# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001815493
**File Stem:** 0001580642-25-007818
**Filing Date:** 2025-12
**Character Count:** 527166
**Document Hash:** e64be0d9c3ec63e4e3ed34c4f2eb25ce
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001580642-25-007818.hdr.sgml**: 20251212

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001580642-25-007818

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485BPOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 36

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20251212

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20251212

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20251213

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** VELA Funds
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001815493

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-23585
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251568168

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 220 MARKET STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 208
- **CITY:** NEW ALBANY
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 43054
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 614-653-2178

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 220 MARKET STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 208
- **CITY:** NEW ALBANY
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 43054
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** VELA Funds
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001815493

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-239642
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251568167

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 220 MARKET STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 208
- **CITY:** NEW ALBANY
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 43054
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 614-653-2178

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 220 MARKET STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 208
- **CITY:** NEW ALBANY
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 43054

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund (Series ID: S000097967)

| Class ID   | Class Name                      | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000267517 | VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A |  |
| C000267518 | VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund Class I |  |

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 2025

1933 Act Registration Number – 333-239642

1940 Act Registration Number – 811-23585

**U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**Form N-1A**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ☒**

**Pre-Effective Amendment No. __**

**Post-Effective Amendment No. 12**

**and/or**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ☒**

**Amendment No. 14**

**VELA FUNDS**

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

**220 Market Street, Suite 208**

**New Albany, Ohio 43054**

(Address of Principal Office)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: **(614) 653-8352**

**The Corporation Trust Company**

**Corporation Trust Center**

**1209 Orange Street**

**New Castle County**

**Wilmington, DE 19801**

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

**With copy to: Peter Schwartz, Esq.**

**Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP**

**3400 Walnut Street, Suite 700**

**Denver, CO 80205**

and

**Jesse D. Hallee**

**Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC**

**225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450**

**Cincinnati, OH 45246**

**Approximate date of Proposed Public Offering:** As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

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

☐ Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

☒ On December 13, 2025 pursuant to paragraph (b)

☐ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

☐ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

☐ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

☐ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

If appropriate, check the following box:

☐ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

![](pro_001.jpg)

**PROSPECTUS**

**December 13, 2025**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class A** | **Class I** |
| **VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;(TBD) | &nbsp;&nbsp;VSMMX |

---

As with all mutual fund shares and prospectuses, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these shares or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

![(VELA FUNDS LOGO)](pro_001.jpg)

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund | 1 |
| Fund Details | 5 |
| Additional Information About Principal and Non-Principal Investment Strategies and Principal and Non-Principal Risks | 5 |
| Investment Risks | 6 |
| Portfolio Holdings Disclosure | 14 |
| Management of the Fund | 14 |
| Your Account | 16 |
| Pricing Your Shares | 16 |
| How to Purchase Shares | 17 |
| How to Redeem Shares | 23 |
| How to Exchange Shares | 25 |
| How to Request Certain Non-Financial Transactions | 25 |
| Market Timing and Frequent Trading Policy | 26 |
| Distribution and Federal Income Taxes | 26 |
| Householding | 30 |
| Financial Highlights | 31 |
| Appendix A | A-1 |

---

i

**VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund**

**Fund Summary**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Class** | **A** | **I** |
| Ticker | (TBD) | VSMMX |

---

**Investment Objective**

The investment objective of the VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the fund. **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.** You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in VELA Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the Sales Charges section on page 19 of the fund's Prospectus.

**Shareholder Fees** (fees paid directly from your investment)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Class A** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Class I** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases as a % of Offering Price | 5.00% |  |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (on redemptions in the first year as a percentage of the amount invested or the current value, whichever is less) |  |  |

---

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Class A** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Class I** |
| Management fees | 0.70% | 0.70% |
| Distribution (12b-1) fees | 0.25% | 0.00% |
| Other expenses (administrative fees)<sup>1, 2</sup> | 0.34% | 0.34% |
| Total annual fund operating expenses | 1.29% | 1.04% |

---

(1) "Other expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

(2) The fund's investment adviser, VELA Investment Management, LLC (the "Adviser"), pays most of the fund's operating expenses (with certain exceptions) in return for an "administrative fee" (exclusive of the management fee, brokerage and other expenses of executing fund transactions; taxes or governmental fees; costs of borrowing (such as interest charges and dividend expenses on securities sold short); litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund's business, as well as any expenses incurred pursuant to the fund's Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan).

**Expense Example**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It also shows costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 year** | **3 years** |
| **Class A** | $625 | $889 |
| **Class I** | $106 | $331 |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund's performance. Because the fund had not commenced investment operations, it does not have prior year portfolio turnover to report.

**Principal Investment Strategy**

The fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. equity securities with small-mid market capitalizations that the Adviser believes are undervalued. Equity securities consist of common and preferred stocks. Small-mid cap companies are defined by the fund as companies with market capitalizations in the range of those market capitalizations of companies included between the 1500<sup>th</sup> largest company in the Russell 2500 Index and the largest company in the Russell 2500 Index at the time of purchase. The capitalization range is between $914 million and $45.1 billion as of December 1, 2025 and includes small, mid, and large capitalization companies. The size of the companies included in the Russell 2500 Index will change with market conditions.

The Adviser focuses on estimating a company's value independent of its current stock price. To estimate a company's value, the Adviser concentrates on the fundamental economic drivers of the business. The primary focus is on "bottom-up" analysis, which takes into consideration earnings, revenue growth, operating margins, balance sheet strength, free cash flow generation, management stewardship, and other economic factors. The Adviser also typically considers the level of industry competition, regulatory factors, the threat of technological obsolescence, and a variety of other industry factors. If the Adviser's estimate of a company's value differs sufficiently from the current market price, the company may be an attractive investment opportunity. In constructing a portfolio of securities, the Adviser is not constrained by the sector or industry weights in the benchmark. The Adviser relies on individual stock selection and discipline in the investment process to add value. The highest portfolio security weights are assigned to companies where the Adviser has the highest level of conviction.

Once a stock is selected, the Adviser continues to monitor the company's strategies, financial performance, and competitive environment. The Adviser may sell a security as it reaches the Adviser's estimate of the company's value if it believes that the company's earnings, revenue growth, operating margin or other economic factors are deteriorating, if the company's stock price is discounting more than the company's long range earnings potential, or if it identifies a stock that it believes offers a better investment opportunity.

The fund may sell (write) covered call options to generate additional income or hedge exposure.

**Principal Risks**

All investments carry a certain amount of risk and the fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objective. An investment in the fund is not a deposit or obligation of any bank, is not endorsed or guaranteed by any bank, and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. You may lose money by investing in the fund. Below are the principal risks of investing in the fund. All of the risks listed below are significant to the fund, regardless of the order in which they appear.

**Market Risk.** The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, state, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the fund and its investments and could result in decreases to the fund's net asset value. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

Political, geopolitical, natural and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, government shutdowns, market closures, natural and environmental disasters, epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises and related events and governments' reactions to such events have led, and in the future may lead, to economic uncertainty, decreased economic activity, increased market volatility and other disruptive effects on U.S. and global economies and markets. Such events may have significant adverse direct or indirect effects on the fund and its investments. For example, a widespread health crisis such as a global pandemic could cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures, and impact the ability to complete redemptions, all of which could affect fund performance. A health crisis may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, and economic risks. In addition, the increasing interconnectedness of markets around the world may result in many markets being affected by events or conditions in a single country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers.

**Equity Market Risk.** Overall stock market risks may affect the value of the fund. Factors such as U.S. economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events affect the securities markets. When the value of the fund's investments goes down, your investment in the fund decreases in value.

**Management Risk.** The Adviser's judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of a particular asset class or individual security in which the fund invests may prove to be incorrect and there is no guarantee that individual companies will perform as anticipated. The value of an individual company can be more volatile than the market as a whole, and the Adviser's intrinsic value-oriented approach may fail to produce the intended results.

**Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk.** Investments in small cap and mid cap companies may be riskier than investments in larger, more established companies. The securities of these companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than securities of larger companies. In addition, small cap and mid cap companies may be more vulnerable to economic, market and industry changes. As a result, share price changes may be more sudden or erratic than the prices of other equity securities, especially over the short term. Because smaller companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources or may depend on a few key employees, they may be more susceptible to particular economic events or competitive factors than large capitalization companies.

**Large Cap Company Risk.** Returns on investments in securities of larger companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and mid-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and mid-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and mid-sized companies.

**Options Risk.** There are risks associated with buying and selling call and put options. If the fund buys a put or call option, the fund risks losing the entire premium invested in the option if the fund does not exercise the option. If the fund sells (writes) a put option, there is risk that the fund may be required to buy the underlying investment at a disadvantageous price. If the fund sells (writes) a covered call option, there is risk that the fund may be required to sell the underlying investment at a disadvantageous price. The fund will receive a premium from writing options, but the premium received may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from exercised options.

**Covered Call Risk.** The writer of a covered call option forgoes any profit from increases in the market value of the underlying security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call but retains the risk of loss if the underlying security declines in value. The fund will have no control over the exercise of the option by the option holder and may lose the benefit from any capital appreciation on the underlying security. The fund will receive a premium from writing options, but the premium received may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from exercised options.

**Value-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk.** Value stocks are those that are believed to be undervalued in comparison to their peers due to adverse business developments or other factors, or those where the Adviser believes the aggregate present value of the company's future cash flows is materially greater than that which the market is currently reflecting via the target company's share price. Value investing is subject to the risk that the market will not recognize a security's inherent value for a long time or at all, or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced or overvalued. In addition, during some periods (which may be extensive), value stocks generally may be out of favor in the markets.

**Sector Emphasis Risk.** The fund, from time to time, may invest 25% or more of the fund's assets in one or more sectors, subjecting the fund to sector emphasis risk. This is the risk that the fund is subject to a greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business or other developments affecting a specific sector in which the fund has a focused position, than if its investments were diversified across a greater number of industry sectors. Some sectors have particular risks that may not affect other sectors.

**New Fund Risk.** The fund is newly organized and has little or no operating history. While the Adviser has experience in investment-related activities, the Adviser has limited experience managing registered investment companies.

**Performance**

Performance information for the fund has been omitted because the fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Once the fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included in this Prospectus that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund by showing the variability of the fund's return based on net assets and comparing the variability of the fund's return to a broad measure of market performance.

**Portfolio Management**

**Investment Adviser**

VELA Investment Management, LLC

**Portfolio Managers**

The Adviser employs a team of portfolio managers who are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund. The portfolio managers are:

Jason Downey, CFA

Lead Portfolio Manager

Since inception (December 15, 2025)

Jeannette Hubbard, CFA

Portfolio Manager

Since inception (December 15, 2025)

**Buying and Selling Fund Shares**

**Minimum Initial Investment**

Class A: $1,000

Class I: $2,500

**Minimum Subsequent Investment**

Class A: None

Class I: None

**To Place Orders**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Regular Mail: | Overnight Mail: |
| VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund | VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund |
| c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC | c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
| PO Box 46707 | 225 Pictoria Dr, Suite 450 |
| Cincinnati, OH 45246 | Cincinnati, OH 45246 |
| 1-833-399-1001 | 1-833-399-1001 |

---

**Transaction Policies**

In general, you can buy or sell (redeem) shares of the fund by mail or phone on any business day. You can generally pay for shares by check or wire. You may be charged wire fees or other transaction fees; ask your financial professional. When selling shares, you will receive a check, unless you request a wire. You may also buy and sell shares through a financial professional.

**Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes**

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the fund's distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, capital gains, qualified dividend income, or section 199A dividends, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other qualified tax-qualified investment plan. Withdrawals from such a tax-qualified investment plan will be subject to special tax rules.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.

**Fund Details**

**Additional Information About Principal and Non-Principal Investment Strategies and Principal and Non-Principal Risks**

**Other Investments**

In addition to the principal investment strategies described above, the fund may, as non-principal investment strategies, invest in rights and warrants, other investment companies, exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), S&P Depositary Receipts ("SPDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), and American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), as applicable.

The investment objective of the VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation. The fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. equity securities with small-mid market capitalizations that the Adviser believes are undervalued. This is a non-fundamental investment policy that can be changed by the fund's Board of Trustees upon 60 days' prior notice to shareholders.

**Investment Risks**

The principal ("P") and non-principal ("NP") risks associated with investing in the fund are described below. A certain risk may also be not applicable ("N/A") to the fund. All of the principal risks listed below are significant to the fund, regardless of the order in which they appear.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ADR Risk** | *NP* |
| **Convertible Securities Risk** | *NP* |
| **Corporate Bond Risk** | *NP* |
| **Covered Call Risk** | *P* |
| **Credit Risk** | *NP* |
| **Currency Risk** | *NP* |
| **Cybersecurity Risk** | *NP* |
| **Derivatives Risk** | *NP* |
| **Emerging Market Risk** | *NP* |
| **Equity Market Risk** | *P* |
| **Fixed Income Risk** | *NP* |
| **Foreign Tax Risk** | *NP* |
| **General Risks** | *NP* |
| **High Yield Securities Risk** | *NP* |
| **Illiquid Securities Risk** | *NP* |
| **Interest Rate Risk** | *NP* |
| **Investment Company and <br> Exchange Traded Fund ("ETF") Risk** | *NP* |
| **Large Cap Company Risk** | *P* |
| **Liquidity Risk** | *NP* |
| **Long-Short Strategy Risk** | *NP* |
| **Management Risk** | *P* |
| **Market Risk** | *P* |
| **MLP and MLP-Related Securities** | *NP* |
| **MLP Tax Risk** | *NP* |
| **Mortgage-Backed and <br> Asset-Backed Securities Risk** | *NP* |
| **New Fund Risk** | *P* |
| **Non-U.S. Securities Risk** | *NP* |
| **Options Risk** | *P* |
| **Preferred Stock Risk** | *NP* |
| **Prepayment Risk** | *NP* |
| **Rating Agency Risk** | *NP* |
| **REIT Risk** | *NP* |
| **Redemption Risk** | *NP* |
| **Securitized Products Risk** | *NP* |
| **Sector Emphasis Risk** | *P* |
| **Short Sale Risk** | *NP* |
| **Small Cap and Mid-Cap Risk** | *P* |
| **U.S. Government Securities Risk** | *NP* |
| **Value-Oriented Investment <br> Strategies Risk** | *P* |

---

**Principal Risks**

**ADRs Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the Fund. ADRs, which are typically issued by a bank, are certificates that evidence ownership of shares of a foreign company and are alternatives to purchasing foreign securities directly in their national markets and currencies. ADRs are subject to the same risks as direct investment in foreign companies and involve risks that are not found in investments in U.S. companies. Although an ADR is priced in the US dollar, movements in the exchange rate of the local currency versus the US dollar are automatically reflected in the price of the ADR in US dollars. Therefore, even if the price of the foreign security does not change on its market, if the exchange rate of the local currency relative to the US Dollar declines, the ADR price would decline by a similar measure.

**Convertible Securities Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the Fund. Convertible securities are hybrid securities that have characteristics of both bonds and common stocks and are subject to fixed income security risks and conversion value-related equity risk. Convertible securities are similar to other fixed-income securities because they usually pay a fixed interest rate and are obligated to repay principal on a given date in the future. The market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline as interest rates increase. Convertible securities are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates when their conversion to equity feature is small relative to the interest and principal value of the bond. Convertible issuers may not be able to make principal and interest payments on the bond as they become due. Convertible securities may also be subject to prepayment or redemption risk. If a convertible security is called for redemption, the fund will be required to surrender the security for redemption, convert it into the issuing company's common stock or cash at a time that may be unfavorable to the fund. Convertible securities have characteristics similar to common stocks especially when their conversion value is greater than the interest and principal value of the bond. When a convertible security's value is more closely tied to its conversion to stock feature, it is sensitive to the underlying stock's price.

The value of certain convertible securities, such as preferred stocks, will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of preferred stock. Preferred stocks are also subject to credit risk, which is the possibility that an issuer of preferred stock will fail to make its dividend payments. Preferred stock prices tend to move more slowly upwards than common stock prices. In an issuer bankruptcy, preferred stock holders are subordinate to the claims of debtholders and may receive little or no recovery.

Synthetic convertible securities are derivative debt securities and are subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the synthetic security. The value of a synthetic convertible security may decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates. The value of a synthetic convertible security may also respond differently to market fluctuations than a convertible bond because a synthetic convertible is composed of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value.

**Corporate Bond Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the Fund. 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 interest rates, the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation's performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace. The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates. The market value of intermediate and longer-term corporate bonds is generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates than is the market value of shorter-term corporate bonds. Corporate bonds are also subject to the credit risk of the issuer, as the issuer of corporate bonds may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument.

**Covered Call Risk.** This is a principal risk for the Fund. The writer of a covered call option forgoes any profit from increases in the market value of the underlying security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call but retains the risk of loss if the underlying security declines in value. The Fund will have no control over the exercise of the option by the option holder and may lose the benefit from any capital appreciation on the underlying security. A number of factors may influence the option holder's decision to exercise the option, including the value of the underlying security, price volatility, dividend yield and interest rates. To the extent that these factors increase the value of the call option, the option holder is more likely to exercise the option, which may negatively affect the Fund. Selling a cover call option can, in certain circumstances, result in stock sales being taxed at ordinary income rates and/or may prevent dividends on the underlying stock from being taxed as qualified dividends at long-term capital gains rates to non-corporate shareholders of the Fund. For additional information see the discussion under in the SAI under "TAXATION OF THE FUND – Financial Products".

**Credit Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the Fund. An issuer may be unable to make principal and interest payments when due or that the price of the security changes due to a downgrade in the credit quality of the issuer. In such cases, the value of the fund's portfolio could fall. Corporate bonds are generally subject to higher levels of credit risk than government bonds.

**Currency Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. Foreign securities in which the fund invests usually are denominated and traded in foreign currencies, while the fund values its assets in U.S. dollars. The exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar fluctuate continuously. As a result, the values of the fund's non-U.S. investments will be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar. For example, the fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities denominated in a particular foreign currency, so the exchange rate between that currency and the U.S. dollar is likely to have a significant impact on the value of the fund's investments. On occasion, the fund may (but is not required to) try to hedge against the risk of loss resulting from currency fluctuation. There can be no guarantee that any hedging activity will be undertaken or, if undertaken, will be successful. Hedging activity or use of forward foreign currency contracts may reduce the risk of loss from currency revaluations, but also may reduce or limit the opportunity for gain and involves counterparty risks, which is the risk that the contracting party will not fulfill its contractual obligation to deliver the currency contracted for at the agreed upon price to the fund.

**Derivatives Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. Derivatives, including options, futures contracts, and forward contracts, may be riskier than other types of investments and may increase the volatility of the fund. Derivatives may be sensitive to changes in economic and market conditions and may create leverage, which could result in losses that significantly exceed the fund's original investment. Derivatives expose the fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the derivative counterparty will not fulfill its contractual obligations (and includes credit risk associated with the counterparty). If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, the fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the fund. The fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving its counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If the fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Certain derivatives are synthetic instruments that attempt to replicate the performance of certain reference assets. With regard to such derivatives, the fund does not have a claim on the reference assets and is subject to enhanced counterparty risk. Derivatives may not perform as expected, so the fund may not realize the intended benefits. When used for hedging, the change in value of a derivative may not correlate as expected with the currency, security or other risk being hedged. In addition, given their complexity, derivatives expose the fund to risks of mispricing or improper valuation. Certain of the fund's transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders which may result in the fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the fund's after-tax returns. See the discussion in the SAI under "TAXATION OF THE FUND – Financial Products".

**Emerging Markets Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. Many of the risks with respect to non-U.S. investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems. The fund's investments in emerging market securities may also be subject to non-U.S. withholding and/or other taxes, which would decrease the fund's yield on those securities.

**Equity Market Risk.** This is a principal risk for the fund. The price of equity securities may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, sectors or industries selected for the fund or the securities market as a whole, such as changes in economic or political conditions. Equity securities are subject to "stock market risk" meaning that stock prices in general (or in particular, the types of securities in which the fund invest) may decline over short or extended periods of time. When the value of the fund's securities goes down, your investment in the fund decreases in value.

**Fixed Income Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. The fund may, from time to time, invest in fixed income securities. When the fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the fund. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Other risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default), extension risk (an issuer may exercise its right to repay principal on a fixed rate obligation held by the fund later than expected), and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early, reducing the amount of interest payments). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment by the fund, possibly causing the fund's share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments.

**Foreign Tax Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. The fund's income from non-U.S. issuers may be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes. The fund may also be subject to taxes on trading profits or on transfers of securities in some countries. To the extent foreign income taxes are paid by the fund, shareholders generally will not be entitled to a credit or deduction for U.S. tax purposes.

**High Yield Securities Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. The fund may invest in below investment grade bonds, also known as high yield securities or "junk bonds". High yield securities provide greater income and opportunity for gain but entail greater risk of loss of principal. High yield securities are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. These investments may be issued by companies that are highly leveraged, less creditworthy or financially distressed. Although these investments generally provide a higher yield than higher-rated debt securities, the high degree of risk involved in these investments can result in substantial or total losses. The market for high yield securities is generally less active than the market for higher quality securities and the market price of these securities can change suddenly and unexpectedly. Based on measures such as dealer inventories and average trade size, the high yield market has become less liquid at the same time as it has grown markedly and become more concentrated under the control of the largest investors. During future periods of market stress, liquidity conditions in the high yield market may be even worse than prior periods of market stress.

**Illiquid Securities Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. The fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net assets in securities that are illiquid. An illiquid investment is any investment that cannot be disposed of in current market conditions within seven days in the normal course of business at approximately the amount at which it is valued by the fund and without significantly changing the value of the investment. The price the fund pays for illiquid securities or receives upon resale may be lower than the price paid or received for similar securities with a more liquid market. In addition, there may be no market or a limited market in which to sell illiquid securities.

**Interest Rate Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. The value of fixed income securities will generally decrease when interest rates rise which means the fund's value will likewise decrease. Generally, debt securities decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall, with longer term securities being more sensitive than shorter-term securities. For example, the approximate percentage change in the price of a security with a two-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 2% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates.

**Investment Company and Exchange Traded Fund ("ETF") Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. The fund may invest in shares of other investment companies or ETFs. Shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying investment companies in which the fund invests in addition to the fund's direct fees and expenses. The fund also will incur brokerage costs when it buys ETFs. In addition, the fund will be subject to the risks associated with the investment company or ETF's investments. The price movement of an ETF may not track the underlying index and may result in a loss. The ETF may trade at a price above (premium) or below (discount) their net asset value, especially during periods of significant volatility or stress, causing investors to pay significantly more or less than the value of the ETF's underlying portfolio. Furthermore, investments in other funds could affect the timing, amount, and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the fund.

**Large Cap Company Risk.** This is a principal risk for the fund. Returns on investments in securities of larger companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and mid-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and mid-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and mid-sized companies.

**Liquidity Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. Fixed income securities can have less liquidity than securities traded on an exchange, especially lower-quality securities or those securities that have certain restrictions on resale. In addition, the fund is subject to additional risks in that they may invest in high-yield/high-risk bonds (commonly referred to as "junk" bonds). These are bonds rated below investment grade by a Rating Agency or are unrated and determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser and may include bonds that are already in default. Lower quality bonds may be more difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price that the fund would like, making the Fund subject to greater levels of liquidity risk than other bond funds that do not invest in such securities. This could in turn negatively impact the value of the fund's portfolio.

**Long/Short Strategy Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. In situations where the fund takes a long position (i.e., owns a stock outright), the fund will lose money if the price of the stock declines. In situations where the fund takes a short position, the fund will lose money if the price of the stock increases. It is possible that the fund's long and short positions will not perform as expected and losses on one type of position could more than offset gains on the other or that the fund will lose money on its long and short positions at the same time. To the extent the fund uses the proceeds from short positions to increase the fund's long positions, the fund could experience greater losses if both positions decrease in value or if losses in the long position exceed any gains on the short position.

**Management Risk.** This is a principal risk for the fund. The Adviser's judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of a particular asset class or individual security in which the fund invests may prove to be incorrect and there is no guarantee that individual companies will perform as anticipated. The value of an individual company can be more volatile than the market as a whole, and the Adviser's intrinsic value-oriented approach may fail to produce the intended results. In addition, there is no guarantee that the use of long and short positions will succeed in limiting the fund's exposure to stock market movements, sector-swings or other risk factors. The strategy used by the fund involves complex securities transactions that involve risks different than direct equity investments.

**Market Risk.** This is a principal risk for the fund. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, local, state, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the fund and its investments and could result in decreases to the fund's net asset value.

Political, geopolitical, natural and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, government shutdowns, market closures, natural and environmental disasters, epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises and related events and governments' reactions to such events have led, and in the future may lead, to economic uncertainty, decreased economic activity, increased market volatility and other disruptive effects on U.S. and global economies and markets. Such events may have significant adverse direct or indirect effects on the fund and its investments. For example, a widespread health crisis such as a global pandemic could cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures, and impact the ability to complete redemptions, all of which could affect fund performance. A health crisis may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, and economic risks. In addition, the increasing interconnectedness of markets around the world may result in many markets being affected by events or conditions in a single country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers.

**MLP and MLP-Related Securities.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. Investments in MLPs and MLP-related securities involve risks different from those of investing in common stock including risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the MLP or MLP-related security, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP's general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks (which could occur if the MLP raises capital and then invests it in projects whose return fails to exceed the cost of capital raised) and risks related to the general partner's limited call right. MLPs and MLP-related securities are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments. During periods of interest rate volatility, these investments may not provide attractive returns. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the use of MLPs or MLP-related securities could enhance or harm the overall performance of the fund.

**MLP Tax Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. MLPs, typically, do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Instead, each partner is allocated a share of the partnership's income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law or in the underlying business mix of a given MLP could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income which could reduce the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP. Thus, if any MLP owned by the fund were treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that could reduce the fund's yield from its investment in the MLP and the value of your investment in the fund.

**New Fund Risk**. The fund is newly organized and has little or no operating history. While the Adviser has experience in investment-related activities, the Adviser has limited experience managing registered investment companies.

**Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk**. This is a non-principal risk for the fund. Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of mortgage-backed securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates, and may reduce the market value of the securities. Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to pre-payment risk. Due to their often-complicated structures, various mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be difficult to value and may constitute illiquid securities. Furthermore, debtors may be entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer protection credit laws with respect to these securities, which may give the debtor the right to avoid or reduce payment.

**Non-U.S. Securities Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. Investing in non-U.S. securities (including depositary receipts) involves special risks in addition to those of U.S. investments. These risks include political and economic risks, civil conflicts and war, greater market volatility, expropriation and nationalization risks, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible non-U.S. controls on investment, and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of non-U.S. markets. The securities markets of many non-U.S. countries are relatively small, with a limited number of companies representing a small number of industries. If non-U.S. securities are denominated and traded in a non-U.S. currency, the value of the fund's non-U.S. holdings can be affected by currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations. In certain markets where securities and other instruments are not traded "delivery versus payment," the fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments when due or default completely. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable becoming riskier and more volatile. The potential departure of one or more other countries from the European Union may have significant political and financial consequences for global markets. Uncertainty relating to the withdrawal procedures and timeline may have adverse effects on asset valuations and the renegotiation of current trade agreements, as well as an increase in financial regulation in such markets. This may adversely impact fund performance. The fund's investments in non-U.S. securities may also be subject to non-U.S. withholding and/or other taxes, which would decrease the fund's yield on those securities.

**Options Risk.** This is a principal risk for the fund. There are risks associated with buying and selling call and put options. If the fund buys a put or call option, the fund risks losing the entire premium invested in the option if the fund does not exercise the option. If the fund sells (writes) a put option, there is risk that the fund may be required to buy the underlying investment at a disadvantageous price. If the fund sells (writes) a covered call option, there is risk that the fund may be required to sell the underlying investment at a disadvantageous price. The fund will receive a premium from writing options, but the premium received may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from exercised options.

**Preferred Stock Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer's underlying common stock than fixed income securities. Additionally, the dividend on a preferred stock may be changed or omitted by the issuer. While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, the fund may buy preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend.

**Prepayment Risk**. This is a non-principal risk for the fund. A general decline in interest rates may result in prepayments of certain obligations. These prepayments may require reinvestments at a lower rate of return. This may reduce the value of the security or the security may not appreciate in value as rapidly as securities that cannot be prepaid.

**Rating Agency Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. Investment grade debt securities may be downgraded by a major rating agency to below investment grade status, which would increase the risk of holding these securities. In addition, a rating may become stale in that it fails to reflect changes to an issuer's financial condition. Ratings represent the rating agency's opinion regarding the quality of the security and are not a guarantee of quality. Rating agencies may fail to make timely credit ratings in response to subsequent events. In addition, ratings agencies are subject to an inherent conflict of interest because they are often compensated by the same issuers whose securities they grade.

**REIT Risk**. This is a non-principal risk for the fund. The fund is subject to the risks of the real estate market as a whole, such as taxation, regulations and economic and political factors that negatively impact the real estate market and the direct ownership of real estate. These may include decreases in real estate values, overbuilding, rising operating costs, interest rates and property taxes. In addition, some real estate related investments are not fully diversified and are subject to the risks associated with financing a limited number of projects. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those associated with the real estate sector generally. REITs whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. By investing in REITs through the fund, a shareholder will bear expenses of the REITs in addition to fund expenses. An entity that fails to qualify as a REIT would be subject to a corporate level tax, would not be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders and would not pass through to its shareholders the character of income earned by the entity. REITs are heavily dependent upon the management team and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation.

**Sector Emphasis Risk.** This is a principal risk for the fund. The fund, from time to time, may invest 25% or more of the fund's assets in one or more sectors, subjecting the fund to sector emphasis risk. This is the risk that the fund is subject to a greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business or other developments affecting a specific sector in which the fund has a focused position, than if its investments were diversified across a greater number of industry sectors. Some sectors have particular risks that may not affect other sectors.

**Securitized Products Risk** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. The fund may invest in various types of securitized products, including but not necessarily limited to asset-backed, mortgage-related, and mortgage-backed securities. In a scenario where investments are either prepaid or called, the fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in securities with a lower yield or fail to recover additional amounts paid for securities with higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss and/or a decrease in the amount of income and yield received by the fund. Further, in times of rising interest rates, securitized products can exhibit a lengthening of duration as fewer of the underlying holdings are prepaid early. If this were to occur, the fund may experience additional volatility because of a longer than anticipated duration. Finally, during periods of economic stress and/or challenging credit markets, these types of securities may decline in value, become illiquid or become difficult to value in cases where the securities cease to trade on the secondary market for a period of time.

**Short Sale Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. When the Adviser believes that a security is overvalued, it may sell the security short and borrow the same security from a broker or other institution to complete the sale. If the price of the security decreases in value, the fund may make a profit and, conversely, if the security increases in value, the fund will incur a loss because it will have to replace the borrowed security by purchasing it at a higher price. There can be no assurance that the fund will be able to close out the short position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although the fund's gain is limited to the amount at which it sold a security short, its potential loss is not limited. A lender may request that the borrowed securities be returned on short notice; if that occurs at a time when other short sellers of the subject security are receiving similar requests, a "short squeeze" can occur. This means that the fund might be compelled, at the most disadvantageous time, to replace borrowed securities previously sold short, with purchases on the open market at prices significantly greater than those at which the securities were sold short.

At any time that the fund has an open short sale position, the fund is required to segregate with its custodian (and to maintain such amount until the fund replaces the borrowed security) an amount of cash or U.S. Government securities or other liquid securities equal to the difference between (i) the current market value of the securities sold short and (ii) any cash or U.S. Government securities required to be deposited with the broker in connection with the short sale (not including the proceeds from the short sale). As a result of these requirements, the fund will not gain any leverage merely by selling short, except to the extent that it earns interest on the immobilized cash or government securities while also being subject to the possibility of gain or loss from the securities sold short. However, depending on arrangements made with the broker or custodian, the fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on the deposits made with the broker or custodian. These deposits do not have the effect of limiting the amount of money the fund may lose on a short sale — the fund's possible losses may exceed the total amount of deposits.

The fund will not make a short sale if, immediately before the transaction, the market value of all securities sold short exceeds 40% of the value of the fund's net assets.

The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased by any premium or interest the fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. It should be noted that possible losses from short sales differ from those that could arise from a cash investment in a security in that the former may be limitless while the latter can only equal the total amount of the fund's investment in the security. For example, if the fund buys a $10 security, the most that can be lost is $10. However, if the fund sells a $10 security short, it may have to purchase the security for return to the lender when the market value is $50, thereby incurring a loss of $40. As the Adviser adjusts the composition of the portfolio to deal with the risk discussed above, the fund may have a high portfolio turnover rate. Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in the fund's performance. In addition, because of the asset segregation requirement, the fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities that it otherwise might not have sold in order to meet its obligations, such as paying for redemptions of fund shares.

**Small Cap and Mid-Cap Risk.** This is a principal risk for the fund. Investments in smaller companies involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies. Historically, smaller company securities have been more volatile in price than larger company securities, especially over the short term. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility are the less-than-certain growth prospects of small and medium capitalization companies, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities, and the greater sensitivity of smaller companies to changing economic conditions. In addition, less frequent trading, with smaller volume than larger capitalization companies, may make it difficult for the fund to buy and sell shares of smaller companies. Also, the market price for smaller and medium capitalization companies tends to rise more in response to demand and fall more in response to selling pressure than is the case with larger capitalization companies. Further, smaller companies may lack depth of management, may be unable to generate funds necessary for growth or development, or may be developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and may never become established. Smaller companies may be particularly affected by interest rate increases, as they may find it more difficult to borrow money to continue or expand operations, or may have difficulty in repaying any loans that have a floating interest rate.

**U.S. Government Securities Risk.** This is a non-principal risk for the fund. The fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities (such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac securities). Although U.S. government securities issued directly by the U.S. government are guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, other U.S. government securities issued by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government may not be. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so by law.

**Value-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk.** This is a principal risk for the fund. Value stocks are those that are believed to be undervalued in comparison to their peers due to adverse business developments or other factors, or those where the Adviser believes the aggregate present value of the company's future cash flows is materially greater than that which the market is currently reflecting via the target company's share price. Value investing carries the risk that the market will not recognize a security's inherent value for a long time or at all, or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced or overvalued. In addition, during some periods (which may be extensive) value stocks generally may be out of favor in the markets. Therefore, the fund is most suitable for long-term investors who are willing to hold their shares for extended periods of time through market fluctuations and the accompanying changes in share prices.

**Cybersecurity Risk.** The computer systems, networks and devices used by the fund and their service providers to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections used by the fund and their service providers, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached due to both intentional and unintentional events. The fund and its shareholders could be negatively affected as a result of a cybersecurity breach.

Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches may cause disruptions and impact the fund's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with the fund's ability to calculate its NAVs; impediments to trading; the inability of the fund, the Adviser, and other service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.

Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of securities in which the fund invest; counterparties with which the fund engage in transactions; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for the fund's shareholders); and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future. Neither the fund nor the Adviser control the cybersecurity systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

**General Risks.** All mutual funds carry a certain amount of risk. You may lose money on your investment in the fund. The fund is subject to management risk because the fund is actively managed. The fund may not achieve its objective if the Adviser's expectations about particular securities or markets are not met.

**Redemption Risk.** The fund could experience a loss when selling securities to meet redemption requests by shareholders if the redemption requests are unusually large or frequent or if a large shareholder redeems a significant portion of its account, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities the fund wishes to or is required to sell are illiquid.

**Temporary Strategies**

From time to time, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the fund's principal investment strategies, in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. During these times, the fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash and cash equivalents. For example, the fund may hold all or a portion of its assets in money market instruments (high quality income securities with maturities of less than one year), securities of money market funds or U.S. Government repurchase agreements. The fund may also invest in such investments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies. These investments may prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. If the fund buys securities of money market funds, the shareholders of the fund will be subject to duplicative management fees and other expenses.

**Portfolio Holdings Disclosure**

No later than 60 days after the end of each month, the fund will post on the fund's web site, <u>www.velafunds.com</u>, a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings as of the last day of that month. In addition to this monthly disclosure, the fund may also make publicly available its portfolio holdings at other dates as may be decided from time to time.

Shareholders may request portfolio holdings schedules at no charge by calling 1-833-399-1001. A description of the fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund's portfolio holdings is available in the SAI.

**Management of the Fund**

VELA Investment Management, LLC (the "Adviser"), 220 Market Street, Suite 208, New Albany, Ohio 43054, manages the day-to-day investment decisions of the fund and continuously reviews, supervises and administers the fund's investment programs. The Adviser provides advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth individuals, charitable organizations, corporations and business entities. The Adviser's research analysts and portfolio managers average over 20 years of experience investing in individual securities. The Advisor was formed in November 2019. As of September 30, 2025, the Adviser managed approximately $528 million in assets.

Pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2022, as amended, (the "Advisory Agreement") between the Adviser and the fund, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated objective and policies of the fund, manages both the investment operations of the fund and the composition of the fund's portfolios, including the purchase, retention and disposition of securities. In connection therewith, the Adviser is bound to keep certain books and records of the fund. The services of the Adviser are not exclusive under the terms of the Advisory Agreement and the Adviser is free to, and does, render management services to others.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, as of October 1, 2025, the Adviser charges a management fee and an administrative fee, which is designed to pay substantially all the fund's expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for the fund, as set forth below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee<br> Percentage of Average Daily Assets** | **Administrative Fee<br> Percentage of Average Daily Assets** |
| 0.70% | 0.34% |

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Out of the administrative fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of the fund, including all organizational, offering and operating expenses (other than expenses specifically assumed by the fund) of the fund, including the compensation and expenses of any employees of the fund and of any other persons rendering any services to the fund; clerical and shareholder service staff salaries; office space and other office expenses; fees and expenses incurred by the fund in connection with membership in investment company organizations; legal, auditing and accounting expenses; expenses of registering shares under federal and state securities laws; insurance expenses; fees and expenses of the custodian, transfer agent, dividend and dispersing agent, shareholder service agent, plan agent, administrator, accounting and pricing services agent and underwriter of the fund; fees and expenses payable to third parties including but not limited to retirement plan service providers, broker-dealers, bank trust departments, financial advisors, and other financial intermediaries, for shareholder servicing, sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, and related administrative recordkeeping services performed by such entities in connection with their customers who are investors in the fund; expenses, including clerical expenses, of issue, sale redemption or repurchase of shares of the fund; fees and expenses of the non-interested trustees; the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders, the cost of printing or preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information for delivery to the fund's current shareholders; the cost of printing or preparing stock certificates or any other documents, statements or reports to shareholders; expenses of shareholders' meetings and proxy solicitations; and all other operating expenses not specifically assumed by the fund.

The fund is required to pay the management fee; brokerage and other expenses of executing fund transactions; taxes or governmental fees; costs of borrowing (such as interest charges and dividend expenses on securities sold short); litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund's business. The fund will pay all expenses, if any, which may be incurred pursuant to the fund's Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan.

The Board of Trustees, the shareholders of the fund or the Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon sixty (60) days' written notice.

Disclosure of the basis for the Board's approval of the Advisory Agreement will be available in the fund's reports filed on Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.

**Portfolio Managers**

The Portfolio Managers ("PMs") hold ultimate responsibility and accountability for the investment results of the portfolios and have full authority to make all investment decisions.

**Jason Downey, CFA**

*Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst*

Mr. Downey is the Lead Portfolio Manager of the fund, a Portfolio Manager of the Income Opportunities Fund and the Small Cap Fund and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, he served as Co-Portfolio Manager of the Long-Short Strategy at Diamond Hill Capital Management. Mr. Downey held various positions at Diamond Hill, including Research Analyst, Co-Director of Research, and Sector Leader of the Industrials, Materials, Energy and Transportation Team. Mr. Downey has industry experience since 2002.

Mr. Downey holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and received a B.A. in Economics and History from Ohio Wesleyan University.

**Jeannette Hubbard, CFA**

*Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst*

Ms. Hubbard is a Portfolio Manager of the fund, the Lead Portfolio Manager of the Small Cap Fund and a Research Analyst. Ms. Hubbard joined the Adviser in 2020. Prior to joining the Adviser, Ms. Hubbard served as a Research Analyst and Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Small-Mid Cap and Mid Cap Strategies at Diamond Hill Capital Management, having joined the firm in 2007. Ms. Hubbard has industry experience since 1996, including positions with ABN/AMRO LaSalle Bank and Avondale Partners.

Ms. Hubbard holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, a M.A. in International Economic Development Policy from Stanford University, and a B.A. in English from the University of Colorado.

The Statement of Additional Information provides more information about the PMs' compensation, other accounts managed by the PMs and their ownership of shares of the fund.

**The Administrator, Transfer Agent and Fund Accounting Agent**

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC ("Ultimus" or the "Transfer Agent"), located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the fund's administrator, transfer agent and fund accounting agent. Services provided by Ultimus include (i) obtaining valuations, calculating NAVs and performing other accounting, tax and financial services, (ii) recordkeeping, (iii) regulatory reporting services, (iv) processing shareholder account transactions and disbursing dividends and other distributions, and (v) administering custodial and other third party service provider contracts on behalf of the fund.

**The Distributor**

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor"), located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the fund's principal underwriter and serves as the exclusive agent for the distribution of the fund's shares. The Distributor may sell the fund's shares to or through qualified securities dealers or other approved entities.

The SAI has more detailed information about the Adviser and other service providers to the fund.

**Your Account**

**Pricing Your Shares**

When you buy and sell shares of the fund, the price of the shares is based on the fund's net asset value per share (NAV) next determined after the order is received. The NAV is calculated at the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for business ("open business day"). Should the NYSE experience an unexpected market closure or restriction on trading during or on what is expected to be an open business day, the fund will make a determination whether to calculate the NAV at the times as described above (and value the securities as described below in this Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information) or to suspend the determination of the NAV based on available information at the time of or during the unexpected closure or restriction on trading. Purchase requests received by the fund or an authorized agent of the fund after the NYSE closes, or on a day on which the NYSE is not open for trading, will be effective on the next open business day thereafter on which the NYSE is open for trading, and the offering price will be based on the fund's NAV at the close of trading on that day. A separate NAV is calculated for each share class of the fund. The NAV for a class is calculated by dividing the value of the fund's total assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received), allocable to that class, minus liabilities (including accrued expenses) allocable to that class, by the total number of that class's shares outstanding. The market value of the fund's investments is decided primarily on the basis of readily available market quotations.

If market quotations are not readily available or if available market quotations are determined not to be reliable or if a security's value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of trading on the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a natural disaster affecting an entire country or region, or an event that affects an individual company), but before the fund's NAV is calculated, that security may be valued, by the Adviser as the Valuation Designee appointed by the Board, at its fair value in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the fund's Board of Trustees. Without a fair value price, short term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. To the extent that the fund invests in securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges or other markets that trade on weekends or other days when the fund is closed, the value of the fund's shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem your shares. In addition, securities trading on non-U.S. markets present time zone arbitrage opportunities when events affecting portfolio security values occur after the close of the non-U.S. market, but prior to the close of the U.S. market. Fair valuation of the fund's portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of the fund's NAV by short term traders. Fair valuation involves subjective judgments, and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may differ materially from the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security.

If you purchase any shares of the fund through a Processing Organization, as discussed below, it is the responsibility of the authorized agent to transmit properly completed purchase orders so that they will be received timely by the Trust. Any change in price due to the failure of the Trust to receive an order timely must be settled between the investor and the authorized agent placing the order.

**How to Purchase Shares**

Shares of the fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and the fund is generally only available to residents in the United States with a valid tax identification number. This Prospectus in not intended for distribution to prospective investors outside of the United States. The fund generally does not market or sell shares to investors domiciled outside of the United States, even if the investors are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States. All share classes may not be available for purchase in all states.

The following table summarizes different features and eligibility requirements of each Class of the fund.

**Choosing a Share Class**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Eligibility** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Class A** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Class I** |
| May be purchased by the general public | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ |  |
| May be purchased by institutional investors, such as corporations, pension, profit sharing, or defined contribution plans, non-profit organizations, charitable trusts, foundations, and endowments | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ |
| May be purchased by individual investors, through financial intermediaries that have entered into agreements with VELA Funds or its agents | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ |
| May be purchased by Trustees, Directors, and employees of VELA Funds and their immediate family members | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ |
| **Initial Investment Minimum** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**$1000** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**$2500** |
| May be waived for corporate sponsored, participant directed group retirement accounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ |
| May be waived for investors who purchased shares through financial intermediaries that have entered into agreements with VELA Funds or its agents | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ |
| May be waived in other circumstances in the fund's discretion, including for existing clients of the Adviser | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ |
| **Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries Permitted** | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ | &nbsp;&nbsp;✓ |

---

**Financial Intermediaries**

Financial intermediaries or such other organizations may impose eligibility requirements for each of their clients or customers investing in the fund, including investment minimum requirements, which may be the same or differ from the requirements for investors purchasing directly from the fund, and certain financial intermediaries may charge their customers transaction or other fees. Certain share classes may not be available through all financial intermediaries. The fund or Adviser may pay service and/or distribution fees to these entities for services they provide to Class A and Class I shareholders.

**Class A** shares are available to the general public. Class A shares may also be purchased through financial intermediaries that have entered into agreements with VELA Funds or its agents. Financial intermediaries may include financial advisors, investment advisors, brokers, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, retirement or 401(k) plan administrations or any other organization authorized to act in a fiduciary, advisory, custodial or agency capacity for its clients or customers.

Class A shares are only available for purchase into accounts that have a broker of record. If an investor buys Class A shares directly from the fund without a broker of record listed on the account, the fund will treat this request as a purchase of Class A shares at NAV if the investor qualifies for a sales charge waiver. See "Sales Charge Waivers" below.

**Class I** shares are available for purchase by institutional investors such as corporations, pension and profit sharing or defined contribution plans, non-profit organizations, charitable trusts, foundations, and endowments. Class I shares may also be purchased through financial intermediaries that have entered into agreements with VELA Funds or its agents. Financial intermediaries may include financial advisors, investment advisors, brokers, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, retirement or 401(k) plan administrations or any other organization authorized to act in a fiduciary, advisory, custodial or agency capacity for its clients or customers.

**Class I** shares may also be purchased by officers, trustees, directors and employees, and their immediate family members (i.e., spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and any dependent of the person, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")), of VELA Funds and its subsidiaries and affiliates.

**Minimum Initial Investment** amount for Class A and Class I shares is $1,000 and $2,500, respectively.

● The fund may waive the investment minimums for corporate participant directed retirement accounts (such as 401(k) accounts).

● The fund may waive the initial investment minimums for Class A and I shares purchased through financial intermediaries that have entered into a written agreement with the fund or its Agents.

● The fund may waive the investment minimums in other circumstances in their discretion, including for existing clients of the Adviser.

All investments and exchanges are subject to approval by the fund and the fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange of shares at any time. The fund request advance notification of investments in excess of 5% of the current net assets of the fund. All classes of the fund may not be available in every state.

**Minimum Subsequent Investment** amount for Class A and Class I shares is $0.

**Important Information About Procedures for Opening an Account**

Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask for your name, residential address, date of birth, government identification number and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver's license or other identifying documents. If we do not receive these required pieces of information, there may be a delay in processing your investment request, which could subject your investment to market risk. If we are unable to immediately verify your identity, the fund may restrict further investment until your identity is verified. If we are unable to verify your identity, the fund reserves the right to close your account without notice and return your investment to you at the NAV determined on the day in which your account is closed. If we close your account because we are unable to verify your identity, your investment will be subject to market fluctuation, which could result in a loss of a portion of your principal investment.

**Fund Supermarkets and Clearing Organizations**

You may purchase shares of the fund through a fund supermarket or clearing organization, which is a broker-dealer, bank or other financial institution that purchases shares for its customers ("Processing Organization"). The fund has authorized certain Processing Organizations to receive purchase and sale orders on their behalf. Before investing in the fund through a Processing Organization, you should read carefully any materials provided by the Processing Organization together with this Prospectus.

When shares are purchased this way, there may be various differences. The Processing Organization may:

● Charge a fee for its services.

● Act as the shareholder of record of the shares.

● Set different minimum initial and additional investment requirements.

● Impose other charges and restrictions.

● Designate intermediaries to accept purchase and sale orders on the fund's behalf.

● Impose an earlier cut-off time for purchase and redemption requests.

The Trust considers a purchase or sale order as received when an authorized Processing Organization, or its authorized designee, receives the order in proper form. These orders will be priced based on the respective fund's net asset value next computed after such order is received in proper form. It is the responsibility of the authorized agent to transmit properly completed purchase orders so that they will be received timely by the Trust.

Shares held through a Processing Organization may be transferred into your name following procedures established by your Processing Organization and the Trust. Certain Processing Organizations may receive compensation from the Trust, the Adviser, or their affiliates.

**Fund Direct Purchase**

You may also make a direct initial investment by following these steps:

● Complete and sign an investment application form which you can request by calling the fund at 1-833-399-1001 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on days the fund is open for business. On days when the NYSE closes early, the call center hours will be reduced accordingly.

● Cash, third party checks (except for properly endorsed IRA rollover checks), counter checks, starter checks, traveler's checks, money orders, credit card checks, and checks drawn on non-U.S. financial institutions will not be accepted. Cashier's checks bank official checks, and bank money orders are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be accepted under certain circumstances.

● Mail the application and check to:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Regular Mail: | Overnight Mail: |
| (Fund Name) | (Fund Name) |
| c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC | c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
| PO Box 46707 | 225 Pictoria Dr, Suite 450 |
| Cincinnati, OH 45246 | Cincinnati, OH 45246 |

---

To purchase shares of the fund by wire, call the fund at 1-833-399-1001 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on days the fund is open for business for instructions. On days when the NYSE closes early, the call center hours will be reduced accordingly. The fund will accept wire orders only on a day on which the fund, the custodian and the Transfer Agent are open for business. A wire purchase will be considered made when the wired money is received, and the purchase is accepted by the fund. Any delays that may occur in wiring money, including delays that may occur in processing by the banks, are not the responsibility of the fund or the Transfer Agent. There is presently no fee for the receipt of wired funds, but the fund may charge a fee in the future.

**Automated Clearing House (ACH) Purchase**

Current shareholders may purchase additional shares via Automated Clearing House ("ACH"). To have this option added to your account, please send a letter to the fund requesting this option and supply a voided check for the bank account. Only bank accounts held at domestic institutions that are ACH members may be used for these transactions.

You may not use ACH transactions for your initial purchase of fund shares. ACH purchases will be effective at the closing price per share on the business day after the order is placed. The fund may alter, modify or terminate this purchase option at any time. Shares purchased by ACH will not be available for redemption until the transactions have cleared. Shares purchased via ACH transfer may take up to 15 days to clear.

**Automatic Investment Program**

When making your initial investment in the fund, you may choose to participate in the fund's automatic investment program (AIP) by completing the AIP section of the application form discussed above. Purchase amounts ($100 minimum) are automatically on a periodic basis from your bank account through ACH (automated clearing house) and are subject to the payment of any applicable sales charge.

**Sales Charges**

Shares of the fund are purchased at the public offering price (their NAV plus any applicable sales charge).

The Distributor compensates Financial Intermediaries (such as broker-dealers), including processing organizations, who sell shares of the fund. Compensation comes from sales charges, Rule 12b-1 fees and payments by the Distributor or affiliates of the Distributor and from its or their own resources. The following tables show the sales charges for each class of shares and the percentage of your investment that is paid as a commission to the Distributor and a Financial Intermediary.

**Class A Shares**

The public offering price for Class A shares is the next determined NAV plus a sales charge unless you qualify for a waiver of the sales charge. The tables below show the amount of sales charge you would pay at different levels of investment and the commissions paid to Financial Intermediaries at each level of investment for the fund indicated.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Purchase Payment** | **Sales Charge <br> as a % of <br> Offering Price** | **Sales Charge <br> as a % of <br> Net Amount Invested** | **Financial Intermediary<br> Compensation<br> as a % of Offering Price** |
| Less than $100,000 | 5.0% | 5.26% | 4.50% |
| $100,000 but less than $250,000 | 4.0% | 4.17% | 3.75% |
| $250,000 but less than $500,000 | 3.0% | 3.09% | 2.75% |
| $500,000 but less than $750,000 | 2.0% | 2.04% | 1.75% |
| $750,000 but less than $1,000,000 | 1.0% | 1.01% | 0.75% |
| $1000000 |  |  |  |

---

The fund permits you to reduce the initial sales charge you pay on Class A shares by using the Right of Accumulation or a Letter of Intent. Each of these methods for reducing the initial sales charge on Class A shares is described below. In taking advantage of these methods for reducing the initial sales charge you will pay, you may link purchases of shares of the fund (as described below), even if the fund is held in accounts with different Financial Intermediaries, as well as purchases of shares of all funds to be held in accounts owned by your spouse or children under the age of 21 who share your residential address. It is your responsibility when investing to inform your Financial Intermediary or the fund that you would like to have one or more funds linked together for purposes of reducing the initial sales charge.

**Right of Accumulation.** You may qualify for a reduction in the initial sales charge for future purchases of Class A shares based on the current market value of your Class A holdings from prior purchases through the Right of Accumulation. To calculate the sales charge applicable to your net purchase of Class A shares, you may aggregate your investment with the current market value of any Class A shares of the fund held in:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Your account(s);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Your spouse's account(s);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Joint accounts with qualified spouse;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Account(s) of children under the age of 21 who share your residential address;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Trust accounts established by any of the individuals in items (1) through (3) above. If the person(s) who established the trust is deceased, the trust account may be aggregated with the account(s) of the primary beneficiary of the trust;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Solely controlled business accounts; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Single-participant retirement plans of any of the individuals in items (1) through (3) above.

In order to obtain any reduction in the initial sales charge, you must, before purchasing Class A shares, inform your Financial Intermediary if you have any of the above types of accounts that can be aggregated with your current investment in Class A shares to reduce the applicable sales charge. In order to verify your eligibility for a reduced sales charge, you may be required to provide appropriate documentation, such as an account statement or the social security or tax identification number on an account, so that the fund may verify (1) the number of shares of the fund held in your account(s) with the fund, (2) the number of shares of the fund held in your account(s) with a Financial Intermediary, and (3) the number of shares of the fund held in an account with a Financial Intermediary owned by your spouse or by children under the age of 21 who share your residential address.

**Letter of Intent.** You may purchase Class A shares at the sales charge rate applicable to the total amount of the purchases you intend to make over a 13-month period. The fund will combine the value of your current purchases with the current value of any Class A shares you purchased previously for (i) your account, (ii) your spouse's account, (iii) a joint account with your spouse, or (iv) your minor children's trust or custodial accounts.

In calculating the total amount of purchases, you may include in your letter purchases made up to 90 days before the date of the Letter. A fiduciary purchasing shares for the same fiduciary account, trust or estate may also consider the value of Class A shares purchased previously that were sold subject to a sales charge. In other words, a Letter of Intent allows you to purchase Class A shares of the fund over a 13-month period and receive the same sales charge as if you had purchased all the shares at the same time. The fund will also consider the value of Class A shares sold at NAV. Class A shares purchased with dividends or distributions will not be included in the calculation. To be entitled to a reduced sales charge on the purchase of Class A shares based on shares you intend to purchase over the 13-month period, you must send the fund a Letter of Intent. The 13-month period begins on the date of the first purchase, including those purchases made in the 90-day period before the date of the Letter. Please note that the purchase price of these prior purchases will not be adjusted.

You are not legally bound by the terms of your Letter of Intent to purchase the amount of shares stated in the Letter. The Letter does, however, authorize the fund to hold in escrow 5% of the total amount you intend to purchase. If you do not complete the total intended purchase of Class A shares at the end of the 13-month period, the Transfer Agent will redeem the necessary portion of the escrowed shares to make up the difference between the reduced sales charge rate (based on the amount you intended to purchase) and the sales charge rate that would normally apply (based on the actual amount you purchased).

Additional information regarding the reduction of Class A sales charges is available in the fund's Statement of Additional Information, which is available on the fund's website at <u>www.velafunds.com</u> or by calling the number below. To take advantage of the Right of Accumulation and/or a Letter of Intent, contact your Financial Intermediary. To determine if you are eligible for these programs, call 1-833-399-1001 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on days the fund is open for business. On days when the NYSE closes early, the call center hours will be reduced accordingly. These programs may be terminated or amended at any time.

**Class I Shares**

Class I shares may be available at brokerage firms that have agreements with the Distributor. Shareholders may be required to pay a commission and/or other form of compensation to the broker. Shares of the fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.

**Distribution Plan**

The fund has adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1 that allows certain classes of its shares to pay distribution fees. Up to 0.25% of each class's 12b-1 fee can be used as a shareholder servicing fee. Class A shares pay annual 12b-1 expenses of 0.25%. Because these fees are paid out of the fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

**Other Payments by the Fund**

The fund may enter into agreements with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the fund may pay financial intermediaries for non-distribution-related sub-transfer agency, administrative, sub-accounting, and other shareholder services. Payments made pursuant to such agreements are based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary, or (2) the number of fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary. Any payments made pursuant to such agreements may be in addition to, rather than in lieu of, distribution fees the fund may pay to financial intermediaries pursuant to the fund's distribution plan, if any.

**Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser may make payments to financial intermediaries that can be categorized as "service-related" or "distribution-related."

Payments made by the Adviser to financial intermediaries to compensate or reimburse them for administrative or other client services provided, such as sub-transfer agency services for shareholders or retirement plan participants, omnibus accounting or sub-accounting, participation in networking arrangements, record keeping and other shareholder services are categorized as "service-related." Payments made pursuant to such agreements generally are based on either (a) a percentage of the average daily net assets of clients serviced by such financial intermediaries, or (b) the number of accounts serviced by such financial intermediary.

Payments made by the Adviser from its own resources to financial intermediaries that are in addition to, rather than in lieu of, Rule 12b-1 fees for distribution-related expenses, such as marketing or promotional expenses, are often referred to as "distribution-related." Distribution- related payments may be made on the basis of the sales of shares attributable to that intermediary, the average net assets of the fund and other VELA Funds attributable to the accounts of that intermediary and its clients, negotiated lump sum payments for distribution services provided, or similar fees. In some circumstances, distribution related payments may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the fund or other VELA Funds to its customers or provide an incentive for a financial intermediary to cooperate with the Distributor's marketing efforts by providing representatives of the Distributor with preferential access to representatives of the intermediary's sales force. Distribution-related payments may also be used to reimburse expenses related to educational seminars and "due diligence" or training meetings (to the extent permitted by applicable laws or the rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA")) designed to increase sales representatives' awareness about VELA Funds, including travel and lodging expenditures.

**Sales Charge Waivers**

No sales charge is imposed on Class A shares of the fund if the shares were:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Acquired in exchange for shares of another VELA Fund if a comparable sales charge has been paid for the exchanged shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Bought by officers, directors or trustees, and employees and their immediate family members (i.e., spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and any dependent of the person, as defined in section 152 of the Code) of:

- The VELA Funds;

- The Adviser and its subsidiaries and affiliates;

- The Distributor and its subsidiaries and affiliates; or

- Broker-dealers or financial institutions that have entered into dealer agreements with the fund or its Distributor and their subsidiaries and affiliates (or otherwise have an arrangement with a broker-dealer or financial institution with respect to sales of fund shares).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Bought by 529 college savings plans or bought by certain corporate sponsored, participant-directed retirement and deferred compensation plans, and trusts used to fund those plans, including, but not limited to, those group plans qualified under sections 401(k), 403(b) or 457 of the Code and "rabbi trusts." These group plans do not include traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Coverdell Educations Savings Accounts, SEPs, SARSEPs, Simple IRAs, KEOGHs, individual 401(k) or individual 403(b) plans. Shares cannot be held in a commission-based brokerage account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Bought by Financial Intermediaries who have a dealer arrangement with the Distributor, who place trades for their own accounts or for the accounts of their clients and who charge a management, asset allocation, consulting or other fee for their services.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Bought by an investment adviser, broker-dealer, or financial planner, provided arrangements are pre-approved.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Bought by investment advisory clients of the Adviser or investors referred by the Adviser or its affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Bought by a bank, trust company or thrift institution which is acting as a fiduciary exercising investment discretion, provided that appropriate notification of such a fiduciary relationship is reported at the time of the investment to the fund or the fund's Distributor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. Bought by employer-sponsored health savings accounts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. Acquired with proceeds from the sale of Class I shares of a VELA Fund or acquired in a transfer of Class I shares of a VELA Fund for Class A shares of the same fund, but only if the purchase is made within 90 days of the distribution. Appropriate documentation may be required. Exercising the reinvestment privilege will not affect the character of any gain or loss realized on the redemption for federal income tax purposes, except that if the redemptions resulted in a loss, the reinvestment may result in the loss being disallowed under the "wash sale" rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. Bought with proceeds from the sale of Class A shares of a VELA Fund, but only if the purchase is made within 90 days of the sale or distribution. Appropriate documentation may be required. Exercising the reinvestment privilege will not affect the character of any gain or loss realized on the redemption for federal income tax purposes, except that if the redemptions resulted in a loss, the reinvestment may result in the loss being disallowed under the "wash sale" rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. Bought in connection with plans of reorganization of a VELA Fund, such as mergers, asset acquisitions and exchange offers to which the fund is a party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. Bought directly from the fund by a "charitable organization" as defined for purposes of Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, or by a charitable remainder trust or life income pool established for the benefit of a charitable organization.

To take advantage of any Class A sales charge waivers, you must qualify for such waiver. To see if you qualify, call 1-833-399-1001 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on days the fund is open for business or contact your Financial Intermediary. On days when the NYSE closes early, the call center hours will be reduced accordingly. These waivers may not continue indefinitely and may be discontinued at any time without notice. The sales charge waivers (and discounts) available through financial intermediaries are set forth in Appendix A to this prospectus (Intermediary-Specific Sales Charge Waivers and Discounts). Please contact your financial intermediary regarding applicable sales charge waivers (and discounts) and for information regarding the financial intermediary's related policies and procedures.

**Other Purchase Information**

The fund reserves the right to limit the amount of purchases and to refuse to sell to any person. When purchasing shares of the fund by check, the check must be made out to the applicable fund, or the Trust, as the payee. If your check or wire does not clear, you will be responsible for any loss incurred by the fund and your shareholder account will be charged a $25 fee to defray bank charges. If you are already a shareholder of the fund, we reserve the right to redeem shares from any identically registered account in the Trust as reimbursement for any loss incurred or money owed to the Trust. You may be prohibited or restricted from making future purchases in the fund.

**How to Redeem Shares**

You may redeem all or part of your investment in the fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, subject to certain restrictions described below. Redemption requests received by the fund or an authorized agent of the fund before 4:00 p.m. ET (or before if the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. ET) will be effective that day. The price you will receive when you redeem your shares will be the NAV (less any applicable sales charges) next determined after the fund receives your properly completed order to sell. You may receive proceeds of your sale in a check, ACH, or federal wire transfer. The fund typically expects that it will take one to three days following the receipt of your redemption request to pay out redemption proceeds; however, while not expected, payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days. The proceeds may be more or less than the purchase price of your shares, depending on the market value of the fund's securities at the time of your sale. If you sell shares through your Financial Intermediary, contact your financial adviser for their requirements and procedures. A broker may charge a transaction fee to redeem shares. The $15 fee for wire redemptions will be deducted from your account by redemption of shares. The fund encourages, to the extent possible, advance notification of large redemptions. The fund typically expects that the fund will hold cash or cash equivalents to meet redemption requests. The fund may also use the proceeds from the sale of portfolio securities to meet redemption requests if consistent with the management of the fund. These redemption methods will be used regularly and may also be used in stressed market conditions. The fund reserves the right to redeem in-kind as described under "Additional Information" below. Redemptions in-kind are typically used to meet redemption requests that represent a large percentage of the fund's net assets in order to minimize the effect of large redemptions on the fund and its remaining shareholders. Redemptions in-kind may be used regularly in circumstances as described above and may also be used in stressed market conditions.

**By Mail.** To redeem any part of your account in the fund by mail, send a written request, with the following information, to:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Regular Mail: | Overnight Mail: |
| (Fund Name) | (Fund Name) |
| c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC | c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
| PO Box 46707 | 225 Pictoria Dr, Suite 450 |
| Cincinnati, OH 45246 | Cincinnati, OH 45246 |

---

● the fund name;

● your account number;

● the name(s) on your account;

● your address;

● the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem;

● the signature of all registered account owners, signed in the exact name(s) and any special capacity in which they are registered; and

● If you own an IRA or other retirement plan, you must indicate on your redemption request whether the Fund should withhold federal income tax. Unless you elect in your redemption request that you do not want to have federal tax withheld, the redemption will be subject to withholding,

● If the shares to be redeemed have a value of $100,000 or more, your signature(s) must be guaranteed by an original Medallion Signature Guarantee by an eligible guarantor institution,

● You must request the redemption in writing with your signature guaranteed by a Medallion Signature Guarantee, regardless of the value of the shares being redeemed if: the address on your account has been changed within 30 days of your redemption request; the check is not being mailed to the address on your account; the check is not being made payable to the owner(s) of the account; the redemption proceeds are being transferred to another fund account with a different registration or; the redemption proceeds are being wired to bank instructions currently not on your account.

We accept original signature guarantees from U.S. banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings and loan associations participating in a Medallion program. The three recognized medallion programs are Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program (STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP) and New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Signature Program (MSP). SIGNATURE GUARANTEES RECEIVED FROM INSTITUTIONS NOT PARTICIPATING IN THESE PROGRAMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. In certain instances, we may require you to furnish additional legal documents seek to ensure proper authorization.

**By Telephone.** The telephone redemption privilege is automatically available to all new accounts. If you do not want the telephone redemption privilege, you must indicate this in the appropriate area on your account application or you must write to the fund and instruct it to remove this privilege from your account. If you own an IRA, you will be asked whether or not the fund should withhold federal income tax.

The proceeds will be sent by mail to the address designated on your account or wired directly to your existing account in a bank or brokerage firm in the United States as designated on your application. To redeem by telephone, call 1-833-399-1001 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time The redemption proceeds normally will be sent by mail or by wire within three business days after receipt of your telephone instructions.

During periods of high market activity, you may encounter higher than usual wait times. Please allow sufficient time to ensure that you will be able to complete your telephone transaction prior to market close. Neither the fund nor its Transfer Agent will be held liable if you are unable to place your trade due to high call volume.

The fund reserves the right to suspend the telephone redemption privileges with respect to your account if the name(s) or the address on the account has been changed within the previous 30 days. Neither the fund, the Transfer Agent, nor their respective affiliates will be liable for complying with telephone instructions they reasonably believe to be genuine or for any such loss. The fund or the transfer agent, or both, will employ reasonable procedures to determine that telephone instructions are genuine. If the fund and/or the transfer agent, or both, will employ reasonable procedures to determine that telephone instructions are genuine. If the fund and/or the transfer agent do not employ these procedures, they may be liable to you for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. These procedures may include, among others, requiring forms of personal identification prior to acting upon telephone instructions, providing written confirmation of the transactions, and/or recording telephone instructions.

**Systematic Withdrawal Plan.** If your individual account, IRA or other qualified plan account has a current account value of at least $2,500, you may participate in the fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan, an investment plan that automatically moves money to your bank account from the fund through the use of electronic funds transfers. You may elect to make subsequent withdrawals by transfers of a minimum of $100 on a periodic basis into your established bank account. Please contact the fund at 1-833-399-1001 for more information about the fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan.

**Additional Information.** Redemptions will be remitted to the record holder at the address of record or to bank accounts of the shareholder that have been previously designated by the shareholder. If you are not certain of the requirements for a sale, please call the fund at 1-833-399-1001 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on days the fund is open for business. On days when the NYSE closes early, the call center hours will be reduced accordingly. We cannot accept, and will return, requests specifying a certain date or share price. The fund may hold proceeds for shares purchased by ACH or check until the purchase amount has been collected, which may be as long as ten business days. Also, when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (or when trading is restricted) for any reason other than its customary weekend or holiday closing or under any emergency circumstances, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we may suspend sales or postpone payment dates.

Generally, all redemptions will be for cash. However, if during any 90-day period you redeem shares in an amount greater than the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the fund's net assets, the fund reserves the right to pay part or all of your redemption proceeds in readily marketable securities instead of cash. Marketable securities may include illiquid securities. You may experience a delay in converting illiquid securities to cash. Redemption-in-kind proceeds are limited to securities that are traded on a public securities market or are limited to securities for which quoted bid and asked prices are available. They are distributed to the redeeming shareholder based on a weighted-average pro rata basis of the fund's holdings. If payment is made in securities, the fund will value the securities selected in the same manner in which it computes its NAV. This process minimizes the effect of large redemptions on the fund and its remaining shareholders. If you receive securities when redeeming your account, the securities will be subject to market fluctuation and you may incur tax and transaction costs if the securities are sold.

**Unclaimed Property.** An account may be turned over as unclaimed property to the investor's last known state of tax residence if the account is deemed "inactive" or "lost" during the time frame specified within the applicable state's unclaimed property laws. Investors who are residents of the state of Texas may designate a representative to receive legislatively. required unclaimed property due diligence notifications. A Texas Designation of Representative Form is available for making such an election.

**How to Exchange Shares**

You may exchange any or all of your shares in a VELA fund for shares in another VELA fund or another share class of the same VELA fund, subject to the following conditions:

Class A Shares of the fund may be exchanged for:

● Class A Shares of another fund without incurring any new sales charge.

● Another share class of the same fund provided you meet the eligibility and minimum investment requirements of that class.

Class I Shares of the fund may be exchanged for:

● Class I Shares of another fund

● Another share class of the same fund provided you meet the eligibility and minimum investment requirements of that class.

You may request the exchange for accounts held directly at the Transfer Agent by telephoning 1-833-399-1001 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on days the fund is open for business or writing the fund via regular mail at VELA Funds, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, PO Box 46707, Cincinnati, OH 45246 or overnight mail at VELA Funds, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Dr, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246. On days when the NYSE closes early, the call center hours will be reduced accordingly. You may request the exchange for accounts held through a financial intermediary by contacting the financial intermediary directly. Exchanges may be made only if the exchanging fund is registered in your state of residence. The exchange privilege does not constitute an offering or recommendation of the fund. Due to operational limitations at your financial intermediary, your ability to exchange your shares to another share class may be limited. It is your responsibility to obtain and read a Prospectus of the exchanging fund before you make an exchange. Not all share classes may be available for the fund. The exchange privilege may only be exercised in those states where the class of shares being acquired legally may be sold.

● If you exchange shares into or out of the fund, the exchange is made at the net asset value per share of the fund next determined after the exchange request is received.

In times of extreme economic or market conditions, exchanging fund shares by telephone may be difficult. To receive a specific day's price, your letter or call must be received before that day's close of the New York Stock Exchange. Each exchange represents the sale of shares from one fund and the purchase of shares in another, which may produce a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.

Exchanges will be accepted only if the registration of the two accounts is identical or the exchange instructions have a Medallion Signature Guarantee. The fund and the Transfer Agent are not liable for following instructions communicated by telephone that they reasonably believe to be genuine. They will use reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. The exchange feature may be modified or discontinued at any time upon notice to you in accordance with federal securities laws. Although initially there will be no limit on the number of times you may exercise the exchange privilege, the fund reserves the right to impose such a limitation.

An exchange of shares of different funds represents the taxable sale of shares of one fund and the purchase of shares of another fund. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, this may produce a taxable gain or loss in your non-tax-qualified account. Transfers between classes of the same fund are generally not considered a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes but may result in tax reporting obligations for certain significant holders, as described in the SAI under "TAXATION OF THE FUND – Transfers between Shares of Different Funds or Classes of a Single Fund."

**How to Request Certain Non-Financial Transactions**

The fund will accept the STAMP's Signature Validation Program (SVP) stamp for certain non-financial transactions. The SVP was introduced in response to requests from financial services institutions that rely upon the effectiveness of a signature guarantee when processing non-financial transactions for which the surety bond attached to a Medallion Signature Guarantee (MSG) would not apply. The SVP stamp carries its own separate surety bond that would apply to such non-financial transactions. The SVP stamp may be obtained from eligible members, including banks, broker/dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations.

This program enables the fund to accept documents stamped with an SVP stamp in lieu of the MSG for non-financial transactions. The non-financial transactions for which the fund can accept an SVP are: (1) change name; (2) add or change banking instructions; (3) add or change beneficiaries; (4) add or change authorized account traders; (5) add a Power of Attorney; (6) add or change Trustee; and (7) change UTMA/UGMA custodian.

In the event that your bank or financial institution does not participate in the SVP Stamp program, you should request that the guarantor use their Medallion Guarantee Stamp.

**Market Timing and Frequent Trading Policy**

The fund is not designed to serve as a vehicle for frequent trading. The fund does not authorize, and use reasonable methods to discourage, short-term or excessive trading, often referred to as "market timing." Market timing is an investment strategy using frequent purchases, redemptions and/or exchanges in an attempt to profit from short-term market movements. Market timing or excessive trading may result in dilution of the value of fund shares held by long-term shareholders, disrupt portfolio management, and increase fund expenses for all shareholders. The fund will take reasonable steps to discourage excessive short-term trading and the fund's Board of Trustees has adopted the following policies and procedures with respect to market timing. The fund will monitor selected trades on a daily basis in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading. If the fund has reason to believe that a shareholder has engaged in excessive short-term trading, the fund may ask the shareholder to stop such activities or refuse to process purchases or exchanges in the shareholder's accounts. In addition to rejecting purchase orders in connection with suspected market timing activities, the fund can reject a purchase order for any reason. While the fund cannot assure the prevention of all excessive trading and market timing, by making these judgments the fund believes they are acting in a manner that is in the best interests of shareholders.

Market timers may disrupt portfolio management and harm fund performance. To the extent that the fund is unable to identify market timers effectively, long-term investors may be adversely affected. Although the fund uses a variety of methods to detect and deter market timing, due to the complexity involved in identifying excessive trading there is no assurance that the fund's efforts will identify and eliminate all trades or trading practices that may be considered abusive. In accordance with Rule 22c-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Trust has entered into information sharing agreements with certain financial intermediaries. Under these agreements, a financial intermediary is obligated to: (1) adopt and enforce during the term of the agreement, a market-timing policy, the terms of which are acceptable to the Trust; (2) furnish the Trust, upon its request, with information regarding customer trading activities in shares of the Trust; and (3) enforce its market-timing policy with respect to customers identified by the Trust as having engaged in market timing. When information regarding transactions in the Trust's shares is requested by the Trust and such information is in the possession of a person that is itself a financial intermediary to a financial intermediary (an "indirect intermediary"), any financial intermediary with whom the Trust has an information sharing agreement is obligated to obtain transaction information from the indirect intermediary or, if directed by the Trust, to restrict or prohibit the indirect intermediary from purchasing shares of the Trust on behalf of other persons.

The fund applies these policies and procedures to all shareholders believed to be engaged in market timing or excessive trading. The fund has no arrangements to permit any investor to trade frequently in shares of the fund, nor will it enter into any such arrangements in the future.

**Distribution and Federal Income Taxes**

The following information is provided to help you understand the income and capital gains you may earn while you own fund shares, as well as the federal income taxes you may have to pay. The amount of any distribution varies and there is no guarantee the fund will pay either income dividends or capital gain distributions. For tax advice about your personal tax situation, please speak with your tax adviser.

This discussion addresses the U.S. federal income tax consequences only for U.S. persons (except where otherwise specifically noted) and does not address any foreign, state, or local tax consequences. For purposes of this discussion, U.S. persons are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) U.S. citizens or residents;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) U.S. corporations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or trusts that have a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Except where otherwise specifically noted, this discussion does not address issues of significance to U.S. persons in special situations such as: (i) certain types of tax-exempt organizations, (ii) shareholders holding shares through tax-qualified accounts (such as 401(k) plan accounts or individual retirement accounts), (iii) shareholders holding investments through foreign institutions (financial and non-financial), (iv) financial institutions, (v) broker-dealers, (vi) entities not organized under the laws of the United States or a political subdivision thereof, shareholders holding shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction, (viii) shareholders who are subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax, (ix) insurance companies, and (x) shareholders that are pass-through entities(including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership or S corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or a U.S. person who owns shares through a pass-through entity. For further information regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the fund for U.S. persons, investors should see the SAI under "TAXATION OF THE FUND."

The fund intends to meet all requirements under Subchapter M of Code necessary to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and thus do not expect to pay any U.S. federal income tax on income and capital gains distributed to shareholders. The fund also intends to meet certain distribution requirements such that the fund is not subject to U.S. federal income tax in general. If the fund does not meet the distribution requirements, that fund may be subject to significant excise taxes. This discussion assumes that the fund will qualify as a regulated investment company and will satisfy such distribution requirements. There can be no guarantee that these assumptions will be correct.

**Income and Capital Gain Distributions.** As a regulated investment company, the fund generally pays no federal income tax on the income and gains distributed to you. The fund expects to declare and distribute its net investment income, if any, to shareholders annually. Capital gains, if any, may be distributed at least annually. The fund may distribute income dividends and capital gains more frequently, if necessary, in order to reduce or eliminate federal excise or income taxes on the fund. All income and capital gain distributions are automatically reinvested in shares of the fund unless you request cash distributions on your application or through a written request. If you choose to have dividends or capital gain distributions, or both, mailed to you and the distribution check is returned as undeliverable or is not presented for payment within six months, the Trust reserves the right to reinvest the check proceeds and future distributions in shares of the fund at the fund's then-current NAV until you give the Trust different instructions.

**Tax Considerations.** For U.S. federal income tax purposes, shareholders of the fund are generally subject to taxation based on the underlying character of the income and gain recognized by the fund and distributed to the shareholders. If you are a taxable investor, dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the fund, whether you reinvest your distributions in additional fund shares or receive them in cash, are subject to federal income tax, state taxes, and possibly local taxes, as described below:

● distributions are generally taxable to you at either ordinary income or capital gains tax rates, other than distributions (if any) that constitute a tax-free return of capital;

● dividends declared and payable by the fund during October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such months, if paid by the end of January, are generally taxable as if received in December.

● distributions of short-term capital gains are paid to you as ordinary income that is taxable at applicable ordinary income tax rates;

● distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains no matter how long you have owned your fund shares, and even if the gains arose from appreciation that already existed in securities owned by the fund when you invested in the fund;

● for individuals, a portion of the income dividends paid may be qualified dividend income taxable at long-term capital gains tax rates for individuals and non-corporate shareholders, provided that the shareholder meets certain holding period requirements and other conditions are satisfied;

● for shareholders that are C corporations, a portion of income dividends received from domestic corporations may be eligible for the corporate dividend-received deduction, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied;

● some of the fund's investments, such as certain option transactions, regulated futures transactions, and foreign currency contracts, may be "Section 1256 contracts." Section 1256 contracts owned by the fund generally will be treated for income tax purposes as if sold for their fair market values (i.e., "marked to market") on an annual basis, and resulting gains or losses generally are treated as sixty percent long-term capital gains or losses and forty percent short-term capital gains or losses;

● if the fund invests in stock of a real-estate investment trust (a "REIT"), it may be eligible to pay Section 199A dividends to its shareholders with respect to qualified dividends received by it from its investment in REITs. Section 199A dividends are taxable to individual and other noncorporate shareholders at a reduced effective federal income tax rate, provided that certain holding period requirements and other conditions are satisfied; and

● an additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on "net investment income" of taxpayers other than corporations (which potentially includes income from distributions you receive from the fund and gains from selling, redeeming or exchanging your shares in each case net of deductions properly allocable to such income) to the extent that the taxpayer's gross income as adjusted exceeds a threshold amount.

The amount and type of income dividends and the tax status of any capital gains distributed to you are reported on Form 1099- DIV, which we send to you after the end of each calendar year (unless you hold your shares in a qualified tax-qualified plan or account or are otherwise not subject to federal income tax). The fund may reclassify income after your tax reporting statement is mailed to you. This can result from the rules in the Code that effectively prevent mutual funds, such as the fund, from ascertaining with certainty, until after the calendar year end, the final amount and character of distributions the fund has received on its investments during the prior calendar year. Prior to issuing your statement, the fund makes all practicable efforts to search for reclassified income to reduce the number of corrected forms mailed to shareholders. However, when necessary, the fund will send you a corrected Form 1099-DIV to reflect reclassified information.

Distributions from the fund (both ordinary dividends and capital gains) are normally taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you reinvest these distributions or receive them in cash (unless you hold shares in a qualified tax-qualified plan or account or are otherwise not subject to federal income tax).

If you are a taxable investor and invest in the fund shortly before it makes a distribution, some of your investment may be returned to you in the form of a taxable distribution. This is commonly known as "buying a dividend."

**Taxation of Certain Instruments.** The fund may be, subject to foreign withholding or other taxes. In that case, the fund's yield on those securities would be decreased. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes. In addition, the fund's investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the fund's recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of the fund's distributions. The fund may hold securities that are in passive foreign investment companies for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could adversely affect the timing, amount and/or character of resulting taxable income inclusions. For more information, see the SAI under "TAXATION OF THE FUND– Special Tax Considerations."

**Debt Obligations Purchased at a Discount.** The fund may at times buy newly issued debt obligations at a price lower than their stated redemption price ("original issue discount"). For U.S. federal income tax purposes, original issue discount will be included in the fund's ordinary income as the original issue discount accrues over the term of the instrument. Even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time (and might never be received), the amount of accrued original issue document will be distributed to shareholders as taxable dividends over the term of the instrument. The fund may also buy investments in the secondary market which are treated as having market discount, which is generally the excess of a debt obligation's stated redemption price at maturity over the basis of the obligation immediately atter acquisition by the taxpayer. Generally, gain recognized on the disposition of such an investment is treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of the accrued market discount, but the fund may elect instead to include the amount of market discount as ordinary income over the term of the instrument even though the Fund will not yet have received payment of such amounts.

The fund's investments in certain debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and derivatives may cause the fund to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such obligations. Thus, the fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments in order to satisfy its distribution requirements, potentially increasing the amount of capital gain dividends or ordinary income dividends made to shareholders.

**Exchange or Redemption of Fund Shares.** Selling (redeeming) your shares may cause you to recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between your adjusted tax basis in the shares disposed of and the amount received for them. An exchange from one VELA Fund to another is taxable as if it were a sale. For individuals, any long-term capital gains you realize from selling fund shares are taxed at your applicable tax rate for long-term capital gains. Any capital gain or loss recognized upon the sale of shares of the fund is generally treated as long term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and otherwise as a short-term capital gain or loss. In certain circumstances, loss realized upon a sale of fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss. Short-term capital gains are taxed at ordinary income tax rates. You or your tax adviser should track your purchases, tax basis, sales and any resulting gain or loss. If you redeem or sell fund shares for a loss, you may be able to use this capital loss to offset capital gains that you recognize from the fund or from other sources. The deductibility of a capital loss is subject to significant limitations.

Any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent that the shares disposed of are replaced with other substantially identical shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

**State Taxation.** Distributions and gains from the sale or exchange of your fund shares may be subject to state and local taxes, even if not subject to federal income taxes. You should consult your tax advisor regarding such taxation, which can vary from state to state.

**Tax Status for Retirement Plans and Other Tax-Qualified Accounts.** When you invest in the fund through a qualified employee benefit plan, retirement plan or some other tax-qualified account, dividend and capital gain distributions generally are not subject to current federal income taxes, but withdrawals are subject to special tax rules. In general, these plans or accounts are governed by complex tax rules. You should ask your tax adviser or plan administrator for more information about your tax situation, including possible state or local taxes.

**Backup Withholding.** By law, you may be subject to backup withholding on a portion of your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds unless you provide your correct Social Security or taxpayer identification number and certify that (1) this number is correct, (2) you are not subject to backup withholding, and (3) you are a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). You may also be subject to withholding if the Internal Revenue Service instructs us to withhold a portion of your distributions and proceeds. When backup withholding is required, the rate of withholding under current law is 24% of any distributions or proceeds.

**Cost Basis Reporting.** Federal law requires mutual fund companies to report their shareholders' cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") on fund shareholders' Form 1099s when "covered" securities are sold. Covered securities generally include any regulated investment company and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012, and sold on or after such date. The fund (or their administrative agent) generally must report to the IRS the gross proceeds from the sale of any fund shares (regardless of whether they are covered securities). The fund will allow their shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods to calculate the cost basis of their covered shares. For additional information, see the SAI under "TAXATION OF THE FUND – Special Tax Considerations."

The fund has chosen Average Cost as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing NAVs, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The fund's standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the fund's standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate IRS regulations or consult your tax adviser with regard to your personal circumstances.

The fund and its service providers do not provide tax advice. You should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method.

**Return of Capital.** A portion of the periodic returns distributed to the fund by entities in which it invests may be attributable to return of capital. The fund may pass through return of capital distributions received from these entities to its shareholders. The tax treatment of fund's receipt of and distribution of return of capital to shareholders is as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) A return of capital received by the fund from the entities in which it invests is generally a tax-deferred distribution to the fund and decreases the fund's basis in its investment in that entity. If the fund sells its investment in that entity for an amount in excess of its basis therein, the fund will incur a taxable gain that ultimately will be passed on to shareholders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) A return of capital paid by the fund to its shareholders is a tax-deferred distribution to the shareholders and reduces the basis of each shareholder's investment in shares of the fund. If a shareholder sells its investment in the fund for an amount in excess of its basis therein, the shareholder will incur a taxable gain.

Due to such reductions in basis, taxable gains incurred by the fund following a return of capital to the fund by an entity in which the fund invests, and taxable gains incurred by a shareholder of the fund following a return of capital by the fund to the shareholder may be greater than if no return of capital had been paid.

This discussion of "Distributions and Federal Income Taxes" is not intended or written to be used as tax advice. Because everyone's tax situation is unique, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences before making an investment in the fund.

**Householding**

To reduce expenses, we mail only one copy of the fund's Prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the fund at 1-833-399-1001 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on days the fund is open for business or contact your financial institution. On days when the NYSE closes early, the call center hours will be reduced accordingly. We will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.

**Derivative Actions**

In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 3816 of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, no Shareholder may bring a derivative or similar action or proceeding in the right of the Trust or any Series to recover a judgment in its favor (a "Derivative Action") unless each of the following conditions is met: (a) each complaining Shareholder was a Shareholder of the Series on behalf of or in the right of which the Derivative Action is proposed to be brought and a Class of the Series affected by the action or failure to act complained of, to the extent that fewer than all Classes were affected, at the time of the action or failure to act complained of, or acquired the Shares afterwards by operation of law from a person who was a Shareholder at that time; (b) each complaining Shareholder was a Shareholder of the affected Series or Class at the time the written demand, as described in clause (c) of this disclosure, was made; (c) prior to the commencement of such Derivative Action, the complaining Shareholders have made a written demand on the Trustees requesting that the Trustees cause the Trust to file the action itself on behalf of the affected Series or Class, which demand shall be executed by or on behalf of no less than three complaining Shareholders who together hold not less than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Shares of the affected Series or Class, none of which shall be related to (by blood or by marriage) or otherwise affiliated with any other complaining Shareholder (other than as Shareholders of the Trust) and shall include at least (i) a copy of the proposed derivative complaint, setting forth a detailed description of the action or failure to act complained of, the facts upon which each such allegation is made and the reasonably estimated damages or other relief sought; (ii) a statement to the effect that the complaining Shareholders believe in good faith that they will fairly and adequately represent the interests of similarly situated Shareholders in enforcing the rights of the affected Series or Class and an explanation of why the complaining Shareholders believe that to be the case; (iii) a certification that the requirements of clauses (a) and (b) listed above in this disclosure have been met, as well as information and documentation reasonably designed to allow the Trustees to verify that certification; (iv) a certification of the number of Shares of the affected Series or Class owned beneficially or of record by each complaining Shareholder at the time set forth in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of this disclosure and an undertaking that each complaining Shareholder will be a Shareholder of the affected Series or Class as of the commencement of and throughout the derivative action and will notify the Trust in writing of any sale, transfer or other disposition by any of the complaining Shareholders of any such Shares within three business days thereof; and (v) an acknowledgment that the Trust shall be responsible for payment of attorneys' fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining Shareholder in any circumstances only if required by law, any attorneys' fees so incurred by a complaining Shareholder that the Trust is obligated to pay on the basis of hourly rates shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates, and a Shareholder of a particular Series of the Trust shall not be entitled in such capacity to commence a derivative action on behalf of any other Series of the Trust.

If the demand has been properly made under clauses (a), (b), and (c) of this disclosure, and a majority of the independent Trustees have considered the merits of the claim and have determined that maintaining a suit would not be in the best interests of the Trust, the demand shall be rejected and the complaining Shareholders shall not be permitted to maintain a derivative action unless they first sustain the burden of proof to the court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Trust. If upon such consideration a majority of the independent Trustees determine that such a suit should be maintained, then the appropriate officers of the Trust shall either cause the Trust to commence that suit and such suit shall proceed directly rather than derivatively, or permit the complaining Shareholders to proceed derivatively, provided however that any counsel representing the interests of the Trust shall be approved by the Trustees. The Trustees, or the appropriate officers of the Trust, shall inform the complaining Shareholders of any decision reached by sending written notice to each complaining Shareholder, or the Shareholder's counsel, if represented by counsel, within five business days of such decision having been reached. A complaining Shareholder whose demand is rejected shall be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the Trust's consideration of the demand if a court determines that the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. A Shareholder who commences or maintains a derivative action in violation of the foregoing shall reimburse the Trust for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the action if the action is dismissed on the basis of the failure to comply with the requirements listed above. If a court determines that any derivative action has been brought without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose, the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the action shall be borne by the Shareholders who commenced the action. The foregoing provisions will not apply to claims brought under the Federal securities laws.

**Financial Highlights**

As of the date of this prospectus, no financial highlights are available for the fund because the fund has not yet commenced investment operations.

**Appendix A**

**Intermediary-Specific Sales Charge Waivers and Discounts**

The availability of certain initial or deferred sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on the particular financial intermediary or type of account through which you purchase or hold Portfolio shares.

Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load ("CDSC") waivers which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the fund or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the Statement of Additional Information.

**Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management**

● Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans

● Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to MSSB's account linking rules

● Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund

● Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account

● Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management's share class conversion program

● Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days' following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.

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| |
|:---|
| **Investment Adviser** |
| VELA Investment Management, LLC |
| 220 Market Street, Suite 208 |
| New Albany, Ohio 43054 |
| **Custodian** |
| U.S. Bank National Association |
| 800 Nicollet Mall |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 |
| **Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm** |
| Cohen & Company, Ltd. |
| 8101 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 750 |
| Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 |
| **Legal Counsel** |
| Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP |
| 3400 Walnut Street, Suite 700 |
| Denver, CO 80205 |
| **Distributor** |
| Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC |
| 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 |
| Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 |
| **For Additional Information, call** |
| VELA Funds |
| Toll Free 1-833-399-1001 |

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**To Learn More**

Several additional sources of information are available to you. The Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), incorporated into this Prospectus by reference, contains detailed information on fund policies and operations.

Call the fund at 1-833-399-1001 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on days the fund is open for business to request free copies of the SAI and the fund's annual and semi-annual reports (when available), to request other information about the fund and to make shareholder inquiries. On days when the NYSE closes early, the call center hours will be reduced accordingly.

The fund's SAI, and annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available) are also available, free of charge, on the fund's Internet site at <u>www.velafunds.com</u>.

You may obtain reports and other information about the fund on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at <u>http://www.sec.gov</u>, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: <u>publicinfo@sec.gov</u>.

**No one has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in this Prospectus or in the fund's SAI in connection with the offering of fund shares. Do not rely on any such information or representations as having been authorized by the fund or the Adviser. This Prospectus does not constitute an offering by the fund in any jurisdiction where such an offering is not lawful**.

The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the fund's investment adviser, distributor, custodian, and transfer agent who provide services to the fund. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust. This Prospectus provides information concerning the fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase fund shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended, or should be read, to be or give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust, the Trustees, or the fund and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.

Investment Company Act #811-23585

![(VELA FUNDS LOGO)](pro_001.jpg)

**Statement of Additional Information**

**December 13, 2025**

**VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund**

**(The Fund or Series of VELA Funds)**

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated December 13, 2025, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time. A free copy of the Prospectus or the Annual Report can be obtained by writing the Transfer Agent at c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, PO Box 46707, Cincinnati, OH 45246 or by calling 1-833-399-1001. You may also obtain a copy of the Prospectus or the Annual Report by visiting www.velafunds.com.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class A** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Class I** |
| **VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund** | (TBD) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VSMMX |

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**<u>**TABLE OF CONTENTS**</u>**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **TRUST HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST** | **1** |
| **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS** | **1** |
| **INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS** | **15** |
| **Portfolio Holdings Disclosure** | **17** |
| **MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST** | **19** |
| **CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES** | **24** |
| **INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES** | **24** |
| **PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION** | **26** |
| **DETERMINATION OF SHARE PRICE** | **28** |
| **Taxation of the Fund** | **30** |
| **CUSTODIAN** | **38** |
| **ADMINISTRATOR, FUND ACCOUNTANT AND TRANSFER AGENT** | **38** |
| **INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM** | **38** |
| **DISTRIBUTOR** | **38** |
| **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** | **39** |
| **APPENDIX A — RATINGS** | **A-1** |
| **APPENDIX B — VELA FUNDS PROXY VOTING POLICY** | **B-1** |

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i

**TRUST HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST**

VELA Funds (the "Trust") currently offers six series of shares: VELA Small Cap Fund, VELA Large Cap Plus Fund, VELA Income Opportunities Fund, VELA International Fund, VELA Short Duration Fund, and VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund. This SAI relates to the VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund. The Trust is an open-end investment company of the management type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), and was established under the laws of Delaware pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated May 25, 2020 (the "Trust Agreement"). The Trust Agreement permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value (the "Shares"). The Fund is diversified, as defined in the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act and the rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder, a "diversified company," as to 75% of its total assets, may not purchase securities of any issuer (other than obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. government or its agencies, or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the issuer's voting securities would be held by the Fund.

Each share of the Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets and liabilities belonging to that Fund with each other share of that Fund and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of income belonging to the Fund as are declared by the Trustees. The shares do not have cumulative voting rights or any preemptive or conversion rights, and the Trustees have the authority from time to time to divide or combine the shares of any Fund into a greater or lesser number of shares of that Fund so long as the proportionate beneficial interest in the assets belonging to that Fund and the rights of shares of any other Fund are in no way affected. In case of any liquidation of the Fund, the holders of shares of the Fund being liquidated will be entitled to receive as a class a distribution out of the assets, net of the liabilities, belonging to that Fund. Expenses attributable to any Fund are borne by that Fund. Any general expenses of the Trust not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular Fund are allocated by or under the direction of the Trustees in such manner as the Trustees determine to be fair and equitable. No shareholder is liable to further calls or to assessment by the Trust without his or her express consent.

Any Trustee of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders holding not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust. The Trust does not hold an annual meeting of shareholders. When matters are submitted to shareholders for a vote, each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each whole share he owns and fractional votes for fractional shares he owns. All shares of the Fund have equal voting rights and liquidation rights. The Declaration of Trust can be amended by the Trustees, except that any amendment that adversely affects the rights of shareholders must be approved by the shareholders affected. Each share of the Fund is subject to redemption at any time if the Board of Trustees (the "Board") determines in its sole discretion that failure to so redeem may have materially adverse consequences to all or any of the Fund's shareholders.

The differing sales charges and other expenses applicable to the different classes of the Fund's shares may affect the performance of those classes. Broker/dealers and others entitled to receive compensation for selling or servicing Fund shares may receive more with respect to one class than another. The Board of the Trust does not anticipate that there will be any conflicts among the interests of the holders of the different classes of Fund shares. On an ongoing basis, the Board will consider whether any such conflict exists and, if so, take appropriate action.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS**

**Investment Practices**

The following discusses the types of investments that can be held by the Fund. In each case, the related types of risk are also listed. Below the list is an explanation of each type of risk.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Instrument** | **Section** |
| *Borrowings:* The Fund may borrow for temporary purposes and/or for investment purposes. Such a practice will result in leveraging of the Fund's assets and may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so. The Fund must maintain continuous asset coverage of 300% of the amount borrowed, with the exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets made for temporary administrative purposes. | Borrowings |
| Risk Type: Credit, Fixed Income, Market |  |
| *Call and Put Options:* A call option gives the buyer the right to buy, and obligates the seller of the option to sell a security at a specified price at a future date. A put option gives the buyer the right to sell, and obligates the seller of the option to buy a security at a specified price at a future date. The Fund will sell only covered call and secured put options | Derivatives – Options and Futures Transactions |
| Risk Type: Credit, Leverage, Liquidity, Management, Market |  |
| *Convertible Securities:* Bonds or preferred stock that can convert to common stock including contingent convertible securities.<br> Risk Type: Credit, Currency, Fixed Income, Liquidity, Market, Political, Valuation | Fixed Income Securities – Convertible Securities |
| *Corporate Debt Securities:* May include bonds and other debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, including obligations of industrial, utility, banking and other corporate issuers. Risk Type: Credit, Currency, Fixed Income, LIBOR, Liquidity, Market, Political, Prepayment, Valuation | Fixed Income Securities – Corporate Debt Securities |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Instrument** | **Section** |
| *Derivatives:* May include futures, options, options on futures, swaps, credit default swaps, and forward foreign currency contracts. | Derivatives |
| Risk Type: Credit, Currency, Leverage, Liquidity, Management, Market, Valuation |  |
| *Emerging Market Securities:* Securities issued by issuers or governments in countries with emerging economies or securities markets which may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid developments.<br> Risk Type: Non-U.S. Investment, Currency | Non-U.S. Investments – Emerging Market Securities |
| *Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs"):* Ownership interest in unit investment trusts, depositary receipts, and other pooled investment vehicles that hold a portfolio of securities or stocks designed to track the price performance and dividend yield of a particular broad-based, sector or international index. ETFs include a wide range of investments such as iShares, SPDRs and NASDAQ 100s.<br> Risk Type: Investment Company, Market | Investment Company Securities |
| *Forward Foreign Currency Contracts.* Forward foreign currency contracts may be used to manage foreign currency exposure and as a hedge against possible variations in foreign exchange rates. These contracts may be used to hedge a specific security transaction or to hedge a portfolio position.<br> Risk Type: Currency, Leverage, Liquidity, Management, Market, Valuation | Derivatives – Forward Foreign Currency Contracts |
| *Futures Contracts:* The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts on securities and indexes of securities and other instruments such as interest rate futures and global interest rate futures.<br> Risk Type: Credit, Leverage, Liquidity, Management, Market | Derivatives – Options and Futures Transactions |
| *High Yield/High Risk Securities/Junk Bonds:* Securities that are generally rated below investment grade by the primary rating agencies or are unrated but are deemed by the Fund's adviser to be of comparable quality. High yield, high risk securities (also known as junk bonds) are considered to be speculative.<br> Risk Type: Credit, Fixed Income, High Yield Securities, Liquidity, Market, Political, Portfolio Quality, Valuation | Fixed Income Securities |
| *Illiquid Securities:* An investment that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the normal course of business at approximately the amount at which it is valued by the Fund. Securities may be illiquid due to contractual or legal restrictions on resale or lack of a ready market.<br> Risk Type: Liquidity, Market | Private Placements, Restricted Securities and Other Unregistered Securities Other Unregistered Securities |
| *Investment Company Securities:* Shares of other investment companies. The Adviser (defined below) may waive certain fees to the extent required by law.<br> Risk Type: Investment Company, Market | Investment Company Securities |
| *Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs"):* Passive investment vehicles in which 80% to 90% of operating profits and losses are usually passed through the ownership structure to the limited partners.<br> Risk Type: Interest Rate, Tax  | Master Limited Partnerships |
| *Non-U.S. Investments:* Equity and debt securities (e.g., bonds and commercial paper) of non-U.S. entities and obligations of non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks and non-U.S. banks. Non-U.S. securities also include American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and American Depositary Securities.<br> Risk Type: Non-U.S. Investment, Currency, Liquidity, Market, Political, Prepayment | Non-U.S. Investments |
| *Obligations of Supranational Agencies:* Obligations of agencies which are chartered to promote economic development and are supported by various governments and governmental agencies.<br> Risk Type: Credit, Non-U.S. Investment, Liquidity, Political, Valuation | Non-U.S. Investments – Obligations of Supranational Agencies |
| *Options Transactions:* The Fund may purchase and sell exchange traded and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, indexes of securities and interest rate swaps.<br> Risk Type: Credit, Leverage, Liquidity, Management, Market | Derivatives – Options and Futures Transactions |
| *Private Placements, Restricted Securities and Other Unregistered Securities:* Securities not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, such as privately placed commercial paper and Rule 144A securities<br> Risk Type: Liquidity, Market, Valuation | Private Placements, Restricted Securities and Other Unregistered |
| *Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"):* Pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interest.<br> Risk Type: Credit, Fixed Income, Liquidity, Management, Market, Political, Prepayment, Tax, Valuation | Real Estate Investment Trusts |
| *Repurchase Agreements:* The purchase of a security and the simultaneous commitment to return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date. This is treated as a loan. Risk Type: Credit, Liquidity, Market | Repurchase Agreements |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Instrument** | **Section** |
| *Short Sales:* Short sales are effected when it is believed that the price of a particular security will decline, and involves the sale of a security which the Fund does not own in hopes of purchasing the same security at a later date at a lower price.<br> Risk Type: Short Sale | Short Sales |
| *Sovereign Obligations.* Investments in debt obligations issued or guaranteed by a non-U.S. sovereign government or its agencies, authorities or political subdivisions.<br> Risk Type: Credit, Non-U.S. Investment, Liquidity, Political, Valuation | Non-U.S. Investments – Sovereign Obligations  |
| *Temporary Strategies:* To respond to unusual circumstances, the Fund may invest in cash and cash equivalents for temporary defensive purposes.<br> Risk Type: Credit, Fixed Income, Liquidity, Market | Temporary Strategies |
| *U.S. Equity Securities:* The Fund may invest in equity securities issued by U.S. corporations consisting of common and preferred stocks, rights and warrants. Equity securities may also include S&P Depositary Receipts ("SPDRs") and other similar instruments.<br> Risk Type: Equity Market, Small and Mid Cap Company | U.S. Equity Securities |
| *U.S. Government Obligations:* May include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, including Treasury bills, notes and bonds, all of which are backed as to principal and interest payments by the full faith and credit of the United States, and separately traded principal and interest component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the Federal book-entry system known as Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities ("STRIPS") and Coupons Under Book Entry Safekeeping ("CUBES").<br> Risk Type: Fixed Income, LIBOR, Market | U.S. Government Obligations |

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Explanation of Risk Types

● Credit risk: The risk that a financial obligation will not be met by the issuer of a security or the counterparty to a contract, resulting in a loss to the purchaser.

● Currency risk: The risk that if the Fund invests in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, non-U.S. currencies, it will be subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar.

● Equity market risk: Factors such as U.S. equity growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may affect the securities markets.

● Fixed income risk: The risk that a change in interest rates will adversely affect the value of an investment. The value of fixed income securities generally moves in the opposite direction of interest rates (decreases when interest rates rise and increases when interest rates fall).

● High yield securities risk: High yield, high risk securities (also known as junk bonds) are subject to greater risk of loss, greater sensitivity to economic changes, potential valuation difficulties and a potential lack of a secondary or public market for securities.

● Interest rate risk: The risk that the value of fixed income securities will generally decrease when interest rates rise which will cause the Fund's value to likewise decrease .

● Investment company risk: If the Fund invests in shares of another investment company, shareholders would bear not only their proportionate share of the Fund's expenses, but also similar expenses of the investment company. The price movement of an investment company that is an ETF may not track the underlying index and may result in a loss.

● Leverage risk: The risk that gains or losses will be disproportionately higher than the amount invested.

● Liquidity risk: The risk that the holder may not be able to sell the security at the time or price it desires.

● Management risk: The risk that a strategy used by the Fund's management may fail to produce the intended result. This includes the risk that changes in the value of a hedging instrument will not match those of the asset being hedged. Incomplete matching can result in unanticipated risks.

● Market risk: The risk that when the market as a whole declines, the value of a specific investment will decline proportionately. This systemic risk is common to all investments and the mutual Funds that purchase them.

● Non-U.S. investment risk: The risk associated with higher transaction costs, delayed settlements, adverse economic developments, and exchange rate volatility. These risks are increased in emerging markets.

● Political risk: The risk that governmental policies or other political actions will negatively impact the value of the investment.

● Prepayment risk: The risk that declining interest rates will result in unexpected prepayments, causing the value of the investment to fall.

● Securitized Product Risk: Securitized products, including but not limited to asset-backed, mortgage-related, and mortgage-backed securities are submitted to various risks including prepayment and call risk.

● Short sale risk: The Fund's gain is limited to the amount at which it sold a security short, but its potential loss is not limited.

● Small and mid cap company risk: Investments in small cap and mid cap companies may be riskier than investments in larger, more established companies.

● Tax risk: The risk that the issuer of the securities will fail to comply with certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), which could cause adverse tax consequences. Also, the risk that the tax treatment of municipal or other securities could be changed by Congress thereby affecting the value of outstanding securities.

● Valuation risk: The risk that the estimated value of a security does not match the actual amount that can be realized if the security is sold.

**Borrowings**

The Fund may borrow for temporary purposes and/or for investment purposes. Such a practice will result in leveraging of the Fund's assets and may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so. This borrowing may be secured or unsecured. If the Fund utilizes borrowings, for investment purposes or otherwise, it may pledge up to 33 ⅓% of its total assets to secure such borrowings. Provisions of the 1940 Act require the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets made for temporary administrative or emergency purposes. Any borrowings for temporary administrative purposes in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage.

If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time. Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.

Certain types of investments are considered to be borrowings under precedents issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such investments are subject to the limitations as well as asset segregation requirements.

**Fixed Income Securities**

**Corporate Debt Securities.** The Fund may invest in debt securities of corporate issuers. In addition to corporate bonds, the Fund may invest in debt securities such as trust preferred securities, convertible securities, preferred convertible securities, contingent convertible securities, preferred stock, equity securities, U.S. Government and Agency securities and mortgage or asset-backed securities. All debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as market interest rates, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity. For example, higher ranking (senior) debt securities have a higher repayment priority than lower ranking (subordinated) debt securities. Fixed income securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, but are subject to greater fluctuations in value.

Usually, changes in the value of fixed income securities will not affect cash income generated, but may affect the value of your investment. Please see a "Ratings" in Appendix A for more detail.

**Convertible Securities.** Convertible securities include any debt securities or preferred stock which may be converted into common stock or which carry the right to purchase common stock. Generally, convertible securities entitle the holder to exchange the securities for a specified number of shares of common stock, usually of the same company, at specified prices within a certain period of time.

The terms of any convertible security determine its ranking in a company's capital structure. In the case of subordinated convertible debentures, the holders' claims on assets and earnings are subordinated to the claims of other creditors, and are senior to the claims of preferred and common shareholders. In the case of convertible preferred stock, the holders' claims on assets and earnings are subordinated to the claims of all creditors and are senior to the claims of common shareholders.

Convertible securities have characteristics similar to both debt and equity securities. Due to the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to move together with the market value of the underlying common stock. As a result, selection of convertible securities, to a great extent, is based on the potential for capital appreciation that may exist in the underlying stock. The value of convertible securities is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer, and any call provisions. In some cases, the issuer may cause a convertible security to convert to common stock. In other situations, it may be advantageous for the Fund to cause the conversion of convertible securities to common stock. If a convertible security converts to common stock, the Fund may hold such common stock in its portfolio even if it does not ordinarily invest in common stock.

The Fund may invest in contingent securities structured as contingent convertible securities also known as CoCos. Contingent convertible securities are typically issued by non-U.S. banks and are designed to behave like bonds in times of economic health yet absorb losses when a pre-determined trigger event occurs. A contingent convertible security is a hybrid debt security either convertible into equity at a predetermined share price or written down in value based on the specific terms of the individual security if a prespecified trigger event occurs (the "Trigger Event"). Unlike traditional convertible securities, the conversion of a contingent convertible security from debt to equity is "contingent" and will occur only in the case of a Trigger Event. Trigger Events vary by instrument and are defined by the documents governing the contingent convertible security. Such Trigger Events may include a decline in the issuer's capital below a specified threshold level, increase in the issuer's risk weighted assets, the share price of the issuer falling to a particular level for a certain period of time and certain regulatory events.

Contingent convertible securities are subject to the credit, interest rate, high yield security, non-U.S. security and markets risks associated with bonds and equities, and to the risks specific to convertible securities in general. Contingent convertible securities are also subject to additional risks specific to their structure including conversion risk. Because Trigger Events are not consistently defined among contingent convertible securities, this risk is greater for contingent convertible securities that are issued by banks with capital ratios close to the level specified in the Trigger Event.

In addition, coupon payments on contingent convertible securities are discretionary and may be cancelled by the issuer at any point, for any reason, and for any length of time. The discretionary cancellation of payments is not an event of default and there are no remedies to require re-instatement of coupon payments or payment of any past missed payments. Coupon payments may also be subject to approval by the issuer's regulator and may be suspended in the event there are insufficient distributable reserves. Due to uncertainty surrounding coupon payments, contingent convertible securities may be volatile and their price may decline rapidly in the event that coupon payments are suspended.

Contingent convertible securities typically are structurally subordinated to traditional convertible bonds in the issuer's capital structure. In certain scenarios, investors in contingent convertible securities may suffer a loss of capital ahead of equity holders or when equity holders do not. Contingent convertible securities are also subject to extension risk. Contingent convertible securities are perpetual instruments and may only be callable at pre- determined dates upon approval of the applicable regulatory authority. There is no guarantee that the Fund will receive return of principal on contingent convertible securities.

Convertible contingent securities are a newer form of instrument and the regulatory environment for these instruments continues to evolve. Because the market for contingent convertible securities is evolving, it is uncertain how the larger market for contingent convertible securities would react to a Trigger Event or coupon suspension applicable to a single issuer.

The value of contingent convertible securities is unpredictable and will be influenced by many factors such as: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer's applicable capital ratios; (ii) supply and demand for contingent convertible securities; (iii) general market conditions and available liquidity; and (iv) economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, its particular market or the financial markets in general.

**High Yield/High Risk Securities/Junk Bonds.** High yield, high risk bonds are securities that are generally rated below investment grade by the primary rating agencies (BB+ or lower by S&P and Bal or lower by Moody's) or unrated, but determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Other terms used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds," "non-investment grade bonds," "below investment grade bonds," and "junk bonds." These securities are considered to be high-risk investments.

High yield securities are regarded as predominately speculative. There is a greater risk that issuers of lower rated securities will default than issuers of higher rated securities. Issuers of lower rated securities generally are less creditworthy and may be highly indebted, financially distressed, or bankrupt. These issuers are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political changes or adverse industry developments. In addition, high yield securities are frequently subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. If an issuer fails to pay principal or interest, the Fund would experience a decrease in income and a decline in the market value of its investments. The Fund may also incur additional expenses in seeking recovery from the issuer.

The income and market value of lower rated securities may fluctuate more than higher rated securities. Non-investment grade securities are more sensitive to short-term corporate, economic and market developments. During periods of economic uncertainty and change, the market price of the investments in lower rated securities may be volatile. The default rate for high yield bonds tends to be cyclical, with defaults rising in periods of economic downturn.

It is often more difficult to value lower rated securities than higher rated securities. If an issuer's financial condition deteriorates, accurate financial and business information may be limited or unavailable. The lower rated investments may be thinly traded and there may be no established secondary market. Because of the lack of market pricing and current information for investments in lower rated securities, valuation of such investments is much more dependent on the judgment of the Adviser than is the case with higher rated securities. In addition, relatively few institutional purchasers may hold a major portion of an issue of lower-rated securities at times. As a result, the Fund that invests in lower rated securities may be required to sell investments at substantial losses or retain them indefinitely even where an issuer's financial condition is deteriorating.

Credit quality of non-investment grade securities can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and even recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security.

Future legislation may have a possible negative impact on the market for high yield, high risk bonds. As an example, in the late 1980s, legislation required federally-insured savings and loan associations to divest their investments in high yield, high risk bonds. New legislation, if enacted, could have a material negative effect on the Fund's investments in lower rated securities.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may use derivatives, such as futures, options, options on futures, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. A derivative is a financial contract whose value is based on (or "derived from") a traditional security (such as a stock or bond), an asset (such as a commodity like gold), or a market index (such as the S&P 500). A derivative contract will obligate or entitle the Fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment based on the change in one or more securities, currencies, indices or other assets. The Fund may use derivatives for hedging purposes, including to attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held or to be purchased for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets, currency exchange rate or interest rate fluctuations (*i.e.*, to hedge); protect the Fund's unrealized gains reflected in the value of its portfolio securities; facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes; and as a substitute for buying or selling securities, securities indices or currencies. The Fund may also use derivatives for non- hedging (speculative) purposes including to enhance the Fund's returns.

The Fund may use any or all of these investment techniques and different types of derivative securities may be purchased at any time and in any combination. There is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather than another, as use of derivatives is a function of numerous variables, including market conditions.

The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. Among the risks presented are market risk, credit risk, management risk and liquidity risk. The primary risk with many derivatives is that they can amplify a gain or loss, potentially earning or losing substantially more money than the actual cost of the derivative instrument. These risks are heightened when the management team uses derivatives to enhance the Fund's return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge (or offset) the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. In addition, certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited losses regardless of the size of the initial investment. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuations (particularly, for non-standardized contracts) and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the relevant assets, rates and indices. Derivatives may also be less liquid and may be difficult or impossible to sell or terminate at a desirable time or price. Derivatives may also involve credit risk which is the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure of a counterparty to comply with the terms of a derivative instrument.

The counterparty risk for exchange-traded derivatives is generally less than for privately-negotiated or over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives, since generally a clearing agency, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded instrument, provides a guarantee of performance. For privately-negotiated instruments, there is no similar clearing agency guarantee. Use of derivatives may also increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders. The Fund may lose money on derivatives or may not fully benefit on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the Fund's holdings. The Fund's ability to benefit from derivatives is largely dependent on the Adviser's ability to use such strategies successfully.

Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA"), as amended, exempts an adviser of the Fund that invests in "commodity interests" from registration as a "commodity pool operator" ("CPO") provided that, among other restrictions, the adviser enters into such positions solely for "bona fide hedging purposes" or limits its use of commodity interests for non-bona fide hedging purposes such that (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish non-bona fide hedging positions do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, or (ii) the aggregate "notional value" of the non-bona fide hedging commodity interests do not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio.

The Adviser intends to: (i) comply with the requirements of the CEA by operating the Fund in a manner consistent with the restrictions of Rule 4.5, including filing a notice of eligibility of exemption from registration in accordance with applicable procedures and deadlines; (ii) comply with the requirements of the CEA by registering as a CPO with the CFTC and the National Futures Association; or (iii) operate the Fund in a manner such that the Fund is not a "commodity pool" under the CEA.

**Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts to manage foreign currency exposure and as a hedge against possible variations in foreign exchange rates. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge a specific security transaction or to hedge a portfolio position. These contracts may be bought or sold to protect the Fund, to some degree, against possible losses resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. The Fund also may invest in foreign currency futures and in options on currencies. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency amount at a future date, agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. The Fund may enter into a contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or other appropriate currency, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's securities denominated in such foreign currency. By entering into forward foreign currency contracts, the Fund will seek to protect the value of its investment securities against a decline in the value of a currency. However, these forward foreign currency contracts will not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. Rather, they simply establish a rate of exchange that one can obtain at some future point in time. Although such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain that might result should the value of such currency increase. At the maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may either sell a portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an "offsetting" contract with the same currency trader, obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the foreign currency. The Fund may realize a gain or loss from currency transactions.

When entering into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security in a foreign currency, the Fund may enter into a forward foreign currency contract for the amount of the purchase or sale price to protect against variations, between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received, in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other foreign currency. Also, when the Fund's portfolio manager anticipates that a particular foreign currency may decline substantially relative to the U.S. dollar or other leading currencies, in order to reduce risk, the Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of its securities denominated in such foreign currency. With respect to any such forward foreign currency contract, it will not generally be possible to match precisely the amount covered by that contract and the value of the securities involved due to changes in the values of such securities resulting from market movements between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. In addition, while forward foreign currency contracts may offer protection from losses resulting from declines in value of a particular foreign currency, they also limit potential gains that might result from increases in the value of such currency. The Fund will also incur costs in connection with forward foreign currency contracts and conversions of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars. The Fund will place assets in a segregated account or otherwise earmark assets as cover to assure that its obligations under forward foreign currency contracts are covered.

**Options and Futures Transactions.** The Fund may purchase and sell exchange traded and OTC put and call options on securities, on indexes of securities and other types of instruments. The Fund may also purchase and sell futures contracts on securities and indexes of securities and other instruments such as interest rate futures and global interest rate futures. Each of these instruments is a derivative instrument as its value derives from the underlying asset or index. Subject to its investment objective and policies, the Fund may use options for hedging and risk management purposes and to seek to enhance portfolio performance.

Options and futures contracts may be used to manage the Fund's exposure to changing interest rates and/or security prices. Some options and futures strategies, including selling futures contracts and buying puts, tend to hedge the Fund's investments against price fluctuations. Other strategies, including buying futures contracts and buying calls, tend to increase market exposure. Options and futures contracts may be combined with each other or with forward contracts in order to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the Fund's overall strategy in a manner deemed appropriate by the Adviser and consistent with the Fund's objective and policies. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.

The use of options and futures is a highly specialized activity which involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions, and there can be no guarantee that their use will increase the Fund's return. While the use of these instruments by the Fund may reduce certain risks associated with owning its portfolio securities, these techniques themselves entail certain other risks.

If the Fund's Adviser applies a strategy at an inappropriate time or judges market conditions or trends incorrectly, options and futures strategies may lower the Fund's return. Certain strategies limit the Fund's possibilities to realize gains, as well as its exposure to losses. The Fund could also experience losses if the prices of its options and futures positions were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if it could not close out its positions because of an illiquid secondary market. In addition, the Fund will incur transaction costs, including trading commissions and option premiums, in connection with its futures and options transactions, and these transactions could significantly increase the Fund's turnover rate.

**Investment Company Securities**

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies. Such securities will be acquired by the Fund to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and consistent with its investment objective and strategies. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses, including management fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

The Fund may also invest in various ETFs and closed-end Funds, subject to the Fund's investment objective, policies and strategies.

Closed-end investment companies are a type of investment company the shares of which are not redeemable by the issuing investment company. The value of the shares is set by the transactions on the secondary market and may be higher or lower than the value of the portfolio securities that make up the closed-end investment company. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs and closed-end Funds. Furthermore, investments in other Funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the Fund.

Closed-end investment companies may trade infrequently, with small volume, which may make it difficult for the Fund to buy and sell shares. Also, the market price of closed-end investment companies tends to rise more in response to buying demand and fall more in response to selling pressure than is the case with larger capitalization companies. Closed-end Funds may trade at a premium or discount which means that the price in the secondary market may be higher or lower than the calculated net asset value.

Closed-end investment companies 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. The Fund's investment in the common shares of closed-end Funds that are financially leveraged may create an opportunity for greater total return on the Fund's investment, but at the same time the closed-end Fund 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.

Closed-end investment companies in which the Fund invests may issue auction preferred shares ("APS"). The dividend rate for the APS normally is set through an auction process. In the auction, holders of APS may indicate the dividend rate at which they would be willing to hold or sell their APS or purchase additional APS. The auction also provides liquidity for the sale of APS. The Fund may not be able to sell its APS at an auction if the auction fails. An auction fails if there are more APS offered for sale than there are buyers. A closed-end Fund may not be obligated to purchase APS in an auction or otherwise, nor may the closed-end Fund be required to redeem APS in the event of a failed auction. As a result, the Fund's investment in APS may be illiquid. In addition, if the Fund buys APS or elects to retain APS without specifying a dividend rate below which it would not wish to buy or continue to hold those APS, the Fund could receive a lower rate of return on its APS than the market rate.

The price movement of an ETF may not track the underlying index and may result in a loss. Both ETFs and closed-end Funds, like stocks, trade on exchanges such as the NYSE. Both are priced continuously and trade throughout the day.

**Master Limited Partnerships**

MLPs are passive investment vehicles, in which 85% to 90% of operating profits and losses are usually passed through the ownership structure to the limited partners. This pass through creates passive income or losses, along with dividend and investment income. MLPs investment returns are enhanced during periods of declining/low interest rates and tend to be negatively influenced when interest rates are rising. As an income vehicle, the unit price can be influenced by general interest rate trends independent of specific underlying Fundamentals. In addition, most MLPs are fairly leveraged and typically carry a portion of "floating" rate debt. As such, a significant upward swing in interest rates would also drive interest expense higher. Furthermore, most MLPs grow by acquisitions partly financed by debt, and higher interest rates could make it more difficult to transact accretive acquisitions.

*Limitations on the use of MLPs:* To maintain its income tax status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code (a "RIC"), the Fund's investments in MLPs are limited to 25% of the value of the Fund's assets.

**Non-U.S. Investments**

The Fund may invest directly in certain obligations or securities of non-U.S. issuers and will be subject to risks not typically associated with U.S. securities. Non-U.S. investments, especially those of companies in emerging markets, can be riskier and more volatile than investments in the United States. Adverse political and economic developments of changes in the value of non-U.S. currency can make it more difficult for the Fund to sell its securities and could reduce the value of your shares. Differences in tax and accounting standards and difficulties in obtaining information about non-U.S. companies can negatively affect investment decisions.

Other possible non-U.S. investments include U.S. dollar-denominated debt securities (e.g., bonds and commercial paper) of non-U.S. entities, obligations of non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks and of non-U.S. banks, including, without limitation, Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit, Eurodollar Time Deposits, Eurodollar Bankers' Acceptances, Canadian Time Deposits and Yankee Certificates of Deposit, and investments in Canadian Commercial Paper, and Europaper. Securities of non-U.S. issuers may include sponsored and unsponsored ADRs, EDRs and GDRs. Sponsored ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange; unsponsored ADRs are not. Therefore, there may be less information available about the issuers of unsponsored ADRs than the issuers of sponsored ADRs. Unsponsored ADRs are restricted securities. EDRs and GDRs are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As a result, it may be difficult to obtain information about EDRs and GDRs.

**Risk Factors of Non-U.S. Investments.** The following is a summary of certain risks associated with non-U.S. investments:

*Political and Exchange Risks.* Non-U.S. investments may subject the Fund to investment risks that differ in some respects from those related to investments in obligations of U.S. issuers. Such risks include potential future adverse political and economic developments, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest or other income, possible seizure, nationalization or expropriation of non-U.S. deposits, possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at the source, greater fluctuations in value due to changes in exchange rates, or the adoption of other non-U.S. governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such obligations.

Certain European countries in which the Fund may invest have recently experienced significant volatility in financial markets and may continue to do so in the future. The impact of the United Kingdom's intended departure from the European Union, commonly known as "Brexit," and the potential departure of one or more other countries from the European Union may have significant political and financial consequences for global markets. These consequences include greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence and an increased likelihood of a recession in such markets. Uncertainty relating to the withdrawal procedures and time line may have adverse effects on asset valuations and the renegotiation of current trade agreements, as well as an increase in financial regulation in such markets. This may adversely impact Fund performance.

*Higher Transaction Costs.* Non-U.S. investments may entail higher custodial fees and sales commissions than U.S. investments.

*Foreign Taxes*. Non-U.S. investments by the Fund may subject the Fund to foreign taxes, which could reduce a shareholder's yield from the shareholder's investment in the Fund.

*Accounting and Regulatory Differences.* Non-U.S. issuers of securities or obligations are often subject to accounting treatment and engage in business practices different from those of U.S. issuers of similar securities or obligations. In addition, non-U.S. issuers are usually not subject to the same degree of regulation as U.S. issuers, and their securities may trade on relatively small markets, causing their securities to experience potentially higher volatility and more limited liquidity than securities of U.S. issuers.

Non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks and non-U.S. banks are not regulated by U.S. banking authorities and may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements than those applicable to U.S. branches of U.S. banks. In addition, non-U.S. banks generally are not bound by accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to U.S. banks. Dividends and interest paid by non-U.S. issuers may be subject to withholding and other non-U.S. taxes which may decrease the net return on non-U.S. investments as compared to dividends and interest paid to the Fund by U.S. companies.

**Obligations of Supranational Entities.** Obligations of supranational entities include securities designated or supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or development of international banking institutions and related government agencies. Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank"), the European Coal and Steel Community, the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Each supranational entity's lending activities are limited to a percentage of its total capital (including "callable capital" contributed by its governmental members at the entity's call), reserves and net income.

There is no assurance that participating governments will be able or willing to honor their commitments to make capital contributions to a supranational entity.

**Emerging Market Securities.** Investing in companies domiciled in emerging market countries may be subject to potentially higher risks than investments in developed countries. These risks include: (i) less social, political, and economic stability; (ii) greater illiquidity and price volatility due to smaller or limited local capital markets for such securities, or low non-existent trading volumes; (iii) less scrutiny and regulation by local authorities of the non-U.S. exchanges and broker-dealers; (iv) the seizure or confiscation by local governments of securities held by non-U.S. investors, and the possible suspension or limiting by local governments of an issuer's ability to make dividend or interest payments; (v) limiting or entirely restricting repatriation of invested capital, profits, and dividends by local governments; (vi) possible local taxation of capital gains, including on a retroactive basis; (vii) the attempt by issuers facing restrictions on dollar or euro payments imposed by local governments to make dividend or interest payments to non-U.S. investors in the local currency; (viii) difficulty in enforcing legal claims related to the securities and/or local judges favoring the interests of the issuer over those of non-U.S. investors; (ix) bankruptcy judgments being paid in the local currency; (x) greater difficulty in determining market valuations of the securities due to limited public information regarding the issuer, and (xi) difficulty of ascertaining the financial health of an issuer due to lax financial reporting on a regular basis, substandard disclosure and differences in accounting standards.

Emerging country securities markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. Although some emerging markets have become more established and tend to issue securities of higher credit quality, the markets for securities in other emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development, and these countries issue securities across the credit spectrum. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries.

The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities may also affect the Fund's ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.

Many emerging market countries suffer from uncertainty and corruption in their legal frameworks. Legislation may be difficult to interpret and laws may be too new to provide any precedential value. Laws regarding non-U.S. investment and private property may be weak or non-existent. Sudden changes in governments may result in policies which are less favorable to investors, such as policies designed to expropriate or nationalize "sovereign" assets. Certain emerging market countries in the past have expropriated large amounts of private property, in many cases with little or no compensation, and there can be no assurance that such expropriation will not occur in the future.

Non-U.S. investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Fund's investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by non-U.S. persons or limit investment by non-U.S. persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer's outstanding securities or to a specific class of securities, which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals.

Many developing countries lack the social, political, and economic stability characteristic of the U.S. Political instability among emerging market countries can be common and may be caused by an uneven distribution of wealth, social unrest, labor strikes, civil wars, and religious oppression. Economic instability in emerging market countries may take the form of: (i) high interest rates; (ii) high levels of inflation, including hyperinflation; (iii) high levels of unemployment or underemployment; (iv) changes in government economic and tax policies, including confiscatory taxation; and (v) imposition of trade barriers. Some emerging market countries have experienced balance of payment deficits and shortages in non-U.S. exchange reserves. Governments have responded by restricting currency conversions. Future restrictive exchange controls could prevent or restrict a company's ability to make dividend or interest payments in the original currency of the obligation (usually U.S. dollars). In addition, even though the currencies of some emerging market countries may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be artificial to their actual market values.

The Fund's income and, in some cases, capital gains from non-U.S. stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. Non-U.S. markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund remains uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases or sales due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities, in the Fund deeming those securities to be illiquid, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, in possible liability to the purchaser.

In the past, governments within the emerging markets have become overly reliant on the international capital markets and other forms of non-U.S. credit to finance large public spending programs which cause huge budget deficits. Often, interest payments have become too overwhelming for a government to meet, representing a large percentage of total gross domestic product ("GDP"). These non-U.S. obligations have become the subject of political debate and have served as fuel for political parties of the opposition, which pressure the government not to make payments to non-U.S. creditors, but instead to use these Funds for social programs. Either due to an inability to pay or submission to political pressure, non-U.S. governments have been forced to seek a restructuring of their loan and/or bond obligations, have declared a temporary suspension of interest payments or have defaulted. These events have adversely affected the values of securities issued by non-U.S. governments and corporations domiciled in emerging market countries and have negatively affected not only their cost of borrowing, but their ability to borrow in the future as well.

**Sovereign Obligations.** Sovereign debt includes investments in securities issued or guaranteed by a non-U.S. sovereign government or its agencies, authorities or political subdivisions. An investment in sovereign debt obligations involves special risks not present in corporate debt obligations. The issuer of the sovereign debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt, and the Fund's NAV, may be more volatile than prices of U.S. debt obligations. In the past, certain emerging markets have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debts.

A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. currency reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from non-U.S. governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt.

The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third-party commitments to lend Funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts.

**Private Placements, Restricted Securities and Other Unregistered Securities**

The Fund may acquire investments that are illiquid or have limited liquidity, such as commercial obligations issued in reliance on the so-called "private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and cannot be offered for public sale in the U.S. without first being registered under the 1933 Act. An illiquid investment is any investment that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the normal course of business at approximately the amount at which it is valued by the Fund. The price the Fund pays for illiquid securities or receives upon resale may be lower than the price paid or received for similar securities with a more liquid market. Accordingly, the valuation of these securities will reflect any limitations on their liquidity.

The Fund is subject to a risk that should the Fund decide to sell illiquid securities when a ready buyer is not available at a price the Fund deems representative of their value, the value of the Fund's net assets could be adversely affected. Where an illiquid security must be registered under the 1933 Act before it may be sold, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. The Fund may invest in commercial paper issued in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act and other restricted securities (i.e., other securities subject to restrictions on resale). Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper ("4(a)(2) paper") is restricted as to disposition under federal securities law and is generally sold to institutional investors, such as the Fund, that agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment purposes and not with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be in an exempt transaction. 4(a)(2) paper is normally resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in 4(a)(2) paper, thus providing liquidity. The Fund believes that 4(a)(2) paper and possibly certain other restricted securities which meet the criteria for liquidity established by the Trustees are quite liquid.

The Fund intends, therefore, to treat restricted securities that meet the liquidity criteria established by the Board, including 4(a)(2) paper and Rule 144A Securities, as determined by the Trust's valuation committee, as liquid and not subject to the investment limitation applicable to illiquid securities.

The ability of the Trustees to determine the liquidity of certain restricted securities is permitted under an SEC Staff position set forth in the adopting release for Rule 144A under the 1933 Act ("Rule 144A"). Rule 144A is a nonexclusive safe-harbor for certain secondary market transactions involving securities subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. Rule 144A provides an exemption from registration for resales of otherwise restricted securities to qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A was expected to further enhance the liquidity of the secondary market for securities eligible for resale. The Fund believes that the Staff of the SEC has left the question of determining the liquidity of all restricted securities to the Trustees. The Trustees have directed the Trust's valuation committee to consider the following criteria in determining the liquidity of certain restricted securities:

● the frequency of trades and quotes for the security;

● the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential buyers ;

● dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and

● the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades.

Certain 4(a)(2) paper programs cannot rely on Rule 144A. However, the Trustees may determine for purposes of the Trust's liquidity requirements that an issue of 4(a)(2) paper is liquid if the following conditions, which are set forth in a 1994 SEC no-action letter, are met:

● The 4(a)(2) paper must not be traded flat or in default as to principal or interest;

● The 4(a)(2) paper must be rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two NRSROs, or if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or if unrated, is determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality; and

● The Adviser must consider the trading market for the specific security, taking into account all relevant factors, including but not limited to, whether the paper is the subject of a commercial paper program that is administered by an issuing and paying agent bank and for which there exists a dealer willing to make a market in that paper, or whether the paper is administered by a direct issuer pursuant to a direct placement program.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its respective assets (valued at the purchase date) in illiquid securities.

**Real Estate Investment Trusts**

REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. REITs generally are classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or hybrid REITs. An equity REIT, which owns properties, generates income from rental and lease properties. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. Hybrid REITs are designed to strike a balance between equity investments and mortgage-backed investments and derive their income from the collection of rents, the realization of capital gains from the sale of properties and from the collection of interest payments on outstanding mortgages held within the trust.

The value of real estate securities in general and REITs in particular, will depend on the value of the underlying properties or the underlying loans or interests. The value of these securities will rise and fall in response to many factors, including economic conditions, the demand for rental property and interest rates. In particular, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management of the underlying properties. REITs may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types of equity securities. The Fund, though not invested directly in real estate, still are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which include:

● possible declines in the value of real estate

● risks related to general and local economic conditions

● possible lack of availability of mortgage Funds

● overbuilding

● changes in interest rates

● environmental problems

Investing in REITs involves certain risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general, which include:

● dependency upon management skills

● limited diversification

● the risks of financing projects

● heavy cash flow dependency

● default by borrowers

● self-liquidation

● possibility of failing to maintain exemptions from the 1940 Act

● in many cases, relatively small market capitalization, which may result in less market liquidity and greater price volatility.

**Repurchase Agreements**

Under the terms of a repurchase agreement, the Fund would acquire securities from a seller, also known as the repurchase agreement counterparty, subject to the seller's agreement to repurchase such securities at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. The repurchase price would generally equal the price paid by the Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates, which may be more or less than the rate on the underlying portfolio securities. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of collateral held pursuant to the agreement at not less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest).

If the seller were to default on its repurchase obligation or become insolvent, the Fund would suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from a sale of the underlying portfolio securities were less than the repurchase price under the agreement, or to the extent that the disposition of such securities by the Fund were delayed pending court action.

Additionally, there is no controlling legal precedent under U.S. law and there may be no controlling legal precedents under the laws of certain non-U.S. jurisdictions confirming that the Fund would be entitled, as against a claim by such seller or its receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, to retain the underlying securities, although (with respect to repurchase agreements subject to U.S. law) the Board of the Trust believes that, under the regular procedures normally in effect for custody of the Fund's securities subject to repurchase agreements and under federal laws, a court of competent jurisdiction would rule in favor of the Trust if presented with the question.

Securities subject to repurchase agreements will be held by the Trust's custodian or another qualified custodian or in the Federal Reserve/Treasury book-entry system. Repurchase agreements are considered by the SEC to be loans by the Fund under the 1940 Act. Repurchase agreement counterparties include Federal Reserve member banks with assets in excess of $1 billion and registered broker dealers that the Adviser deems creditworthy under guidelines approved by the Board.

**Short Sales**

When the Adviser believes that a security is overvalued, it may sell the security short and borrow the same security from a broker or other institution to complete the sale. If the price of the security decreases in value, the Fund may make a profit and, conversely, if the security increases in value, the Fund will incur a loss because it will have to replace the borrowed security by purchasing it at a higher price. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to close out the short position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although the Fund's gain is limited to the amount at which it sold a security short, its potential loss is not limited. A lender may request that the borrowed securities be returned on short notice; if that occurs at a time when other short sellers of the subject security are receiving similar requests, a "short squeeze" can occur. This means that the Fund might be compelled, at the most disadvantageous time, to replace borrowed securities previously sold short, with purchases on the open market at prices significantly greater than those at which the securities were sold short.

At any time that the Fund has an open short sale position, the Fund is required to segregate with the Custodian (and to maintain such amount until the Fund replaces the borrowed security) an amount of cash or U.S. Government securities or other liquid securities equal to the difference between (i) the current market value of the securities sold short and (ii) any cash or U.S. Government securities required to be deposited with the broker in connection with the short sale (not including the proceeds from the short sale). As a result of these requirements, the Fund will not gain any leverage merely by selling short, except to the extent that it earns interest on the immobilized cash or government securities while also being subject to the possibility of gain or loss from the securities sold short. However, depending on arrangements made with the broker or Custodian, the Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on the deposits made with the broker or Custodian. These deposits do not have the effect of limiting the amount of money the Fund may lose on a short sale – the Fund's possible losses may exceed the total amount of deposits. The Fund will not make a short sale if, immediately before the transaction, the market value of all securities sold short exceeds 40% of the value of the Fund's net assets.

The amount of any gain will be decreased and the amount of any loss increased by any premium or interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. It should be noted that possible losses from short sales differ from those that could arise from a cash investment in a security in that the former may be limitless while the latter can only equal the total amount of the Fund's investment in the security. For example, if the Fund purchases a $10 security, the most that can be lost is $10. However, if the Fund sells a $10 security short, it may have to purchase the security for return to the lender when the market value is $50, thereby incurring a loss of $40.

Short selling also may produce higher than normal portfolio turnover and result in increased transaction costs to the Fund. In addition, because of the asset segregation requirement, the Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities that it otherwise might not have sold in order to meet its obligations, such as paying for redemptions of Fund shares.

**Temporary Strategies**

From time to time, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategies, in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. For example, the Fund may hold all or a portion of its assets in money market instruments (high quality income securities with maturities of less than one year), securities of money market Funds or U.S. Government repurchase agreements. The Fund may also invest in such investments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies. As a result, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. If the Fund acquires securities of money market Funds, the shareholders of the Fund will be subject to duplicative management fees and other expenses.

**U.S. Equity Securities**

Equity securities consist of common and preferred stocks, rights and warrants. Common stocks, the most familiar type, represent an equity (ownership) interest in a corporation. Preferred stock is a class of ownership in a corporation that has a higher claim on the assets and earnings than common stock. Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at a specified price for a specific time period. Rights are similar to warrants, but normally have a short duration and are distributed by the issuer to its shareholders.

Although equity securities have a history of long term growth in value, their prices fluctuate based on changes in a company's financial condition and on overall market and economic conditions.

Equity securities include SPDRs and other similar instruments. SPDRs are shares of a publicly traded unit investment trust which owns the stock included in the S&P 500 Index, and changes in the price of the SPDRs track the movement of the Index relatively closely. Similar instruments may track the movement of other stock indexes.

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. equity securities by purchasing ADRs. ADRs are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a non-U.S.-based issuer held in trust by a bank or similar financial institution. They are alternatives to the direct purchase of the underlying securities in their national markets and currencies. To the extent that the Fund does invest in ADRs, such investments may be subject to special risks. See "Non-U.S. Investments" section for additional information.

Investments in equity securities are subject to inherent market risks and fluctuations in value due to earnings, economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Adviser. As a result, the return and net asset value of the Fund will fluctuate. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may decrease in value or not increase as much as the market as a whole. Although profits in some Fund holdings may be realized quickly, it is not expected that most investments will appreciate rapidly.

At times, a portion of the Fund may be invested in companies with short operating histories ("new issuers") and in initial public offerings ("IPOs"), and such investments could be considered speculative. New issuers are relatively unseasoned and may lack sufficient resources, may be unable to generate internally the Funds necessary for growth and may find external financing to be unavailable on favorable terms or even totally unavailable. New issuers will often be involved in the development or marketing of a new product with no established market, which could lead to significant losses. To the extent the Fund invests in smaller capitalization companies, the Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with such companies. Smaller capitalization companies, IPOs and new issuers may experience lower trading volumes than larger capitalization, established companies and may experience higher growth rates and higher failure rates than larger capitalization companies. Smaller capitalization companies, IPOs and new issuers also may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may lack management depth.

**U.S. Government Obligations**

U.S. government obligations may include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, including Treasury bills, notes and bonds, all of which are backed as to principal and interest payments by the full faith and credit of the U.S., and separately traded principal and interest component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the Federal book-entry system known as STRIPS and CUBES. U.S. government obligations are subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk.

The principal and interest components of U.S. Treasury bonds with remaining maturities of longer than ten years are eligible to be traded independently under the STRIPS program. Under the STRIPS program, the principal and interest components are separately issued by the U.S. Treasury at the request of depository financial institutions, which then trade the component parts separately. The interest component of STRIPS may be more volatile than that of U.S. Treasury bills with comparable maturities.

Other obligations include those issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. These obligations may or may not be backed by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. Securities which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. include obligations of the Government National Mortgage Association, the Farmers Home Administration, and the Export-Import Bank. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S., the Fund must look principally to the federal agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S. itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments.

Securities in which the Fund may invest that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. include, but are not limited to: (i) obligations of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Federal Home Loan Banks and the U.S. Postal Service, each of which has the right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations; (ii) securities issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which are supported only by the credit of such securities, but for which the Secretary of the Treasury has discretionary authority to purchase limited amounts of the agency's obligations; and (iii) obligations of the Federal Farm Credit System and the Student Loan Marketing Association, each of whose obligations may be satisfied only by the individual credits of the issuing agency.

The total public debt of the United States and other countries around the globe as a percent of gross domestic product has grown rapidly since the beginning of the 2008 financial downturn. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government Funding needs, which may drive debt cost higher and cause a country to sell additional debt, thereby increasing refinancing risk. A high national debt also raises concerns that a government will not be able to make principal or interest payments when they are due. Unsustainable debt levels can cause devaluations of currency, prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy in economic downturns, and contribute to market volatility.

In the past, U.S. sovereign credit has experienced downgrades and there can be no guarantee that it will not experience further downgrades in the future by rating agencies. The market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government may be adversely affected by a rating agency's decision to downgrade the sovereign credit rating of the United States.

**Other Risks Operational Risk**

An investment in the Fund, like any mutual Fund, can involve operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors, human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel and errors caused by third- party service providers. The occurrence of any of these failures, errors or breaches could result in a loss of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage or other events, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund. While the Fund seeks to minimize such events through controls and oversight, there may still be failures that could cause losses to the Fund.

**Information and Cybersecurity Risk**

As the use of technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the Fund has become more susceptible to operational and financial risks associated with cybersecurity, including: theft, loss, misuse, improper release, corruption and destruction of, or unauthorized access to, confidential or highly restricted data relating to the Fund and its shareholders; and compromises or failures to systems, networks, devices and applications relating to the operations of the Fund and its service providers. Cybersecurity risks may result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders; the inability of the Fund to transact business with its shareholders; delays or mistakes in the calculation of the Fund's NAV or other materials provided to shareholders; the inability to process transactions with shareholders or other parties; violations of privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties and reputational damage; and compliance and remediation costs, legal fees and other expenses. The Fund's service providers (including, but not limited to, its investment adviser, any sub-advisers, administrator, transfer agent, and custodian or their agents), financial intermediaries, companies in which the Fund invests and parties with which the Fund engages in portfolio or other transactions also may be adversely impacted by cybersecurity risks in their own businesses, which could result in losses to the Fund or its shareholders. While measures have been developed which are designed to reduce the risks associated with cybersecurity, there is no guarantee that those measures will be effective, particularly since the Fund does not directly control the cybersecurity defenses or plans of their service providers, financial intermediaries and companies in which they invest or with which they do business.

**Recent Events**

The Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. The value of a security or other instrument may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other instrument, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

Some countries, including the United States, have adopted and/or are considering the adoption of more protectionist trade policies, a move away from the tighter financial industry regulations that followed the financial crisis, and/or substantially reducing corporate taxes. The exact shape of these policies is still being considered, but the equity and debt markets may react strongly to expectations of change, which could increase volatility, especially if the market's expectations are not borne out. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health, may add to instability in world economies and markets generally.

Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic, political and/or financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected by such events.

Natural or environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, and other severe weather-related phenomena generally, and widespread disease and illness, including pandemics and epidemics, have been and can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. They may adversely impact individual companies, sectors, industries, markets, currencies, interest and inflation rates, credit ratings, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Fund's investments. For example, the novel coronavirus (COVID -19), which was first detected in 2019, resulted in, among other things, stressors to healthcare service infrastructure, country border closings, business and school closings, and disruptions to supply chains and customer activity. A natural disaster/epidemic could have a significant adverse impact on the Fund's portfolio investments.

**INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS**

**Fundamental**

The investment limitations described below have been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and are Fundamental ("Fundamental"), i.e., they may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As used in the Prospectus and this SAI, the term "majority" of the outstanding shares of the Fund means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Other investment practices that may be changed by the Board without the approval of shareholders to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or regulatory policy are considered nonfundamental ("Nonfundamental").

1. <u>Borrowin</u>g <u>Mone</u>y. The Fund will not borrow money, except (a) from a bank or from another Fund of the Trust, 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.

2. <u>Senior Securities</u>. The Fund will not issue senior securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Fund's engagement in such activities is (a) consistent with or permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff and (b) as described in the Prospectus and this SAI.

3. <u>Underwritin</u>g. The Fund will not act as underwriter of securities issued by other persons. This limitation is not applicable to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities (including restricted securities), the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.

4. <u>Real Estate</u>. The Fund will not purchase or sell 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. <u>Commodities</u>. The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from purchasing or selling options or futures contracts, from investing in securities or other instruments backed by commodities or from investing in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities.

6. <u>Loans</u>. The Fund will not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.

7. <u>Concentration</u>. The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its respective total assets in any particular industry or group of industries. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities or repurchase agreements with respect thereto.

8. <u>Diversification</u>. The Fund may not purchase securities of an issuer that would cause the Fund to fail to satisfy the diversification requirement for a diversified management company under the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

With respect to the percentages adopted by the Trust as maximum limitations on its investment policies and limitations, an excess above the fixed percentage will not be a violation of the policy or limitation unless the excess results immediately and directly from the acquisition of any security or the action taken. This paragraph does not apply to the borrowing policy set forth in paragraph 1 above. For purposes of the Fundamental limitations set forth above, "total assets" means net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes.

With respect to paragraph 1 above, if asset coverage on borrowing at any time falls below 300% for the Fund, within three days (or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rule or regulation), that Fund shall reduce the amount of its borrowings to the extent that asset coverage of such borrowings will be at least 300%.

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing limitations, any investment company, whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Trust, provided that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Trust shall, within ninety days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.

**Nonfundamental**

The following limitations have been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and are Nonfundamental (see "Investment Limitations" above).

1. <u>Pled</u>ging. The Fund will not mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any manner transfer, as security for indebtedness, any of its assets except as may be necessary in connection with borrowings described in limitation (1) above. Margin deposits, security interests, liens and collateral arrangements with respect to transactions involving options, futures contracts, short sales and other permitted investments and techniques are not deemed to be a mortgage, pledge or hypothecation of assets for purposes of this limitation.

2. <u>Borrowin</u>g. The Fund will not purchase any security while borrowings (including reverse repurchase agreements) representing more than 5% of its total assets are outstanding.

3. <u>Mar</u>g<u>in Purchases</u>. The Fund will not purchase securities or evidences of interest thereon on "margin." This limitation is not applicable to short term credit obtained by the Fund for the clearance of purchases and sales or redemption of securities, or to arrangements with respect to transactions involving options, futures contracts, short sales and other permitted investments and techniques.

4. <u>Options</u>. The Fund will not purchase or sell puts, calls, options or straddles, except as described in the Prospectus and this SAI.

5. <u>Reverse Repurchase A</u>g<u>reements</u>. The Fund will not enter into reverse repurchase agreements.

The Fund's 80% investment policy described in the Prospectus is also Nonfundamental, and can be changed by the Fund's Board of Trustees upon 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders.

**Portfolio Turnover**

The 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. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. High turnover may result in the Fund recognizing greater amounts of ordinary income and short-term capital gains, which would increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders and increase the amount of commissions paid by the Fund. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all of the Fund's portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period. The rate of portfolio turnover will depend upon market and other conditions, and will not be a limiting factor when the Adviser believes that portfolio changes are appropriate.

The Fund may engage in active trading to achieve their investment goals and, as a result, may have substantial portfolio turnover. Because the Fund had not commenced investment operations, it does not have prior year portfolio turnover to report.

**Portfolio Holdings Disclosure**

The Fund discloses portfolio holdings as described in the Prospectus. After such information is released to the public as described in the Prospectus, it may be included in marketing materials, advertisements and presentations. In addition to the policies described in the Prospectus, the Fund may release or authorize the release of portfolio holdings that are not publicly available for legitimate business purposes, provided that such disclosure is approved by the President and Treasurer of the Trust.

The Fund currently has ongoing arrangements to disclose portfolio holdings information to third party service providers of the Fund or the Adviser and to rating or reporting agencies, or data or portfolio analysis firms, which include:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Recipient** | <br> **Frequency of<br> Disclosure** | <br> **Information Lag** | **Date of Information** | **Date provided <br> to Recipient** |
| VELA Investment Management, LLC | Daily | None | Daily | Daily |
| Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC | Daily | None | Daily | Daily |
| U.S. Bank National Association | Daily | None | Daily | Daily |
| Cohen & Company, Ltd. | As needed | None | As needed | As needed |
| Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP | As needed | None | As needed | As needed |

---

Disclosure of the Fund's daily portfolio holdings as an exception to the Fund's normal business practice may be made, provided that the disclosure is deemed to be in the best interests of shareholders and the party receiving the portfolio holdings signs a confidentiality agreement or the policies of the recipient are determined to be adequate to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the information. In no event shall portfolio holdings information be disclosed for compensation. In order to avoid conflicts of interest between the Fund's shareholders and the Adviser, any exceptions must be approved in writing by the Fund's President and Treasurer and any such exceptions granted will be presented to the Board on a quarterly basis for their review.

**Policy Exceptions**

The following disclosures of Portfolio Holdings are not prohibited by this policy:

■ Disclosures that are required by law;

■ Disclosures necessary for service providers (defined above);

■ Disclosure necessary for rating agencies to assess applicable Fund ratings;

■ Disclosures necessary to broker-dealers or banks as part of the normal buying, selling, shorting, or other transactions in portfolio securities;

■ Disclosures to the applicable Fund's or service providers' regulatory authorities, accountants, or counsel;

■ Disclosures to the adviser of the Fund of compiled data concerning accounts managed by the adviser;

■ Any portfolio holdings that precede a full public disclosure (e.g., portfolio holdings that are dated prior to the most recent quarterly disclosure) are not considered to be sensitive, proprietary information of the Fund, and therefore are not subject to the aforementioned disclosure policies; or

■ Disclosure to certain consultants or analytic companies who calculate aggregate portfolio characteristics, of month-end portfolio holdings information without a delay; provided that the recipient acknowledges that they will keep the list confidential and not share the portfolio holdings with any other party or person before the expiration of the applicable lag.

In addition, separate account clients ("Other Accounts") of the Adviser have same day access to their portfolio holdings, and their advisors have access to representative portfolio holdings and may grant same day access to these portfolio holdings to their clients, their investors, and/or to one or more affiliated and unaffiliated service providers. In addition, information about non-public portfolio holdings information attributable to Other Accounts managed or advised by the Adviser may be available to one or more affiliated or unaffiliated service providers to those accounts. Some of the Other Accounts have substantially similar, or in some cases nearly identical, portfolio holdings to the Fund.

These Other Accounts are not subject to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies of the Fund to which they are similar and may disclose their similar or nearly identical portfolio holdings information in different forms and at different times than the Fund.

Portfolio holdings of the Fund will be disclosed on a quarterly basis on forms required to be filed with the SEC as follows: (i) portfolio holdings as of the end of each fiscal year ending September 30 will be filed as part of the annual report filed on Form N-CSR; (ii) portfolio holdings as of the end of each month will be filed on Form N-PORT; and (iii) portfolio holdings as of the end of the six-month period ending March 31 will be filed as part of the semi-annual report filed on Form N-CSR. The Trust's Form N-CSR and Form N-PORT (at quarter-end) will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. No later than 60 days after the end of each month, the Fund will make available a complete uncertified schedule of its portfolio holdings as of the last day of that month. In addition to this monthly disclosure, the Fund may also make publicly available its portfolio holdings at other dates as determined from time to time.

**Additional Purchase and Redemption Information**

All investments and exchanges are subject to approval by the Fund and the Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange of shares at any time. The Fund requests advance notification of investments in excess of 5% of the current net assets of the Fund. The Fund also encourages, to the extent possible, advance notification of large redemptions.

Generally, all purchases must be made in cash. However, the Fund reserves the right to accept payment in readily marketable securities instead of cash in accordance with procedures approved by the Fund's Board. If payment is made in securities, the applicable Fund will value the securities in the same manner in which it computes its NAV.

Generally, all redemptions will be for cash. However, if during any 90-day period you redeem shares in an amount greater than the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets, the Fund reserves the right to pay part or all of your redemption proceeds above such threshold in readily marketable securities instead of cash in accordance with procedures approved by the Fund's Board. Marketable securities may include illiquid securities. You may experience a delay in converting illiquid securities to cash. Redemption-in-kind proceeds are limited to securities that are traded on a public securities market or are limited to securities for which bid and asked prices are available. They are distributed to the redeeming shareholder based on a weighted-average pro-rata basis of the Fund's holdings. If payment is made in securities, the Fund will value the securities selected in the same manner in which it computes its NAV. This process minimizes the effect of large redemptions on the Fund and its remaining shareholders. If you receive securities when redeeming your account, the securities will be subject to market fluctuation and you may incur tax and transaction costs if the securities are sold.

The Trust may suspend the right of redemption for such periods as are permitted under the 1940 Act and under the following unusual circumstances: (a) when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than weekends and holidays) or trading is restricted, (b) when an emergency exists, making disposal of portfolio securities or the valuation of net assets not reasonably practicable, or (c) during any period when the SEC has by order permitted a suspension of redemption for the protection of shareholders.

**MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST**

The names of the Trustees and officers of the Trust are shown below.

**Trustees**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address<sup>(1)</sup>,**<br> **and Year of Birth** | **Position(s)<br> held with<br> Trust** | **Term of Office<br> and Length of<br> Time Served** | **Principal Occupation**<br> **During Past Five Years<br> and Relevant Experience** | **Number of<br> Funds in<br> Fund Complex<br> Overseen<br> by Trustee** | **Other<br> Directorships<br> Held by Trustee<br> During the Past<br> Five Years** |
| **<u>Independent Trustees</u>** | **<u>Independent Trustees</u>** | **<u>Independent Trustees</u>** | **<u>Independent Trustees</u>** | **<u>Independent Trustees</u>** | **<u>Independent Trustees</u>** |
| Lawrence Funderburke <br>1970 | Trustee | Indefinite <br>Since September 2020 | Founder, Director and Chief Executive Officer, LFYO (non-profit organization) (2000 – Present); Founder, President and Certified Financial Planner, Funderburke Institute of Financial Empowerment (2014 – Present). | 6 |  |
| Jim Haring <br>1955 | Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman | Indefinite <br>Since September 2020 | Independent Consultant, JWH Management (2017 – Present). | 6 |  |
| Danielle Ross <br>1984 | Trustee | Indefinite <br>Since September 2020 | Grace Church School, Board Member (2020 – Present); Packer Collegiate Institute, Instructor (2019 – Present). | 6 |  |
| **<u>Interested Trustees</u>** | **<u>Interested Trustees</u>** | **<u>Interested Trustees</u>** | **<u>Interested Trustees</u>** | **<u>Interested Trustees</u>** | **<u>Interested Trustees</u>** |
| Jason Job <br>1980 | Board Chairman, Trustee and President | Indefinite <br>Since September 2020 | Chief Financial Officer and Portfolio Manager, VELA Investment Management, LLC (2019 – Present). | 6 |  |
| Lisa Wesolek <br>1963 | Trustee and Vice President | Indefinite <br>Since September 2020 | President and Chief Operating Officer, VELA Investment Management, LLC (2019 – Present). | 6 |  |

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(1) The address for each Trustee is VELA Funds, 220 Market Street, Suite 208, New Albany, Ohio 43054.

**Officers**

The following is a list of the principal officers of the Trust, other than Jason Job and Lisa Wesolek, who are listed above.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address,<br> and Year of Birth** | **Position(s)<br> held with<br> Trust** | **Term of Office<br> and Length of<br> Time Served** | **Principal Occupation<br> During Past Five Years** |
| Zachary Richmond<sup>(1)</sup><br> 1980 | Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) | Indefinite <br>Since September 2020 | Vice President, Director of Financial Administration for Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2019 – Present). |
| Martin R. Dean<sup>(1)</sup><br> 1963 | Chief Compliance Officer | Indefinite <br>Since May 2024 | President, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (2023 – Present); Senior Vice President, Head of Fund Compliance, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2016 – 2023). |
| Patrick Sivak<sup>(2)</sup><br> 1998 | Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer | Indefinite <br>Since November 2025 | Compliance Analyst, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (2025 – Present); Legal Extern, Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP (08/2023 – 12/2023); Law Clerk, McCarthy Law Office (05/2023 – 08/2023); Law Clerk, Immigrant and Refugee Law Center (06/2022 – 08/2022). |
| Jesse Hallee<sup>(2)</sup> 1976 | Secretary | Indefinite <br>Since September 2020 | Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel (2022 – Present); Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2019 – 2022). |

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(1) The business address of this officer is 2 Easton Oval, Suite 300, Columbus, Ohio 43219.

(2) The business address of this officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

**Leadership Structure and Board of Trustees**

The primary responsibility of the Board is to represent the interests of the shareholders of the Trust and to provide oversight of the management of the Trust. A majority of the Trustees on the Board are independent of and not affiliated with the Adviser or its affiliates. The same Trustees serve the Fund and have delegated day to day operation to various service providers whose activities they oversee.

The Trustees have also engaged legal counsel (who is also legal counsel to the Trust) that is independent of the Adviser or its affiliates to advise them on matters relating to their responsibilities in connection with the Trust. The Trustees meet separately in an executive session on a quarterly basis and meet separately in executive session with the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer at least annually. On an annual basis, the Board conducts a self-assessment and evaluates its structure. Because of the relatively small size of the Board and the small number of Independent Trustees, as well as the ease and frequency of communication between the Independent Trustees and Fund management, the Board has determined not to designate a lead independent trustee. The Board has determined that the leadership and committee structure is appropriate for the Trust and allows the Board to effectively and efficiently evaluate issues that impact the Trust as a whole as well as issues that are unique to the Fund. The Board of the Trust met four times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**Board Oversight of Risk**

The Fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, operational and financial risks, among others. Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Fund and is addressed as part of various Board and committee activities. Day- to-day risk management with respect to the Fund resides with the Adviser or other service providers, subject to supervision by the Adviser. The Board oversees efforts by management and service providers to manage the risk to which the Fund may be exposed. For example, the Board meets with portfolio managers and receives regular reports regarding investment risk. The Board meets with the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust and receives regular reports regarding compliance and regulatory risks. In addition, the Board meets with the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust in Executive Session on a quarterly basis. The Audit Committee meets with the Trust's Treasurer and receives regular reports regarding Fund operations and risks related to the valuation, liquidity, and overall financial reporting of the Fund. From its review of these reports and discussions with management, the Board learns in detail about the material risks to which the Fund is exposed, enabling a dialogue about how management and service providers manage and mitigate those risks.

Not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified nor can controls be developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. It may not be practical or cost effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, the processes and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and some risks are simply beyond the reasonable control of the Fund or the Adviser, its affiliates, or other service providers. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund's goals. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations. The Trustees believe that their current oversight approach is an appropriate way to manage risks facing the Fund, whether investment, compliance, financial, or otherwise. The Trustees may, at any time in their discretion, change the manner in which they conduct risk oversight of the Fund.

The Board has one standing committee: an Audit Committee. All Independent Trustees are members of the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee's function is to oversee the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; to oversee the quality and objectivity of the Trust's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; and to act as a liaison between the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm and the full Board. Jim Haring serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and is designated as the Audit Committee's financial expert. The Audit Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for recommending candidates to serve on the Board. The Board will consider shareholder recommendations for nomination to the Board only in the event that there is a vacancy on the Board. Shareholders who wish to submit recommendations for nominations to the Board to fill the vacancy must submit their recommendations in writing to Jason Job, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, c/o VELA Funds, 220 Market Street, Suite 208, New Albany, Ohio 43054. Shareholders should include appropriate information on the background and qualifications of any person recommended to the Board (*e.g.,* a resume), as well as the candidate's contact information and a written consent from the candidate to serve if nominated and elected. All nominees must possess the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience for serving on the Board. In particular, the Board and its Independent Trustees will consider each nominee's integrity, educational and professional background, understanding of the Trust's business on a technical level and commitment to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill a Trustee's duties. Shareholder recommendations for nominations to the Board will be accepted on an ongoing basis and such recommendations will be kept on file for consideration in the event of a future vacancy on the Board.

**Trustee Attributes**

The Board believes each of the Trustees has demonstrated leadership abilities and possesses experience, qualifications, and skills valuable to the Fund. Each of the Trustees has substantial business and professional backgrounds that indicate they have the ability to critically review, evaluate and access information provided to them.

Below is additional information concerning each particular Trustee and his/her attributes. The information provided below, and in the chart above, is not all-inclusive. Many Trustee attributes involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, work ethic, the ability to work together and the ability to communicate effectively, exercise judgment, ask incisive questions, manage people and problems or develop solutions.

**Lawrence Funderburke.** Mr. Funderburke is the Founder, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization (LFYO), which assists at-risk youth through personal development, financial planning, economic empowerment, career role models and educational field trips. Mr. Funderburke is also the Founder, President and Certified Financial Planner of the Funderburke Institute of Financial Empowerment. Mr. Funderburke has a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a degree in Business Finance from The Ohio State University. Mr. Funderburke has completed executive education programs in risk management of various investment alternatives at Stanford University and Columbia University, respectively. Mr. Funderburke has completed the educational requirements for The Accelerated Certified Financial Planner Program at The Ohio State University and is a Certified Financial Planner.

**Jim Haring.** Mr. Haring currently works as a consultant for JWH Management where he assists companies with new business initiatives, helping them convert business strategy narratives into financial models which provide analytics and metrics for decision making and execution. His expertise includes providing strategic planning, capital formation, financial management and reporting, and financial management teaming with operating divisions for real estate companies and other service organizations. Mr. Haring's current clients include real estate companies, national restaurant chains, and national distribution companies. From March 2008 to May 2017, Mr. Haring was the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Equity Inc., a full service commercial real estate company. Mr. Haring began his career at Coopers & Lybrand, working primarily with real estate clients. Mr. Haring graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting and was formerly licensed as a CPA by the State of Ohio.

**Danielle Ross, CFA.** Ms. Ross has been an Instructor at the Packer Collegiate Institute since September 2019. She also currently serves as a Board Member of Grace Church School. From September 2016 to January 2019, Ms. Ross was a Senior Associate at Hall Capital Partners LLC and a member of the firm's Portfolio Management practice in New York, where she was responsible for developing investment management strategies and constructing, monitoring, and rebalancing client investment portfolios. Prior to joining Hall Capital Partners LLC in 2016, Ms. Ross was a summer M.B.A. intern in the Private Wealth Management group of Goldman Sachs & Co. From July 2012 to April 2014, Ms. Ross was a research associate at Diamond Hill Capital Management, where she was responsible for researching and recommending technology companies for the firm's long-only and long-short public equity portfolios. Ms. Ross holds a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.

**Jason Job.** Mr. Job is one of the Adviser's founders and serves as Chief Financial Officer and Portfolio Manager. Mr. Job began his investment career at Diamond Hill Capital Management in 2007. In the five years prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Job was responsible for Diamond Hill's Private Asset Management business line, which included individual investors and their families, trusts, endowments, foundations, and institutions. Over that period, Mr. Job doubled the size of the business line to over $300 million in client assets. Mr. Job holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, a JD from The Ohio State University, and a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University.

**Lisa Wesolek.** Ms. Wesolek is one of the Adviser's founders and serves as President and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Wesolek has held leadership positions across operations, client service and business development in the investment industry over her thirty-plus year career. Her experience includes leadership roles at Fifth Third Bank, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Wells Fargo Capital Management, and Diamond Hill Capital Management. As Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo, she was responsible for institutional sales in the organization's mutual Fund complex. As Chief Operating Officer at Diamond Hill Capital Management, Ms. Wesolek drove the implementation of strategic initiatives while also leading the firm's operations, product, marketing, and sales capabilities. Ms. Wesolek received an MBA from The Ohio State University and a B.S. in Finance from Franklin University.

**Fund Shares Owned by Trustees as of December 31, 2024**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of**<br> **Independent Trustee** | **Dollar<br> Range of<br> Equity Securities**<br> **in the Fund\*** | **Aggregate Dollar <br> Range of Shares <br> Owned in All <br> Funds Within the <br> Trust Overseen <br> by Trustee** |
| Lawrence Funderburke |  |  |
| Jim Haring |  |  |
| Danielle Ross |  |  |
| **Name of** <br> **Interested Trustee** |  |  |
| Jason Job |  | Over $100,000 |
| Lisa Wesolek |  | Over $100,000 |

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\* As of December 31, 2024, the Fund had not commenced investment operations.

As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding Class I shares of the Fund and less than 1% of the outstanding Class A shares of the Fund.

**Trustee Compensation**

Independent Trustees are compensated on a calendar year basis. Any Trustee who is deemed to be an "interested person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund does not receive compensation from the Fund for his or her service as a Trustee.

Each Independent Trustee receives for his or her services to the Trust, a $30,000 annual retainer. The Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses in connection with meeting attendance. The Trust's officers are not compensated by the Trust.

The table below shows the compensation paid for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustee Compensation Table** | **Trustee Compensation Table** | **Trustee Compensation Table** | **Trustee Compensation Table** | **Trustee Compensation Table** |
| **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025** |
|  | **Aggregate<br> Compensation<br> from the Fund** | **Pension or<br> Retirements Benefits<br> Accrued<br> as Part of Fund<br> Expenses** | **Estimated<br> Annual<br> Benefits Upon<br> Retirement** | **Total<br> Compensation<br> from the Trust &<br> Fund Complex<br> Paid<br> to Trustees** |
| **NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE** |  |  |  |  |
| Lawrence Funderburke | $0 |  |  | $30000 |
| Jim Haring | $0 |  |  | $30000 |
| Danielle Ross | $0 |  |  | $30000 |

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**Codes of Ethics**

The Trust and the Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics (together, the "Codes") under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. The personnel subject to the Codes are permitted to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, with the exception of Adviser personnel as described in "*Personal Security Trading by the Portfolio Managers*." You may obtain a copy of the Codes from the Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR website or by calling the Fund at 1-833-399-1001.

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

The Board of Trustees of the Trust has delegated responsibilities for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to the Adviser, which will vote such proxies in accordance with their proxy policies and procedures. The Trust's and Adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures are attached as Appendix B to this SAI.

*How to Obtain More Information*

 

Information about how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the 12 month period ended June 30<sup>th</sup> will be available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust at 1-833-399-1001 or emailing Fulfillment@ultimusfundsolutions.com and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

**CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES**

A person owning of record, for the benefit of others, more than 25% of a class of the Fund's outstanding shares may be deemed to control the class or Fund. A controlling shareholder can control the outcomes of proposals submitted to shareholders for approval. As of the date of this SAI, no shareholders of record owned 5% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund.

**INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES**

VELA Investment Management, LLC, 220 Market Street, Suite 208, New Albany, Ohio 43054 (the "Adviser") is the Investment Adviser for the Trust.

Pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of October 1, 2022, as amended, (the "Advisory Agreement") between the Adviser and the Fund, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated objective and policies of the Fund, manages both the investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund's portfolios, including the purchase, retention and disposition of securities. In connection therewith, the Adviser is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Fund. The services of the Adviser are not exclusive under the terms of the Advisory Agreement and the Adviser is free to, and does, render management services to others.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, as of October 1, 2025, the Adviser charges a management fee and an administrative fee, which is designed to pay substantially all the Fund's expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for the Fund, as set forth below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee**<br> **Percentage of<br> Average Daily<br> Net Assets** | **Administrative Fee**<br> **Percentage of<br> Average Daily<br> Net Assets** |
| 0.70% | 0.34% |

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Out of the administrative fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of the Fund, including all organizational, offering and operating expenses (other than expenses specifically assumed by the Fund) of the Fund, including the compensation and expenses of any employees of the Fund and of any other persons rendering any services to the Fund; clerical and shareholder service staff salaries; office space and other office expenses; fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with membership in investment company organizations; legal, auditing and accounting expenses; expenses of registering shares under federal and state securities laws; insurance expenses; fees and expenses of the custodian, transfer agent, dividend and dispersing agent, shareholder service agent, plan agent, administrator, accounting and pricing services agent and underwriter of the Fund; fees and expenses payable to third parties including but not limited to retirement plan service providers, broker-dealers, bank trust departments, financial advisors, and other financial intermediaries, for shareholder servicing, sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, and related administrative recordkeeping services performed by such entities in connection with their customers who are investors in the Fund; expenses, including clerical expenses, of issue, sale redemption or repurchase of shares of the Fund; fees and expenses of the non-interested trustees; the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders, the cost of printing or preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information for delivery to the Fund's current shareholders; the cost of printing or preparing stock certificates or any other documents, statements or reports to shareholders; expenses of shareholders' meetings and proxy solicitations; and all other operating expenses not specifically assumed by the Fund.

The Fund is required to pay the management fee; brokerage and other expenses of executing Fund transactions; taxes or governmental fees; costs of borrowing (such as interest charges and dividend expenses on securities sold short); litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business. The Fund will pay all expenses, if any, which may be incurred pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan.

Because the Fund had not commenced investment operations prior to its fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, it does not have any management fees or administrative fees to report.

The Advisory Agreement had an initial term of one year and shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is specifically 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 Trust. The Board of Trustees, the shareholders of the Fund or the Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon sixty (60) days' written notice. Disclosure of the basis for the Board's approval of the Advisory Agreement will be available in the Funds' report filed on Form N-CSR for the semi-annual period ended March 31, 2026.

The Adviser may make payments to banks or other financial institutions that provide shareholder services and administer shareholder accounts. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities issued by banks that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.

**Portfolio Manager Compensation**

The Portfolio Managers(PM) are members and owners of the Adviser. As of the date hereof, the PMs have elected to forego competitive capital expenditures in the form of salary and performance-based bonus. As Fund assets and the Adviser's assets under management increase, the Adviser expects that the PMs' compensation will generally consist of some or all of the following components: (i) a fixed base salary, (ii) a performance-based bonus tied to both pre-tax performance of the managed Fund against the primary benchmark (which may be over 5-year periods as applicable or available) and also tied to Adviser profitability, and/or (iii) benefits that the Adviser believes are competitive with similarly-situated industry participants, including eligibility for healthcare plans and retirement plans.

**Portfolio Manager Holdings**

Portfolio managers are encouraged to own shares of the Fund they manage. As of the date of this SAI, no portfolio manager that retains investment decision-making authority over the Fund's management beneficially owns shares of the Fund.

**Other Portfolio Manager Information**

Some Portfolio Managers are also responsible for managing other account portfolios in addition to the Fund in which they manage. Management of other accounts in addition to the Fund can present certain conflicts of interest, including those associated with different fee structures, various trading practices, and the amount of time a Portfolio Manager may spend on other accounts versus the Fund they manage. The Adviser has implemented specific policies and procedures to address any potential conflicts. The Adviser's Form ADV Part 2A contains a complete description of its policies and procedures to address conflicts of interest. Below are material conflicts of interest that have been identified and mitigated when managing other account portfolios as well as the Fund.

*Trade Allocation*

 

The Adviser manages numerous accounts in addition to the Fund. When the Fund and another of the Adviser's clients seek to purchase or sell the same security at or about the same time, the Adviser may execute the transactions with the same broker on a combined or "blocked" basis. Blocked transactions can produce better execution for the Fund because of increased volume of the transaction. However, when another of the Adviser's clients specifies that trades be executed with a specific broker ("Directed Brokerage Accounts"), a potential conflict of interest exists related to the order in which those trades are executed and allocated. When a trade is partially filled, the number of filled shares is allocated on a pro-rata basis to the appropriate client accounts. Trades are not segmented by investment product.

*Personal Security Trading by the Portfolio Managers*

 

The Adviser has adopted a Code of Ethics designed to: (1) demonstrate the Adviser's duty at all times to place the interest of clients and Fund shareholders first; (2) align the interests of the Portfolio Managers with clients and Fund shareholders, and (3) mitigate inherit conflicts of interest associated with personal securities transactions. The Code of Ethics prohibits all employees of the Adviser from purchasing any individual equity or fixed income (except direct obligations of the US Government) security.

*Best Execution and Research Services*

 

The Adviser has controls in place for monitoring trade execution in client accounts, including reviewing trades for best execution. Certain broker-dealers that the Adviser uses to execute client trades could also be clients of the Adviser, and/or could also refer clients to the Adviser creating a conflict of interest. To mitigate this conflict, the Adviser adopted a policy that prohibits it from considering any factor other than best execution when a client trade is placed with a broker-dealer.

Receipt of research from brokers who execute client trades involves conflicts of interest. Since the Adviser uses client brokerage commissions to obtain research, it receives a benefit because it does not have to produce or pay for the research, products, or services itself. Consequently, the Adviser has an incentive to select or recommend a broker based on its desire to receive research, products, or services rather than a desire to obtain the most favorable execution. The Adviser attempts to mitigate these potential conflicts through oversight of the use of commissions by its Best Execution Committee.

*Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers*

 

The following table indicates the number of other accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager of the Fund and the other assets under management for each type of account as of September 30, 2025.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies** | **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies** | **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles** | **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles** | <br> **Other Accounts** | <br> **Other Accounts** |
| <br>**Portfolio Manager** | **Number of**<br> **Accounts** | **Total Assets** | **Number of**<br> **Accounts** | **Total Assets** | **Number of**<br> **Accounts** | **Total Assets** |
| Jason Downey, CFA | 2 | $178.1 million | 0 | $0 | 76 | $112.9 million |
| Jeannette Hubbard, CFA | 1 | $143.0 million | 0 | $0 | 7 | $8.3 million |

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**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION**

Subject to policies established by the Board of the Trust, the Adviser is responsible for the Fund's portfolio decisions and the placing of the Fund's portfolio transactions. In placing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks the best qualitative execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), the execution capability, financial responsibility and responsiveness of the broker or dealer and the brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. The Adviser generally seeks favorable prices and commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. All shareholders bear the costs when executing portfolio transactions in the Fund.

The Adviser is specifically authorized to select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage and research services to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion and to pay such brokers or dealers a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would charge if the Adviser determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. The determination may be viewed in terms of a particular transaction or the Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the Trust and to other accounts over which it exercises investment discretion.

Research services include supplemental research, securities and economic analyses, statistical services and information with respect to the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities and analyses of reports concerning performance of accounts. The research services and other information furnished by brokers through whom the Fund effects securities transactions may also be used by the Adviser in servicing all of its accounts. Similarly, research and information provided by brokers or dealers serving other clients may be useful to the Adviser in connection with its services to the Fund. It is the opinion of the Board and the Adviser that the review and study of the research and other information will not reduce the overall cost to the Adviser of performing its duties to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

While the Fund does not deem it practicable and in their best interests to solicit competitive bids for commission rates on each transaction, consideration is regularly given to posted commission rates as well as other information concerning the level of commissions charged on comparable transactions by qualified brokers. The Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker or dealer in the execution of its transactions.

Over-the-counter transactions will be placed either directly with principal market makers or with broker-dealers, if the same or a better price, including commissions and executions, is available. Fixed income securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer, an underwriter or a market maker. Purchases include a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter and the purchase price paid to a market maker may include the spread between the bid and asked prices.

When the Fund and another of the Adviser's clients seek to purchase or sell the same security at or about the same time, the Adviser may execute the transaction on a combined ("blocked") basis. Blocked transactions can produce better execution for the Fund because of the increased volume of the transaction. If the entire blocked order is not filled, the Fund may not be able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires or it may have to pay a higher price for the security.

Similarly, the Fund may not be able to obtain as large an execution of an order to sell or as high a price for any particular portfolio security if the other client desires to sell the same portfolio security at the same time. In the event that the entire blocked order is not filled, the purchase or sale will normally be allocated on a pro rata basis. Transactions of advisory clients (including the Fund) may also be blocked with those of the Adviser. The Adviser and its affiliates will be permitted to participate in the blocked transaction alongside its advisory clients or after all orders of advisory clients (including the Fund) are filled.

In certain circumstances, such as a buy in for failure to deliver, the Adviser is not able to select the broker/dealer who will transact to cover the failure. For example, if the Fund sells a security short and is unable to deliver the securities sold short the broker/dealer through whom the Fund sold short must deliver securities purchased for cash, i.e., effect a buy-in, unless it knows that the Fund either is in the process of forwarding the securities to the broker/dealer or will do so as soon as possible without undue inconvenience or expense. Similarly, there can also be a failure to deliver in a long transaction and a resulting buy-in by the broker/dealer through whom the securities were sold. If the broker/dealer effects a buy-in, the Adviser will be unable to control the trading techniques, methods, venues or any other aspect of the trade used by the broker/dealer.

The Adviser may not give consideration to sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in selecting brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions. However, the Adviser may place portfolio transactions with brokers or dealers that promote or sell Fund shares so long as such placements are made pursuant to policies approved by the Board that are designed to ensure that the selection is based on the quality of the broker's execution and not on its sales efforts.

Because the Fund had not commenced investment operations prior to its fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, it did not pay any brokerage commissions.

**DISTRIBUTION PLAN**

The Trust has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, applicable to its Class A shares, which permits the Fund to pay for certain distribution and promotion activities related to marketing their shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund will pay its principal underwriter a fee for the principal underwriter's services in connection with the sales and promotion of the Fund, including its expenses in connection therewith, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. Payments received by the principal underwriter pursuant to the Plan may be greater or less than distribution expenses incurred by the principal underwriter with respect to Class A shares and are in addition to fees paid by the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. The principal underwriter may in turn pay others for distribution and shareholder servicing as described below.

Under the Plan, the Trust may engage in any activities related to the distribution of Fund shares, including without limitation the following: (a) payments, including incentive compensation, to securities dealers or other financial intermediaries, financial institutions, investment advisors and others that are engaged in the sale of Shares, or that may be advising shareholders of the Trust regarding the purchase, sale or retention of Shares, or that hold Shares for shareholders in omnibus accounts or as shareholders of record or provide shareholder support or administrative services to the Fund and its shareholders, or for rendering shareholder support services, including allocated overhead, office space and equipment, telephone facilities and expenses, answering routine inquiries regarding the Trust, processing shareholder transactions, and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may request; (b) expenses of maintaining personnel (including personnel of organizations with which the Trust has entered into agreements related to the Plans) who engage in or support distribution of Shares; (c) costs of preparing, printing and distributing Fund prospectuses and statements of additional information and reports for recipients other than existing Fund shareholders; (d) costs of formulating and implementing marketing and promotional activities, including sales seminars, direct mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media advertising; (e) costs of preparing, printing and distributing sales literature; (f) costs of obtaining such information, analyses and reports with respect to marketing and promotional activities as the Trust may deem advisable; and (g) costs of implementing and operating the Plan. The Fund does not participate in any joint distribution activities with other mutual Funds outside of the Trust.

The Trustees expect that the Plan will encourage distribution of the Fund's Class A shares. It is also anticipated that an increase in the size of the Fund will facilitate more efficient portfolio management and assist the Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objective.

The Plan has been approved by the Fund's Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan or any related agreement, by a vote cast in person. Continuation of the Plan and the related agreements must be approved by the Trustees annually, in the same manner, and a Plan or any related agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty by a majority of such independent Trustees or by a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class. Any amendment increasing the maximum percentage payable under a Plan or other material change must be approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class, and all other material amendments to a Plan or any related agreement must be approved by a majority of the independent Trustees.

Because the Fund had not commenced investment operations prior to its fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, it did not pay any amounts under the Trust's distribution plan.

**OTHER PAYMENTS BY THE FUND**

The Fund may enter into agreements with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund may pay financial intermediaries for non-distribution-related sub-transfer agency, administrative, sub-accounting, and other shareholder services. Payments made pursuant to such agreements are based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary, or (2) the number of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary. Any payments made pursuant to such agreements may be in addition to, rather than in lieu of, distribution fees the Fund may pay to financial intermediaries pursuant to the Fund's distribution plan, if any.

**Financial Intermediaries**

The Fund has authorized certain financial intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on their behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a financial intermediary or its designee accepts the order. These orders will be priced at the NAV next calculated after the order is accepted.

The Adviser does not consider a financial intermediary's sale of shares of the Fund when selecting brokers or dealers to effect portfolio transactions for the Fund.

**Payment of Additional Cash Compensation**

On occasion, the Adviser may make payments out of its resources and legitimate profits, which may include profits the Adviser derives from investment advisory fees paid by the Fund, to financial intermediaries as incentives to market the Fund, to cooperate with the Adviser's promotional efforts, or in recognition of the provision of administrative services and marketing and/or processing support. These payments are often referred to as "additional cash compensation" or "revenue sharing" and are in addition to the sales charges and Rule 12b-1 fees. The payments are made pursuant to agreements between financial intermediaries and the Adviser and do not affect the price investors pay to purchase shares of the Fund, the amount the Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales, or the amount of Rule 12b-1 fees and other expenses paid by the Fund.

Additional cash compensation payments may be used to pay financial intermediaries for: (a) transaction support, including any one- time charges for establishing access to Fund shares on particular trading systems (known as "platform access fees"); (b) program support, such as expenses related to including the Fund in retirement programs, fee-based advisory or wrap fee programs, Fund supermarkets, bank or trust company products, and/or insurance programs (e.g., individual or group annuity contracts); (c) placement by a financial intermediary on its offered, preferred, or recommended Fund list; (d) marketing support, such as providing representatives of the Adviser access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives; (e) firm support, such as business planning assistance, advertising, and assistance with educating sales personnel about the Fund and shareholder financial planning needs; and (f) providing other distribution- related or asset retention services.

Additional cash compensation payments generally are structured as basis point payments on assets, gross or net sales or, in the case of platform access fees, fixed dollar amounts.

Because the Fund had not commenced investment operations prior to its fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, it did not pay any additional cash compensation or similar distribution related payments.

Any additions, modifications, or deletions to this list that may have occurred since September 30, 2025 are not reflected. In addition to member firms of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Adviser also reserves the ability to make payments, as described above, to other financial intermediaries that sell or provide services to the Fund and shareholders, such as banks, insurance companies, and plan administrators. These firms are not included in this list and may include affiliates of the Adviser. You should ask your financial intermediary whether it receives additional cash compensation payments, as described above, from the Adviser.

The Adviser may also pay non-cash compensation to financial intermediaries and their representatives in the form of (a) occasional gifts; (b) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; and/or (c) sponsorship support of regional or national conferences or seminars. Such non-cash compensation will be made subject to applicable law.

**DETERMINATION OF SHARE PRICE**

The price of the shares of the Fund is based on the Fund's net asset value per share ("NAV") next determined after the order is received. The NAV is calculated at the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time ("ET")) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business ("open business day"). Should the NYSE experience an unexpected market closure or restriction on trading during or on what is expected to be an open business day, the Fund will make a determination whether to calculate the NAV at the times as described above (and value the securities as described below in this SAI and in the prospectus) or to suspend the determination of the NAV based on available information at the time of or during the unexpected closure or restriction on trading.

Purchase requests received by the Fund or an authorized agent of the Fund after the NYSE closes, or on a day on which the NYSE is not open for trading, will be effective on the next open business day thereafter on which the NYSE is open for trading, and the offering price will be based on the Fund's NAV at the close of trading on that day.

A separate NAV is calculated for each share class of the fund. The NAV for a class is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received), allocable to that class minus liabilities (including accrued expenses) allocable to that class, by the total number of that class's shares outstanding.

**U.S. Equity Securities**

U.S. equity securities (including options) traded in the over-the-counter market or on a primary exchange shall be valued at the closing price as determined by the primary exchange, typically at 4:00 p.m. ET. If no sale occurred on the valuation date, the securities will be valued at the latest bid quotations for a long position or at the last quoted ask price for a short position as of the closing of the primary exchange, typically at 4:00 p.m. ET. Securities for which quotations are either (1) not readily available or (2) determined by the Adviser to not accurately reflect their value are valued at their fair value using procedures approved by the Board. Significant bid-ask spreads, or infrequent trading may indicate a lack of readily available market quotations. Securities traded on more than one exchange will first be valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange, and then the secondary exchange.

The NASDAQ National Market System is considered an exchange. Mutual Fund investments will be valued at the most recently calculated (current day) NAV.

**Non-U.S. and U.S. Fixed Income Securities**

Fixed income securities shall be valued at an evaluated bid price, generally as of 4:00 p.m. ET, provided by an independent pricing service approved by the Board. To value debt securities, pricing services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as trading activity, readily available market quotations (including broker quotes), yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, call features, credit ratings and other data.

These securities are generally considered to be fair valued; however, because the prices are provided by an independent approved pricing service, the fair value procedures approved by the Board need not be applied. Securities with less than 61 days to maturity may be valued at amortized cost. Amortized cost shall not be used if the use of amortized cost would be inappropriate due to credit or other impairments of the issuer.

Securities for which quotations are either (1) not readily available, (2) not provided by an approved pricing service or broker, or (3) determined by the Adviser to not accurately reflect their value, are valued at their fair value using procedures approved by the Board.

**Non-U.S. Equity Securities**

To the fullest extent possible, equity securities that are traded on a non-U.S. securities exchange shall be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are primarily traded on the day of valuation. If no sale occurred on the valuation date, the securities will be valued at the latest bid quotations for a long position or at the last quoted ask price for a short position as of the closing of the primary exchange. Securities for which quotations are either (1) not readily available or (2) determined by the Adviser to not accurately reflect their value are valued at their fair value using procedures approved by the Board. Non-U.S. securities, currencies and other assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. Dollar, as of valuation time, as provided by an independent pricing service approved by the Board.

The Trust may, at the direction of the Trustees, use a fair value service to adjust the prices of non-U.S. securities that are traded on non-U.S. exchanges in order to reflect the price impacts of events occurring after such non-U.S. exchanges close and the time the Fund's net asset values are calculated that may affect the values of such securities.

**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES**

The following discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is general in nature and should not be regarded as an exhaustive presentation of all possible tax ramifications. The tax considerations relevant to a specific shareholder depend upon the shareholder's specific circumstances, and the following general summary does not attempt to discuss all potential tax considerations that could be relevant to a prospective shareholder with respect to the Trust or its investments. Each shareholder should consult a qualified tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund. This general summary is based on the Code, the U.S. federal income tax regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change (potentially on a retroactive basis).

A shareholder's U.S. federal income tax consequences from acquiring, holding and disposing of shares in the Fund may vary depending upon the shareholder's particular situation. This discussion only applies to shareholders who are U.S. persons, except where otherwise specifically indicated. For purposes of this discussion, U.S. persons are: (i) U.S. citizens or residents, (ii) U.S. corporations, (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or certain electing trusts that were in existence on August 20, 1996, and were treated as domestic trusts on August 19, 1996.

Except where expressly noted, this discussion does not address issues of significance to U.S. persons in special situations such as: (i) certain types of tax-exempt organizations, (ii) shareholders holding shares through tax-qualified accounts (such as 401(k) plan accounts or individual retirement accounts), (iii) shareholders holding investments through foreign institutions (financial and non-financial), (iv) financial institutions, (v) broker-dealers, (vi) shareholders holding shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction, and (vii) shareholders who are subject to either the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal corporate minimum tax, (viii) insurance companies, and (ix) shareholders who are pass-through entities.

If a pass-through entity (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership or S corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of shares, the tax treatment of an owner of the pass-through entity will generally depend upon the status of the owner and the activities of the pass-through entity. Owners of pass-through entities that are considering the purchase of shares should consult their own tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares.

**Taxation of the Fund**

The Fund intends to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, 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, the Fund should not be subject to federal income or excise tax on its net investment income or net capital gain, to the extent such amounts are distributed to shareholders in accordance with the applicable timing requirements. This discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify under Subchapter M of the Code as a RIC and will satisfy distribution requirements for taxation as a RIC (as described below), although there can be no assurance that this assumption will be correct.

The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including any excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net capital gain (that is, any excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Net capital gain for a fiscal year is computed by taking into account any capital loss carry forward of the Fund.

To be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, the Fund must, among other things, 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 non-U.S. 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 the Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and securities of other RICs, 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 the 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 (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships. For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in (b) above, in the case of the Fund's investment in loan participations, the issuer may be the financial intermediary or the borrower. The requirements for qualification as a RIC may significantly limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in some investments.

With respect to (a) above, the IRS may limit qualifying income from foreign currency gains to the amount of such currency gains that are directly related to a RIC's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect thereto) pursuant to regulations that may be promulgated in the future. For purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (a) above, income derived from a partnership will generally be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the RIC. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (defined as an entity taxed as a partnership provided that (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (a) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive activity loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Finally, for purposes of (b)(i) above, the term "outstanding voting securities of such issuer" will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

To the extent that it qualifies for treatment as a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends, defined below). If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M in any fiscal year, it may 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. However, distributions to shareholders, whether from the 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 the Fund.

In certain situations, the Fund can cure failures to meet the income and diversification tests described above, including, in some cases, by paying the Fund-level tax and, in the case of diversification failures, disposing of certain assets. To qualify again to be taxed as a RIC that is accorded special treatment in a subsequent year, the Fund could be required to pay substantial taxes, penalties and interest and make substantial distributions, which may be taxed to shareholders as either ordinary income or qualified dividend income. In addition, if the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be required to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years, in order to qualify as a RIC in a subsequent year.

As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net capital gains (that is, any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses) properly reported by the Fund in a written statement to shareholders as capital gain dividends ("capital gain dividends") or its investment company taxable income if any, that the Fund distributes to shareholders on a timely basis. The Fund generally intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gains, after offsetting any capital loss carryforwards, in a taxable year. If the Fund does retain any investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained.

However, the Fund may elect to have certain distributions paid after the close of a tax year treated as having been paid during the tax year for purposes of the RIC distribution requirements and for purposes of determining its taxable income ("spill-back dividends"). Spill-back dividends are taxed to shareholders in the year in which they are received.

If the Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund will be to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder's income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

Generally, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net short-term capital loss over the net long-term capital gain for a taxable year will carry over as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. In addition, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net long-term capital loss over the net short-term capital gain for the year will carry over as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. Unused capital losses realized by the Fund in a taxable year may be carried forward to future taxable years indefinitely until they can be used to offset capital gains.

The Fund may be limited under Code Section 382 in its ability to offset its taxable income by capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses after an "ownership change" of the Fund. The term "net unrealized built-in loss" refers to the excess, if any, of the Fund's aggregate adjusted basis in its assets immediately before an ownership change, over the fair market value of such assets at such time, subject to a de minimis rule. The Fund would experience an ownership change under Code Section 382 if and when 5-percent shareholders of the Fund increase their ownership by more than 50 percentage points in the aggregate over their respective lowest percentage ownership of the Fund's shares in a 3-year period. Under Code Section 382, if the Fund experiences an ownership change, the Fund may use its pre-change tax capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses in a year after the ownership change generally only up to the product of the fair market value of the Fund's equity immediately before the ownership change and a certain interest rate published monthly by the U.S. Treasury known as the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. The foregoing limitation on the use of pre-ownership change net unrealized built-in losses only applies for a period of five years after the ownership change, while the foregoing limitation on the use of pre-ownership change capital loss carryforwards lasts indefinitely.

If future capital gains are offset by carried-forward capital losses, such future capital gains are not subject to Fund-level federal income tax, regardless of whether they are distributed to shareholders. However, distributions of gains that are offset by carried-forward capital losses are generally treated as return of capital distributions to shareholders. The Fund cannot carry back or carry forward any net operating losses.

The Fund may elect to treat any post-October capital loss (defined as the Fund's net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss, as applicable, in each case attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) and late-year ordinary loss (generally, (i) net ordinary losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, plus (ii) other net ordinary losses attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

As a RIC, the Trust 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 Code. The formula requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98% of the 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 the Fund during the preceding calendar year. There can be no assurance that the Fund indeed will make sufficient distributions to avoid entirely the imposition of federal excise or income taxes on the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to pay an excise tax rather than make an additional distribution when circumstances warrant (for example, the amount of excise tax to be paid is deemed de minimis).

The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences is for the general information of shareholders that are U.S. persons subject to tax. Shareholders that are IRAs or other qualified retirement plans generally are exempt from income taxation under the Code. Shareholders that are non-U.S. persons, IRAs or other qualified retirement plans should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.

**Equalization Accounting**

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The Fund may use "equalization accounting" to determine the portion of its income and gains that has been distributed with respect to each taxable year. Under equalization accounting, the Fund would allocate a portion of its undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain to redemptions of Fund shares. This method would allow the Fund to reduce the amount of such income and gains that it distributes to non-redeeming shareholders. If the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") determines that the Fund's equalization method is improper and that the Fund has under-distributed its income and gain for any taxable year, the Fund may be liable for federal income and/or excise tax. Equalization accounting is not available for the Fund for any taxable year in which it is a personal holding company for federal income tax purposes.

**Personal Holding Company**

If the Fund is a "personal holding company" and fails to distribute (or to be treated as distributing) all of its investment company taxable income, the Fund may be subject to a 20% nondeductible tax on its "undistributed personal holding company income." The Fund would generally be a personal holding company for a taxable year if five or fewer individuals own more than 50% of its outstanding shares at any time in the last half of the taxable year. The term "individual" for this purpose includes private foundations and certain trusts. The Fund does not expect to be subject to the tax on undistributed personal holding company income, although there can be no assurance that this will never occur.

**Taxation of Fund Distributions**

Distributions of taxable net investment income (including the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) generally are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund's current or accumulated "earnings and profits." However, distributions by the Fund to a non-corporate shareholder may be subject to income tax at the shareholder's applicable tax rate for long-term capital gain, to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income on the securities it holds, the Fund properly designates the distribution as qualified dividend income, and the Fund and the non-corporate shareholder receiving the distribution meet certain holding period and other requirements.

Distributions of net realized 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 Fund have been held by such shareholders. Under current law, capital gain dividends recognized by a non-corporate shareholder generally will be taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%. Capital gains of corporate shareholders are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income. Capital gain dividends and distributions of taxable net investment income (including qualified dividend income) to a non-corporate shareholder may be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax as discussed below.

If 95% or more of the Fund's gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) constitutes qualified dividend income, all of its distributions (other than capital gain dividends) generally will be treated as qualified dividend income in the hands of individual shareholders, as long as they satisfy certain holding period requirements with respect to their Fund shares. If less than 95% of the Fund's income is attributable to qualified dividend income, then only the portion of the Fund's distributions that is attributable to qualified dividend income and designated as such in a timely manner will be so treated in the hands of individual shareholders. Portions of the Fund's distributions may be derived from qualified dividend income.

Under the Code, the Fund will be required to report to the IRS all distributions of taxable income and net realized capital gains. Distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in additional cash or shares. All distributions of taxable net investment income and net realized capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each taxable shareholder on the Shareholder's 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.

Dividends received by corporate shareholders that are reported by the Fund in a written statement furnished to shareholders may qualify for the 50% dividends received deduction with respect to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations and with respect to that portion (if any) of interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund that is treated as dividends, so long as (in either case) certain holding period requirements are met.

Section 163(j) of the Code generally limits the deductibility of business interest to the sum of the taxpayer's business interest income and 30% of its adjusted taxable income. Certain small businesses are exempt from such limitations. If the Fund, as a RIC, earns business interest income, the Fund would be permitted to pay Code Section 163(j) interest dividends to its shareholders. A shareholder that receives a Code Section 163(j) interest dividend from the Fund generally may treat the dividend as interest income for purposes of Code Section 163(j) if certain holding period requirements are met. Generally, the shareholder must have held the Fund shares for more than 180 days during the 361-day window beginning 180 days before the ex-dividend date, and the shareholder must not be obligated (under a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property.

If the Fund makes a distribution in excess of its current and accumulated "earnings and profits" in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a shareholder's tax basis in the shareholder's shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is generally not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder's basis in the shareholder's shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of such shares.

**Sale or Redemption of Fund Shares**

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 the shareholder's Fund shares. Such gain or loss is treated as a long-capital gain or loss if the shares are held as capital assets for more than one year. 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 with respect to such shares 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. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to further limitations.

**Backup Withholding**

The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who (i) fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), (ii) is identified by the IRS as otherwise subject to backup withholding, or (iii) fails to certify to the Fund that the shareholder is a U.S. person who is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a shareholder generally may be refunded or credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability, if any, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS. A shareholder who has not been notified by the IRS that the shareholder has failed to report interest or dividends may normally avoid backup withholding by furnishing a properly completed IRS Form W-9. If a shareholder fails to furnish a valid TIN upon request, the shareholder can be subject to IRS penalties.

**Cost Basis Reporting**

The Fund (or its administrative agents) must report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis when Fund shares are redeemed, exchanged or otherwise sold. The Fund must also indicate to the IRS whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. In addition, the Fund is required to report to the IRS the gross proceeds from the sale of all Fund shares. These requirements do not apply to investments through a tax-qualified arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement plan.

The Fund will allow shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods to calculate the cost basis of their covered shares. In the absence of such an election, the Fund will use its default cost basis method. The cost basis method elected or applied may not be changed after the settlement date of a sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers concerning the most desirable IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation.

**Surtax on Net Investment Income**

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax generally will be imposed on certain net investment income of U.S. individuals, and to the undistributed net investment income of estates and trusts to the extent that any such person's gross income, as adjusted, exceeds certain threshold amounts. Net investment income for this purpose includes interest, dividends, royalties, rents, gross income from a trade or business involving passive activities, and net gain from disposition of property (other than property held in a non-passive trade or business). Net investment income also includes dividend income and capital gain distributions received with respect to shares of the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares. Net investment income is reduced by deductions properly allocable to such income.

**Shares Held Through Foreign Accounts**

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA"), special withholding rules apply when U.S. persons hold investments in the Fund through a foreign financial institution ("FFI") or a non-financial non-U.S. entity ("NFFE") within the meaning of FATCA. FFIs and NFFIs that are shareholders may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by the Fund, and (b) certain distributions paid by the Fund. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided on payments to an: (a) FFI, if the FFI reports required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of non-U.S. financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) NFFE, if the NFEE: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. The Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (each, an "IGA") with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of an IGA and applicable local law instead of U.S. Treasury regulations. The withholding requirements under FATCA are in addition to the withholding rules described above.

A FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a "participating FFI," which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the IRS under section 1471(b) of the Code under which it agrees to verify, report and disclose certain of its U.S. accountholders and provided that such entity meets certain other specified requirements. The FFI will report to the IRS, or, depending on the FFI's country of residence, to the government of that country (pursuant to the terms and conditions of an applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS. An FFI that is resident in a country that has entered into an IGA with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the FFI shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

A NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or by providing the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which will, in turn, report information to the IRS. Shares held through such FFIs or NFFEs also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by U.S. Treasury regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE that invests in the Fund will need to provide the Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity's status under FATCA in order to avoid FATCA withholding. The requirements imposed by FATCA are in addition to the U.S. certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above.

**Special Tax Considerations**

The following discussion relates to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the particular investment policies of the Fund.

*Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*

 

The Fund may acquire debt obligations that have original issue discount. "Original issue discount" is the excess of a debt obligation's stated redemption price at maturity over the obligation's issue price. Obligations owned by the Fund that have original issue discount may include investments in payment-in-kind securities, and certain other obligations. Obligations with original issue discount owned by the Fund will give rise to income determined on a constant yield to maturity basis that the Fund will be required to distribute even though the Fund does not receive an interest payment in cash on the obligation during the year and may never receive such payment. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the required distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund may realize gains or losses from such sales. If the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions. Some debt obligations that are acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. "Market discount" is generally the excess of the stated redemption price of the bond at maturity over the basis of the bond immediately after its acquisition by the taxpayer. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments.

The Fund may make certain elections applicable to debt obligations having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. When recognized, market discount is taxable as ordinary income even if interest on the debt obligation in question is tax exempt.

*Passive Foreign Investment Companies*

 

The Fund may own shares in certain foreign investment entities, referred to as "passive foreign investment companies" ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. In order to avoid U.S. federal income tax and an additional charge on a portion of any "excess distribution" from PFICs or gain from the disposition of PFIC shares, the Fund may elect to "mark-to-market" annually its investments in such entities, which will result in the Fund being treated as if it had sold and repurchased all the PFIC stock at the end of each year. If the Fund makes the mark-to-market election, the Fund would report any such gains as ordinary income and would deduct such losses as ordinary losses to the extent of previously recognized gains. By making the mark-to-market election, an electing Fund could potentially mitigate the adverse tax consequences with respect to its ownership of shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year it may be required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock. The Fund may have to distribute this "phantom" income and gain recognized under a mark-to-market election to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the excise tax described above.

Alternatively, the Fund may elect to treat the PFIC as a "qualified electing Fund" (a "QEF election"), in which case the Fund would be required to include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives distributions from the PFIC. As with the mark-to-market election, these amounts would be taken into account by the Fund if it makes a QEF election for purposes of satisfying the distribution requirement and the excise tax distribution requirement. Earnings included in income under a QEF election would be qualifying dividend income for a RIC if either (i) the earnings attributable to the inclusions are distributed in the taxable year of the inclusion, or (ii) such earnings are derived with respect to the RIC's business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. In order to make a QEF election, the Fund must obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain. Income from investments in PFICs generally will not qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income.

Dividends paid by PFICs or by foreign corporations that were PFICs in the year preceding the payment of the dividends will not be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.

If the Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a mark-to-market election or a QEF election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax and an interest charge on distributions with respect to such shares, or gain from the disposition of such shares, under punitive tax rules that apply to so-called "excess distributions" from PFICs, even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders.

*Controlled Foreign Corporations*

 

The Fund also may invest in entities referred to as "controlled foreign corporations" ("CFCs"). A CFC is a foreign corporation in which more than 50% of the stock, by vote or value, is owned by U.S. persons each of whom own, directly or constructively, 10% or more of the stock of a foreign corporation by vote or by value ("U.S. shareholders"). If the Fund is a U.S. shareholder with respect to a CFC, the Fund generally must annually include in income its allocable share of the CFC's (i) "subpart F income" and (ii) "net CFC tested income" ("NCTI") (known as global intangible low-tax income before changes to the Code introduced in 2025), both as defined by the Code, regardless of whether or not the CFC distributes such amounts to the Fund. Amounts included in gross income by the Fund as subpart F income of a CFC will be qualifying income for the Fund under Code Section 851(b) if either (i) such amounts are distributed to the Fund in the taxable year in which they are earned by the CFC, or (ii) such income is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. Treasury Regulations provide that NCTI inclusions are generally treated in the same manner for purposes of Code Section 851(b) as subpart F inclusions.

*Real Estate Investment Trusts*

 

The Fund's investments, if any, in equity securities of a REIT, if any, may result in the Fund's receipt of cash in excess of the REIT's earnings. If the Fund receives such distributions all or a portion of these distributions will constitute a return of capital to the Fund. Receiving a return of capital distribution from a REIT will reduce the amount of income available to be distributed to Fund shareholders. Income from REIT securities generally will not be eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income.

Under Code Section 199A, a deduction of up to 20% is available for taxpayers other than corporations for qualified business income from certain pass-through businesses, including "qualified REIT dividends" from REITs (i.e., ordinary REIT dividends other than capital gains dividends and REIT dividends designated as qualified dividend income). A RIC may pay and report "section 199A dividends" to its shareholders with respect its qualified REIT dividends received in such taxable years. The amount of section 199A dividends that the Fund may pay and report to its shareholders is limited to the smaller of (i) the excess of the "qualified REIT dividends" that the Fund receives from REITs for a taxable year over the Fund's expenses allocable to such dividends, or (ii) the reported section 199A dividend amount reduced by the excess reported amount that is allocable to the reported section 199A dividend.

A shareholder may treat section 199A dividends received on a share of the Fund as "qualified REIT dividends" if the shareholder has held the share for at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning 45 days before the date on which the share become ex-dividend, but only to the extent that the shareholder is not under an obligation (under a short-sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. A shareholder may include 20% of the shareholder's "qualified REIT dividends" in the computation of the shareholder's "combined qualified business income amount" under Code Section 199A. Code Section 199A allows a taxpayer (other than a corporation) a deduction for a taxable year equal to the lesser of (A) the taxpayer's "combined qualified business income amount" or (B) 20% of the excess of the taxpayer's taxable income over the taxpayer's net capital gain for the year.

*High-Risk Securities*

The Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. The application of the U.S. federal income tax rules with respect to these types of investments is complicated and will depend upon the application of the law to facts that may be unclear, which may result in uncertainty about the U.S. federal income tax treatment of these investments (e.g., such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts, or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income). These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund if it invests in such securities in order to seek to ensure that the Fund distributes sufficient income to avoid becoming subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

*Financial Products*

 

The Fund's investments in derivatives including options, hedging transactions, futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps and certain other transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income recognized by the Fund, defer the Fund's losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, result in the recognition of short-term capital gain, convert capital gain into ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Fund shareholders.

When the Fund sells a put or call option, the premium received generally is not included in income at the time of receipt. If the option expires, the premium is generally included in income of the Fund as short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the amount paid to close out its position and the premium received is generally short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of such security and any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term depending upon the holding period of the security. With respect to a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund, if the option is sold any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option expires, the resulting loss is a capital loss and is long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and in the case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss.

The sale by the Fund of a covered call option, may result in the suspension of the Fund's holding period in the underlying security unless the call option is a "qualified covered call option". Suspension of the holding period may result in short-term capital gains, taxable to Fund shareholders at ordinary income rates, when the holder exercises the option, and may disqualify dividends issued on the underlying securities from being taxed to individual shareholders of the Fund and other non-corporate shareholders as qualified dividends at rates applicable to long-term capital gains. A qualified covered call option is a covered call option that has a term of more than 30 days when issued, is not deeply in the money (as defined) when issued and satisfies certain other conditions.

Some of the Fund's investments, such as certain option transactions, futures contract transactions, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts may be "section 1256 contracts." With certain exceptions, gains or losses attributable to section 1256 contracts generally are treated as sixty percent long-term capital gains or losses and forty percent short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40"). Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of a taxable year (and, generally, for purposes of the excise tax, on October 31 of each year) are "marked- to market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as 60/40 gain or loss.

Generally, hedging transactions undertaken by the Fund may result in "straddles" for federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by the Fund. In addition, losses realized by the Fund on a position that is part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in which such losses are realized. The straddle rules, if applicable, could increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. Certain tax elections that the Fund may make with respect to straddles could affect the character and timing of recognition of gains and losses.

The Fund may make short sales of securities. Short sales may increase the amount of short-term capital gains realized by the Fund, which are taxed as ordinary income to the shareholders when distributed. Short sales may also constitute part of "constructive sales," which would result in taxable income before the short-sale positions are terminated.

Rules governing the tax aspects of notional principal contracts in which the Fund may invest are not clear in various respects. As a result, the IRS could challenge the Fund's methods of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes for such contracts, and such a challenge could affect the status of the Fund as a RIC.

*Non-U.S. Securities and Currency Transactions*

 

Gains and losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates that occur between the time the Fund accrues interest, dividends or other receivables, or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency, and the time the Fund collects the U.S. dollar amounts of such receivables, or pays such liabilities, generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain options and forward and futures contracts, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses may increase, decrease, or eliminate the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income. Certain foreign currency contracts may be subject to Code Section 1256, with the result that such contracts generally must be "marked to market" annually, and gains and losses with respect to such contracts would generally be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. See "Financial Products", above.

*Transfers between Shares of Different Funds or Classes of a Single Fund*

An exchange of shares of different Funds represents the taxable sale of shares from one Fund and the purchase of shares of another Fund. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, this may produce a taxable gain or loss in your non-tax-qualified account. Exchanges of shares between classes of a single Fund are generally not taxable transactions. Certain "significant holders" of the Fund within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(c)(1) will be required to include in their federal income tax returns for the year of the exchange of one class of stock for another the information identified in Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(b). The term "significant holders" refers to shareholders of the Fund who own at least one percent (by vote or value) of the total outstanding shares of the Fund, as well as shareholders who own shares of the Fund (immediately before the exchange in question) having a tax basis of at least $1 million.

*Non-U.S. Taxes*

 

Income received by the Fund from foreign sources may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and other similar income taxes. Although the Fund that pays foreign taxes generally may elect either to claim a foreign tax credit or to deduct foreign taxes in computing its taxable income, the Fund may have insufficient tax liability to fully utilize such a credit or deduction because the Fund's taxable income is reduced by distributions to its shareholders. However, if more than fifty percent of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year were to consist of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund would be eligible to elect to "pass-through" to its shareholders the amount of such foreign taxes paid by the Fund.

Alternatively, if the Fund were to qualify as a "qualified fund of funds," the Fund could be entitled to elect to pass-through its foreign tax credits without regard to the above-described fifty percent requirement. For this purpose, the term "qualified fund of funds" means a RIC if (at the close of each quarter of the taxable year) at least fifty percent of the value of its total assets is represented by interests in other RICs.

The Fund does not expect to qualify for either election described in this section and makes no assurances as to either the availability of any election discussed in this section or their willingness to make any such election.

**Other Tax Matters**

Special tax rules not described in this discussion apply to investments by tax-exempt entities and to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax- qualified plans. Investors who are contemplating such investments should consult their tax advisor to determine the suitability of investing in shares of the Fund the precise effect of an investment in the Fund would have on their particular tax situations.

A type of savings account known as "Trump accounts" were introduced into the Code in 2025 as a type of individual retirement account for children. Under the beginning of the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary attains the age of 18, a Trump account can be invested only "eligible investments' which include only investments in mutual Funds or exchange traded Funds that track the returns of certain types of equity indexes. The Fund does not expect to qualify as an eligible investment for Trump accounts and investors will not be eligible to invest a Trump account in the Fund until the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary reaches the age of 18.

The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law. Dividends and distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign taxes. Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the certification and filing requirements imposed on foreign investors in order to qualify for exemption from the backup withholding tax rates (or a reduced rate of withholding provided by treaty).

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and related regulations currently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and regulations. The Code and regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative actions.

**CUSTODIAN**

U.S. Bank National Association, 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 is the Custodian for the Fund's investments. The Custodian acts as the Fund's depository, safe keeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect thereto, disburses Funds at the Fund's request and maintains records in connection with its duties.

**ADMINISTRATOR, FUND ACCOUNTANT AND TRANSFER AGENT**

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC ("Ultimus"), located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent to the Fund pursuant to a Master Services Agreement (the "Master Services Agreement").

As Administrator, Ultimus has agreed to perform or arrange for the performance of the following services (under the Master Services Agreement, Ultimus may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities thereunder), among others:

● prepare and assemble reports required to be sent to the Fund's shareholders and arrange for the printing and dissemination of such reports;

● assemble reports required to be filed with the SEC and file such completed reports with the SEC;

● file the Fund's federal income and excise tax returns and the Fund's state and local tax returns;

● assist and advise the Fund regarding compliance with the 1940 Act and with its investment policies and limitations; and

● make such reports and recommendations to the Board, as the Board reasonably requests or deems appropriate.

As Fund Accountant, Ultimus maintains the accounting books and records for the Fund, including journals containing an itemized daily record of all purchases and sales of portfolio securities, all receipts and disbursements of cash and all other debits and credits, general and auxiliary ledgers reflecting all asset, liability, reserve, capital, income and expense accounts, including interest accrued and interest received, and other required separate ledger accounts. Ultimus also maintains a monthly trial balance of all ledger accounts; performs certain accounting services for the Fund, including calculation of the NAV per share, calculation of the dividend and capital gain distributions, reconciles cash movements with the custodian, verifies and reconciles with the custodian all daily trade activities; provides certain reports; obtains dealer quotations or prices from pricing services used in determining NAV; and prepares an interim balance sheet, statement of income and expense, and statement of changes in net assets for the Fund.

As Transfer Agent, Ultimus performs the following services in connection with the Fund's shareholders: maintains records for the Fund's shareholders of record; processes shareholder purchase and redemption orders; processes transfers and exchanges of shares of the Fund on the shareholder files and records; processes dividend payments and reinvestments; and assists in the mailing of shareholder reports and proxy solicitation materials.

Ultimus' fees under the Master Services Agreement are paid by the Adviser pursuant to the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement. The Master Services Agreement, unless otherwise terminated as provided in the Master Services Agreement, is renewed automatically for successive one-year periods. The Master Services Agreement provides that Ultimus shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Master Services Agreement relates, except a loss from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or from the reckless disregard by Ultimus of its obligations and duties thereunder.

Under a Compliance Services Consulting Agreement among the Adviser, the Trust and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC ("NLCS"), an affiliate of the Administrator, NLCS provides an individual to serve as the Trust's CCO. For the performance of these services, the Adviser pays NLCS an annual fee. In addition, the Adviser reimburses NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred for compliance services.

**INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

The firm of Cohen & Company, Ltd. has been selected as independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust. Their services include auditing the annual financial statements and financial highlights of the Fund as well as other related services.

**DISTRIBUTOR**

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Fund pursuant to a Distribution Agreement (the "Agreement"). The Distributor is obligated to sell shares of the Fund only against purchase orders for the shares. Shares of the Fund is offered to the public on a continuous basis. The Distributor is compensated for its services to the Trust under a written agreement for such services.

By its terms, the Distribution Agreement is for an initial term of two years and will continue in effect year-to-year thereafter so long as such renewal and continuance is approved at least annually by (1) the Board or (2) a vote of the majority of the Fund's outstanding voting shares; provided that in either event continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting such approval. The Distribution Agreement may be terminated at any time, on sixty days written notice, without payment of any penalty, by the Trust or by the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment, as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not yet completed its first semi-annual fiscal period and financial statements, including financial highlights, are not yet available. The Fund will file financial statements after it completes its first semi-annual period end. Copies of the Fund's Semi-Annual Report and Annual Report may be obtained, once available, free of charge by calling the Trust at 1-833-399-1001 or by downloading a copy at www.velafunds.com. You may also obtain the Semi-Annual Report or Annual Report, as well as other information about the Trust, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

**APPENDIX A — RATINGS**

The following is a description of the factors underlying the general long- and short-term debt ratings of Moody's, S&P, and Fitch.

**DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S GLOBAL RATING SCALE**

Ratings assigned on Moody's global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Moody's defines credit risk as the risk that an entity may not meet its contractual financial obligations as they come due and any estimated financial loss in the event of default or impairment. The contractual financial obligations addressed by Moody's ratings are those that call for, without regard to enforceability, the payment of an ascertainable amount, which may vary based upon standard sources of variation (e.g., floating interest rates), by an ascertainable date. Moody's rating addresses the issuer's ability to obtain cash sufficient to service the obligation, and its willingness to pay. Moody's ratings do not address non-standard sources of variation in the amount of the principal obligation (e.g., equity indexed), absent an express statement to the contrary in a press release accompanying an initial rating.

Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of eleven months or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Moody's issues ratings at the issuer level and instrument level on both the long-term scale and the short-term scale Typically, ratings are made publicly available although private and unpublished ratings may also be assigned.

**GLOBAL LONG-TERM RATING SCALE**

Aaa. Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

Aa. Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

A. Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa. Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

Ba. Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B. Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

Caa. Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative, of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca. Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C. Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a "(hyb)" indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.\*

\* By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

**GLOBAL SHORT-TERM RATING SCALE**

P-1. Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-2. Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-3. Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

NP. Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

**DESCRIPTION OF S&P'S ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS**

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings' view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term issue credit ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market, typically with an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Short-term issue credit ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. S&P would typically assign a long-term issue credit rating to an obligation with an original maturity of greater than 365 days. However, the ratings S&P assigns to certain instruments may diverge from these guidelines based on market practices.

**LONG TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS**

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P Global Ratings' analysis of the following considerations:

- The likelihood of payment--the capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitments on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

- The nature and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise they impute; and

- The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of a bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

An issue rating is an assessment of default risk but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

AAA. Obligations rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA. Obligations rated AA differ from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A. Obligations rated A are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB. Obligations rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC and C. Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB. Obligations rated BB are less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B. Obligations rated B are more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC. Obligations rated CCC are currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC. Obligations rated CC are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

C. Obligations rated C are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.

D. Obligations rated D are in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

NR. This indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned..

Ratings from 'AA' to 'CCC' may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.

**SHORT TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS**

A-1. Obligations rated A-1 are rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2. Obligations rated A-2 are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3. Obligations rated A-3 exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B. Obligations rated B are regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

C. Obligations rated C are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D. Obligations rated D are in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

**DESCRIPTION OF FITCH'S CREDIT RATING SCALES**

Fitch Ratings publishes credit ratings that are forward-looking opinions on the relative ability of an entity or obligation to meet financial commitments. Issuer default ratings (IDRs) are assigned to corporations, sovereign entities, financial institutions such as banks, leasing companies and insurers, and public finance entities (local and regional governments). Issue level ratings are also assigned, often include an expectation of recovery and may be notched above or below the issuer level rating.

Issue ratings are assigned to secured and unsecured debt securities, loans, preferred stock and other instruments, Structured finance ratings are issue ratings to securities backed by receivables or other financial assets that consider the obligations' relative vulnerability to default. Credit ratings are indications of the likelihood of repayment in accordance with the terms of the issuance. In limited cases, Fitch may include additional considerations (i.e., rate to a higher or lower standard than that implied in the obligation's documentation). Fitch Ratings also publishes other ratings, scores and opinions. For example, Fitch provides specialized ratings of servicers of residential and commercial mortgages, asset managers and funds. In each case, users should refer to the definitions of each individual scale for guidance on the dimensions of risk covered in each assessment.

Fitch's credit rating scale for issuers and issues is expressed using the categories 'AAA' to 'BBB' (investment grade) and 'BB' to 'D' (speculative grade) with an additional +/-for AA through CCC levels indicating relative differences of probability of default or recovery for issues.

The terms "investment grade" and "speculative grade" are market conventions and do not imply any recommendation or endorsement of a specific security for investment purposes. Investment grade categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the speculative categories signal either a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.

Fitch may also disclose issues relating to a rated issuer that are not and have not been rated. Such issues are also denoted as 'NR' on its web page.

Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss. For information about the historical performance of ratings, please refer to Fitch's Ratings Transition and Default studies, which detail the historical default rates. The European Securities and Markets Authority also maintains a central repository of historical default rates. Fitch's credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. Credit ratings do not deal with the risk of market value loss due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and/or other market considerations. However, market risk may be considered to the extent that it influences the ability of an issuer to pay or refinance a financial commitment. Nonetheless, ratings do not reflect market risk to the extent that they influence the size or other conditionality of the obligation to pay upon a commitment (for example, in the case of payments linked to performance of an equity index).

Fitch will use credit rating scales to provide ratings to privately issued obligations or certain note issuance programs, or for private ratings using the same public scale and criteria. Private ratings are not published, and are only provided to the issuer or its agents in the form of a rating letter. The primary credit rating scales may also be used to provide ratings for a narrower scope, including interest strips and return of principal or in other forms of opinions such as Credit Opinions or Rating Assessment Services.

Credit Opinions are either a notch- or category-specific view using the primary rating scale and omit one or more characteristics of a full rating or meet them to a different standard. Credit Opinions will be indicated using a lower-case letter symbol combined with either an '\*' (e.g. 'bbb+\*') or (cat) suffix to denote the opinion status. Credit Opinions will be typically point-in-time but may be monitored if the analytical group believes information will be sufficiently available.

Rating Assessment Services are a notch-specific view using the primary rating scale of how an existing or potential rating may be changed by a given set of hypothetical circumstances. While Credit Opinions and Rating Assessment Services are point-in-time and are not monitored, they may have a directional Watch or Outlook assigned, which can signify the trajectory of the credit profile.

Ratings assigned by Fitch are opinions based on established, approved and published criteria. A variation to criteria may be applied but will be explicitly cited in our rating action commentaries (RACs), which are used to publish credit ratings when established and upon annual or periodic reviews.

Ratings are the collective work product of Fitch, and no individual, or group of individuals, is solely responsible for a rating. Ratings are not facts and, therefore, cannot be described as being "accurate" or "inaccurate." Users should refer to the definition of each individual rating for guidance on the dimensions of risk covered by the rating.

**Issuer Default Ratings**

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns, insurance companies and certain sectors within public finance, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs are also assigned to certain entities or enterprises in global infrastructure, project finance and public finance. IDRs opine on an entity's relative vulnerability to default (including by way of a distressed debt exchange) on financial obligations. The threshold default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts.

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency's view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default.

AAA: Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High credit quality. A ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.

B: Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial credit risk. Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Near default. A default or default-like process has begun, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a C category rating for an issuer include:

a. the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

b. the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange;

c. a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent.

RD: Restricted default. RD ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings' opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: a. the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; b. the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation.

D: Default. D ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings' opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business and debt is still outstanding.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.

The modifiers + or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' ratings and ratings below the 'CCC' category.

**SHORT TERM RATINGS**

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as "short term" based on market convention (a long-term rating can also be used to rate an issue with short maturity. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

F1: Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F2: Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

F3: Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

B: Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

C: High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

RD: Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

D: Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

**DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S RATINGS OF US Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation Ratings**

Moody's use the Municipal Investment Grade ("MIG") scale for US municipal cash flow notes, bond anticipation notes and certain other short-term obligations, which typically mature in three years or less.

MIG 1. This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2. This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

MIG 3. This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

SG. This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

For variable rate demand obligations ("VRDOs"), Moody's assigns both a long-term rating and a short-term payment obligation rating. The long-term rating addresses the issuer's ability to meet scheduled principal and interest payments. The short-term payment obligation rating addresses the ability of the issuer or the liquidity provider to meet any purchase price payment obligation resulting from optional tenders ("on demand") and/or mandatory tenders of the VRDO. The short-term payment obligation rating uses the VMIG scale. Transitions of Variable Municipal Investment Grade ("VMIG") ratings with conditional liquidity support differ from transitions of Prime ratings reflecting the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer's long-term rating drops below investment grade.

For VRDOs, Moody's typically assigns a VMIG rating if the frequency of the payment obligation is less than every three years. If the frequency of the payment obligation is less than three years, but the obligation is payable only with remarketing proceeds, the VMIG short-term rating is not assigned and it is denoted as "NR." Industrial development bonds in the United States where the obligor is a corporate may carry a VMIG rating that reflects Moody's view of the relative likelihood of default and loss. In these cases, liquidity assessment is based on the liquidity of the corporate obligor.

VMIG 1. This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

VMIG 2. This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

VMIG 3. This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

SG. This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have a sufficiently strong short-term rating or may lack the structural or legal protections.

**DESCRIPTION OF S&P'S MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM NOTE RATINGS**

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings' opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings' analysis will review the following considerations:

- Amortization schedule--the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

- Source of payment--the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

SP-1. Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

SP-2. Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

SP-3. Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

D. 'D' is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed debt restructuring, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.

**S&P'S DUAL RATINGS**

Dual ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short-term or long-term rating symbols. The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, 'AAA/A-1+' or 'A-1+/A-1'). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for the first component of the rating (for example, 'SP-1+/A-1+').

**APPENDIX B — VELA FUNDS PROXY VOTING POLICY**

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

Consistent with its fiduciary duties and pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act (the "Proxy Rule"), the Board of Trustees of VELA Funds (the "Board") has adopted this proxy voting policy on behalf of the Trust (the "Policy") to reflect its commitment to ensure that proxies are voted in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund's shareholders.

Pursuant to rules established by the SEC under the 1940 Act, the Board has delegated authority to vote proxies to the Adviser and has approved formal, written guidelines for proxy voting as adopted by the Adviser to the Trust's Funds. The Board oversees voting policies and decisions for the Fund.

The Fund exercises its proxy voting rights with regard to the companies in the Fund's investment portfolio, with the goals of maximizing the value of the Portfolio's investments, promoting accountability of a company's management and board of directors to its shareholders, aligning the interests of management with those of shareholders, and increasing transparency of a company's business and operations. The Fund will consider these goals when exercising its responsibilities when electing options presented by the companies in the Fund's investment portfolio for corporate actions that are not subject to proxy voting. These guidelines are applicable to such corporate action elections by the Fund and any legal proceedings or class action suits pertaining to companies and their offerings in the Fund's investment portfolios.

In general, the Board believes that the Fund Adviser, which selects the individual companies that are part of the Fund's portfolio, is the most knowledgeable and best suited to make decisions about proxy votes. Therefore, the Trust defers to and relies on the Fund's Adviser to make decisions on casting proxy votes. In addition, the Adviser will provide support for legal proceedings, class action suits or other events pertaining to the Trust's assets.

If the Fund invests in other investment companies in excess of the limitations in section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. It is recommended to the Fund that they avail themselves of the safe harbor of section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act to invest in underlying investment companies with less restrictions. In order to benefit from the safe harbor of section 12(d)(1)(F), the Fund 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 a mutual Fund or ETF are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from Fund shareholders, pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act.

The Fund shall disclose in its statement of additional information the policies and procedures that it uses to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. In addition, the Fund shall make available to shareholders, either on its website or upon request, the record of how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities.

The Fund shall disclose in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in its registration statement the methods by which shareholders may obtain information about the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures and the Fund's proxy voting record.

If the Fund has a website, the Fund may post a copy of its Adviser's proxy voting policy and this Policy on such website. A copy of such policies and of the Fund's proxy voting record shall also be made available, without charge, upon request of any shareholder of the Fund, by calling the applicable Fund's toll-free telephone number as printed in the Fund's prospectus. The Trust's transfer agent shall reply to any Fund shareholder request within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.

The Adviser provides quarterly certifications with respect to its adherence to its proxy voting and exemptive order policies and procedures.

**VELA Investment Management LLC**

**December 2024**

**Proxy Voting Policy**

**Proxy Voting Procedures**

VELA will accept voting authority for client securities. VELA must make the determination to vote proxies in the best interest of the client and must not place its own interests ahead of the interests of the client. VELA must ensure that the voting determination is not based on materially inaccurate or incomplete information. VELA may vote in a manner that is contrary to its guidelines if it believes that doing so would be in a client's best interest to do so. If a proxy proposal presents a conflict of interest between VELA and a client, VELA will disclose the conflict of interest to the client prior to the proxy vote and, if participating in the vote, will vote in accordance with the client's wishes. Clients may direct VELA on how to vote client securities by communicating their wishes in writing or electronically to VELA. VELA will maintain the voting record for proxy voting for at least five years. The disclosure that clients may obtain a copy of VELA proxy voting policies and procedures upon request is included in Form ADV Part 2A.

Our goal in implementing the proxy voting guidelines is to protect the rights of our clients as shareholders in publicly traded companies. Voting decisions on issues not directly addressed in these guidelines will be made on a case-by-case basis. VELA may also abstain from voting if, based on factors such as expense or difficulty of exercise, it determines that a client's interests are better served by abstaining. In addition, clients may direct VELA on how to vote client securities by communicating their wishes in writing or electronically to VELA.

VELA has developed its own proxy voting guidelines, which are incorporated herein by reference <u>here</u>, and uses a third-party platform to vote proxies.

**Conflicts of Interest**

VELA will disclose any conflicts of interest to its client and obtain client permission to proceed with the vote prior to voting client proxies that involve a conflict of interest.

**Mirror Voting**

The VELA Funds (Funds) may invest in other investment companies that are not affiliated ("Underlying Funds") and are required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") to handle proxies received from Underlying Funds in a certain manner. Notwithstanding the guidelines provided in these procedures, it is the policy of VELA to vote all proxies received from the Underlying Funds in the same proportion that all shares of the Underlying Funds are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from Fund shareholders, pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act. After properly voted, the proxy materials are placed in a file maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer for future reference.

**Form N-PX Reporting – Rule 14Ad-1**

VELA, as an institutional investment manager, must, under certain circumstances, report annually on Form N-PX all "say-on-pay" votes when voting on the approval of executive compensation including "golden parachute" compensation in connection with a merger or acquisition.

VELA must meet the requirements of a two-part test to determine whether or not it exercised voting power over a security and must report on Form N-PX. The two-part test requirements are: does VELA have the power to vote, or direct the voting of a security and does VELA exercise this power to including a voting decision for the security.

The Form N-PX reporting requirements are effective for votes occurring on or after 07/01/23 with the first filing requirement due in 2024. VELA has hired a third-party service provider to provide the information for the Form N-PX filing for "say-on-pay" votes.

**Record Keeping**

Proxy voting records are kept in an easily accessible place for five years and in the adviser's office for the first two years.

Typical proxy voting records are:

● Proxy voting policies and procedures;

● Each proxy statement that the adviser receives regarding client securities;

● Record of each vote cast by the adviser on behalf of a client;

● Copies of any client communication directing how the adviser should vote a particular proxy;

● Written requests from a client for information on how the adviser voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written responses by the adviser to any client request for information on how the adviser voted proxies.

**VELA Investment Management LLC**

**Proxy Voting Guidelines** 

**October 2024**

**<u>I. Board of Directors</u>**

**A. Election of Directors**

VELA will generally vote in favor of the uncontested election of directors. In cases where a director has shown consistent inability to perform his/her duties in the best interest of the shareholders we will not vote in favor of electing the director.

**B. Classified Boards of Directors**

VELA will generally vote against proposals to classify the board and for proposals to repeal classified boards and elect directors annually.

**C. Board and Committee Independence**

VELA's policy is to vote:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. In
favor of proposals that require that a certain percentage (majority up to 66 2/3%) of members of a board of directors be comprised of
independent or unaffiliated directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. In
favor of proposals that require all members of a company's compensation, audit or nominating committees to be independent or unaffiliated
directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Against
shareholder proposals to require the addition of special interest, or constituency, representatives to boards of directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. VELA
will generally vote proposals for the separation of the Chairman and CEO positions unless VELA believes that such a vote would not be
in the best interest of long-term shareholders.

**D. Liability and Indemnification of Directors**

VELA generally will vote in favor of management proposals to limit directors' liability and to broaden the indemnification of directors, unless broader indemnification or limitations on directors' liability would affect shareholders' interests in pending litigation.

**E. Qualifications of Directors**

VELA generally will follow management's recommended vote on either management of shareholders proposals that set retirement ages for directors or require specific levels of stock ownership by directors.

**F. Removal of Directors and Filling of Vacancies**

VELA will vote against proposals that include provisions that directors may be removed only for cause or proposals that include provisions that only continuing directors may fill board vacancies.

**G. Proposals to Fix the Size of the Board**

VELA generally will vote:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. In
favor of proposals to fix the size of the board unless: (a) no specific reason for the proposed change is given; or (b) the proposal
is part of a package of takeover defenses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Against
proposals allowing management to fix the size of the board without shareholder approval.

**H. Majority Voting**

VELA will vote in favor of management proposals for a majority voting standard for electing representatives to the board of directors, and against proposals for a plurality voting standard.

**<u>II. Capital Structure</u>**

**A. Authorization of Additional Shares**

VELA will generally approve proposals to increase the authorization of existing classes of stock, unless VELA believes such authorizations would result in significant dilution or would not be in the best interest in long-term shareholders.

**B. Authorization of "Blank Check" Preferred Stock**

VELA will generally vote:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Against proposals to create blank check preferred stock or to increase the number of authorized shares of blank check preferred stock unless the company states that the stock will not be used for anti-takeover purposes and will not be issued without shareholder approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. In favor of proposals mandating shareholder approval of blank check stock placement.

**C. Stock Splits/Reverse Stock Splits**

VELA will generally vote in favor of stock splits for legitimate business purposes if the split is in the shareholders' best interests. A vote is cast "for" a reverse stock split only if the number of shares authorized is reduced in the same proportion as the reverse split or if the effective increase in authorized shares (relative to outstanding shares) complies with the proxy guidelines for common stock increases.

**D. Dual Class/Supervoting Stock**

VELA will generally vote against proposals to create or authorize additional shares of super-voting stock or stock with unequal voting rights.

**E. Large Block Issuance**

VELA will address large block issuances of stock on a case-by-case basis considering (a) whether the proposal has a legitimate business purpose, and (b) the potential impact on shareholder value.

Additionally, we support proposals requiring shareholder approval of large block issuances.

**F. Recapitalization into a Single Class of Stock**

VELA will generally vote in favor of recapitalization plans to provide for a single class of common stock, provided the terms are fair, with no class of stock being unduly disadvantaged.

**G. Share Repurchases**

VELA generally will vote in favor of share repurchase plans provided all shareholders may participate on equal terms.

**H. Reductions in Par Value**

VELA will generally vote in favor of proposals to reduce par value, provided a legitimate business purpose is stated.

**<u>III. Corporate Governance Issues</u>**

**A. Confidential Voting**

VELA will generally vote in favor of proposals to provide for confidential voting and independent tabulation of voting results and to vote against proposals to repeal such provisions.

**B. Cumulative Voting**

VELA will generally vote in favor of shareholder proposals requesting cumulative voting and against management proposals to eliminate it.

**C. Super majority Voting Requirements.**

VELA will generally vote in favor of shareholder proposals to modify or rescind existing supermajority requirements and will generally vote against management proposals to require a supermajority vote to amend the charter or bylaws.

**D. Shareholder Right to Vote**

VELA will generally vote against proposals that restrict the right of shareholders to call special meetings, amend the bylaws, expand proxy access, or act by written consent. VELA will vote in favor of proposals that remove such restrictions, provided that the removal of such restrictions is in the best interest of long-term shareholders. If removal of such restrictions is not in the best interest of long-term shareholders, VELA will vote against the proposals.

**<u>IV. Compensation</u>**

**A. Executive and Director Stock Option Plans**

VELA will generally vote in favor of stock option plans that create incentives for executives to achieve outstanding performance provided that providing these rewards will not substantially dilute the existing shares, is not a significant percentage of existing market capitalization, the plan does not allow re-pricing provisions, or grant an option on super-voting stock.

**B. Employee Stock Option & Purchase Plans**

VELA will generally vote in favor of employee stock purchase plans when the plan complies with the Code.

**C. Golden Parachutes**

VELA will vote against proposals that limit shareholder approval of golden parachutes. VELA will evaluate golden parachutes on a case-by-case basis, and the company favors "double trigger" change-in-control provisions.

**D. Proposals to Limit Benefits or Executive Compensation**

VELA will vote against proposals to limit benefits, pensions, or compensation.

**E. Management Compensation**

VELA will generally vote in favor of management compensation, unless VELA believes that such a vote would not be in the best interest of long-term shareholders.

**F. Frequency of Votes on Management Compensation**

VELA will generally vote in favor of annual advisory votes on management compensation.

**<u>V. Anti-Takeover Related Issues</u>**

**A. Shareholder Rights Plans**

VELA will vote against proposals for shareholders to adopt poison pill plans and will vote in favor of proposals to require shareholder ratification of poison pills or requests for boards to redeem poison pills.

**B. Re-Incorporation**

VELA will examine proposals of reincorporation on a case-by-case basis. VELA will generally vote in favor of proposals that expand shareholder rights.

**C. Exemption from State Takeover Laws**

VELA will generally vote against proposals that would unfairly deny certain shares, whether held by shareholders or management, their inherent voting rights.

**D. Non-financial Effects of Takeover Bids**

VELA will generally vote against proposals to require consideration of non-financial items of mergers and acquisition proposals.

**<u>VI. Mergers & Acquisitions</u>**

VELA will evaluate all proposals for mergers, acquisitions and other special corporate transactions on a case-by-case basis. VELA will incorporate information gathered in the course of performing portfolio management activities into its decision-making process.

**<u>VII. Environmental, Social & Political Issues</u>**

VELA will generally vote for environmental, social and political issues if VELA believes such matters are in the best interest of long-term shareholders, while VELA will generally vote against environmental, social and political issues if VELA believes such matters are not in the best interest of long-term shareholders.

**<u>VIII. International Proxies</u>**

International proxies will be evaluated and voted generally following this proxy voting policy where appropriate. Items not expressly addressed in this policy will generally be voted either "with management" or "abstain" unless it is determined that voting against these items is in the best interest of long-term shareholders.

**<u>IX. Miscellaneous Items</u>**

**A. Ratification of Auditors**

VELA will generally vote in favor of proposals to ratify the selection of auditors, proposals to require shareholder approval of audit firms and proposals requesting auditor independence.

**B. Transactions of Other Business**

VELA is generally against proposals of transactions of other business as it disadvantages proxy voting shareholders from shareholders who attend the annual meeting in person. Instead, VELA seeks to have such issues make it to a ballot for consideration by all shareholders.

**C. Motions to Adjourn the Meeting**

VELA will vote to keep management accountable to proposals. Once a proposal has been offered to shareholders on a ballot, VELA is against proposals of management to extend consideration of a proposal once the votes have been cast.

**D. Bundled Proposals**

VELA is against proposals that bundle favorable items with unfavorable items. Instead, VELA is in favor of proposals that allow shareholders to vote on individual items.

**E. Change of Company Name**

VELA will support management proposals to change the company name.

**F. Proposals Related to the Annual Meeting**

VELA will support management proposals to conduct annual meetings.

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

**OTHER INFORMATION**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 28.** | **Exhibits** |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Description** |
| (a) | [Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's initial Registration Statement filed on July 2, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420013243/fp0055114_ex9928a.htm) |
| (b) | [By-Laws of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's initial Registration Statement filed on July 2, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420013243/fp0055114_ex9928b.htm) |
| (c) | Provisions defining rights of security holders are contained in Article III and Article V of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) of this filing) and Article IX and Article XII of the Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b) of this filing). |
| (d)(1) | [Investment Management Agreement by and between the Registrant and VELA Investment Management, LLC (the "Adviser") is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 23, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420019008/fp0057858_ex9928d.htm) |
| (d)(2) | [Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement by and between the Registrant and the Adviser is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064222000225/ex99d_2.htm) |
| (d)(3) | [Amendment to Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on March 29, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064222001762/ex99d_3.htm) |
| (d)(4) | [Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on November 29, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064222005943/ex_28d-4.htm) |
| (d)(5) | [Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on December 12, 2023.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064223006660/ex99d5.htm) |
| (d)(6) | [Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 27, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064225000485/ex99d6.htm) |
| (d)(7) | [Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement by and between the Registrant and the Adviser is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exd7.htm) |
| (d)(8) | [Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement by and between the Registrant and the Adviser is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exd8.htm) |
| (e)(1) | [Distribution Agreement by and between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor") is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 23, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420019008/fp0057858_ex9928e.htm) |
| (e)(2) | [Amendment No. 1 to Distribution Agreement is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exe2.htm) |
| (f) | Not applicable. |
| (g)(1) | [Custodian Agreement by and between the Registrant and Fifth Third Bank, N.A. (the "Custodian") is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 23, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420019008/fp0057858_ex9928g.htm) |
| (g)(2) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exg2.htm) |
| (h)(1) | [Master Services Agreement by and among the Registrant, the Adviser and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 23, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420019008/fp0057858_ex9928h1.htm) |
| (h)(2) | [First Amendment to the Master Services Agreement by and among the Registrant, the Adviser and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064222000225/ex99h_2.htm) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (h)(3) | [Second Amendment to the Master Services Agreement by and among the Registrant, the Adviser and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064222000225/ex99h_3.htm) |
| (h)(4) | [Amended Schedule A to Master Services Agreement is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exh4.htm) |
| (h)(5) | [Amendment to the Master Services Agreement for Rule 18f-4 Services is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on November 29, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064222005943/ex_28h-5.htm) |
| (h)(6) | [Amended Schedule A to Master Services Agreement for Rule 18f-4 Services is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exh6.htm) |
| (h)(7) | [Amendment to the Master Services Agreement for Tailored Shareholder Services is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 27, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064225000485/ex99h6.htm) |
| (h)(8) | [Compliance Services Consulting Agreement by and among the Adviser, the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064222000225/ex99h_6.htm) |
| (h)(9) | [Amendment No. 1 to the Compliance Services Consulting Agreement by and among the Adviser, the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on November 29, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064222005943/ex_28h-7.htm) |
| (h)(10) | [Amendment No. 2 to the Compliance Services Consulting Agreement by and among the Adviser, the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 29, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064224000592/ex99h8.htm) |
| (h)(11) | [Amendment No. 3 to the Compliance Services Consulting Agreement by and among the Adviser, the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exh11.htm) |
| (i)(1) | [Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to the VELA Income Fund, VELA International Fund, VELA Large Cap Plus Fund, VELA Short Duration Fund, and VELA Small Cap Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 27, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064225000485/ex99i.htm) |
| (i)(2) | [Opinion and consent of counsel with respect to the VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exi2.htm) |
| (j) | [Consent of independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the VELA Small Cap Fund, VELA Large Cap Plus Fund, VELA International Fund, VELA Income Opportunities Fund and VELA Short Duration Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 27, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064225000485/ex99j.htm) |
| (k) | Not applicable. |
| (l) | [Purchase Agreement/Initial Capital Agreement is incorporated herein by reference the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 23, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420019008/fp0057858_ex9928l.htm) |
| (m)(1) | [Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 23, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420019008/fp0057858_ex9928m.htm) |
| (m)(2) | [Amended Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exm2.htm) |
| (n)(1) | [Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 23, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420019008/fp0057858_ex9928n.htm) |
| (n)(2) | [Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exn2.htm) |
| (o) | Reserved. |
| (p)(1) | [Code of Ethics for the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 23, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420019008/fp0057858_ex9928p1.htm) |
| (p)(2) | [Amended Code of Ethics for the Adviser is filed herewith.](vela-funds_exp2.htm) |
| (p)(3) | [Amended Code of Ethics for the Distributor is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 27, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000158064225000485/ex99p3.htm) |
| (q) | [Power of Attorney is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 10, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1815493/000139834420018562/fp0057710_ex9928q.htm) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 29.** | **Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant** |

---

No person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.

Additionally, see the "Principal Holders of Outstanding Shares" section of the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") for a list of shareholders who own more than 5% of each Fund's outstanding shares and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 30.** | **Indemnification** |

---

Reference is made to Article VIII of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant's Declaration of Trust, its By-Laws or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the 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, the 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 whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 31.** | **Business and other Connections of the Investment Adviser** |

---

The description of the Adviser is found under the caption "Management of the Funds" in the Prospectus and under the caption "The Investment Adviser" in the SAI constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of this Registration Statement, which are incorporated herein by reference. The Adviser may provide investment advisory services to other persons or entities other than the Registrant. In addition, the Adviser's Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration ("Form ADV") on file with the SEC, File No. 801-119022,is incorporated herein by reference. The Adviser's Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC's website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 32.** | **Principal Underwriter** |

---

(a) Ultimus
 Fund Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor"), 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati,
 Ohio 45246, also acts as the principal underwriter for Hussman Investment Trust, Schwartz
 Investment Trust, Williamsburg Investment Trust, The Investment House Funds, Chesapeake Investment
 Trust, The Cutler Trust, CM Advisors Family of Funds, Papp Investment Trust, Eubel Brady
 & Suttman Mutual Fund Trust, Conestoga Funds, Centaur Mutual Funds Trust, Caldwell &
 Orkin Funds, Inc., Ultimus Managers Trust, Oak Associates Funds, Segall Bryant & Hamill
 Trust, American Pension Investors Trust (d/b/a Yorktown Funds), Bruce Fund, Inc., Commonwealth
 International Series Trust, Capitol Series Trust, Unified Series Trust, Valued Advisers Trust,
 HC Capital Trust, The Core Fixed Income Portfolio, New Age Alpha Funds Trust, New Age Alpha
 Variable Funds Trust, ONEFUND TRUST, Waycross Independent Trust, Volumetric Fund, MSS Series
 Trust, Connors Funds, Cantor Select Portfolios Trust, James Advantage Funds, Johnson Mutual
 Funds, XD Fund Trust, Exchange Place Advisors Trust, WesMark Funds, Plumb Funds, PennantPark
 Enhanced Income Fund, Peachtree Alternative Strategies Fund, Lind Capital Partners Municipal
 Credit Income Fund, Fairway Private Equity & Venture Capital Opportunities Fund, Fairway
 Private Markets Fund, Dynamic Alternatives Fund, Cantor Fitzgerald Infrastructure Fund, Flat
 Rock Enhanced Income Fund, Beacon Pointe Multi-Alternative Fund, Axxes Private Markets Fund,
 Axxes Opportunistic Credit Fund, MidBridge Private Markets Fund, Flat Rock Core Income Fund,
 Flat Rock Opportunity Fund, Booster Income Opportunities Launch, OneAscent Capital Opportunities
 Fund, CAZ Strategic Opportunities Fund, 83 Investment Group Income Fund, Private Debt &
 Income Fund, and Prospect Enhanced Yield Fund.

(b) The
following list sets forth the directors and executive officers of the Distributor:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Position with Distributor** | **Position with Registrant** |
| Kevin M. Guerette | President | None |
| Stephen L. Preston | Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, FINOP & Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer | None |
| Melvin Van Cleave | Chief Information Securities Officer | None |
| Douglas K. Jones | Vice President | None |

---

The address of the Distributor and each of the above-named persons is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

(c) Not
applicable.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 33.** | **Location of Accounts and Records** |

---

Accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder will be maintained by the Registrant at the principal executive offices of:

(a) VELA
Investment Management, LLC, 220 Market Street, Suite 208, New Albany Ohio 43054 (records as investment adviser)

(b) Ultimus
Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 (records as administrator and transfer agent)

(c) U.S.
Bank National Association (the "Custodian"), located at 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 (records as custodian)

(d) Ultimus
Fund Distributors, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 (records as distributor)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 34.** | **Management Services** |

---

Not applicable.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 35.** | **Undertakings** |

---

Not applicable.

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New Albany and the State of Ohio on the 12th day of December 2025.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| VELA FUNDS | VELA FUNDS |
| By: | /s/ Jason Job |
| Name: | Jason Job |
| Title: | President and Principal Executive Officer |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| /s/ Jason Job | Trustee, President and Principal Executive Officer | December 12, 2025 |
| Jason Job |  |  |
| /s/ Zachary Richmond | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | December 12, 2025 |
| Zachary Richmond |  |  |
| /s/ Lisa Wesolek | Trustee and Vice President | December 12, 2025 |
| Lisa Wesolek |  |  |
| /s/ Lawrence Funderburke\* | Trustee | December 12, 2025 |
| Lawrence Funderburke |  |  |
| /s/ Jim Haring\* | Trustee | December 12, 2025 |
| Jim Haring |  |  |
| /s/ Danielle Ross\* | Trustee | December 12, 2025 |
| Danielle Ross |  |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| \*By: | /s/ Jesse D. Hallee |
|  | Jesse D. Hallee |
|  | As Attorney-in-Fact |

---

**<u>EXHIBIT INDEX</u>**

Exhibits for Item 28 of Form N-1A:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit** | **Exhibit Description** |
| (d)(7) | [Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement](vela-funds_exd7.htm) |
| (d)(8) | [Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement](vela-funds_exd8.htm) |
| (e)(2) | [Amendment No. 1 to Distribution Agreement](vela-funds_exe2.htm) |
| (g)(2) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](vela-funds_exg2.htm) |
| (h)(4) | [Amended Schedule A to Master Services Agreement](vela-funds_exh4.htm) |
| (h)(6) | [Amended Schedule A to Master Services Agreement for Rule 18f-4 Services](vela-funds_exh6.htm) |
| (h)(11) | [Amendment No. 3 to the Compliance Services Consulting Agreement](vela-funds_exh11.htm) |
| (i)(2) | [Opinion and consent of counsel with respect to the VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund](vela-funds_exi2.htm) |
| (m)(2) | [Amended Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan](vela-funds_exm2.htm) |
| (n)(2) | [Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan](vela-funds_exn2.htm) |
| (p)(2) | [Amended Code of Ethics for the Adviser](vela-funds_exp2.htm) |

---

## Ex-99.D

**Exhibit (d)(7)**

**VELA FUNDS**

**FOURTH AMENDMENT TO**

**SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT**

This Fourth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement (this "Amendment") is made and entered into as of this 1st day of October, 2025, by and between VELA Investment Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Adviser"), and VELA Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust").

WHEREAS, the Adviser and the Trust are parties to that certain Second Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of October 1, 2022 (the "Agreement"), including Appendix A thereto;

WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend Appendix A to the Agreement to reflect a lower Administrative Fee rate for each Fund; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust has approved this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:

**1.**  **<u>Amendment</u>.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (a) Appendix A to the Agreement hereby is deleted and replaced with Appendix A to this Amendment.

**2.**  **<u>Miscellaneous</u>.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except as hereby amended, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

[signature page follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **VELA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** | **VELA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Roderick Dillon |
| Name: | Roderick Dillon |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer, VELA Investment Management, LLC |
| **VELA FUNDS** | **VELA FUNDS** |
| By: | /s/ Jason Job |
| Name: | Jason Job |
| Title: | President, VELA Funds |

---

Appendix A

to the

Second Amended and Restated

Investment Advisory Agreement

between

VELA Investment Management, LLC

and

VELA Funds

dated as of October 1, 2022,

as amended October 1, 2025

In consideration for the investment advisory and portfolio management services to be performed under the Agreement, the Adviser shall receive from the Trust an annual Management Fee, accrued daily at the rate of 1/365<sup>th</sup> of the applicable Management Fee rate and payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month in the amount set forth below. Such amount shall be based on each Fund's daily net assets during the month.

In consideration for all non-investment advisory and/or non-portfolio management services to be performed by the Adviser under the Agreement, the Adviser shall receive from the Trust an annual Administrative Fee accrued daily at the rate of 1/365<sup>th</sup> of the applicable Administrative Fee rate and payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month in the amount set forth below. Such amount shall be based on each Fund's daily net assets during the month.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Fund** | **Management <br> Fee Rate** | **Administrative <br> Fee Rate** |
| VELA Small Cap Fund | 0.75% | 0.34% |
| VELA Large Cap Plus Fund | 0.60% | 0.34% |
| VELA International Fund | 0.75% | 0.34% |
| VELA Income Opportunities Fund | 0.50% | 0.34% |
| VELA Short Duration Fund | 0.30% | 0.34% |

---

## Ex-99.D

**Exhibit (d)(8)**

**VELA FUNDS**

**FIFTH AMENDMENT TO**

**SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT**

This Fifth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement (this "Amendment") is made and entered into as of this 21st day of November, 2025, by and between VELA Investment Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Adviser"), and VELA Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust").

WHEREAS, the Adviser and the Trust are parties to that certain Second Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of October 1, 2022 (the "Agreement"), including Appendix A thereto;

WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend Appendix A to the Agreement to add the VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust has approved this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:

**1.**  **<u>Amendment</u>.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (a) Appendix A to the Agreement hereby is deleted and replaced with Appendix A to this Amendment.

**2.**  **<u>Miscellaneous</u>.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except as hereby amended, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

[signature page follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **VELA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** | **VELA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Roderick Dillon |
| Name: | Roderick Dillon |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer, VELA Investment Management, LLC |
| **VELA FUNDS** | **VELA FUNDS** |
| By: | /s/ Jason Job |
| Name: | Jason Job |
| Title: | President, VELA Funds |

---

Appendix A

to the

Second Amended and Restated

Investment Advisory Agreement

between

VELA Investment Management, LLC

and

VELA Funds

dated as of October 1, 2022,

as amended November 21, 2025

In consideration for the investment advisory and portfolio management services to be performed under the Agreement, the Adviser shall receive from the Trust an annual Management Fee, accrued daily at the rate of 1/365<sup>th</sup> of the applicable Management Fee rate and payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month in the amount set forth below. Such amount shall be based on each Fund's daily net assets during the month.

In consideration for all non-investment advisory and/or non-portfolio management services to be performed by the Adviser under the Agreement, the Adviser shall receive from the Trust an annual Administrative Fee accrued daily at the rate of 1/365<sup>th</sup> of the applicable Administrative Fee rate and payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month in the amount set forth below. Such amount shall be based on each Fund's daily net assets during the month.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Fund** | **Management <br> Fee Rate** | **Administrative <br> Fee Rate** |
| VELA Small Cap Fund | 0.75% | 0.34% |
| VELA Large Cap Plus Fund | 0.60% | 0.34% |
| VELA International Fund | 0.75% | 0.34% |
| VELA Income Opportunities Fund | 0.50% | 0.34% |
| VELA Short Duration Fund | 0.30% | 0.34% |
| VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund | 0.70% | 0.34% |

---

## Ex-99.E

**Exhibit (e)(2)**

**AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT**

THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this "Amendment"), effective as of December 15, 2025, by and among VELA Investment Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Adviser"), VELA Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust"), and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the state of Ohio ("Distributor").

WHEREAS, the Adviser, the Trust and Distributor are parties to that certain Distribution Agreement effective July 1, 2025 (the "Agreement").

WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Agreement as described herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. <u>Amendments</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Schedule A</u> hereby is deleted in its entirety and replaced with <u>Schedule A</u> attached hereto, as the same may be amended from
 time to time.

2. <u>Miscellaneous</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except
 as amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This
 Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together
 shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has caused this Amendment to be executed by its duly authorized officer as of the date and year first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **VELA Funds** | **VELA Funds** | **Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC** | **Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Jason Job | By: | /s/ Kevin Guerette |
| Name: | Jason Job | Name: | Kevin Guerette |
| Title: | President | Title: | President |
| **VELA Investment Management, LLC** | **VELA Investment Management, LLC** |  |  |
| By: | /s/ R H Dillon |  |  |
| Name: | R H Dillon |  |  |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer |  |  |

---

**SCHEDULE A**

**to the<br> Distribution Agreement**

**among<br> VELA Funds, VELA Investment Management, LLC<br> and**

**Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC<br> dated July 1, 2025**

**<u>Fund Portfolio(s)</u>**

**VELA Small Cap Fund<br> VELA Large Cap Plus Fund<br> VELA International Fund**

**VELA Income Opportunities Fund**

**VELA Short Duration Fund<br> VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund**

## Ex-99.G

**Exhibit (g)(2)**

**FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE VELA FUNDS <br> CUSTODY AGREEMENT**

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT, dated as of the last date on the signature block (the, to the Custody Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2025, is entered into by and between VELA FUNDS, a Delaware statutory U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America with its principal place of business at Minneapolis, Minnesota (the Custodian).

**RECITALS**

**WHEREAS,** the parties have entered into the Agreement;

**WHEREAS,** the parties desire to amend Exhibit A of the Agreement to add the following fund to its series:

**-** VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund

**WHEREAS,** Article XV, Section 15.02 of the Agreement allows for its amendment by a written instrument executed by both parties and authorized or approved by the Board of Trustees.

**NOW, THEREFORE,** the parties agree as follows:

**1. Exhibit A of the Agreement is hereby superseded and replaced in its entirety with Exhibit A attached hereto.**

Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF,** the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the last date written below.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **VELA FUNDS** | **VELA FUNDS** | **U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION** | **U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION** |
| By: | /s/ Jason Job | By: | /s/ Greg Farley |
| Name: | Jason Job | Name: | Greg Farley |
| Title: | President | Title: | Senior Vice President |

---

**<u>EXHIBIT A</u>**

**Custody Agreement**

Separate Series of VELA Funds

**Name of Series:**

VELA Small Cap Fund

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund

VELA International Fund

VELA Income Opportunities Fund

VELA Short Duration Fund

VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund

## Ex-99.H

**Exhibit (h)(4)**

**Amendment No. 4<br> dated**

**December 15, 2025<br> to**

**SCHEDULE A**

**to the**

**Master Services Agreement**

**among**

**VELA Investment Management, LLC, VELA Funds <br> and**

**Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC**

**dated September 22, 2020, as amended**

**<u>Fund Portfolio(s)</u>**

**VELA Small Cap Fund**

**VELA Large Cap Plus Fund**

**VELA International Fund**

**VELA Income Opportunities Fund**

**VELA Short Duration Fund<br> VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund**

The parties have duly executed this Amendment No. 4 to Schedule A as of the date first written above.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **VELA Investment Management, LLC** | **VELA Investment Management, LLC** | **Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC** | **Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ R H Dillon | By: | /s/ Gary Tenkman |
| Name: | R H Dillon | Name: | Gary Tenkman |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
| **VELA Funds**<br> on its own behalf and on behalf of the Funds | **VELA Funds**<br> on its own behalf and on behalf of the Funds |  |  |
| By: | /s/ Jason Job |  |  |
| Name: | Jason Job |  |  |
| Title: | President |  |  |

---

## Ex-99.H

**Exhibit (h)(6)**

**DERIVATIVES RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES ADDENDUM**

**Schedule A<br> Funds**

**Date Last Amended: December 15, 2025**

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund

VELA Small Cap Fund

VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund

VELA Income Opportunities Fund

## Ex-99.H

**Exhibit (h)(11)**

**AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO**

**CONSULTING AGREEMENT**

THIS AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO CONSULTING AGREEMENT (this "Amendment"), effective as of December 15, 2025, by and among VELA Investment Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Adviser"), VELA Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust"), and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company ("NLCS").

WHEREAS, the Adviser, the Trust and NLCS are parties to that certain Consulting Agreement effective September 22, 2020, as amended, by and among the Adviser, the Trust and NLCS (the "Consulting Agreement").

WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Consulting Agreement as described herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. <u>Amendments</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Section 12.A</u>. to the Agreement hereby is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following,
 as the same may be amended from time to time:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*A.* *Term*.
This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and shall continue until terminated by either party in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Schedule A</u> hereby is deleted in its entirety and replaced with <u>Schedule A</u> attached hereto,
 as the same may be amended from time to time.

2. <u>Miscellaneous</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except
 as amended hereby, the Consulting Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This
 Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
 but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

*Signature Page Follows*

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has caused this Amendment to be executed by its duly authorized officer as of the date and year first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **VELA FUNDS** | **VELA FUNDS** | **NORTHERN LIGHTS COMPLIANCE SERVICES, LLC** | **NORTHERN LIGHTS COMPLIANCE SERVICES, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Jason Job | By: | /s/ Martin R. Dean |
| Name: | Jason Job |  | Martin R. Dean |
| Title: | President |  | President |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **VELA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** | **VELA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ R H Dillon |
| Name: | R H Dillon |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer |

---

**Schedule A<br> FEES**

This **Schedule A** is part of the Consulting Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated September 22, 2020 entered into by and among VELA Investment Management, LLC (the "Adviser"), VELA Funds (the "Trust") and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC ("NLCS"). Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the same meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.**  **<u>Standard Service Fees</u>:** 

[Fees Redacted]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.**  **<u>Due Diligence Fee</u>:** 

[Fees Redacted]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.**  **<u>Additional Service Fees</u>:** 

● [Fees Redacted]

○ have securities that require fair valuation;

Schedule A \| Page 3

**Schedule A<br> FEES**

○ invest in derivatives subject to Rule 18f-4;

○ invest in, directly or indirectly, commodities, real estate or other non-passive investments that produce bad income;

○ invest in wholly-owned subsidiaries, domestic or foreign;

○ invest in hedge funds or private equity, private placements or private unsecuritized loans;

○ are interval funds under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment Company Act;

○ have major service providers that are not regulated entities;

○ have more than one service provider that is not an investment adviser/sub-adviser;

○ have service providers that are affiliates of the Fund or affiliates of other service providers;

○ have other unusual contractual arrangements;

○ have multiple sub-advisers;

○ are exchange traded funds; or

○ are affiliated funds of funds.

The following Funds shall be subject to the Complex Fund fee:

**Complex Funds:** VELA Income Opportunities Fund<br> VELA Large Cap Plus Fund<br> VELA Small Cap Fund<br> VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund<br>

● [Fees Redacted]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.**  **<u>Anti-Money Laundering Fees</u>:** 

[Fees Redacted]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.**  **<u>Out-of-Pocket Expenses</u>:** 

The Adviser or the Trust agree to reimburse NLCS for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by NLCS in connection with the services provided to the Trust pursuant to the Agreement. Such expenses shall include, without limitation, expenses for travel, lodging, meals, visits to Trust Service Providers, access fees incurred by NLCS to set up advisers in our compliance management system, telephone calls, photocopying, binding, and shipping of compliance materials. Where the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee or AMLO makes a single visit to Service Providers for purposes not only of the Trust, but also for other NLCS clients that employ the same Service Providers, the CCO will use his/her judgment to allocate such expenses proportionally among the Trust and such other clients.

Schedule A \| Page 4

**Schedule A<br> FEES**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.**  **<u>Payment Terms</u>:** 

NLCS will invoice the Adviser or the Trust for all annualized fees owing to NLCS under the terms of the Agreement on a quarterly basis in advance. Invoices for Extraordinary Services and out-of-pocket expenses will be billed on a monthly basis in arrears. Each NLCS invoice shall include the amount due and a brief description of the services rendered. The payment of all fees and the reimbursement of all out of pocket expenses shall be due and payable within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice from NLCS (the "Due Date"). Interest may accrue, at the maximum amount permitted by law, on any invoice balance that remains unpaid after its Due Date.

*Signature Page Follows*

Schedule A \| Page 5

**Schedule A<br> FEES**

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this **Schedule A** to the Consulting Agreement effective December 15, 2025.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **VELA FUNDS** | **VELA FUNDS** | **NORTHERN LIGHTS COMPLIANCE SERVICES, LLC** | **NORTHERN LIGHTS COMPLIANCE SERVICES, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Jason Job | By: | /s/ Martin R. Dean |
| Name: | Jason Job |  | Martin R. Dean |
| Title: | President |  | President |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **VELA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** | **VELA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ R H Dillon |
| Name: | R H Dillon |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer |

---

Schedule A \| Page 6

## Ex-99.I

**Exhibit (i)(2)**

![](exi2_001.jpg)

December 12, 2025

VELA Funds

220 Market Street, Suite 208

New Albany, Ohio 43054

Re: VELA Funds, a Delaware statutory trust

1933 Act File No. 333-239642 – Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 and

1940 Act File. No. 811-23585 – Amendment No. 14,

filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 2025

each such amendment to the Registration Statement of the Trust on Form N-1A

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel for VELA Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the "**Trust**" or the "**Registrant**"), in connection with the registration by the Registrant of its shares of beneficial interest, no par value (the "**Shares**"), of the VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund (the "**Fund**"), a new series of the Trust (each, a "**Registration Statement**"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "**1933 Act**").

The Registrant is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Shares. The Board of Trustees of the Registrant (the "**Board**") has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of beneficial interest into one or more classes of shares and to classify or reclassify any class of shares into one or more series of shares. You have asked for our opinion on certain matters relating to the Shares. The Board has previously authorized the issuance of the Shares to the public.

We have reviewed (i) the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the "**Declaration of Trust**"), (ii) the Registrant's Bylaws (the "**Bylaws**") (together, the "**Governing Documents**"), (iii) resolutions adopted by the Board (the "**Resolutions**"), (iv) a printer's proof of the Registration Statement dated December 12, 2025, (v) certificates of public officials, and (vi) such other legal and factual matters as we have considered necessary.

This opinion is based exclusively on the laws of the State of Delaware and the federal law of the United States of America. The opinions expressed in this opinion letter are based on the facts in existence and the laws in effect on the date hereof and are limited to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "**1940 Act**") that are applicable to equity securities issued by open-end investment companies. We are not opining on, and we assume no responsibility for, the applicability to or effect on any of the matters covered herein of any other laws. We express no opinion with respect to any other laws.

![](exi2_002.jpg)

VELA Funds<br> December 12, 2025<br> Page 2

We have also assumed the following for this opinion:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Governing Documents and the Resolutions authorizing the issuance of the Shares have not been amended, modified, or withdrawn and will be in full force and effect on the date of the issuance of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Shares have been, and will continue to be, issued in accordance with the Registrant's Governing Documents, and the Resolutions relating to the creation, authorization and issuance of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. The Shares have been, or will be, issued against consideration therefor as described in the Registrant's prospectuses relating thereto, and that such consideration was, or will be, per share in each case at least equal to the applicable net asset value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Each document submitted to us is accurate and complete, the signatures on all original documents are genuine, all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, all documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic, certified, conformed or photostatic copies thereof conform to the original, and all documents are duly executed and delivered where due execution and delivery are prerequisites of the effectiveness thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Any and all conditions established by the Resolutions to the authorization and issuance of the Shares will have been satisfied in full prior to, and in respect of, such issuance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. All natural persons identified to us have legal capacity, and persons identified to us as officers of the Registrant are actually serving in such capacity, and the representations of officers of the Registrant are correct as to matters of fact.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. All applicable securities laws will be complied with and the Registration Statement with respect to the offering of the Shares will be effective.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. The Registration Statement, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will be in substantially the form of the proof referred to above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. The Registrant is in compliance with the 1940 Act and such other laws and regulations.

We have not independently verified any of these assumptions.

Based on the foregoing, it is our opinion that: (i) the Shares have been duly authorized and, when sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, including receipt by the Registrant of full payment for the Shares and compliance with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and applicable state law regulating the offer and sale of securities, will be validly issued Shares of the Registrant; and (ii) purchasers of the Shares will not have any obligation to make payments to the Registrant or its creditors (other than the purchase price for the Shares) or contributions to the Registrant or its creditors solely by reason of the purchasers' ownership of the Shares.

VELA Funds<br> December 12, 2025<br> Page 3

This opinion is rendered solely in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement and supersedes any previous opinions of this firm in connection with the issuance of the Shares. This opinion is rendered solely for the benefit of the Registrant and its shareholders in connection with the Registration Statement and may not be otherwise quoted or relied upon by any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, without prior written consent.

We hereby consent to the prospectus discussion of this opinion, the reproduction of this opinion as an exhibit, and being named in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the 1933 Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission.

Very truly yours,

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP |
| DAVIS GRAHAM & STUBBS LLP |

---

## Ex-99.M

**Exhibit (m)(2)**

**VELA FUNDS**

**DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN**

**WHEREAS**, VELA Funds (the "Trust") is engaged in business as an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"); and

**WHEREAS**, the Trustees of the Trust have determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that this Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan (the "Plan") will benefit the series of the Trust (each, a "Fund") listed on Appendix A hereto and the shareholders ("Shareholders") who from time to time beneficially own the shares (the "Shares") of any such Fund; and

**WHEREAS,** pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Trustees of the Trust have adopted this Plan pursuant to which Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor"), or other securities dealers or service providers, may provide the distribution services set forth below, <u>provided however</u>, that (i) any such services provided by the Distributor shall be provided under the terms of the Distribution Agreement entered into between the Distributor and the Trust and (ii) any such services provided by any other securities dealers or service providers shall be provided under the terms of distribution and servicing agreements as approved from time to time by the Board, including the members of the Board who are not "interested persons" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust or the Distributor (the "Independent Trustees").

**NOW, THEREFORE**, the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, hereby adopt this Distribution Plan.

**Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan**

1. The Trust has adopted this Distribution Plan to enable the Trust to directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of the Shares of the Trust.

2. The Trust shall pay to the Distributor as compensation for its services hereunder or for payment by the Distributor to securities dealers or other service providers, or the Trust may pay directly to securities dealers or other service providers, a quarterly fee not to exceed the amount calculated at the annual rates specified on Appendix A, as them same may be amended by the Trust's Board from time to time.

3. (a) The monies paid to the Distributor pursuant to Paragraph 2 above may be treated as compensation for the Distributor's distribution-related services including compensation for amounts advanced to securities dealers or their firms or others (including retirement plan recordkeepers) selling shares of a Fund and who have executed an agreement with the Trust, the Distributor or its affiliates, which form of agreement has been approved from time to time by the Board, including the Independent Trustees, with respect to the sale of Fund shares. In addition, the Distributor may use such monies paid to it pursuant to Paragraph 2 above to assist in the distribution and promotion of shares of a Fund or any particular class of shares thereof. Payments made to the Distributor under the Plan may be used for, among other things, the printing of prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses of preparing and distributing sales literature (and any related expenses), advertisements, and other distribution-related expenses; additional distribution fees paid to securities dealers or their firms or others (including retirement plan recordkeepers) who have executed agreements with the Trust, the Distributor or its affiliates; or certain promotional distribution charges paid to broker-dealer firms or others, or for participation in certain distribution channels (otherwise referred to as marketing support), including business planning assistance, advertising, educating dealer personnel about a Fund and shareholder financial planning needs, placement on dealers' lists of offered funds, access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of dealers, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other dealer sponsored events, and ticket charges.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The monies paid to the Distributor or others pursuant to paragraph 2 above may also be used to pay the Distributor, dealers or others (including retirement plan recordkeepers) for, among other things, furnishing personal services and maintaining shareholder or beneficial owner accounts, which services include, among other things, assisting in establishing and maintaining customer accounts and records; assisting with purchase and redemption requests; arranging for bank wires; monitoring dividend payments from a Fund on behalf of shareholders; forwarding certain shareholder communications from a Fund to its shareholders; and receiving and answering correspondence. Any amounts paid under this paragraph 3(b) shall be paid pursuant to a servicing or other agreement, which form of agreement has been approved from time to time by the Board.

4. In addition to the payments which a Fund is authorized to make pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 hereof, to the extent that a Fund, the Adviser, the Distributor or other parties on behalf of the Fund, the Adviser or the Distributor make payments that are deemed to be payments by the Fund for the financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, then such payments shall be deemed to have been made pursuant to the Plan, <u>provided, however</u>, that in no event shall the aggregate payments specified in paragraphs 2 and 3, plus any other payments deemed to be made pursuant to the Plan under this paragraph, exceed the amount permitted to be paid pursuant to the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or any successor thereto.

5. This Plan shall not take effect with respect to any Fund until it has been approved (a) by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund, if adopted after any public offering of such shares; and (b) together with any related agreements, by votes of the majority of both (i) the Board and (ii) the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreement.

6. The Distributor shall furnish to the Board, for its review, on a quarterly basis, a written report of the monies paid to it and to others under the Plan, including the purposes thereof, and shall furnish the Board with such other information as the Board may reasonably request in connection with the payments made under the Plan in order to enable the Board to make an informed determination of whether the Plan should be continued.

7. The Plan, and any agreements related to the Plan, shall continue in effect for a period of more than one year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided in clause (b) of Section 5 above.

8. The Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund (or a class thereof), as and to the extent required by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.

9. Any agreement related to this Plan shall be in writing and shall provide that it:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund (or a class thereof) on not more than sixty (60) days' written notice to any other party to the agreement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

10. This Plan may be amended in the manner provided in clause (b) of Paragraph 5 herein for the approval of this Plan, <u>provided, however</u>, that this Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for distribution pursuant to Paragraph 2 hereof without approval by a majority of a Fund's outstanding voting securities (or those of a class thereof, if applicable) as and to the extent required by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.

11. All material amendments to the Plan shall be approved by a vote of the Board, and of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan.

12. So long as the Plan is in effect, the Board shall satisfy the fund governance standards included in Rule 0-l(a)(7) under the 1940 Act, including that the selection and nomination of the Trust's trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) shall be committed to the discretion of such incumbent trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust.

13. This Plan shall not obligate the Trust or any other party to enter into an agreement with any particular person.

As approved: September 10, 2020

**APPENDIX A**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **FUNDS AND CLASSES** | **FEE LIMITATION** |
| VELA Small Cap Fund |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A Shares | 0.25% |
| VELA Large Cap Plus Fund |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A Shares | 0.25% |
| VELA International Fund |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A Shares | 0.25% |
| VELA Income Opportunities Fund |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A Shares | 0.25% |
| VELA Short Duration Fund |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A Shares | 0.25% |
| VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A Shares | 0.25% |

---

As approved: September 10, 2020

As amended: November 21, 2025

## Ex-99.N

**Exhibit (n)(2)**

**VELA FUNDS**

**MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 18F-3**

(September 10, 2020)

This Multiple Class Plan (the "Plan") is adopted in accordance with Rule 18f-3 (the "Rule") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") by VELA Funds (the "Trust") on behalf of those series listed on Schedule A attached hereto (collectively the "Funds" and individually a "Fund"). A majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"), having determined that the Plan is in the best interests of each class of each Fund individually and of the Trust as a whole, have approved the Plan and any amendments thereto.

The provisions of the Plan are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES. Each class of shares of a Fund shall represent interests in the same portfolio of investments of that Fund and shall be identical in all respects, except that each class shall differ with respect to: (i) Rule 12b-1 Plans adopted with respect to the class; (ii) distribution and related services and expenses as provided for in the Plans; (iii) such differences relating to purchase minimums, eligible investors and exchange privileges as may be set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement(s) of Additional Information of the Funds, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time; and (iv) the designation of each class of Shares. The Trust currently has designated two classes of shares: Class A and Class I.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. SALES CHARGE STRUCTURE.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Class A shares are offered and sold at net asset value plus an initial sales charge in such amount, and shall be subject to such reductions and waivers, as is disclosed in the current Prospectus(es) for the Funds, including any prospectus supplements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Class I shares are offered at net asset value, without an initial sales charge or CDSC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE FEES. The Trust has adopted a Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan with respect to Class A of each Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Pursuant to the Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan, Class A Shares are subject to a maximum annual distribution fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares of each Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS TO EACH CLASS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. In addition to the distribution and servicing fees described above, certain expenses may be attributable to a particular class of shares of a Fund ("Class Expenses"). Class Expenses are charged directly to net assets of the class to which the expense is attributed and are borne on a pro rata basis by the outstanding shares of that class. Class Expenses may include;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) expenses incurred in connection with a meeting of shareholders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) litigation expenses;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) printing and postage expenses of shareholders reports, Prospectuses and proxies to current shareholders of a specific class;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) expenses of administrative personnel and services required to support the shareholders of a specific class;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) transfer agent fees and shareholder servicing expenses; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) such other expenses incurred by or attributable to a specific class.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. All other expenses of a Fund are allocated to each class on the basis of the net asset value of that class in relation to the net asset value of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the distributor or adviser of a Fund may waive or reimburse the expenses of a specific class or classes to the extent permitted under the Rule.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. Expenses may be waived or reimbursed by a Fund's investment adviser, administrator, distributor or any other provider of services to the Fund or the Trust without the prior approval of the Board of Trustees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. CLASS DESIGNATION. Subject to the approval by the Trustees of the Trust, a Fund may alter the nomenclature for the designations of one or more of its classes of shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. This Plan is qualified by and subject to the terms of the then current Prospectus for the applicable class of shares; provided, however, that none of the terms set forth in any such Prospectus shall be inconsistent with the terms of this Plan. The Prospectus for each class contains additional information about the class and the Fund's multiple class structure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. PERIODIC REVIEW. The Board of Trustees shall review reports of expense allocations and such other information as they request at such times, or pursuant to such schedule, as they may determine consistent with applicable legal requirements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Plan was initially effective on September 10, 2020.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. This Plan may not be amended materially unless the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, has found that the proposed amendments, including any proposed change to the expense allocation, is in the best interest of each class and Fund and the Trust as a whole. Such finding shall be based on information requested by the Board and furnished to it which the Board deems reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed amendment. This Plan may be terminated at any time with respect to the Trust or any Fund or class thereof by a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees.

SCHEDULE A

TO THE

MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 18f-3

September 10, 2020\*

<u>Name of Fund</u>

VELA Small Cap Fund

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund

VELA International Fund

VELA Income Opportunities Fund

VELA Short Duration Fund

VELA Small-Mid Cap Fund

\*As Amended November 21, 2025

## Ex-99.P

**Exhibit (p)(2)**

**Code of Ethics Statement – amended 12/24**

**Background**

In accordance with SEC regulations, VELA Investment Management, LLC ("VELA") has adopted a code of ethics to:

⮚ Set forth standards of conduct expected of all SPs including compliance with federal securities laws Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940;

⮚ Safeguard material non-public information about client transactions; and

⮚ Require Access Persons to report their personal securities transactions. In addition, the activities of an investment adviser and its personnel must comply with the broad antifraud provisions of Section 206 of the Advisers Act.

**Introduction**

As an investment advisory firm, VELA has an overarching fiduciary duty to its clients. They deserve VELAs undivided loyalty and effort, and their interests come first. VELA has an obligation to uphold that fiduciary duty and see that its personnel do not take inappropriate advantage of their positions and the access to information that comes with their positions.

VELA holds its SPs accountable for adhering to and advocating the following general standards to the best of their knowledge and ability:

⮚ Always place the interest of the clients first and never benefit at the expense of advisory clients;

⮚ Always act in an honest and ethical manner, including in connection with the handling and avoidance of actual or potential conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

⮚ Always maintain the confidentiality of information concerning the identity of security holdings and financial circumstances of clients;

⮚ Fully comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations of federal, state and local governments and other applicable regulatory agencies; and

⮚ Proactively promote ethical and honest behavior with VELA including, without limitation, the prompt reporting of violations of, and being accountable for adherence to, this Code of Ethics.

Failure to comply with VELA's Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

**Definitions**

**"Access Person"** includes any supervised person who has access to non-public information regarding any client's purchase or sale of securities, or non-public information regarding the portfolio holdings of any client account or any fund the adviser or its control affiliates manage, or is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or has access to such recommendations that are non-public. All of the firm's directors, officers, and partners are presumed to be Access Persons. VELA has designated all SPs as Access Persons.

**"Advisers Act"** means Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

**"Adviser"** means VELA.

**"Automatic Investment Plan**" (i) shall mean any program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation and (ii) shall include dividend reinvestment plans.

**"Beneficial ownership"** shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a- 1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: a direct or indirect "pecuniary interest" that is held or shared by a person directly or indirectly in a security, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, which offers the opportunity to directly or indirectly profit or share in any profit from a transaction. An Access Person is presumed to have beneficial ownership of any immediate family member's account. Exceptions for the immediate family requirement may be granted by the CCO or President.

**"CCO"** means Chief Compliance Officer per rule 206(4)-7 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

For the purposes of this Code of Ethics, a **"Conflict of Interest"** will be deemed to be present when an individual's private interest interferes in any way, or even appears to interfere, with the interests of the adviser as a whole.

**"Immediate Family"** means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, step-parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, and shall include adoptive relationships.

**"Initial Public Offering"** means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

**"Investment personnel"** means any Supervised Person of the investment adviser or of any company in a control relationship to the investment adviser who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities for clients.

**"Limited Offering"** means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) thereof or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505 or Rule 506 thereunder.

**"Reportable Fund"** means (i) any Fund for which VELA serves as an investment adviser as defined in section 2(a)(20) of the Investment Company Act, or (ii) any Fund whose investment adviser (including sub-advisers) or principal underwriter controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with VELA. Control means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company.

"**Reportable Account**" means any bank, brokerage, trust, retirement, insurance, investment, or similar account, including accounts of immediate family members who reside in the same household as the access person, in which Reportable Securities are purchased, sold, or held. Reportable Account does not include accounts held directly with the distributors of registered investment companies in which only shares of that same investment company's open-ended mutual funds are purchased, sold or held (a practice commonly known as "fund direct.").

Access Persons are not required to report 529 plan accounts as long as VELA or an affiliate does not manage, distribute, market or underwrite the 529 Plan or the investments and strategies underlying the 529 Plan (college savings plan).

**"Reportable Security"** means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a "security", or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guaranty of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing, except:

⮚ Direct obligations of the Government of the United States;

⮚ Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

⮚ Shares issued by money market funds;

⮚ Shares issued by open-end funds other than reportable funds;

⮚ Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are reportable fund

**"SPs" (SP(s))** means directors, officers, and partners of the adviser (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions); SPs of the adviser; and any other person who provides advice on behalf of the adviser and is subject to the adviser's supervision and control.

**"Blind Trust"** means an arrangement in which a trustee manages a security account for an Access Person who has no knowledge of or power to interfere with the trustee's actions.

**"Third Party Managed Account"** means an account managed by a third party such as a trust or other securities account.

**Compliance Procedures**

**Compliance with Laws and Regulations**

SPs of VELA must comply with applicable state and federal securities laws. Specifically, SPs are not permitted, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, of a security held or to be acquired by a client:

⮚ To defraud such client in any manner;

⮚ To mislead such client, including making any statement that omits material facts;

⮚ To engage in any act, practice or course of conduct that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon such client;

⮚ To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to such client; and

⮚ To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to securities, including price manipulation.

**Prohibited Purchases and Sales**

Illegal insider trading refers generally to buying or selling a security, in breach of a fiduciary duty or other relationship of trust and confidence, while in possession of material, non-public information about the security. The SEC defines information as material if "there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable shareholder would consider it important in making an investment decision." Information is non-public if it has not been disseminated in a manner making it available to investors generally.

VELA strictly prohibits trading personally or on the behalf of others, directly or indirectly, based on the use of material, non-public or confidential information. VELA additionally prohibits the communicating of material non-public information to others in violation of the law. SPs who are aware of the misuse of material non-public information should report such to the CCO. This policy applies to all of VELA's SPs without exception.

Please note that it is the SEC's position that the term "material non-public information" relates not only to issuers but also to the adviser's securities recommendations and client securities holdings and transactions. Currently, no SPs of VELA serve as officers or directors at a public company.

**Anti-Insider Trading Policy**

**Background**

VELA has established written policies and procedures reasonably designed, taking into consideration the nature of VELA's business, to prevent the misuse of material, non-public information by VELA and its SPs.

**Compliance Requirements**

The CCO is responsible for:

⮚ Ensuring SPs and sign a statement acknowledging and agreeing to abide by VELA's prohibition on insider trading;

⮚ Reviewing brokerage confirmations and statements for inappropriate transactions and;

⮚ Maintaining records of the reviews and results.

**Material Interest of the Investment Adviser and Personal Trading Activities of SPs**

**Material Interest**

VELA will recommend to clients, or buy or sell for client accounts, securities in which the firm or a related person has a material financial interest. (Examples of a material financial interest would include acting as a principal, general partner of a partnership/fund where clients are solicited to invest or acting as an investment adviser to an investment company that the firm recommends to clients.)

**Investing Personal Money in the Same Securities as Clients**

From time to time, representatives of VELA may buy or sell securities for themselves that they also recommend to clients. The CCO will always document any transactions that could be construed as conflicts of interest.

**Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)**

No Access Person or other SP may acquire, directly or indirectly, *beneficial ownership* in any securities in an *Initial Public Offering*.

**Limited or Private Offerings**

No Access Person or other SP may acquire, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership in any securities in a Limited or Private Offering without first obtaining the prior approval of the CFO. Investment personnel are required to disclose such investment to any client considering an investment in the issuer of such Limited or Private Offering.

***VELA Requirements –***

***If VELA manages a strategy or mutual fund in a specific asset class (i.e. international or small cap), SPs are only permitted to purchase the VELA strategy or mutual fund for that asset class in their personal accounts. SPs are not permitted to purchase non-VELA managed strategies or funds in that asset class for their personal accounts except for direct obligations of the US Government.***

*All SPs are prohibited from purchasing any individual equity (ETFs are considered to be individual equity securities) or fixed income (except direct obligations of the US Government) security. SPs are permitted to sell individual security holdings however the sale must be precleared or meet the de minimis guidelines.*

*These restrictions apply to all reportable accounts except for: managed accounts, blind trusts, dividend reinvestment, HSAs and retirement accounts such as a 401(k), unless it is a self- directed 401(k).*

*Reportable securities received as gifts or from an inheritance must be reported during the quarter in which they are acquired and are subject to the pre-clearance requirements when sold.*

**Miscellaneous Restrictions**

**Blackout Periods**

From time to time, SPs of VELA may sell securities for themselves at or around the same time as clients. This may provide an opportunity for SPs of VELA to sell securities before or after recommending securities to clients resulting in SPs profiting off the recommendations they provide to clients. Such transactions may create a conflict of interest.

All SPs must preclear the sale of equity securities transactions (this includes ETFs) except if the transaction meets the requirements of the Code's de minimis exception. Preclearance will be granted by the CFO or in the case of a preclearance request from the CFO by the President. In addition, no SP is permitted, unless it meets the de minimis exception requirements, to sell any equity security which has been sold in a client account for the past three trading days.

**Managed Accounts**

Access Persons who have a Blind Trust – an arrangement in which a trustee manages a security account for an Access Person who has no knowledge of or power to interfere with the trustee's actions – must report the existence of the securities account annually on the Annual Holdings Reports. The pre-clearance and other reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics do not apply to a Blind Trust.

Access Persons who have Third-Party Managed Accounts (Managed Accounts) in which discretionary authority is granted to a third party (such as trusts, IRA rollovers, etc.) must report these accounts initially upon becoming an Access Person and annually thereafter. The Access Person must also provide a copy of the Managed Account agreement or other relevant documents to the CCO as part of the Initial Holdings Report or at the time the Managed Account is opened. The pre-clearance requirements of the Code of Ethics do not apply to transactions in Managed Accounts however, the Access Person must provide duplicate copies of confirmations and/or statements for the Managed Account.

For Access Persons whose accounts are managed by VELA, trades will be placed for these accounts at the same time as trades for clients in the managed strategy.

**Margin Accounts**

Investment personnel are prohibited from purchasing securities on margin.

**Option Transactions**

Investment personnel are prohibited from purchasing options.

**Short Sales**

Investment personnel are prohibited from selling any security short.

**Conflicts of Interest**

VELA has an affirmative duty of care, loyalty, honesty, and good faith to act in the best interest of its clients. A conflict of interest may arise if a person's personal interest interferes, or appears to interfere, with the interests of VELA or its clients. A conflict of interest can arise whenever a person takes action or has an interest that makes it difficult for him or her to perform his or her duties and responsibilities for VELA honestly, objectively and effectively.

While it is impossible to describe all of the possible circumstances under which a conflict of interest may arise, listed below are situations that most likely could result in a conflict of interest and that are prohibited under this Code of Ethics:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ⮚ | Access Persons may not favor the interest of one client over another client (e.g., larger accounts over smaller accounts, accounts compensated by performance fees over accounts not so compensated, accounts in which SPs have made material personal investments, accounts of close friends or relatives of SPs). This kind of favoritism would constitute a breach of fiduciary duty; |

---

⮚ Access Persons are prohibited from using knowledge about pending or currently considered securities transactions for clients to profit personally, directly or indirectly, as a result of such transactions, including by purchasing or selling such securities.

Access Persons are prohibited from recommending, implementing or considering any securities transaction for a client without having disclosed any material beneficial ownership, business or personal relationship, or other material interest in the issuer or its affiliates, to the CCO. If the CCO deems the disclosed interest to present a material conflict, the investment personnel may not participate in any decision-making process regarding the securities of that issuer.

**Gifts and Entertainment**

SPs are not permitted to give or accept inappropriate gifts, favors, entertainment, special accommodations, or other things of material value that could influence their decision-making or make them feel obligated to a person or firm. Similarly, SPs are not permitted to offer gifts, favors, entertainment or other things of value that could be viewed as overly generous or aimed at influencing decision-making or making a client feel obligated to VELA or the SP.

*Gifts*

No SP may receive any gift, service, or other thing of more than de minimis value ($100.00) from any individual or entity that does business with or on behalf of the adviser, unless it meets the definition of entertainment. Gifts of food or other items that can be shared among SPs, even if more than the de minimis value, are permitted. No SP may give or offer any gift of more than de minimis value to existing clients, prospective clients, or any entity that does business with or on behalf of the adviser without written pre-approval by the CCO or President. The annual receipt of gifts from the same source valued at $100 or less, per calendar year, shall be considered de minimis.

No SP may give or accept cash gifts or cash equivalents to or from a client, prospective client, or any entity that does business with or on behalf of VELA.

*Entertainment*

The receipt of an occasional dinner, a round of golf, a ticket to a sporting event or the theater, or comparable entertainment is also considered to be of de minimis value if the person or entity providing the entertainment is present. Ticket values are to be the higher of the cost or the face value.

All gifts and entertainment greater than $50.00 (from an individual or an entity), given and received, should be reported to the Head of Marketing & Communications, no later than the end of the quarter in which the event occurred, to be tracked in the Gifts and Entertainment log. Each SP will be required to provide a Gift & Entertainment Attestation within 30 days after the end of a quarter.

Bribes and kickbacks are criminal acts, strictly prohibited by law. SPs must not offer, give, solicit or receive any form of bribe or kickback.

**Service on Board of Directors**

SPs are not permitted to serve as an officer or on the board of directors of publicly traded companies absent prior authorization by the CCO. Any such approval may only be made if it is determined that such board service will be consistent with the interests of the clients and of VELA, and that such SP serving as an officer or director will be isolated from those making investment decisions with respect to such company by appropriate procedures. A director of a private company may be required to resign, either immediately or at the end of the current term, if the company goes public during his or her term as director.

**Confidentiality**

SPs shall respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of their work and shall not disclose such information, except when they are authorized or legally obliged to disclose the information. They may not use confidential information acquired in the course of their work for their personal advantage. SPs must keep information about clients (including former clients) in strict confidence, including the client's identity (unless the client consents), the client's financial circumstances, the client's security holdings, and advice furnished to the client by the firm.

**Pre-Clearance**

For any activity where it is indicated in the Code of Ethics that pre-clearance is required, the following procedure must be followed:

⮚ Pre-clearance requests must be submitted by the requesting SP to the CFO in writing. The request must describe in detail what is being requested and any relevant information about the proposed activity;

⮚ The CFO will respond in writing to the request as quickly as is practical, either approving or denying the request, or requesting additional information for clarification;

⮚ Pre-clearance authorizations expire 48 hours after the approval, unless otherwise noted by the CFO on the written authorization response. The preclearance requirement also applies to limit orders.

⮚ Records of pre-clearance requests and responses will be maintained by the CFO for monitoring purposes and ensuring the Code of Ethics is followed.

⮚ Pre-clearance is not required for transactions in asset classes other than equity securities, i.e., fixed income securities.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ⮚ | Pre-clearance of large cap securities which have a market cap of greater than $10B is required if the total value of the transaction is greater than $50,000. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ⮚ | Pre-clearance of mid-cap securities which have a market cap between $5B and $10B is required if the total value of the transaction is greater than $25,000. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ⮚ | Pre-clearance of small cap or thinly traded equities which have a market cap of less than $5B is required if the total value of the transaction is greater than $10,000. |

---

⮚ SPs are not permitted to execute several transactions to avoid the pre-clearance requirement.

**Personal Securities Reporting and Monitoring**

**Holdings Reports**

Every Access Person shall, no later than ten (10) days after the person becomes an Access Person and annually thereafter, file a holdings report containing the following information:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ⮚ | The title, exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number (when available), type of security, number of shares and principal amount of each Reportable Security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership when the person becomes an Access Person; |

---

⮚ The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person (i.e. a spouse or partner's 401(k));

⮚ The date that the report was submitted by the Access Person.

The information in the holdings report must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days prior to the date the report was submitted.

**Transaction Reports**

Every Access Person shall, no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the calendar quarter, file transaction reports containing the following information:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ⮚ | For each transaction involving a Reportable Security in which the Access Person had, or as a result of the transaction acquired, any direct or indirect beneficial interest, the Access Person must provide the date of the transaction, the title, exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number (when available), type of security, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), number of shares and principal amount of each involved in the transaction; |

---

⮚ The nature of the transaction (e.g., purchase, sale);

⮚ The price of the security at which the transaction was effected;

⮚ The name of any broker, dealer or bank with or through the transaction was effected;

⮚ The date that the report was submitted by the Access Person.

Access Persons may use duplicate brokerage confirmations and account statements in lieu of submitting quarterly transaction reports, provided that the required information is contained in those confirmations and statements.

**Report Confidentiality**

Holdings and transaction reports will be held strictly confidential, except to the extent necessary to implement and enforce the provisions of the code or to comply with requests for information from government agencies.

**Exceptions to Reporting Requirements**

Access Persons do not need to submit:

⮚ Any report with respect to securities held in accounts over which the Access Person had no direct or indirect influence or control;

⮚ A transaction report with respect to transactions affected pursuant to an automatic investment plan;

⮚ A transaction report if the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade confirmations or account statements that the firm holds in its records so long as it receives the confirmations or statements no later than 30 days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter.

**Review of Personal Securities**

VELA is required by the Advisers Act and applicable state law to review Access Persons' initial holdings report and to do so annually thereafter. Transaction reports are reviewed at least quarterly. The CCO is responsible for reviewing these transactions and holdings reports. The CCO's personal securities transactions and reports shall be reviewed by designated firm personnel.

Access Persons are subject to the reporting requirements detailed above for personal accounts and all accounts in which they have any beneficial ownership in any *reportable securities*. For clarification, these terms are defined in this Code.

**Certification of Compliance**

**Initial Certification**

The firm is required to provide SPs with a copy of this Code. SPs are to certify in writing via an attestation statement that they have: (a) received a copy of this Code; (b) read and understand all provisions of this Code; and (c) agreed to comply with the terms of this Code.

**Acknowledgement of Amendments**

The firm must provide SPs with any amendments to this Code and SPs must submit a written acknowledgement that they have received, read, and understood the amendments to this Code.

**Annual Certification**

SPs annually must certify via an attestation statement that they have read, understood, and complied with this Code of Ethics and that the SP has made the reports required by this Code and has not engaged in any prohibited conduct.

The CCO will maintain records of these certifications of compliance.

**Reporting Violations and Whistleblower Provisions**

SPs must report violations of the firm's Code of Ethics promptly to the CCO via email or in a private conversation. If the CCO is involved in the violation or is unreachable, SPs may report directly to the CCO's Supervisor or another firm principal. Reports of violations will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law and investigated promptly and appropriately. People may report violations of the Code of Ethics on an anonymous basis. Examples of violations that must be reported include (but are not limited to):

⮚ Noncompliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations;

⮚ Fraud or illegal acts involving any aspect of the firm's business;

⮚ Material misstatements in regulatory filings, internal books and records, client's records or reports;

⮚ Activity that is harmful to clients, including fund shareholders;

⮚ Deviations from required controls and procedures that safeguard clients and the firm; and

⮚ Violations of the firm's Code of Ethics.

No retribution will be taken against a person for reporting, in good faith, a violation or suspected violation of this Code of Ethics.

Retaliation against an individual who reports a violation is prohibited and constitutes a further violation of the Code.

**Compliance Officer Duties**

**Training and Education**

The CCO is responsible for training and educating SPs regarding this Code. Training will occur periodically as needed and SPs are required to attend any training sessions or read any applicable materials.

**Recordkeeping**

CCO will ensure that VELA maintains the following records in a readily accessible place:

⮚ A copy of each Code of Ethics that has been in effect at any time during the past five years;

⮚ A record of any violation of the Code and any action taken as a result of such violation for five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurred;

⮚ A record of written acknowledgements and/or attestation statements of receipt of the Code and amendments for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, a SP. These records must be kept for five years after the individual ceases to be a SP of the firm;

⮚ Holdings and transactions reports made pursuant to the code, including any brokerage confirmation and account statements made in lieu of these reports;

⮚ A list of the names of people who are currently, or within the past five years were, Access and/or SPs;

⮚ A record of any decision and supporting reasons for approving the acquisition of securities by access or SPs in initial public offerings and limited offerings for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which approval was granted;

⮚ A record of any decisions that grant SPs or Access or SPs a waiver from or exception to the Code.

**Annual Review**

The CCO, in conjunction with members of the Compliance Team, will review at least annually the adequacy of this Code of Ethics and the effectiveness of its implementation and make any changes needed.

**Sanctions**

Any violations discovered by the CCO will be reported to the CFO and President. The report will include the corrective action taken and any recommendation for disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the CCO. The recommendation will be based on, among other things, the severity of the infraction, whether it is a first or repeat offense, and whether it is part of a pattern of disregard for the letter and intent of this Code of Ethics. Upon recommendation of the CCO, the CFO or President may impose such sanctions for violation of this Code of Ethics as it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to:

⮚ Letter of censure;

⮚ Suspension or termination of employment;

⮚ Reversal of a securities trade at the violator's expense and risk, including disgorgement of any profit;

⮚ In serious cases, referral to law enforcement or regulatory authorities.

**Initial and Annual Certification of Compliance with<br> VELA Investment Management<br> Code of Ethics**

I certify that:

**1.** I received a copy of VELA's Code of Ethics and any amendments to the Code.

**2.** I read the Code of Ethics and acknowledge that I am subject to it in the capacity of a Supervised Person and have complied with any Supervised Person reporting requirements.

**3.** If I am considered an Access Person under the Code, I have complied with all reporting requirements including transactions in reportable securities, disclosure of all reportable securities and reportable accounts and obtained pre-clearance for reportable securities transactions.

**4.** I have complied with the Code of Ethics in all other respects.

**5.** I understand that I am required to and am submitting this certification initially upon becoming a Supervised Person of the Company (within 10 business days) and annually by January 30th of each year.

Signature

  <br> Print Name <br>

Date:

**Initial Holdings Report for Access Persons<br> VELA Investment Management**

As an Access Person you are required to disclose, within 10 business days of becoming an Access Person, all Reportable Securities holdings in which you have a direct or indirect beneficial ownership (which includes securities held by Immediate Family members, as defined by the Code of Ethics, who share the same household as you) and are held in accounts over which you have direct or indirect influence or control. In addition, you are required to report the name of any broker-dealer or bank with which you maintain an account for **any securities** held for your direct or indirect benefit.

Reportable Securities include: any stock, bond (including municipal securities), future, investment option or contract, exchange traded fund ("ETF") whether registered as an open-end management company or as a unit investment trust, or other security.

Reportable Securities do not include direct obligations of the U.S. Government, bankers' acceptances, bank CDs, commercial paper and high-quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements, shares of open-end mutual funds including money market funds and shares issued by unit investment trusts.

Attached is a complete and accurate list of all reportable securities and a complete and accurate list of all accounts where any securities are held for your direct or indirect benefit.

I certify that I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest which may involve any client account, such as the existence of any economic relationship between my transactions and Reportable Securities held or to be acquired by a client.

This information is current, as of the date I became an Access Person of VELA.

Signature

  <br> Print Name <br>

Date

**Access Persons Initial Holdings Report<br> VELA Investment Management**

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| |
|:---|
| Name of Access Person |
| Date of Designation as Access Person |

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Please provide the required information by completing this form or by providing copies of account statements.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title & Type<br> of Security** | **Ticker<br> Symbol or CUSIP** | **Financial/Brokerage <br> Institution Where Held** | **Shares or<br> Principal Amount** |

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| |
|:---|
| Signature of Access Person |
| Date of Submission |

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**Access Persons Initial Report of Broker-Dealer<br> or Bank Accounts<br> VELA Investment Management**

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| |
|:---|
| Name of Access Person |
| Date of Designation as Access Person |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank where Account in which<br> Any Securities are Held for my Direct or Indirect Benefit

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| |
|:---|
| Signature of Access Person |
| Date of Submission |

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**Annual Holdings Report for Access Persons<br> VELA Investment Management<br> For Calendar Year Ending December 31, _____**

As an Access Person you are required to disclose, within 30 calendar days after the end of a calendar year, all Reportable Securities holdings in which you have a direct or indirect beneficial ownership (which includes securities held by Immediate Family members, as defined by the Code of Ethics, who share the same household as you) and are held in accounts over which you have direct or indirect influence or control. In addition, you are required to report the name of any broker-dealer or bank with which you maintain an account for **any securities** held for your direct or indirect benefit.

Reportable Securities include: any stock, bond (including municipal securities), future, investment option or contract, exchange traded fund ("ETF") whether registered as an open-end management company or as a unit investment trust, or other security.

Reportable Securities do not include: direct obligations of the U.S. Government, bankers' acceptances, bank CDs, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements, shares of open-end mutual funds including money market funds and shares issued by unit investment trusts.

Attached is a complete and accurate list of all reportable securities and a complete and accurate list of all accounts where any securities are held for your direct or indirect benefit.

I certify that I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest which may involve any client account, such as the existence of any economic relationship between my transactions and Reportable Securities held or to be acquired by a client.

This information is current within 45 days of the date of submission.

Signature

  <br> Print Name <br>

Date

**Access Persons Annual Holdings Report<br> VELA Investment Management<br> As of Calendar Year Ending December 31,** _____

  <br> Name of Access Person

Please provide the requested information by completing this form or by providing copies of account statements.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title & Type<br> of Security** | **Ticker<br> Symbol or CUSIP** | **Financial/Brokerage <br> Institution Where Held** | **Shares or<br> Principal Amount** |

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| |
|:---|
| Signature of Access Person |
| Date of Submission |

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**Access Persons Annual Report of Broker-Dealer<br> or Bank Accounts<br> VELA Investment Management<br> As of Calendar Year Ending December 31, _____**

  <br> Name of Access Person

&nbsp;&nbsp;Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank where Account in which<br> Any Securities are Held for my Direct or Indirect Benefit

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| |
|:---|
| Signature of Access Person |
| Date of Submission |

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**QUARTERLY REPORT OF PERSONAL SECURITIES<br> TRANSACTIONS<br> For the Quarter:**

Each Access Person of VELA Investment Management must report within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter any reportable securities transactions in which the Access Person, or a member of their immediate family living in the same household, has a direct or indirect beneficial ownership for accounts over which the Access Person, or a member of their immediate family living in the same household, has direct or indirect influence or control.

Reportable securities include all securities (including ETFs) except for:

1) Direct obligations of the US Government

2) Bankers acceptances, Bank CDs, commercial paper and high-quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements

3) Open-end mutual funds, including money market funds

4) Unit Investment Trusts invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds

____ I have transactions in reportable securities for the calendar quarter listed above and are reporting them in the following manner: (check those that apply)

() the attached monthly/quarterly account statements,

() confirmations/statements sent directly by my broker/dealer,

() the attached report

____ I certify that I have no transactions in Reportable Securities to report for the calendar quarter listed above.

____ I have 3<sup>rd</sup> party managed accounts at _______________________ for which I have provided statements (sent directly or attached).

This Report must be signed, dated and returned to the Chief Compliance Officer by:

    <br> Access Persons Signature Date <br>

Received by CCO on: _____________ Reviewed by CCO on: _____________

VELA Investment Management<br> Personal Securities Trading Request Form

Name:

Details of Proposed Transaction:

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| |
|:---|
| Date of Sale Transaction |
| Indicate Name of Issuer and Symbol |
| Type of Security (e.g., Note, Common Stock, Preferred Stock) |
| Quantity of Shares or Units |
| Price Per Share/Units |
| Approximate Dollar Amount |
| Account for Which Transaction will be Made |
| Name of Broker |

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Date of Request: _________________

You ☐ *may* / ☐ *may not* execute the proposed transaction described above.

  <br> Authorized Signature (CFO or President) <br>

Date of Response:  

**VELA Investment Management Limited Offering Approval Request**

(attach a copy of the Limited Offering Memorandum, Private Placement Memorandum, or any other relevant documents)

  <br> Name (Please Print)

1. Name of corporation, partnership, or other entity the Organization"):

2. Is
the Organization: ☐
Public ☐
Private

3. Type of security or fund:

4. Nature of participation (e.g., Stockholder, General Partner,
Limited Partner). Indicate all applicable:

5. Planned date of transaction:

6. Size of offering (if a fund, size of fund):

7. Size of your participation:

8. Would the investment carry
 limited or unlimited liability? ☐ Limited ☐
 Unlimited

9. Would
 the investment require any use of the Company's (as defined in the Code of Ethics) premises,
 facilities or materials? ☐ Yes ☐ No

If "yes", please describe:  

10. Are
 other Supervised Persons or Clients of the Company involved? ☐ Yes ☐ No

If "yes", please describe:  

11. Describe the business to be conducted by the Organization:

If Organization is a fund:  

● Describe investment objectives of the fund (e.g., value, growth, core, or specialty)

● Does a client account that you manage have an investment objective that would make this limited offering an opportunity that should be first made available to the client account?

☐ Yes ☐ No If "yes", please describe which client or fund:  

12. Will you participate in any investment decisions? ☐ Yes ☐
No If "yes", please describe:

13. Describe how you became aware of this investment opportunity:

I understand that approval, if granted, is based upon the information provided herein and I agree to observe any conditions imposed upon such approval. I will notify the CFO in writing if any aspect of the investment is proposed to be changed, (e.g., investment focus of fund, compensation, involvement in Organization's management) and I hereby acknowledge that such changes may require further approvals or dis-investment by me.

I represent (i) that I have read and understand the Code of Ethics of VELA with respect to personal trading and recognize that I am subject thereto; (ii) that the above trade is in compliance with the code; (iii) that to the best of my knowledge the above trade does not represent a conflict of interest, or an appearance of a conflict of interest, with any client account; and (iv) that I have no knowledge of any pending client orders in this security nor is the above trade in a related security which indirectly would result in a transaction in a security in which there are pending client orders. Furthermore, I acknowledge that no action should be taken by me to affect the trade(s) listed above until I have received formal approval.

    <br> Signature Date

Date Received by CFO: __________________ ☐ Approved ☐ Not Approved

(Name): ________________ (Title): _________________

Date: ______________

**VELA Investment Management<br> Managed Account Certification**

I maintain a securities account for which I have or will acquire direct or indirect beneficial ownership which is managed by a third party (Managed Account). The details of the Managed Account are as follows (please complete a separate Managed Account Certification for each Managed Account):

Name of Account:  

Name of Trustee or Third-Party Manager:   <br>

Account Number:  

Briefly describe your relationship with the Trustee or Third-Party Manager:  

**I certify that I have no direct or indirect influence or control over the Managed Account in that:**

I ***do not*** suggest any particular purchases or sales of securities in the Managed Account to the Trustee or third-party manager.

I ***do not*** direct any particular purchases or sales of securities in the Managed Account to the Trustee or third-party manager.

I ***do not*** consult with the Trustee or third-party manager regarding the particular allocation of investments in the Managed Account other than to provide information regarding changes in my risk tolerance.

I have provided a copy of the Managed Account document to the CCO and understand that I must provide duplicate copies of transaction or account statement to the CCO in accordance with the reporting requirements of VELA's Code of Ethics.

Access Person Printed Name:  

Access Person Signature:   <br>

Date: