during the preceding calendar year. Under ordinary circumstances, each
Fund expects to time its distributions so as to avoid liability for this tax.
The following discussion
of tax consequences is for the general information of shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders that are IRAs or other
qualified retirement plans are exempt from income taxation under the Tax Code.
Distributions of taxable
net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders
as ordinary income.
Distributions of net capital
gain ("capital gain dividends") generally are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain; regardless of the length
of time the shares of the Trust have been held by such shareholders.
Certain U.S. shareholders,
including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net
investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund.
U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting
from an investment in a Fund.
Redemption of Fund shares
by a shareholder will result in the recognition of taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount
realized and the shareholder's tax basis in his or her Fund shares. Such gain or loss is treated as a capital gain or loss if the
shares are held as capital assets. However, any loss realized upon the redemption of shares within six months from the date of
their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as capital gain dividends during
such six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon the redemption of shares may be disallowed to the extent shares
are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within 30 days before or after such redemption.
Distributions of taxable
net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in additional cash or shares. Shareholders
electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each
share so received equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.
All distributions of taxable
net investment income and net capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each taxable shareholder
on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December as of a record date
in such a month, if any, will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31, if paid during January of the following
year. Redemptions of shares may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also subject to these reporting
requirements.
Under the Tax Code, a Fund
will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross
proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding
provisions of Section 3406 of the Tax Code, distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain and proceeds from
the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax
in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and
with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law, or if a Fund is notified by the IRS or a
broker that withholding is required due to an incorrect TIN or a previous failure to report taxable interest or dividends. If the
withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares,
will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.
Options, Futures, Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements
To the extent such investments
are permissible for a Fund, the Fund's transactions in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions, forward contracts, straddles
and foreign currencies will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale and
short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in
the holding periods of the Fund's securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains and convert short-term
capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions
to shareholders.
To the extent such investments
are permissible, certain of a Fund's hedging activities (including its transactions, if any, in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated
instruments) are likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If a Fund's book income exceeds
its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of such excess book income will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of a Fund's
remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of
capital to the extent of the recipient's basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital
asset. If a Fund's book income is less than taxable income, a Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income
to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
Investment by a Fund in
certain passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs") could subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax (including
interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company,
which tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, a Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a qualified
electing fund ("QEF"), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company's income and net capital
gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company.
A Fund also may make an
election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings "to the market" as though it had sold and
repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of a Fund's taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary
income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and
increase the amount required to be distributed for a Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections, therefore, may require
a Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which
also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect a Fund's total return.
Foreign Currency Transactions
A Fund's transactions in
foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt securities and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward
contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations
in the value of the foreign currency concerned.
Foreign Taxation
Income received by a Fund
from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties and
conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's
total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may be able to elect to
"pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of eligible foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. If
this election is made, a shareholder generally subject to tax will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable
dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by a Fund, and may be entitled either to deduct
(as an itemized deduction) his or her pro rata share of
foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable
income or to use it as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations.
In particular, a shareholder must hold his or her shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for
at least 15 more days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with
respect to a gain dividend. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each
shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund
will "pass through" for that year.
Generally, a credit for
foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax attributable to his or her total foreign
source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of a Fund's income will flow through
to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to a Fund, gains from the sale of securities will be treated as derived from U.S. sources
and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency-denominated debt securities, receivables
and payables will be treated as ordinary income derived from U.S. sources. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied
separately to foreign source passive income, and to certain other types of income. A shareholder may be unable to claim a credit
for the full amount of his or her proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by a Fund. The foreign tax credit can be used to
offset only 90% of the revised alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations and individuals and foreign taxes generally are
not deductible in computing alternative minimum taxable income.
Original Issue Discount and Pay-In-Kind Securities
Current federal tax law
requires the holder of a U.S. Treasury or other fixed income zero coupon security to accrue as income each year a portion of the
discount at which the security was purchased, even though the holder receives no interest payment in cash on the security during
the year. In addition, pay-in-kind securities will give rise to income, which is required to be distributed and is taxable even
though a Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.
Some of the debt securities
(with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund may be treated as debt
securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount ("OID") is
treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is
not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A portion of the OID includable in income with respect
to certain high-yield corporate debt securities (including certain pay-in-kind securities) may be treated as a dividend for U.S.
federal income tax purposes.
Some of the debt securities
(with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund in the secondary market
may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal
on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not
exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments.
The Funds may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character
and timing of recognition of income.
Some debt securities (with
a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund may be treated as having acquisition
discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, the Funds will be required to include the acquisition
discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later
time, usually when the debt security matures. The Funds may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having
acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.
A Fund that holds the foregoing
kinds of securities may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount
of cash interest a Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of a Fund or by liquidation of portfolio
securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). A Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations.
In the event a Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution,
if any, than they would in the absence of such transactions.
Shareholders of a Fund may
be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Shares.
A brief explanation of the
form and character of the distribution accompany each distribution. In January of each year, the Funds issue to each shareholder
a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
Shareholders should consult
their tax advisors about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
BBD, LLP, located at 1835
Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for
the current fiscal year. The firm provides services including (i) audit of annual financial statements, and (ii) assistance and
consultation in connection with SEC filings.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South
High Street, Suite 1700, Columbus, Ohio 43215, serves as the Trust's legal counsel.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements
and report of the independent registered public accounting firm required to be included in this SAI are hereby incorporated by
reference to the Annual Report for the Funds for the fiscal period and fiscal year ended November 30, 2019. You can obtain a copy
of the Annual Report without charge by calling the Fund at 877.658.9473.
INSPIRE (CWM ADVISORS, LLC) PROXY VOTING POLICY
It is the policy of Inspire
to identify any potential conflicts of interest prior to the voting of any proxies. When reviewing proxy proposals, the CCO will
monitor for conflicts of interest. If the proposal falls within our predetermined voting guidelines, we will vote according to
the guidelines. If a conflict is identified, Inspire may disclose the conflict to the applicable clients or contact a third party
to advise Inspire to determine the vote and/or provide voting recommendations.
It is feasible that from
time to time a potential conflict of interest may arise in the voting of proxies. Such conflicts may occur if an adviser manages
a pension plan, administers employee benefit plans, or provides brokerage, underwriting, insurance, or banking services to a company
whose management is soliciting proxies. Failure to vote in favor of management may harm the adviser's relationship with the company.
The adviser may also have relationships with participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships.
For example, an executive of the adviser may have a spouse or other close relative who serves as a director or executive of a company.
Another potential conflict of interest would be voting for an increase in 12b-1 fees when this is a source of compensation for
advisers.
Proxy and Mirror Voting
Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments
by registered investment companies in the securities of other investment companies. Section 12(d)(1)(A) states that a registered
investment company may not invest in the securities of another investment company if the acquiring company owns more than 3% of
the total outstanding voting securities of the acquired company; the acquiring company owns securities issued by the acquired company
with an aggregate value greater than 5% of its total assets; or the acquiring company owns securities issued by the acquired company
and all other investment companies having an aggregate value greater than 10% of the value of its total assets.
Mirror Voting
Funds advised by Inspire may invest in other
investment companies in excess of the limitations in section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. In order to benefit from the safe harbor
of section 12(d)(1)(F), these Funds must mirror vote proposals on proxies issued by underlying investment companies.
Mirror voting means that the Fund votes its
shares in the same proportion that all shares of the underlying investment companies are voted, or in accordance with instructions
received from fund shareholders, pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act.
In addition, the Funds may invest in underlying
investment companies in excess of the limitations prescribed within the 12(d)(1) safe harbor. Such Funds may participate in exemptive
orders of underlying investment companies to the extent the Trustees of the Funds have signed the requisite participation agreements.
Inspire provides quarterly certifications with
respect to its adherence to its proxy voting and exemptive order policies and procedures.