This is an Investment Advisory Agreement, to be used across the United States. This particular agreement is to be used by an open-end investment company.
Title: Delaware Investment Advisory Agreement of Equity Strategies Fund, Inc. and EPSF Advisors, Inc.: A Comprehensive Overview Introduction: The Delaware Investment Advisory Agreement plays a crucial role in governing the relationship between Equity Strategies Fund, Inc. (ESF) and EPSF Advisors, Inc. (EPSF). This detailed description explores the key aspects of this agreement, its purpose, and the different types of agreements that fall under its purview. 1. Definition and Purpose: The Delaware Investment Advisory Agreement of Equity Strategies Fund, Inc. and EPSF Advisors, Inc. is a legal contract that establishes the terms and conditions governing the advisory services provided by EPSF to ESF. The agreement outlines the duties, responsibilities, and compensation structure, ensuring both parties are in compliance with state and federal regulations. 2. Types of Delaware Investment Advisory Agreements: a) Standard Agreement: This is the primary agreement between ESF and EPSF, encompassing the core advisory services provided by EPSF to ESF. It covers investment strategies, risk management, compliance, reporting, and other essential aspects of the advisory relationship. b) Limited Scope Agreement: In certain cases, ESF and EPSF may enter into a limited scope agreement that pertains to specific investment activities or services. This agreement narrows down the responsibilities and scope of EPSF's advisory services, such as focused investment management for a particular industry, sector, or asset class. c) Amended and Restated Agreement: The amended and restated agreement is a revised version of the initial investment advisory agreement. It includes modifications to the original terms and conditions, reflecting changes in the investment strategies, reporting requirements, fee structures, or other relevant aspects, as agreed upon by both parties. 3. Key Elements of the Agreement: a) Advisory Services: The agreement defines the specific investment advisory services provided by EPSF to ESF. These services may include portfolio management, asset allocation, research, trading, compliance monitoring, and performance reporting. b) Duties and Responsibilities: ESF's fiduciary duties, EPSF's responsibilities, and the standard of care expected from EPSF are outlined to ensure alignment with the best interests of ESF and its investors. This section may cover the duty to manage investments prudently, diversify assets, and act in good faith. c) Compensation and Fees: The agreement dictates the fee structure, payment terms, and any additional expenses associated with the services provided by EPSF. Different fee models such as fixed fees, performance-based fees, or a combination thereof may be outlined, along with provisions for fee adjustments and termination. d) Reporting and Communication: Requirements for periodic reporting, including performance reports, investment summaries, and risk assessments, are established to foster transparency and keep ESF informed about the status of their investments. Communication channels, frequency of meetings, and the provision of timely information are also specified. e) Compliance and Legalities: This section highlights ESF's compliance policies, legal requirements, and regulatory oversight, ensuring EPSF's services align with applicable laws, including anti-money laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Conclusion: The Delaware Investment Advisory Agreement between Equity Strategies Fund, Inc. and EPSF Advisors, Inc. is a critical legal agreement that defines the relationship, obligations, and compensation structure between the two entities. Understanding the different types of agreements, along with the key elements outlined within them, allows for a comprehensive engagement that safeguards the best interests of ESF and its stakeholders.
Title: Delaware Investment Advisory Agreement of Equity Strategies Fund, Inc. and EPSF Advisors, Inc.: A Comprehensive Overview Introduction: The Delaware Investment Advisory Agreement plays a crucial role in governing the relationship between Equity Strategies Fund, Inc. (ESF) and EPSF Advisors, Inc. (EPSF). This detailed description explores the key aspects of this agreement, its purpose, and the different types of agreements that fall under its purview. 1. Definition and Purpose: The Delaware Investment Advisory Agreement of Equity Strategies Fund, Inc. and EPSF Advisors, Inc. is a legal contract that establishes the terms and conditions governing the advisory services provided by EPSF to ESF. The agreement outlines the duties, responsibilities, and compensation structure, ensuring both parties are in compliance with state and federal regulations. 2. Types of Delaware Investment Advisory Agreements: a) Standard Agreement: This is the primary agreement between ESF and EPSF, encompassing the core advisory services provided by EPSF to ESF. It covers investment strategies, risk management, compliance, reporting, and other essential aspects of the advisory relationship. b) Limited Scope Agreement: In certain cases, ESF and EPSF may enter into a limited scope agreement that pertains to specific investment activities or services. This agreement narrows down the responsibilities and scope of EPSF's advisory services, such as focused investment management for a particular industry, sector, or asset class. c) Amended and Restated Agreement: The amended and restated agreement is a revised version of the initial investment advisory agreement. It includes modifications to the original terms and conditions, reflecting changes in the investment strategies, reporting requirements, fee structures, or other relevant aspects, as agreed upon by both parties. 3. Key Elements of the Agreement: a) Advisory Services: The agreement defines the specific investment advisory services provided by EPSF to ESF. These services may include portfolio management, asset allocation, research, trading, compliance monitoring, and performance reporting. b) Duties and Responsibilities: ESF's fiduciary duties, EPSF's responsibilities, and the standard of care expected from EPSF are outlined to ensure alignment with the best interests of ESF and its investors. This section may cover the duty to manage investments prudently, diversify assets, and act in good faith. c) Compensation and Fees: The agreement dictates the fee structure, payment terms, and any additional expenses associated with the services provided by EPSF. Different fee models such as fixed fees, performance-based fees, or a combination thereof may be outlined, along with provisions for fee adjustments and termination. d) Reporting and Communication: Requirements for periodic reporting, including performance reports, investment summaries, and risk assessments, are established to foster transparency and keep ESF informed about the status of their investments. Communication channels, frequency of meetings, and the provision of timely information are also specified. e) Compliance and Legalities: This section highlights ESF's compliance policies, legal requirements, and regulatory oversight, ensuring EPSF's services align with applicable laws, including anti-money laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Conclusion: The Delaware Investment Advisory Agreement between Equity Strategies Fund, Inc. and EPSF Advisors, Inc. is a critical legal agreement that defines the relationship, obligations, and compensation structure between the two entities. Understanding the different types of agreements, along with the key elements outlined within them, allows for a comprehensive engagement that safeguards the best interests of ESF and its stakeholders.