# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000889284
**File Stem:** 0001398344-26-007028
**Filing Date:** 2026-4
**Character Count:** 47910
**Document Hash:** 8f638e9cd5c2db349b9c14a1004a1d8f
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001398344-26-007028.hdr.sgml**: 20260423

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001398344-26-007028

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: POS EX

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 5

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260423

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260423

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260423

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** STERLING CAPITAL FUNDS
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000889284

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 043331055
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0930

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** POS EX
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-292802
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26889770

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 434 FAYETTEVILLE ST
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 500
- **CITY:** RALEIGH
- **STATE:** NC
- **ZIP:** 27601
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 8002281872

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 434 FAYETTEVILLE ST
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 500
- **CITY:** RALEIGH
- **STATE:** NC
- **ZIP:** 27601

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** BB&T FUNDS /
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20010419

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** BB&T MUTUAL FUNDS GROUP
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920929

**As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2026**

Registration No. 333-292802

**UNITED STATES<br> SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

Washington, D.C. 20549

**FORM N-14**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Pre-Effective Amendment No. __ | [ ] |
| Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 | [X] |
| (Check appropriate box or boxes) |  |

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**Sterling Capital Funds**

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

434 Fayetteville St. Suite 500 Raleigh, NC 27601

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

**(800) 228-1872**

(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)

James T. Gillespie

Sterling Capital Funds

434 Fayetteville St., Suite 500

Raleigh, NC 27601

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copies to:

Thomas R. Hiller

Ropes & Gray LLP

Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02119

It is proposed that this filing will become effective immediately pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

The Combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act with the Commission on February 17, 2026 (File No.: 333-292802) constitute Part A and Part B of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference. This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 is being filed for the sole purpose of adding to Part C of the Registration Statement filed by the Registrant on Form N-14 (File No.: 333-292802) on January 16, 2026, Exhibits 12(a) and 12(b) to the Registration Statement.

**STERLING CAPITAL FUNDS**

**<u>PART C</u>**

**<u>Other Information</u>**

<u>Item 15. Indemnification</u> 

Article VIII, Sections 1 and 2 of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides as follows:

Trustees, Officers, etc.

<u>Section 1.</u> The Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers (including persons who serve at the Trust's request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person") against all liabilities and expenses, including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees reasonably incurred by any Covered Person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or legislative body, in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which such Covered Person may be or may have been threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of being or having been such a Covered Person except with respect to any matter as to which such Covered Person shall have been finally adjudicated in any such action, suit or other proceeding to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person's office. Expenses, including counsel fees so incurred by any such Covered Person (but excluding amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines or penalties), shall be paid from time to time by the Trust in advance of the final disposition of any such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person to repay amounts so paid to the Trust if it is ultimately determined that indemnification of such expenses is not authorized under this Article, provided, however, that either (a) such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking, (b) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising from any such advance payments or (c) either a majority of the disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter), or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial type inquiry) that there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will be found entitled to indemnification under this Article.

Compromise Payment

<u>Section 2.</u> As to any matter disposed of (whether by a compromise payment, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise) without an adjudication by a court, or by any other body before which the proceeding was brought, that such Covered Person either (a) did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the Trust or (b) is liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office, indemnification shall be provided if (a) approved as in the best interests of the Trust, after notice that it involved such indemnification, by at least a majority of the disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) upon a determination, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial type inquiry) that such Covered Person acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the Trust and is not liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reasons of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office, or (b) there has been obtained an opinion in writing of independent legal counsel, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial type inquiry) to the effect that such Covered Person appears to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the Trust and that such indemnification would not protect such Person against any liability to the Trust to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office. Any approval pursuant to this Section shall not prevent the recovery from any Covered Person of any amount paid to such Covered Person in accordance with this Section as indemnification if such Covered Person is subsequently adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such Covered Person's action was in the best interests of the Trust or to have been liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person's office.

The Trust has also entered into agreements with each of its trustees pursuant to which each of the Funds has agreed to indemnify each Trustee to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law against any liability and expense incurred by the Trustee by reason of the Trustee being or having been a Trustee.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers, and controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer, or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Indemnification for the Registrant's principal underwriter is provided for in the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit (e)(1). The Registrant maintains a directors and officers liability insurance policy. In addition, certain officers and the interested trustee are covered by Truist Financial Corporation's directors and officers liability insurance policy.

Item 16. <u>Exhibits.</u>

(1) [Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated August 27, 2025 is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registration Statement of Registrant on Form N-1A (filed September 24, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425018446/fp0095490-1_ex9928a1.htm)

(2) [Amended and Restated Bylaws dated November 19, 2015 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed November 30, 2015).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312515390210/d21746dex99b1.htm)

(3) Not Applicable.

(4) [Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-14 (filed January 16, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834426000829/fp0097113-1_ex99164.htm)

(5) Instruments Defining the Rights of Securities Holders.

(a) [Article III; Article V; Article VIII, Section 4; and Article IX, Sections 1, 4, 5, and 7 of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed September 24, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425018446/fp0095490-1_ex9928a1.htm)

(b) [Article 9; Article 10, Section 10.6; and Article 11 of the By-laws responsive to this item are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed November 30, 2015).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312515390210/d21746dex99b1.htm)

(6) Investment Advisory Agreements.

(a) [ETF Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF and Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, and Sterling Capital Management LLC, dated December 8, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928d2.htm)

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| (7) | Underwriting Contracts. | Underwriting Contracts. |
| (a) | [ETF Distribution Agreement among the Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and Sterling Capital Management LLC and Sterling Capital Distributors LLC, dated November 21, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928e5.htm) | [ETF Distribution Agreement among the Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and Sterling Capital Management LLC and Sterling Capital Distributors LLC, dated November 21, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928e5.htm) |
| (b) | [ETF Distribution Services Agreement among the Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and Sterling Capital Management LLC and Sterling Capital Distributors LLC, dated December 8, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928e6.htm) | [ETF Distribution Services Agreement among the Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and Sterling Capital Management LLC and Sterling Capital Distributors LLC, dated December 8, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928e6.htm) |
| (8) | Not Applicable. | Not Applicable. |
| (9) | Custody Agreements. | Custody Agreements. |
| (a) | [ETF Custody Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and U.S. Bank N.A. dated December, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 163 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 16, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022505/fp0096566-1_ex9928g2.htm) | [ETF Custody Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and U.S. Bank N.A. dated December, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 163 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 16, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022505/fp0096566-1_ex9928g2.htm) |
|  | i. | [Form of Amendment to ETF Custody Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(a)(i) to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-14 relating to Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF (filed January 15, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834426000700/fp0097061-1_ex999ai.htm) |
| (10) (a) | [ETF Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan dated November 19, 2025 between the Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and Sterling Capital Distributors, LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928m2.htm) | [ETF Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan dated November 19, 2025 between the Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and Sterling Capital Distributors, LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928m2.htm) |
| (11) | [Opinion and consent of Ropes & Gray LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-14 (filed January 16, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834426000829/fp0097113-1_ex991611.htm) | [Opinion and consent of Ropes & Gray LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-14 (filed January 16, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834426000829/fp0097113-1_ex991611.htm) |
| (12) (a) | [Opinion and consent of Ropes & Gray LLP as to tax matters with respect to the reorganization of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, filed herewith.](fp0098716-1_ex991612a.htm) | [Opinion and consent of Ropes & Gray LLP as to tax matters with respect to the reorganization of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, filed herewith.](fp0098716-1_ex991612a.htm) |
| (b) | [Opinion and consent of Ropes & Gray LLP as to tax matters with respect to the reorganization of Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund, filed herewith](fp0098716-1_ex991612b.htm). | [Opinion and consent of Ropes & Gray LLP as to tax matters with respect to the reorganization of Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund, filed herewith](fp0098716-1_ex991612b.htm). |

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(13) (a) [Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Sterling Capital Management LLC dated October 1, 2010 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed November 29, 2010).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000095012310109293/l41195aexv99whw1.htm)

i. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated June 29, 2011 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(i) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed June 29, 2011).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000095012311062798/b42412bexv99whw1wi.htm)

ii. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated November 18, 2011 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(ii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed January 17, 2012).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312512012381/d280290dex993.htm)

iii. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated July 1, 2012 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(iii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 87 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed September 7, 2012).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312512384252/d405003dex99h1iii.htm)

iv. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated November 20, 2012 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(iv) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed November 19, 2012).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312512475325/d439258dex99h1iv.htm)

v. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated November 15, 2012 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(v) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed January 30, 2013).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312513030140/d461369dex99h1v.htm)

vi. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated December 12, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(vi) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 102 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed January 29, 2014).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312514026486/d647213dex99h1vi.htm)

vii. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated November 28, 2014 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(vii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed January 29, 2015).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312515025659/d836670dex99h1vii.htm)

viii. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated August 20, 2015 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(viii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed November 30, 2015).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312515390210/d21746dex99h1viii.htm)

ix. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated November 19, 2015 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(ix) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed November 30, 2015).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312515390210/d21746dex99h1ix.htm)

x. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated August 25, 2016 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(x) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed September 29, 2016).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000119312516725872/d437009dex99h1x.htm)

xi. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2018 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(xi) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed November 29, 2018).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834418017252/fp0027285_ex9928h1xi.htm)

xii. [Amendment to Administration Agreement dated November 19, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(xii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928h1xii.htm)

(13) (a) [ETF Unitary Fee Administrative Services Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF and Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, and Sterling Capital Management LLC, dated December 8, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928h2.htm)

(b) [ETF Sub-Administration Agreement between Sterling Capital Management LLC and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, dated December 8, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928h4.htm)

(c) [Master Services Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and FilePoint EDGAR Services, LLC, dated December 8, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928h6.htm)

(d) [ETF Transfer Agent Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, dated December 8, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 163 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 16, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834425022505/fp0096566-1_ex9928h7.htm)

i. [Form of Amendment to ETF Transfer Agent Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 13(d)(i) to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-14 relating to Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF (filed January 15, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834426000700/fp0097061-1_ex991613di.htm)

(e) [ETF Master Services Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF, Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF, Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF, and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and Ultimus Fund Solutions, dated December 8, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928h8.htm)

(f) [BlackRock Rule 12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed January 28, 2022).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834422001295/fp0071675_ex9928h7.htm)

(g) [Form of Authorized Participant Agreement, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (filed December 8, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000889284/000139834425022192/fp0096454-1_ex9928h10.htm)

(14) [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-14 (filed January 16, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834426000829/fp0097113-1_ex991614.htm)

(15) Not applicable.

(16) [Powers of Attorney for James T. Gillepsie, Todd M. Miller, Drew T. Kagan, Laura C. Bingham, Scott A. Haenni, Alan G. Priest, Kimberly R. Storms, and David L. Wedding are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-14 (filed January 16, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889284/000139834426000829/fp0097113-1_ex991616.htm)

(17) Not Applicable.

Item 17. <u>Undertakings</u>

(1) The undersigned Registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered through
the use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within
the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), the reoffering prospectus will contain the
information called for by the applicable registration form for reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

(2) The undersigned Registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be
filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining
any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities
offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.

(3) The undersigned Registrant agrees to file by post-effective amendment an opinion of counsel supporting
the tax consequences of the proposed reorganization within a reasonable period of time after receipt of such opinion.

SIGNATURES

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed on behalf of the Registrant, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Massachusetts on the 23<sup>rd</sup> day of April, 2026.

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| |
|:---|
| STERLING CAPITAL FUNDS |
| /s/ James T. Gillespie |
| \*James T. Gillespie<br> President |

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As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| /s/ James T. Gillespie | President and Principal Executive Officer | April 23, 2026 |
| \* James T. Gillespie |  |  |
| /s/ Todd M. Miller | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer<br> (Principal Accounting Officer) | April 23, 2026 |
| \* Todd M. Miller |  |  |
| /s/ Drew T. Kagan | Trustee | April 23, 2026 |
| \*Drew T. Kagan |  |  |
| /s/ Laura C. Bingham | Trustee | April 23, 2026 |
| \*Laura C. Bingham |  |  |
| /s/ Scott A. Haenni | Senior Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer | April 23, 2026 |
| \*Scott A. Haenni |  |  |
| /s/ Alan G. Priest | Trustee | April 23, 2026 |
| \*Alan G. Priest |  |  |
| /s/ Kimberly R. Storms | Trustee | April 23, 2026 |
| \*Kimberly R. Storms |  |  |
| /s/ David L. Wedding | Trustee | April 23, 2026 |
| \*David L. Wedding |  |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ Thomas R. Hiller |
|  | Thomas R. Hiller |

---

\*By Thomas R. Hiller, solely in his capacity as Attorney-in-Fact, pursuant to powers of attorney incorporated by reference herein.

**STERLING CAPITAL FUNDS**

**EXHIBITS INDEX**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| <u>EXHIBIT NO.</u> | <u>DESCRIPTION</u> |
| [12(a)](fp0098716-1_ex991612a.htm) | [Opinion and consent of Ropes & Gray LLP as to tax matters with respect to the reorganization of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund.](fp0098716-1_ex991612a.htm) |
| [12(b)](fp0098716-1_ex991612b.htm) | [Opinion and consent of Ropes & Gray LLP as to tax matters with respect to the reorganization of Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund.](fp0098716-1_ex991612b.htm) |

---

## Exhibit 99.16

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](image_001.jpg) | ROPES & GRAY LLP<br> PRUDENTIAL TOWER<br> 800 BOYLSTON STREET<br> BOSTON, MA 02199-3600<br> WWW.ROPESGRAY.COM |

---

March 30, 2026

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

Sterling Capital Funds

434 Fayetteville St., Suite 500

Raleigh, NC 27601

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF

Sterling Capital Funds

434 Fayetteville St., Suite 500

Raleigh, NC 27601

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel in connection with the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Agreement") dated November 19, 2025, by and among (i) Sterling Capital Funds ("Trust"), on behalf of one of its series, Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF ("Acquiring Fund"), (ii) Trust, on behalf of one of its series, Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund ("Acquired Fund"), and (iii) for purposes of Section 5 of the Agreement only, Sterling Capital Management LLC. The Agreement describes a proposed transaction (the "Reorganization") to occur as of the date of this letter, pursuant to which Acquiring Fund will acquire all of the assets of Acquired Fund in exchange for shares of beneficial interest in Acquiring Fund (the "Acquiring Fund Shares") and the assumption by Acquiring Fund of all of the liabilities of Acquired Fund following which the Acquiring Fund Shares received by Acquired Fund will be distributed by Acquired Fund to its shareholders in liquidation and termination of Acquired Fund. This opinion as to certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization is furnished to you pursuant to Section 8.3(g) of the Agreement. Capitalized terms not defined herein are used herein as defined in the Agreement.

Acquired Fund is a series of Trust, which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company. Shares of Acquired Fund are redeemable at net asset value at each shareholder's option. Acquired Fund has elected to be a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes under Section 851 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

Acquiring Fund is a series of Trust, which is registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company. Acquiring Fund operates as an exchange-traded fund; shares of Acquiring Fund are redeemable at net asset value only by authorized participants transacting in creation units and are traded on a national securities exchange.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](image_002.jpg) | March 30, 2026 |

---

For purposes of this opinion, we have considered the Agreement, the combined Prospectus and Information Statement dated February 15, 2026, and such other items as we have deemed necessary to render this opinion. In addition, each of Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund has provided us with a letter dated as of the date hereof (collectively, the "Representation Letters") representing as to certain facts, occurrences and information upon which each of Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund has indicated that we may rely in rendering this opinion (whether or not contained or reflected in the documents and items referred to above).

In reviewing the foregoing materials, we have assumed, with your permission, the authenticity of original documents, the accuracy of copies, the genuineness of signatures, the legal capacity of signatories, and the proper execution of documents. We have further assumed that (i) all parties to the Agreement and any other documents examined by us have acted, and will act, in accordance with the terms of such Agreement and documents, and that the Reorganization will be consummated pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement without the waiver or modification of any such terms and conditions; and (ii) all representations contained in the Agreement, as well as those representations contained in the Representation Letters, are true and complete.

Based on and subject to the foregoing and subject to the final paragraph hereof, we are of the opinion that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Reorganization will constitute a "reorganization" within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and Acquiring Fund and Acquired Fund each will be "a party to a reorganization"
within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Under Sections 361 and 357(a) of the Code, Acquired Fund will not recognize
gain or loss upon the transfer of Acquired Fund's assets to Acquiring Fund in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption
by Acquiring Fund of all the liabilities of Acquired Fund, or upon the distribution of Acquiring Fund Shares by Acquired Fund to its shareholders
in liquidation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Under Section 354 of the Code, Acquired Fund shareholders will not recognize
any gain or loss upon the exchange of their Acquired Fund shares for Acquiring Fund Shares in the Reorganization (except with respect
to cash received by Acquired Fund shareholders in redemption of fractional shares prior to the Reorganization);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Under Section 358 of the Code, the aggregate tax basis of Acquiring
Fund Shares an Acquired Fund shareholder receives in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund
shares exchanged therefor;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) Under Section 1223(1) of the Code, an Acquired Fund shareholder's
holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares received in the Reorganization will be determined by including the period during which such
shareholder held or is treated for federal income tax purposes as having held the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor, provided that
the shareholder held those Acquired Fund shares as capital assets;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](image_002.jpg) | March 30, 2026 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) Under Section 1032 of the Code, Acquiring Fund will not recognize gain
or loss upon the receipt of the assets of Acquired Fund in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by Acquiring Fund of
all the liabilities of Acquired Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) Under Section 362(b) of the Code, Acquiring Fund's tax basis in
the assets of Acquired Fund transferred to Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will be the same as Acquired Fund's tax basis immediately
prior to the transfer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) Under Section 1223(2) of the Code, the holding period in the hands of
Acquiring Fund of each Acquired Fund asset transferred to Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will include the period during which such
asset was held or treated for federal income tax purposes as held by Acquired Fund; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) Acquiring Fund will succeed to and take into account the items of Acquired
Fund described in Section 381(c) of the Code, subject to the conditions and limitations specified in Sections 381, 382, 383 and 384 of
the Code and the Regulations thereunder.

No ruling has been or will be obtained from the IRS as to the subject matter of this opinion and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court of law will concur with the opinion set forth above. Our opinion is based on the Code, Treasury Regulations, IRS rulings, judicial decisions, and other applicable authority, all as in effect on the date of this opinion. The legal authorities on which this opinion is based may be changed at any time. Any such changes may be retroactively applied and could modify the opinions expressed above.

---

| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Ropes & Gray LLP |
| Ropes & Gray LLP |

---

## Exhibit 99.16

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](image_001.jpg) | ROPES & GRAY LLP<br> PRUDENTIAL TOWER<br> 800 BOYLSTON STREET<br> BOSTON, MA 02199-3600<br> WWW.ROPESGRAY.COM |

---

March 30, 2026

Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund

Sterling Capital Funds

434 Fayetteville St., Suite 500

Raleigh, NC 27601

Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF

Sterling Capital Funds

434 Fayetteville St., Suite 500

Raleigh, NC 27601

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel in connection with the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Agreement") dated November 19, 2025, by and among (i) Sterling Capital Funds ("Trust"), on behalf of one of its series, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond ETF ("Acquiring Fund"), (ii) Trust, on behalf of one of its series, Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund ("Acquired Fund"), and (iii) for purposes of Section 5 of the Agreement only, Sterling Capital Management LLC. The Agreement describes a proposed transaction (the "Reorganization") to occur as of the date of this letter, pursuant to which Acquiring Fund will acquire all of the assets of Acquired Fund in exchange for shares of beneficial interest in Acquiring Fund (the "Acquiring Fund Shares") and the assumption by Acquiring Fund of all of the liabilities of Acquired Fund following which the Acquiring Fund Shares received by Acquired Fund will be distributed by Acquired Fund to its shareholders in liquidation and termination of Acquired Fund. This opinion as to certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization is furnished to you pursuant to Section 8.3(g) of the Agreement. Capitalized terms not defined herein are used herein as defined in the Agreement.

Acquired Fund is a series of Trust, which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company. Shares of Acquired Fund are redeemable at net asset value at each shareholder's option. Acquired Fund has elected to be a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes under Section 851 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](image_002.jpg) | March 30, 2026 |

---

Acquiring Fund is a series of Trust, which is registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company. Acquiring Fund operates as an exchange-traded fund; shares of Acquiring Fund are redeemable at net asset value only by authorized participants transacting in creation units and are traded on a national securities exchange.

For purposes of this opinion, we have considered the Agreement, the combined Prospectus and Information Statement dated February 15, 2026, and such other items as we have deemed necessary to render this opinion. In addition, each of Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund has provided us with a letter dated as of the date hereof (collectively, the "Representation Letters") representing as to certain facts, occurrences and information upon which each of Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund has indicated that we may rely in rendering this opinion (whether or not contained or reflected in the documents and items referred to above).

In reviewing the foregoing materials, we have assumed, with your permission, the authenticity of original documents, the accuracy of copies, the genuineness of signatures, the legal capacity of signatories, and the proper execution of documents. We have further assumed that (i) all parties to the Agreement and any other documents examined by us have acted, and will act, in accordance with the terms of such Agreement and documents, and that the Reorganization will be consummated pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement without the waiver or modification of any such terms and conditions; and (ii) all representations contained in the Agreement, as well as those representations contained in the Representation Letters, are true and complete.

Based on and subject to the foregoing and subject to the final paragraph hereof, we are of the opinion that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Reorganization will constitute a "reorganization" within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and Acquiring Fund and Acquired Fund each will be "a party to a reorganization"
within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Under Sections 361 and 357(a) of the Code, Acquired Fund will not recognize
gain or loss upon the transfer of Acquired Fund's assets to Acquiring Fund in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption
by Acquiring Fund of all the liabilities of Acquired Fund, or upon the distribution of Acquiring Fund Shares by Acquired Fund to its shareholders
in liquidation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Under Section 354 of the Code, Acquired Fund shareholders will not recognize
any gain or loss upon the exchange of their Acquired Fund shares for Acquiring Fund Shares in the Reorganization (except with respect
to cash received by Acquired Fund shareholders in redemption of fractional shares prior to the Reorganization);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Under Section 358 of the Code, the aggregate tax basis of Acquiring
Fund Shares an Acquired Fund shareholder receives in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund
shares exchanged therefor;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) Under Section 1223(1) of the Code, an Acquired Fund shareholder's
holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares received in the Reorganization will be determined by including the period during which such
shareholder held or is treated for federal income tax purposes as having held the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor, provided that
the shareholder held those Acquired Fund shares as capital assets;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](image_002.jpg) | March 30, 2026 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) Under Section 1032 of the Code, Acquiring Fund will not recognize gain
or loss upon the receipt of the assets of Acquired Fund in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by Acquiring Fund of
all the liabilities of Acquired Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) Under Section 362(b) of the Code, Acquiring Fund's tax basis in
the assets of Acquired Fund transferred to Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will be the same as Acquired Fund's tax basis immediately
prior to the transfer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) Under Section 1223(2) of the Code, the holding period in the hands of
Acquiring Fund of each Acquired Fund asset transferred to Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will include the period during which such
asset was held or treated for federal income tax purposes as held by Acquired Fund; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) Acquiring Fund will succeed to and take into account the items of Acquired
Fund described in Section 381(c) of the Code, subject to the conditions and limitations specified in Sections 381, 382, 383 and 384 of
the Code and the Regulations thereunder.

No ruling has been or will be obtained from the IRS as to the subject matter of this opinion and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court of law will concur with the opinion set forth above. Our opinion is based on the Code, Treasury Regulations, IRS rulings, judicial decisions, and other applicable authority, all as in effect on the date of this opinion. The legal authorities on which this opinion is based may be changed at any time. Any such changes may be retroactively applied and could modify the opinions expressed above.

---

| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Ropes & Gray LLP |
| Ropes & Gray LLP |

---