# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001497778
**File Stem:** 0001445546-25-005860
**Filing Date:** 2025-8
**Character Count:** 31221
**Document Hash:** 20b18cbc60a3dda7ddd26fe857098698
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001445546-25-005860.hdr.sgml**: 20250828

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001445546-25-005860

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485BXT

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 3

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250828

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250828

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** FIRST TRUST SERIES FUND
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001497778

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

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BXT
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-22452
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251272758

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 120 EAST LIBERTY DRIVE, SUITE 400
- **CITY:** WHEATON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60187
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 630-765-8000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 120 EAST LIBERTY DRIVE, SUITE 400
- **CITY:** WHEATON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60187
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** FIRST TRUST SERIES FUND
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001497778

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

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BXT
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-168727
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251272757

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 120 EAST LIBERTY DRIVE, SUITE 400
- **CITY:** WHEATON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60187
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 630-765-8000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 120 EAST LIBERTY DRIVE, SUITE 400
- **CITY:** WHEATON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60187

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### FT Vest Laddered Autocallable Barrier & Income Fund (Series ID: S000093295)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000261462 | Class I      |  |
| C000261463 | Class A      |  |
| C000261464 | Class C      |  |

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2025

1933 Act Registration No. 333-168727

1940 Act Registration No. 811-22452

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form N-1A <br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-Effective Amendment No. __ | &nbsp;&nbsp;[ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[X] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;and/or | &nbsp;&nbsp;and/or |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Registration Statement Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amendment No. 82 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[X] |

---

First Trust Series Fund

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (800) 621-1675

W. Scott Jardine, Esq., Secretary

First Trust Series Fund

First Trust Advisors L.P.

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copy to:

Eric F. Fess, Esq.

Chapman and Cutler LLP

320 South Canal Street

Chicago, Illinois 60606

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

[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

[X] on September 12, 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) of Rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

[X] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

Contents of Post-Effective Amendment No. 81

This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and contents:

The Facing Sheet

The sole purpose of this filing is to delay the effectiveness of the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 80, as it relates to the FT Vest Laddered Autocallable Barrier & Income Fund, a series of the Registrant, until September 12, 2025. Parts A and B the Registrant's [Post-Effective Amendment No. 72](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554625002466/ftsf_485a.htm) under the Securities Act of 1933 as it relates to the FT Vest Laddered Autocallable Barrier & Income Fund, filed on April 7, 2025, are incorporated by reference herein.

Part C - Other Information

Signatures

Index to Exhibits

Exhibits

First Trust Series Fund

Part C – Other Information

Item 28. Exhibits

Exhibit No. Description

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) (1) [Declaration of Trust of the Registrant is incorporated by reference to the initial registration statement filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on August 10, 2010.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554610003169/exhibit_a.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated June 12, 2017, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on February 28, 2018.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554618001207/exhibit_a2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) [By-Laws of the Registrant, is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on December 23, 2010.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554610004909/exhibit_b.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) (1) [Amended and Restated Designation of Series, dated May 19, 2022, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on October 1, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624006678/exhibit_c1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Amended and Restated Designation of Classes, dated March 6, 2017, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on October 1, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624006678/exhibit_c2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) (1) [Investment Management Agreement, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on October 1, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001497778/000144554624006678/ftsf-20241001.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) (1) [Distribution Agreement by and between the Registrant and First Trust Portfolios L.P, is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on December 23, 2010.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554610004909/exhibit_e.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Amended Exhibit A to Distribution Agreement, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on October 1, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624006678/exhibit_e2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) (1) [Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated November 1, 2012, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on February 28, 2014.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554614001311/exhibit_g2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Amended Schedule II to Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on October 1, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624006678/exhibit_g2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) (1) [Expense Reimbursement, Fee Waiver and Recovery Agreement by and between the Registrant and First Trust Advisors L.P., is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on December 23, 2010.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554610004909/exhibit_h5.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Amended Exhibit A to Expense Reimbursement, Fee Waiver and Recovery Agreement, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on February 28, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554625001672/exhibit_h4.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Fee Waiver Agreement between the Registrant and First Trust Advisors L.P., is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on June 13, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554622004023/exhibit_h7.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Administration and Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated November 1, 2012, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on February 28, 2014.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554614001311/exhibit_h7.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) [Amended Exhibit A to Administration and Accounting Services Agreement, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on October 1, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624006678/exhibit_h5.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) [Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated September 30, 2011, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on February 28, 2014.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554614001311/exhibit_h8.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) [Amended Exhibit B to the Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on October 1, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624006678/exhibit_h7.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) [Rule 12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreement, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on February 28, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554622001779/exhibit_h11.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) (1) [12b 1 Distribution and Service Plan, is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on December 23, 2010.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554610004909/exhibit_m.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Amended Plan of Distribution and Service Pursuant To Rule 12b-1, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on June 13, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554622004023/exhibit_m1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Form of Amended 12b 1 Distribution and Service Plan is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on October 1, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624006678/exhibit_m2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Amended Exhibit A to 12b-1 Distribution and Service Plan, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on June 13, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554622004023/exhibit_m2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) (1) [Multiple Class Plan Adopted Pursuant to Rule 18f-3, is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on December 23, 2010.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554610004909/exhibit_n.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Multiple Class Plan Adopted Pursuant to Rule 18f-3, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on June 13, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554622004023/exhibit_n1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Multiple Class Plan Adopted Pursuant to Rule 18f-3, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on October 1, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624006678/exhibit_n3.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) (1) [First Trust Advisors L.P., First Trust Portfolios L.P. Code of Ethics, amended on July 1, 2013, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on February 20, 2015.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554615001216/exhibit_p1.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [First Trust Funds Code of Ethics, amended on October 30, 2013, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-168727) for Registrant on February 20, 2015.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554615001216/exhibit_p2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) (1) [Powers of Attorney for Messrs. Bowen, Erickson, Kadlec, Keith and Nielson dated December 31, 2015 is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-174332) for Registrant on February 26, 2016.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554616007179/exhibit_q.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Powers of Attorney for Ms. Keefe dated November 1, 2021, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-174332) for Registrant on December 12, 2021.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554621006231/exhibit_q2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Powers of Attorney for Ms. Wright dated September 11, 2023, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-174332) for Registrant on February 28, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624001624/exhibit_q3.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Powers of Attorney for Mr. Driscoll dated August 20, 2025, is filed herewith.

__________________

Item 29. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with Registrant

Not Applicable.

Item 30. Indemnification

Section 9.5 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust provides as follows:

Section 9.5. Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section 9.5, every person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, or employee of the Trust, including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees, officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person"*),* shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof.

No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person to the extent such indemnification is prohibited by applicable federal law.

The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

Subject to applicable federal law, expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under this Section 9.5 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 9.5.

To the extent that any determination is required to be made as to whether a Covered Person engaged in conduct for which indemnification is not provided as described herein, or as to whether there is reason to believe that a Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification, the Person or Persons making the determination shall afford the Covered Person a rebuttable presumption that the Covered Person has not engaged in such conduct and that there is reason to believe that the Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

As used in this Section 9.5, the words "claim," "action," "suit" or "proceeding" shall apply to all claims, demands, actions, suits, investigations, regulatory inquiries, proceedings or any other occurrence of a similar nature, whether actual or threatened and whether civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals, and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust"), investment adviser to the Registrant, serves as adviser or sub-adviser to various other open-end and closed-end management investment companies and is the portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts. The principal business of certain of First Trust's principal executive officers involves various activities in connection with the family of unit investment trusts sponsored by First Trust Portfolios L.P. ("FTP"). The principal address for all these investment companies, First Trust, FTP and the persons below is 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187.

A description of any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which the officers of First Trust who serve as officers or trustees of the Registrant have engaged during the last two years for his or her account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee appears under "Management of the Fund" in the Statement of Additional Information. Such information for the remaining senior officers of First Trust appears below:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Name and Position with First Trust | Employment During Past Two Years |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Andrew S. Roggensack, President | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director and President, First Trust |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;R. Scott Hall, Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director, First Trust |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;David G. McGarel, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director (since July 2012); Senior Vice President, First Trust |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Kelly C. Dehler, Chief Compliance Office | &nbsp;&nbsp;Assistant General Counsel, First Trust |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, First Trust |

---

Item 32. Principal Underwriters

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) FTP serves as principal underwriter of the shares of the Registrant, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V, First Trust Exchange Traded Fund VI, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund II and First Trust Variable Insurance Trust. FTP serves as principal underwriter and depositor of the following investment companies registered as unit investment trusts: the First Trust Combined Series, FT Series (formerly known as the First Trust Special Situations Trust), the First Trust Insured Corporate Trust, the First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds and the First Trust GNMA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Positions and Offices with Underwriter.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Name and Principal<br> Business Address\* | Positions and Offices<br> with Underwriter | Positions and<br> Offices with Fund |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;The Charger Corporation | &nbsp;&nbsp;General Partner |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Grace Partners of DuPage L.P. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Limited Partner |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;James A. Bowen | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trustee and Chairman of the Board |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;James M. Dykas | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;President and Chief Executive Officer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Frank L. Fichera | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;R. Scott Hall | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W. Scott Jardine | &nbsp;&nbsp;General Counsel, Secretary and Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Secretary |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Daniel J. Lindquist | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Vice President |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;David G. McGarel | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Investment Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Richard A. Olson | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Marisa Bowen | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Andrew S. Roggensack | &nbsp;&nbsp;President and Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Kristi A. Maher | &nbsp;&nbsp;International General Counsel | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* All addresses are <br> 120 East Liberty Drive, <br> Wheaton, Illinois 60187. |  |  |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Not Applicable

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, maintains the Registrant's organizational documents, minutes of meetings, contracts of the Registrant and all advisory material of the investment adviser.

The Bank of New York Mellon (*"BNY"*) maintains all general and subsidiary ledgers, journals, trial balances, records of all portfolio purchases and sales, and all other requirement records not maintained by First Trust.

BNY also maintains all the required records in its capacity as transfer, accounting, dividend payment and interest holder service agent for the Registrant.

Item 34. Management Services

Not Applicable.

Item 35. Undertakings

Not Applicable.

**Signatures**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Wheaton, and State of Illinois, on the 28th day of August, 2025.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Series Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Series Fund |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;By: | &nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ James M. Dykas |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;James M. Dykas, President and<br> Chief Executive Officer |

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Signature |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ James M. Dykas | &nbsp;&nbsp;President and Chief Executive<br> Officer | &nbsp;&nbsp; August 28, 2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;James M. Dykas |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ Derek D. Maltbie | &nbsp;&nbsp;Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer<br> and Chief Accounting Officer | &nbsp;&nbsp;August 28, 2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Derek D. Maltbie |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;James A. Bowen\* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Thomas J. Driscoll\* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Richard E. Erickson\* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Thomas R. Kadlec\* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Denise M. Keefe\* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Robert F. Keith\* |  |  |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;By: | &nbsp;&nbsp; /s/ W. Scott Jardine |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Niel B. Nielson\* |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;W. Scott Jardine<br> Attorney-In-Fact |
|  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;August 28, 2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bronwyn Wright\* |  |  |

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\* Original powers of attorney dated [December 31, 2015](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554616007179/exhibit_q.txt) or [November 1, 2021](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554621006231/exhibit_q2.htm) or [September 11, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497778/000144554624001624/exhibit_q3.htm) or August 20, 2025, authorizing James A. Bowen, W. Scott Jardine, James M. Dykas, Eric F. Fess and Kristi A. Maher to execute Registrant's Registration Statement, and Amendments thereto, for each of the trustees of the Registrant on whose behalf this Registration Statement is filed, were previously executed, filed as an exhibit and are incorporated by reference herein or is filed herewith.

**Index to Exhibits**

(q)(4) [Powers of Attorney for Mr. Driscoll dated August 20, 2025](exhibit_p4.htm).

## Ex-99.P

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund**

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II**

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III**

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV**

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V**

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI**

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII**

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII**

**First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX Fund**

**First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX Fund II<br> First Trust Series Fund<br> First Trust Variable Insurance Trust**

**Power of Attorney**

Know All Men By These Presents, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organizations, hereby constitutes and appoints James A. Bowen, W. Scott Jardine, James M. Dykas, Kristi A. Maher and Eric F. Fess and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of l933 and the Investment Company Act of l940, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the registration thereof, or the issuance of securities thereof, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

In Witness Whereof, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organizations has hereunto set his hand this 20th day of August, 2025.

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| |
|:---|
| /s/ Thomas J. Driscoll |
| Thomas J. Driscoll |

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State of Illinois) ) SS. <br> County of DuPage)

On this 20th day of August, 2025, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, the person named above who is known to me to be the person whose name and signature is affixed to the foregoing Power of Attorney and who acknowledged the same to be his voluntary act and deed for the intent and purposes therein set forth.

"Official Seal"

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | /s/ Sandra K. Streit |
| Notary Public, State of Illinois | Notary Public |

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My Commission Expires: 3/11/2029