# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001547580
**File Stem:** 0001683863-25-005303
**Filing Date:** 2025-6
**Character Count:** 1022405
**Document Hash:** 3c51693af29277fb1daf67fbb08622b3
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001683863-25-005303.hdr.sgml**: 20250623

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001683863-25-005303

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485BPOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 63

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250623

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250623

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20250623

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Victory Portfolios II
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001547580

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0630

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-22696
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251065786

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4900 TIEDEMAN ROAD, 4TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** BROOKLYN
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 44144
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 216-898-2411

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4900 TIEDEMAN ROAD, 4TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** BROOKLYN
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 44144

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Compass EMP Funds Trust
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20120417
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Victory Portfolios II
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001547580

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0630

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-181176
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251065785

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4900 TIEDEMAN ROAD, 4TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** BROOKLYN
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 44144
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 216-898-2411

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4900 TIEDEMAN ROAD, 4TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** BROOKLYN
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 44144

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Compass EMP Funds Trust
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20120417

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF (Series ID: S000093318)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000261505 | VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF |  |

### VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF (Series ID: S000093319)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                            | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000261506 | VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF |  |

### VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF (Series ID: S000093320)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000261507 | VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF |  |

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? PEA NO. 133 485BPOS

**Securities Act Registration No. 333-181176**

**Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-22696**

**As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 2025**

------

**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. 133**

**and/or**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

**UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940**

☒

**Amendment No. 134**

------

**Victory Portfolios II**

**(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)**

------

**15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256**

**(Address of Principal Executive Offices)**

**(877) 660-4400**

**(Area Code and Telephone Number)**

------

**With copy to:** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Thomas Dusenberry** <br> **Victory Portfolios II**<br> **15935 La Cantera Parkway**<br> **San Antonio, Texas 78256**<br>| **Jay G. Baris**<br> **Matthew J. Kutner**<br> **Sidley Austin LLP**<br> **787 Seventh Avenue**<br> **New York, New York 10019**<br>|

---

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

☐

Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

☒

On June 23, 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:

☐

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

------

![](victoryshares.gif)

**June 23, 2025**

Prospectus

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF (IFLO)

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF (GRIN)

Listed and traded on:

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

VictorySharesLiterature.com

866-376-7890

------

![](victoryshares.gif)

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **[Fund Summaries](#xx_bedf750e-278b-4662-bd32-b8bbdef39db9_1)** | 1  |
| [VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF](#xx_bedf750e-278b-4662-bd32-b8bbdef39db9_1) | 1  |
| [VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF](#xx_afe9147f-1afc-45cc-a1ad-4c3029ba68da_1) | 8  |
| **[Additional Fund Information](#xx_4f081463-4d39-4624-8b18-e971e480315d_1)** | 15  |
| [Investments](#xx_4f081463-4d39-4624-8b18-e971e480315d_2) | 16  |
| [Risk Factors](#xx_4f081463-4d39-4624-8b18-e971e480315d_3) | 17  |
| **[Organization and Management of the Funds](#xx_aa60a0d4-1174-4677-890d-8f92fc89f0c4_1)** | 25  |
| **[Investing with Victory](#xx_d9a140b4-eaa8-476d-a878-cf2a0b8e562a_1)** | 26  |
| [Share Price](#xx_d9a140b4-eaa8-476d-a878-cf2a0b8e562a_1) | 26  |
| [How to Buy and Sell Shares](#xx_d9a140b4-eaa8-476d-a878-cf2a0b8e562a_3) | 28  |
| **[Distribution and Service Plan](#xx_f42a9844-95fa-44e2-a6c2-64d417ba28f2_1)** | 30  |
| **[Distributions and Taxes](#xx_7178336c-4a52-42c8-bf95-e8321f297cbf_1)** | 31  |
| **[Other Information](#xx_071844f5-5ac6-4294-bcd5-e9a1859c1199_1)** | 34  |
| **[Financial Highlights](#xx_90e43323-2b44-492b-a8ce-0dbee08a70e0_1)** | 36  |
| **[Appendix](#xx_8f0408d2-0f03-4fec-a4a8-4c1660e7f7c2_1)** | 37 |

---

------

**VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF Summary**

**Investment Objective**

The VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide investment results that closely correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Victory International Free Cash Flow Index (the "Index").

**Fund Fees and Expenses**

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 example below**.

**Shareholder Fees**<br> (paid directly from your investment)<br>

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.50% |
| Other Expenses<sup>1</sup> <br>| 0.55% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.05% |
| Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement<sup>2</sup> <br>| (0.49)% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement<sup>2</sup> <br>| 0.56% |

---

<sup>1</sup>

Estimated for the current fiscal year.

<sup>2</sup>

Victory Capital Management Inc. (the "Adviser") has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding certain items such as interest, taxes, and brokerage commissions) do not exceed 0.56% through at least October 31, 2026. The Adviser is permitted to recoup advisory fees waived and expenses reimbursed for up to three years after the date of the waiver or reimbursement, subject to the lesser of any operating expense limits in effect at the time of (a) the original waiver or expense reimbursement; or (b) the recoupment, after giving effect to the recoupment amount. This agreement may only be terminated by the Fund's Board of Trustees.

**Example:**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The example assumes that (1) you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell or continue to hold all of your shares at the end of the period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The amounts shown reflect any fee waiver/expense reimbursement in place through its expiration date. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** |
| $57 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $251 |

---

**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 generally will indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when 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 has only recently commenced investment operations, no portfolio turnover information is available at this time.

**1**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF Summary

**Principal Investment Strategy**

Under normal circumstances, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its assets in securities in the Index. VettaFi LLC (the "Index Provider") constructs the Index in accordance with a rules-based methodology that selects 100 companies from the VettaFi Developed Market Ex US Index (the "Parent Index"). As of May 31, 2025, the Index had a market capitalization range from $6.0 billion to $200.1 billion. The actual range of market capitalization will vary over time according to changes in market capitalization of the securities in the Parent Index. The Index Provider is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser.

The Index is designed to deliver exposure to equity securities of non-U.S. developed markets within the Parent Index that have high free cash flow yields, which is a financial valuation metric that compares the free cash flow a company is expected to earn against its market value adjusted for a company's debt and cash. The ratio is calculated by taking the free cash flow divided by the enterprise value. The initial Index universe is derived from the component companies of the Parent Index, excluding financial and real estate companies including real estate investment trusts. The Index Provider screens the initial universe of companies based on their projected free cash flows and earnings. Companies with negative projected free cash flows or earnings are removed from the Index universe. The remaining companies are ranked by their free cash flow yields. A growth score is then derived from each company's growth metrics (e.g., sales trends and earnings trends) for the 150 companies with the highest free cash flow yields. The 100 companies with the highest growth scores are selected by the Index Provider for inclusion in the Index.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Free Cash <br> Flow Yields = | &nbsp;&nbsp; Money the company has left over <br> after paying its operating expenses <br> and capital expenses<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Free Cash <br> Flow Yields = | &nbsp;&nbsp; Enterprise Value: Total value of a company taking into <br> consideration both the current share price <br> (market capitalization) and the cost to pay off debt <br> (net debt, or debt minus cash)<br>|

---

The Adviser believes that free cash flow is a useful measure for investors as it shows the cash a company has available after operating expenses and capital expenditures, indicating the company's financial health and efficiency. A positive free cash flow indicates a company's ability to generate sufficient revenue to maintain operations and potentially return value to shareholders.

The Index employs a rules-based methodology that assigns scores to certain attributes related to free cash flows. Securities that achieve a higher score, or "weighting," comprise a proportionately higher amount of the Index. The rules-based methodology assigns weightings by measuring a combination of total free cash flow and free cash flow yield (that is, the yield that the company earns on its free cash flow). Individual companies are capped at 4% of the Index. The rules-based methodology also limits the weight assigned to companies in any one sector. That is, companies in any one sector will not exceed 45% of the Index. In addition, the allocation of companies in any single sector (or "weighting") will not exceed 20% of the weighting of that sector in the Parent Index. The Index rebalances quarterly and is reconstituted semi-annually.

The Fund generally seeks to track the returns of the Index before fees and expenses by employing a replication strategy that seeks to hold all the stocks in the Index. The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments other than the securities in the Index, such as derivatives, including index futures, which the Fund may use for cash management to provide for liquidity to pay redemptions and fees (attempting to remain fully invested while maintaining liquidity).

**2**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF Summary

The Fund will concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index is concentrated. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund is not concentrated in any industry or group of industries. The degree to which certain sectors, industries, or asset classes are represented in the Index may change over time.

**Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund**

The Fund's investments are subject to the following principal risks:

**Equity Securities Risk** — The value of the equity securities in which the Fund invests may decline in response to developments affecting individual companies and/or general economic conditions in the United States or abroad. A company's earnings or dividends may not increase as expected (or may decline) because of poor management, competitive pressures, reliance on particular suppliers or geographical regions, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, man-made or natural disasters, military confrontations or wars, terrorism, public health crises, or other events, conditions, and factors. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. Equity securities have the lowest priority, and the greatest risk, with respect to dividends and any liquidation payments in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy.

**Foreign Securities Risk** — Foreign securities (including depositary receipts) are subject to political, regulatory, and economic risks not present in domestic investments. Foreign securities could be affected by factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, confiscation of property, and difficulties in enforcing contracts. Compared to U.S. companies, there generally is less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign companies. Foreign securities generally experience more volatility than their domestic counterparts. Depositary receipts may have additional risks, including creditworthiness of the depositary bank and the risk of an illiquid market. In addition, to the extent investments are made in a limited number of countries, events in those countries will have a more significant impact on the Fund. Fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, currency exchange control regulations, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of foreign currencies may negatively affect an investment. Dividends and interest received by the Fund and capital gains recognized by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries and may decrease the Fund's return.

**Limited History of Operations** — The Fund is new and, therefore, has a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.

**General Market Risk** — Overall market risks may affect the value of the Fund. Domestic and international factors such as political events, war, terrorism, trade disputes, inflation rates, interest rate levels, and other fiscal and monetary policy changes; cybersecurity incidents, pandemics, and other public health crises; imposition of tariffs; sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses, or industries; and related geopolitical events, as well as environmental disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and floods, or other catastrophes, may add to instability in global economies and markets generally, and may lead to increased market volatility. Global economies and financial markets are highly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely affect issuers in another country or region. The impact of these and other factors may be short-term or may last for extended periods.

**Free Cash Flow Risk** — Investing in companies with high free cash flows could lead to underperformance during periods when such investments are unpopular, and fluctuations in market conditions, industry disruptions, or company-specific factors may jeopardize the generation of free cash flow. Moreover, anticipated increases in a company's free cash flows may not materialize.

**3**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF Summary

**Value Risk** — Value investing entails investing in securities that are inexpensive relative to other securities based on ratios such as price to earnings or price to book. There may be periods when value investing is out of favor, and during which the investment performance of a fund using a value strategy may suffer. In addition, value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may never be realized in the market.

**Index Risk** — The Fund attempts to track the performance of the Index. The Fund's performance will be negatively affected by general declines in the securities and asset classes represented in the Index. In addition, because the Fund is not actively managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Index, the Fund generally will not sell a security because the security's issuer was in financial trouble. The Fund also does not attempt to take defensive positions under any market conditions, including declining markets. Therefore, the Fund's performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.

**Passive Investment Risk** — The Fund is not actively managed, and the Adviser does not take defensive positions under any market conditions, including declining markets.

**Calculation Methodology Risk** — The Index relies on various sources of information to assess the criteria of issuers included in the Index, including information that may be based on assumptions and estimates. Neither the Fund, the Index Provider, nor the Adviser can offer assurances that the Index's calculation methodology or sources of information will provide an accurate assessment of included issuers or correct valuation of securities, nor can they guarantee the availability or timeliness of the production of the Index.

**Tracking Error Risk** — The Fund may be subject to tracking error, which is the divergence of the Fund's performance from its index. Tracking error may occur because of, among other reasons, differences between the securities and other instruments held in the Fund's portfolio and those included in the Index. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses, while the Index does not.

**Rebalancing Risk** — In purchasing and selling securities to rebalance its portfolio, the Fund will pay more in brokerage commissions than it would without a rebalancing policy. As a result of the need to rebalance, the Fund also has less flexibility in the timing of purchases and sales of securities than it would otherwise, and the rebalancing may result in high portfolio turnover. While we will attempt to minimize any adverse impact to the Fund or its shareholders, the Fund may have a higher proportion of capital gains and a lower return than a fund that does not have a rebalancing policy. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders.

**Exchange-Traded Fund ("ETF") Structure Risk** — The Fund is structured as an ETF and, as a result, is subject to special risks, including:

<sup>◼</sup>

**Not Individually Redeemable** — The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by the Fund at its net asset value per share ("NAV") only in large blocks known as Creation Units. The Fund may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit. Alternatively, the Fund may redeem your shares by selling them on the secondary market at prevailing market prices.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Trading Issues** — Trading in shares on the exchange operated by the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the "Exchange") may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange. There is no guarantee that an active secondary market will develop for the shares. In stressed market conditions, authorized participants may be unwilling to participate

**4**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF Summary

in the creation/redemption process, particularly if the market for shares becomes less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which may lead to widening of bid-ask spreads and differences between the market price of the shares and the underlying value of those shares.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Market Price Variance Risk** — The market prices of shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for shares and will include a bid-ask spread charged by the exchange specialists, market makers, or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly, particularly in times of market stress. This means that shares may trade at a premium or discount to NAV and bid-ask spreads may widen.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Authorized Participants Concentration Risk** — A limited number of financial institutions may be responsible for all or a significant portion of the creation and redemption activity for the Fund. If these firms exit the business or are unable or unwilling to process creation and/or redemption orders, shares may trade at a premium or discount to NAV and bid-ask spreads may widen.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Intraday Indicative Value ("IIV") Risk** — The Exchange intends to disseminate the approximate per share value of the Fund's published basket of securities ("Deposit Securities") every 15 seconds (the "intraday indicative value" or "IIV"). The IIV is not a real-time update of the NAV per share of the Fund because the IIV may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV. For example, the calculation of the NAV may be subject to fair valuation at different prices than those used in the calculations of the IIV and, unlike the calculation of NAV, the IIV does not take into account Fund expenses. The IIV calculations are based on local market prices and may not reflect events that occur subsequent to the local market's close which could affect premiums and discounts between the IIV and the market price of the shares. In addition, the IIV is based on the published Deposit Securities and not on the Fund's actual holdings.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Tax-Efficiency Risk** — Redemptions of shares may be effected for cash, rather than in kind, which means that the Fund may need to sell portfolio securities in order to complete an in-cash redemption, and may recognize net gains on these sales. As a result, investments in the shares may be less tax-efficient than investments in ETFs that redeem solely or principally in kind, and the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used.

**Large Shareholder Risk** — Certain large shareholders, including authorized participants and other funds advised by the Adviser, may from time to time own a substantial amount of the Fund's shares. The actions by one shareholder or multiple shareholders may have an impact on the Fund and, therefore, indirectly on other shareholders. Shareholder purchase and redemption activity may affect the per share amount of the Fund's distributions of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, thereby affecting the tax burden on the Fund's shareholders subject to federal income tax, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and cause the Fund to make taxable distributions to its shareholders earlier than the Fund otherwise would have. To the extent a larger shareholder is permitted to invest in the Fund, the Fund may experience large inflows or outflows of cash from time to time. This activity could magnify these adverse effects on the Fund.

**Sector Focus Risk** — In following its methodology, the Index from time to time may be concentrated to a significant degree in securities of issuers located in a single industry or sector. To the extent that the Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular industry or sector, the Fund also can be expected to concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in an industry or sector, the Fund may face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous industries or sectors. The Fund's sector concentration will reflect that of the Index.

**Liquidity Risk** — In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the investments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of the Adviser. Markets for the

**5**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF Summary

investments in which the Fund invests may be disrupted by a number of events, including but not limited to economic crises, natural disasters, new legislation, or regulatory changes, and may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains or achieving a high correlation with the Index.

**Valuation Risk** — The sale price the Fund could receive for a security may differ from the Fund's valuation of the security and may differ from the value used by the Index, particularly for securities that trade in low volume or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The information may be provided by third parties that are believed to be reliable, but the information may not be accurate due to errors by such pricing sources, technological issues, or otherwise.

**Derivatives Risk** — Derivatives, including futures contracts, may involve risks different from, or greater than, those associated with more traditional investments. In addition to risks relating to the underlying assets, the use of derivatives may include other, possibly greater, risks, including counterparty, leverage, and liquidity risks. Derivatives may create leverage and expose the Fund to additional levels of risk, including greater losses from investments and increased volatility, than would otherwise have been the case had the Fund not engaged in the activities that created the leverage. As a result of investing in derivatives, the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. Derivatives may be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative position at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives also may be subject to counterparty risk, which includes the risk that the Fund may sustain a loss as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of, or other non-compliance by, the other party to the transaction. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may not be as favorable as a direct investment in an underlying investment and may adversely affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. As a result, a larger portion of the Fund's distributions may be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains. In addition, certain derivatives are subject to mark-to-market or straddle provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). If such provisions are applicable, there could be an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by the Fund.

You may lose money by investing in the Fund. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its objective. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

By itself, the Fund does not constitute a complete investment plan and should be considered a long-term investment for investors who can afford to weather changes in the value of their investment.

**Investment Performance**

No performance information is presented since the Fund does not yet have a full calendar year of performance. Performance data for the Fund is available online at vcm.com or by calling 866-376-7890. A fund's performance is not necessarily an indication of how that fund will perform in the future.

**Management of the Fund**

**Investment Adviser**

Victory Capital Management Inc. (the "Adviser") serves as the Fund's investment adviser. The portfolio managers jointly and primarily responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund are members of the Adviser's Victory Solutions platform, which oversees the Adviser's rules-based investment strategies.

**6**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF Summary

**Portfolio Management** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Title**  | **Tenure with the Fund**  |
| Mannik Dhillon, CFA, CAIA<sup>®</sup> <br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President, Investment Franchises <br> & Solutions<br>| Since inception |
| Lance Humphrey, CFA | &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Portfolio Manager and <br> Head of Portfolio Management, <br> VictoryShares <br> and Solutions<br>| Since inception |
| Lela Dunlap, CFA | &nbsp;&nbsp; Portfolio Manager, VictoryShares <br> and Solutions<br>| Since inception |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund will issue and redeem shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 shares (each block of shares is called a "Creation Unit"). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities by Authorized Participants ("APs") that have entered into agreements with the Fund's distributor. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the Exchange. Individual shares may only be purchased and sold in the secondary market through a broker or dealer at a market price. Because shares of the Fund trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price that is greater than (a premium), at, or less than (a discount) NAV. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the "bid-ask spread").

For recent information about the Fund, including the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, visit vcm.com.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions generally are taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes may be imposed on withdrawals from tax-deferred arrangements. A sale of shares may result in a capital gain or loss.

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

If you purchase shares through an account maintained by 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 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 website for more information.

**7**

------

**VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF Summary**

**Investment Objective**

The VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide investment results that closely correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Victory International Growth Free Cash Flow Index (the "Index").

**Fund Fees and Expenses**

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 example below**.

**Shareholder Fees**<br> (paid directly from your investment)<br>

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.50% |
| Other Expenses<sup>1</sup> <br>| 0.56% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.06% |
| Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement<sup>2</sup> <br>| (0.50)% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement<sup>2</sup> <br>| 0.56% |

---

<sup>1</sup>

Estimated for the current fiscal year.

<sup>2</sup>

Victory Capital Management Inc. (the "Adviser") has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding certain items such as interest, taxes, and brokerage commissions) do not exceed 0.56% through at least October 31, 2026. The Adviser is permitted to recoup advisory fees waived and expenses reimbursed for up to three years after the date of the waiver or reimbursement, subject to the lesser of any operating expense limits in effect at the time of (a) the original waiver or expense reimbursement; or (b) the recoupment, after giving effect to the recoupment amount. This agreement may only be terminated by the Fund's Board of Trustees.

**Example:**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The example assumes that (1) you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell or continue to hold all of your shares at the end of the period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The amounts shown reflect any fee waiver/expense reimbursement in place through its expiration date. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** |
| $57 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $253 |

---

**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 generally will indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when 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 has only recently commenced investment operations, no portfolio turnover information is available at this time.

**8**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF Summary

**Principal Investment Strategy**

Under normal circumstances, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its assets in securities in the Victory International Free Cash Flow Growth Index (the "Index"). VettaFi LLC (the "Index Provider") constructs the Index in accordance with a rules-based methodology that screens for positive free cash flow and selects 100 growth companies with the highest score (each as described below) within the VettaFi Developed Market Ex US Index (the "Parent Index").

The Index Provider is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index is designed to deliver exposure to equity securities of non-U.S. developed markets of growth companies. To be included in the Index, these non-U.S. large-capitalization growth companies generally will have a positive "free cash flow growth trend" and have a high "free cash flow return on invested capital." The initial Index universe is derived from the component companies of the Parent Index, excluding financial and real estate companies including real estate investment trusts.

"Free Cash Flow Return on Invested Capital" is a financial profitability metric that compares the free cash flow a company is expected to earn against its invested capital. The ratio is calculated by taking the free cash flow divided by invested capital, which is comprised of shareholder equity and long-term debt. The Index Provider screens the initial universe of companies based on their projected free cash flows and earnings. Companies with negative projected free cash flows or earnings are removed from the Index universe. Companies are then evaluated to remove any stocks that have a negative "free cash flow growth trend." A negative "free cash flow growth trend" is defined as a decreasing trend in free cash flow generation over the trailing five years. Conversely, a positive "free cash flow growth trend" is defined as an increasing trend in free cash flow generation over the trailing five years. The remaining companies are ranked by their ratio of free cash flow return on invested capital. A growth score is then derived from each company's growth metrics (evaluated using sales and EBITDA trends for the 150 companies with the highest free cash flow return on invested capital. The 100 companies with the highest growth scores are selected by the Index Provider for inclusion in the Index.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Free Cash <br> Flow Return on Invested Capital = | &nbsp;&nbsp; Money the company has left over <br> after paying its operating expenses <br> and capital expenses<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Free Cash <br> Flow Return on Invested Capital = | Total shareholder equity and long-term debt |

---

The rules-based methodology assigns weightings by measuring a combination of total free cash flow and "absolute momentum," which is defined as the absolute value of a company's trailing 12-month, risk-adjusted total return and accounts for the magnitude of price fluctuations over the specified period without regard to whether the return is positive or negative. Individual companies are capped at 4% of the Index. The rules-based methodology also limits the weight assigned to companies in any one sector. That is, companies in any one sector will not exceed 45% of the Index. In addition, the allocation of companies in any single sector (or "weighting") will not exceed a weighting of more than 20% greater than the weighting of that sector in the Parent Index. The Index rebalances quarterly and is reconstituted semi-annually.

The Fund generally seeks to track the returns of the Index before fees and expenses by employing a replication strategy that seeks to hold all the stocks in the Index. The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments other than the securities in the Index, such as derivatives, including index futures, which the Fund may use for cash management to provide for liquidity to pay redemptions and fees (attempting to remain fully invested while maintaining liquidity).

The Fund will concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index is concentrated. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund is not concentrated in any industry or group of industries. The degree to which certain sectors, industries, or asset classes are represented in the Index may change over time.

**9**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF Summary

**Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund**

The Fund's investments are subject to the following principal risks:

**Equity Securities Risk** — The value of the equity securities in which the Fund invests may decline in response to developments affecting individual companies and/or general economic conditions in the United States or abroad. A company's earnings or dividends may not increase as expected (or may decline) because of poor management, competitive pressures, reliance on particular suppliers or geographical regions, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, man-made or natural disasters, military confrontations or wars, terrorism, public health crises, or other events, conditions, and factors. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. Equity securities have the lowest priority, and the greatest risk, with respect to dividends and any liquidation payments in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy.

**Foreign Securities Risk** — Foreign securities (including depositary receipts) are subject to political, regulatory, and economic risks not present in domestic investments. Foreign securities could be affected by factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, confiscation of property, and difficulties in enforcing contracts. Compared to U.S. companies, there generally is less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign companies. Foreign securities generally experience more volatility than their domestic counterparts. Depositary receipts may have additional risks, including creditworthiness of the depositary bank and the risk of an illiquid market. In addition, to the extent investments are made in a limited number of countries, events in those countries will have a more significant impact on the Fund. Fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, currency exchange control regulations, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of foreign currencies may negatively affect an investment. Dividends and interest received by the Fund and capital gains recognized by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries and may decrease the Fund's return.

**Limited History of Operations** — The Fund is new and, therefore, has a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.

**General Market Risk** — Overall market risks may affect the value of the Fund. Domestic and international factors such as political events, war, terrorism, trade disputes, inflation rates, interest rate levels, and other fiscal and monetary policy changes; cybersecurity incidents, pandemics, and other public health crises; imposition of tariffs; sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses, or industries; and related geopolitical events, as well as environmental disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and floods, or other catastrophes, may add to instability in global economies and markets generally, and may lead to increased market volatility. Global economies and financial markets are highly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely affect issuers in another country or region. The impact of these and other factors may be short-term or may last for extended periods.

**Free Cash Flow Risk** — Investing in companies with high free cash flows could lead to underperformance during periods when such investments are unpopular, and fluctuations in market conditions, industry disruptions, or company-specific factors may jeopardize the generation of free cash flow. Moreover, anticipated increases in a company's free cash flows may not materialize.

**Growth Risk —** If the Fund's adviser's perceptions of a company's growth potential are wrong, the securities purchased by that the Fund may not perform as expected reducing the Fund's return.

**Index Risk** — The Fund attempts to track the performance of the Index. The Fund's performance will be negatively affected by general declines in the securities and asset classes represented in the Index. In addition, because the Fund is not actively managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Index, the Fund generally will not sell a security because the security's issuer was in financial trouble. The Fund also does not attempt to take defensive positions under any market conditions, including

**10**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF Summary

declining markets. Therefore, the Fund's performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.

**Passive Investment Risk** — The Fund is not actively managed, and the Adviser does not take defensive positions under any market conditions, including declining markets.

**Calculation Methodology Risk** — The Index relies on various sources of information to assess the criteria of issuers included in the Index, including information that may be based on assumptions and estimates. Neither the Fund, the Index Provider, nor the Adviser can offer assurances that the Index's calculation methodology or sources of information will provide an accurate assessment of included issuers or correct valuation of securities, nor can they guarantee the availability or timeliness of the production of the Index.

**Tracking Error Risk** — The Fund may be subject to tracking error, which is the divergence of the Fund's performance from its index. Tracking error may occur because of, among other reasons, differences between the securities and other instruments held in the Fund's portfolio and those included in the Index. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses, while the Index does not.

**Rebalancing Risk** — In purchasing and selling securities to rebalance its portfolio, the Fund will pay more in brokerage commissions than it would without a rebalancing policy. As a result of the need to rebalance, the Fund also has less flexibility in the timing of purchases and sales of securities than it would otherwise, and the rebalancing may result in high portfolio turnover. While we will attempt to minimize any adverse impact to the Fund or its shareholders, the Fund may have a higher proportion of capital gains and a lower return than a fund that does not have a rebalancing policy. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders.

**Exchange-Traded Fund ("ETF") Structure Risk** — The Fund is structured as an ETF and, as a result, is subject to special risks, including:

<sup>◼</sup>

**Not Individually Redeemable** — The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by the Fund at its net asset value per share ("NAV") only in large blocks known as Creation Units. The Fund may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit. Alternatively, the Fund may redeem your shares by selling them on the secondary market at prevailing market prices.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Trading Issues** — Trading in shares on the exchange operated by the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the "Exchange") may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange. There is no guarantee that an active secondary market will develop for the shares. In stressed market conditions, authorized participants may be unwilling to participate in the creation/redemption process, particularly if the market for shares becomes less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which may lead to widening of bid-ask spreads and differences between the market price of the shares and the underlying value of those shares.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Market Price Variance Risk** — The market prices of shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for shares and will include a bid-ask spread charged by the exchange specialists, market makers, or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly, particularly in times of market stress. This means that shares may trade at a premium or discount to NAV and bid-ask spreads may widen.

**11**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF Summary

<sup>◼</sup>

**Authorized Participants Concentration Risk** — A limited number of financial institutions may be responsible for all or a significant portion of the creation and redemption activity for the Fund. If these firms exit the business or are unable or unwilling to process creation and/or redemption orders, shares may trade at a premium or discount to NAV and bid-ask spreads may widen.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Intraday Indicative Value ("IIV") Risk** — The Exchange intends to disseminate the approximate per share value of the Fund's published basket of securities ("Deposit Securities") every 15 seconds (the "intraday indicative value" or "IIV"). The IIV is not a real-time update of the NAV per share of the Fund because the IIV may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV. For example, the calculation of the NAV may be subject to fair valuation at different prices than those used in the calculations of the IIV and, unlike the calculation of NAV, the IIV does not take into account Fund expenses. The IIV calculations are based on local market prices and may not reflect events that occur subsequent to the local market's close which could affect premiums and discounts between the IIV and the market price of the shares. In addition, the IIV is based on the published Deposit Securities and not on the Fund's actual holdings.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Tax-Efficiency Risk** — Redemptions of shares may be effected for cash, rather than in kind, which means that the Fund may need to sell portfolio securities in order to complete an in-cash redemption, and may recognize net gains on these sales. As a result, investments in the shares may be less tax-efficient than investments in ETFs that redeem solely or principally in kind, and the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used.

**Large Shareholder Risk** — Certain large shareholders, including authorized participants and other funds advised by the Adviser, may from time to time own a substantial amount of the Fund's shares. The actions by one shareholder or multiple shareholders may have an impact on the Fund and, therefore, indirectly on other shareholders. Shareholder purchase and redemption activity may affect the per share amount of the Fund's distributions of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, thereby affecting the tax burden on the Fund's shareholders subject to federal income tax, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and cause the Fund to make taxable distributions to its shareholders earlier than the Fund otherwise would have. To the extent a larger shareholder is permitted to invest in the Fund, the Fund may experience large inflows or outflows of cash from time to time. This activity could magnify these adverse effects on the Fund.

**Sector Focus Risk** — In following its methodology, the Index from time to time may be concentrated to a significant degree in securities of issuers located in a single industry or sector. To the extent that the Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular industry or sector, the Fund also can be expected to concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in an industry or sector, the Fund may face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous industries or sectors. The Fund's sector concentration will reflect that of the Index.

**Liquidity Risk** — In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the investments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of the Adviser. Markets for the investments in which the Fund invests may be disrupted by a number of events, including but not limited to economic crises, natural disasters, new legislation, or regulatory changes, and may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains or achieving a high correlation with the Index.

**Valuation Risk** — The sale price the Fund could receive for a security may differ from the Fund's valuation of the security and may differ from the value used by the Index, particularly for securities that trade in low volume or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The information may be provided by third parties that are believed to be reliable, but the information may not be accurate due to errors by such pricing sources, technological issues, or otherwise.

**12**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF Summary

**Derivatives Risk** — Derivatives, including futures contracts, may involve risks different from, or greater than, those associated with more traditional investments. In addition to risks relating to the underlying assets, the use of derivatives may include other, possibly greater, risks, including counterparty, leverage, and liquidity risks. Derivatives may create leverage and expose the Fund to additional levels of risk, including greater losses from investments and increased volatility, than would otherwise have been the case had the Fund not engaged in the activities that created the leverage. As a result of investing in derivatives, the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. Derivatives may be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative position at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives also may be subject to counterparty risk, which includes the risk that the Fund may sustain a loss as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of, or other non-compliance by, the other party to the transaction. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may not be as favorable as a direct investment in an underlying investment and may adversely affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. As a result, a larger portion of the Fund's distributions may be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains. In addition, certain derivatives are subject to mark-to-market or straddle provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). If such provisions are applicable, there could be an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by the Fund.

You may lose money by investing in the Fund. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its objective. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

By itself, the Fund does not constitute a complete investment plan and should be considered a long-term investment for investors who can afford to weather changes in the value of their investment.

**Investment Performance**

No performance information is presented since the Fund does not yet have a full calendar year of performance. Performance data for the Fund is available online at vcm.com or by calling 866-376-7890. A fund's performance is not necessarily an indication of how that fund will perform in the future.

**Management of the Fund**

**Investment Adviser**

Victory Capital Management Inc. (the "Adviser") serves as the Fund's investment adviser. The portfolio managers jointly and primarily responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund are members of the Adviser's Victory Solutions platform, which oversees the Adviser's rules-based investment strategies.

**Portfolio Management** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Title**  | **Tenure with the Fund**  |
| Mannik Dhillon, CFA, CAIA<sup>®</sup> <br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President, Investment Franchises <br> & Solutions<br>| Since inception |
| Lance Humphrey, CFA | &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Portfolio Manager and <br> Head of Portfolio Management, <br> VictoryShares <br> and Solutions<br>| Since inception |
| Lela Dunlap, CFA | &nbsp;&nbsp; Portfolio Manager, VictoryShares <br> and Solutions<br>| Since inception |

---

**13**

------

VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF Summary

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund will issue and redeem shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 shares (each block of shares is called a "Creation Unit"). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities by Authorized Participants ("APs") that have entered into agreements with the Fund's distributor. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the Exchange. Individual shares may only be purchased and sold in the secondary market through a broker or dealer at a market price. Because shares of the Fund trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price that is greater than (a premium), at, or less than (a discount) NAV. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the "bid-ask spread").

For recent information about the Fund, including the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, visit vcm.com.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions generally are taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes may be imposed on withdrawals from tax-deferred arrangements. A sale of shares may result in a capital gain or loss.

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

If you purchase shares through an account maintained by 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 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 website for more information.

**14**

------

Additional Fund Information

------

The VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF and the VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF (the "Funds") are organized as exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").

Each Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental. In addition, each Fund's policy to invest at least 80% of its assets in the securities of its underlying index is non-fundamental. The Board of Trustees (the "Board") may change Fund objectives or policies that are non-fundamental without shareholder approval upon at least 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders. For purposes of each Fund's 80% investment policy, "assets" means the Fund's net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, exclusive of collateral held from securities lending. Any derivatives counted towards the Fund's 80% policy generally will be valued at market value (however, the Fund anticipates valuing each such position for purposes of assessing compliance with this policy at notional value in connection with new rules requiring that treatment, which come into effect in 2025).

This section describes additional information about the principal investment strategies that a Fund will use under normal market conditions to pursue its investment objective, as well as any secondary strategies a Fund may use, and the related risks. This Prospectus does not attempt to describe all of the various investment techniques and types of investments that the Adviser may use in managing the Funds. The Funds' Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") includes more information about the Funds, their investments, and the related risks.

Information about each Fund's principal investment strategy is provided in the summary section for the Fund. Below is additional information, describing in greater detail the principal investment strategy, including the practices and methodologies that the Adviser utilizes in pursuing each Fund's investment objective and principal investment strategies, as well as each Fund's principal investment risks.

In managing the Funds, the Adviser uses a "passive" or indexing approach to try to achieve each Fund's investment objective. Under normal market conditions, each Fund pursues its investment objective by seeking to track the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Index maintained by the Index Provider. Each Fund does not try to outperform the Index. Each Fund will concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index is concentrated. The degree to which certain sectors, industries, or asset classes are represented in the Index may change over time. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Index is not concentrated in any industry or group of industries.

The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between a Fund's performance and that of the Index, before fees and expenses, will be 95% or better. A number of factors may affect a Fund's ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with its Index, and there can be no guarantee that a Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation. The Adviser monitors each Fund on an ongoing basis, and makes adjustments to its portfolio, as necessary, to minimize tracking error and to maintain liquidity.

For cash management purposes, each Fund is permitted to hold all or a portion of its assets in cash, index futures, short-term money market instruments or shares of other investment companies, including money market funds. To the extent that it does so, each Fund may not benefit from any upswing in the market and may fail to meet its investment objective.

**15**

------

Investments

------

**The following describes the types of securities each Fund may purchase under normal market conditions to achieve its principal investment strategy.** 

**U.S. Equity Securities**

Can include common stock, preferred stock, and securities that are convertible or exchangeable into common stock of U.S. corporations.

**Foreign Securities**

Can include common stock and convertible preferred stock of non-U.S. companies. Also may include American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), which are receipts issued by a bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by foreign companies, and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") that invest in foreign companies.

**<u>Additional Fund Strategies.</u> The Adviser may use several types of investments and investment techniques in pursuing the Funds' overall investment objectives. The following describes the types of securities the Adviser may purchase or the investment techniques the Adviser may employ but which the Adviser does not consider to be a part of a Fund's principal investment strategy. Additional types of securities and strategies that the Funds may utilize are included in the Funds' SAI.**

**Securities Lending**

To enhance the return on its portfolio, a Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions to realize additional income under guidelines adopted by the Board. Each loan will be secured continuously by collateral in the form of cash, securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities.

**Investment Companies**

Each Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), if those companies invest in securities consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies.

**16**

------

Risk Factors

------

The following describes the principal risks that you may assume as an investor in a Fund. These risks could adversely affect the net asset value, total return, and the value of a Fund and your investment. The risk descriptions below provide a more detailed explanation of the principal investment risks that correspond to the risks described in the Fund Summary section of this Prospectus.

There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Each Fund's share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio investments. When you sell your Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them; and accordingly, you can lose money investing in the Funds. A Fund, by itself, is not intended to be a complete investment program.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Risk Factor** | **International Free Cash Flow Fund** | **International Free Cash Flow Growth Fund** |
| Calculation Methodology Risk | X | X |
| Derivatives Risk | X | X |
| Equity Securities Risk | X | X |
| ETF Structure Risk | X | X |
| Foreign Securities Risk | X | X |
| Free Cash Flow Risk | X | X |
| General Market Risk | X | X |
| Geographic Focus Risk | X | X |
| Growth Risk |  | X |
| Index Risk | X | X |
| Large Shareholders Risk | X | X |
| Limited History of Operations | X | X |
| Liquidity Risk | X | X |
| Passive Investment Risk/Index Risk | X | X |
| Rebalancing Risk | X | X |
| Regulatory Risk | X | X |
| Sector Focus Risk | X | X |
| Tracking Error Risk | X | X |
| Valuation Risk | X | X |
| Value Risk | X |  |

---

**Calculation Methodology Risk** — A Fund's index relies on various sources of information to assess the criteria of issuers included in the index, including information that may be based on assumptions and estimates. Neither the Fund, the Index Provider, nor the Adviser can offer assurances that an index's calculation methodology or sources of information will provide an accurate assessment of included issuers or correct valuation of securities, nor can they guarantee the availability or timeliness of the production of the index. Errors in index data, index computations, or the construction of the index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on a Fund and its shareholders. Unusual market conditions may cause the Index Provider to postpone a scheduled rebalance, which could cause an index to vary from its normal or expected composition.

**Derivatives Risk** — The use of index futures contracts is subject to the risk that small price movements can result in substantial gains or losses. Derivatives also entail exposure to counterparty risk, the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and the risk that changes in value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the relevant securities, assets, or indices. The use of derivatives could expose a Fund to the effects of leverage causing the Fund to lose more money than it invested. There is no guarantee that derivatives activities will be employed or that they will work, and their use could lower returns or even result in losses to a Fund. Derivatives also may be harder to value, less tax-efficient, and subject to changing government regulation that could impact a Fund's ability to use certain derivatives or their cost. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may not be as favorable as a direct investment in an underlying investment and may adversely affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. As a result, a larger portion of a Fund's distributions may be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains. In addition, certain derivatives are

**17**

------

Risk Factors

------

subject to mark-to-market or straddle provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). If such provisions are applicable, there could be an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by a Fund. The use of derivatives could expose a Fund to the effects of leverage causing the Fund to lose more money than it invested. There is no guarantee that derivatives activities will be employed or that they will work, and their use could lower returns or even result in losses to the Fund. Derivatives also may be harder to value, less tax-efficient, and subject to changing government regulation that could impact the Fund's ability to use certain derivatives or their cost.

**Equity Securities Risk** — The market prices of equity securities, which may include common stocks and other stock-related securities such as preferred stocks, convertible securities, and rights and warrants may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. A Fund may continue to accept new subscriptions and to make additional investments in equity securities even under general market conditions that a Fund's investment team views as unfavorable for equity securities. The value of a security may decline for reasons that directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage, and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services or due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. Unlike debt securities, which have preference to a company's assets in case of liquidation, common stock, are entitled to the residual value after the company meets its other obligations. Unlike common stock, preferred stock generally pays a fixed dividend from a company's earnings and may have a preference over common stock on the distribution of a company's assets in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation. Preferred stockholders' liquidation rights are subordinate to the company's debt holders and creditors. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive and the price of preferred stocks may decline. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. Convertible securities may gain or lose value due to changes in the issuer's operating results, financial condition, credit rating, and changes in interest rates, and other general economic, industry, and market conditions. Equity securities have the lowest priority, and the greatest risk, with respect to dividends and any liquidation payments in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy.

**Exchange-Traded Fund ("ETF") Structure Risk** — Each Fund is structured as an ETF and, as a result, is subject to special risks, including:

<sup>◼</sup>

**Not Individually Redeemable** — A Fund's shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by the Fund at its net asset value per share ("NAV") only in large blocks known as Creation Units. The Fund may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit. Alternatively, the Fund may redeem your shares by selling them on the secondary market at prevailing market prices.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Trading Issues** — Trading in shares on the exchange operated by the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the "Exchange") may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange. There is no guarantee that an active secondary market will develop for the shares. In stressed market conditions, authorized participants may be unwilling to participate in the creation/redemption process, particularly if the market for shares becomes less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which may lead to widening of bid-ask spreads and differences between the market price of the shares and the underlying value of those shares.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Market Price Variance Risk** — The market prices of shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for shares and will include a bid-ask spread charged by the exchange specialists, market makers, or other participants that trade the particular

**18**

------

Risk Factors

------

security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly, particularly in times of market stress. This means that shares may trade at a premium or discount to NAV and bid-ask spreads may widen.

<sup>◼</sup>

**International Closed Market Trading Risk** — A Fund's underlying securities may trade on foreign exchanges that are closed when the Exchange is open; consequently, events may transpire while such foreign exchanges are closed but the Exchange is open that may change the value of such underlying securities relative to their last quoted prices on such foreign exchanges.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Authorized Participants Concentration Risk** — A limited number of financial institutions may be responsible for all or a significant portion of the creation and redemption activity for the Fund. If these firms exit the business or are unable or unwilling to process creation and/or redemption orders, shares may trade at a premium or discount to NAV and bid-ask spreads may widen.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Intraday Indicative Value ("IIV") Risk** — The Exchange intends to disseminate the approximate per share value of a Fund's published basket of securities (Deposit Securities) every 15 seconds (the "intraday indicative value" or "IIV"). The IIV is not a real-time update of the NAV per share of a Fund because the IIV may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV. For example, the calculation of the NAV may be subject to fair valuation at different prices than those used in the calculations of the IIV and, unlike the calculation of NAV, the IIV does not take into account Fund expenses. For securities traded outside of the United States, the IIV calculations are based on local market prices and may not reflect events that occur subsequent to the local market's close which could affect premiums and discounts between the IIV and the market price of a Fund's shares. In addition, the IIV is based on the published Deposit Securities and not on a Fund's actual holdings. A Fund, the Adviser, and their affiliates are not involved in, or responsible for, any aspect of the calculation or dissemination of the IIV and make no warranty as to the accuracy of these calculations.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Tax-Efficiency Risk** — Redemptions of shares may be effected for cash, rather than in kind, which means that the Fund may need to sell portfolio securities in order to complete an in-cash redemption, and may recognize net gains on these sales. As a result, investments in the shares may be less tax-efficient than investments in ETFs that redeem solely or principally in kind, and the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used.

**Foreign Investing Risk** — Foreign investing risk is the possibility that the value of a Fund's investments in foreign securities will decrease because of currency exchange-rate fluctuations; foreign market illiquidity; emerging-market risk; increased price volatility; uncertain political conditions; exchange control regulations; foreign ownership limits; different accounting, reporting, and disclosure requirements; less publicly available information about foreign issuers; difficulties in obtaining legal judgments; and foreign withholding taxes, among other challenges on non-U.S. investments. Foreign investing may result in a Fund experiencing more rapid and extreme changes in value than a fund that invests exclusively in securities of U.S. companies. Foreign investments may be more difficult to value than U.S. securities. Dividends and interest received by a Fund and capital gains recognized by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries and may decrease the Fund's return.

**Free Cash Flow Risk** — While positive free cash flow indicates a company's ability to generate sufficient revenue to maintain operations and potentially return value to shareholders, there may be periods when investing in companies with high free cash flows is out of favor, and during which the investment performance of a fund investing in companies with high free cash flows may underperform the market more generally. In addition, there is a risk that a company may suffer reduced free cash flow generation due to changes in market conditions, industry disruptions, or company-specific factors. Moreover, an anticipated acceleration of a company's free cash flows may not occur.

**19**

------

Risk Factors

------

**General Market Risk** — Stock market risk refers to the fact that stock (equity securities) prices typically fluctuate more than the values of other types of securities, typically in response to changes in the particular company's financial condition and factors affecting the market in general. Over time, the stock market tends to move in cycles, with periods when stock prices rise, and periods when stock prices decline. A slower-growth or recessionary economic environment could have an adverse effect on stock prices. Consequently, a broad-based market drop may also cause a stock's price to fall. Portfolio securities may also decline in value due to factors affecting securities markets generally, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment, or due to factors affecting particular industries represented in the securities markets, such as competitive conditions. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole, and adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. In addition, the markets may not favor a particular kind of security, including equity securities. Values of securities may fall due to factors affecting a particular issuer, industry, or the securities market as a whole.

Market turmoil may be reflected in perceptions of economic uncertainty, price volatility in the equity and debt markets, and fluctuating trading liquidity. In response, governments may adopt a variety of fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs, and lower interest rates. These policies may not be successful and any unexpected or quick reversal of these policies could increase volatility in the equity and debt markets. Market conditions and economic risks could have a significant effect on domestic and international economies and could add significantly to the risks of increased volatility and decreased liquidity for a Fund's portfolio.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Geopolitical/Natural Disaster Risk** — Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely affect issuers in another country or region. Geopolitical and other risks, including war, economic sanctions, currency controls or other actions by countries or international bodies, terrorism, trade disputes, embargoes, political or economic dysfunction within some nations, public health crises and related geopolitical events, as well as environmental disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and floods, may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in trade policies and international trade agreements could affect the economies of many countries in unpredictable ways. Epidemics and/or pandemics, such as the coronavirus (or COVID-19), may result in, among other things, closing borders, disruptions to healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and consumer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact may be short-term or may last for extended periods.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Information Technology and Operational Risk** — Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large. The information technology and other operational systems upon which a Fund's service providers rely may be subject to cyber attack or other technological disruptions, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of these service providers to perform essential tasks for a Fund. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in a Fund being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or accurately price its investments.

**Growth Risk** — The market values of "growth" securities may be more volatile than other types of investments. The returns on "growth" securities may or may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market. Growth securities typically invest a high portion of

**20**

------

Risk Factors

------

their earnings back into their business and may lack the dividend yield that could cushion their decline in a market downturn. Thus, the value of the Fund's investments will vary and at times may be lower than that of other types of investments.

**Index Risk** — Each Fund attempts to track the performance of a specific index. An index is an unmanaged group of securities whose overall performance is used as a standard to measure investment performance of a particular market. Each Fund will be negatively affected by general declines in the securities and asset classes represented in the Index. In addition, because the Fund is not "actively" managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security's issuer was in financial trouble. Each Fund also does not attempt to take defensive positions under any market conditions, including declining markets. Therefore, the Fund's performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers. Additionally, each Fund typically will not match the performance of its index because the performance of its Index does not factor in the costs of buying, selling, and holding stocks or other operating expenses and costs of the Fund.

**Large-Capitalization Stock Risk** — Large-capitalization companies tend to compete in mature product markets and typically do not experience the level of sustained growth of smaller companies and companies competing in less mature product markets. Large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller companies to competitive challenges or changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. For these and other reasons, a fund that invests in large-capitalization companies may underperform other stock funds (such as funds that focus on the stocks of small- and medium-capitalization companies) when stocks of large-capitalization companies are out of favor.

**Large Shareholder Risk** — The Funds, like all investment companies, pool the investments of many investors, including authorized participants and other funds advised by the Adviser. Actions by one shareholder or multiple shareholders may have an impact on the Funds and, therefore, indirectly on other shareholders. For example, significant levels of new investments in the Funds by shareholders may cause the Funds to have more cash than would otherwise be the case, which might have a positive or negative impact on Fund performance. Similarly, to the extent the Funds redeem shares in cash, redemption activity might cause the Funds to sell portfolio securities when it might not otherwise do so, which may increase transaction costs and might generate a capital gain or loss, or cause it to borrow funds on a short-term basis to cover redemptions, which would cause the Funds to incur costs that, in effect, would be borne by all shareholders and not just the redeeming shareholders. Shareholder purchase and redemption activity also may affect the per share amount of the Funds' distributions of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, thereby affecting the tax burden on the Funds' shareholders subject to federal income tax, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and cause the Funds to make taxable distributions to its shareholders earlier than the Funds otherwise would have. In addition, under certain circumstances, non-redeeming shareholders may be treated as receiving a disproportionately large taxable distribution during or with respect to such tax year. To the extent a larger shareholder, including an authorized participant, invests in the Funds, the Funds may experience large inflows or outflows of cash from time to time. This activity could magnify these adverse effects on the Funds. If large shareholders transact in shares on the secondary market, transactions by large shareholders may account for a large percentage of the trading volume for the shares of a Fund and may, therefore, have a material upward or downward effect on the market price of the Fund shares.

**Limited History of Operations** — Each Fund is a fairly new ETF with limited to no history of operations for investors to evaluate. Investors in a Fund bear the risk that a Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategies, may be unable to implement certain of its investment strategies or may fail to attract sufficient assets, any of which could result in a Fund being liquidated and terminated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be

**21**

------

Risk Factors

------

favorable for all shareholders. Such a liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and may cause shareholders to incur expenses of liquidation.

**Liquidity Risk** — Liquidity risk exists when particular investments cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business. The ability of a Fund to dispose of such investments or other instruments at advantageous prices may be greatly limited. Market values for illiquid investments may not be readily available, and there can be no assurance that any fair value assigned to an illiquid investment at any time will accurately reflect the price a Fund might receive upon the sale of that investment. Adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer, including rising interest rates, may adversely affect the liquidity of a Fund's investments. A Fund may be required to sell a less liquid investment in accordance with changes to the Index. In such cases the sale proceeds received by a Fund may be substantially less than if a Fund had been able to sell the investments in more orderly transactions, and the sale price may be substantially lower than the price previously used by a Fund to value the investments for purposes of determining a Fund's net asset value. A Fund may not achieve a high correlation with the Index. In addition, a Fund, by itself or together with other accounts managed by the Adviser, may hold a position in an investment that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that investment, which can make it difficult for a Fund to dispose of the position at an advantageous time or price.

**Passive Investment Risk/Index Risk —** The Fund is not actively managed and may be affected by a general decline in market segments related to the Index. The Fund invests in securities included in, or representative of securities included in, the Index, regardless of their investment merits. The Fund does not take defensive positions under any market conditions, including conditions that are adverse to the performance of the Fund, unless such defensive positions are also taken by the Index. There is no assurance that the Index will be compiled or calculated accurately.

**Rebalancing Risk** — In purchasing and selling securities to rebalance its portfolio, a Fund will pay more in brokerage commissions than it would without a rebalancing policy. As a result of the need to rebalance, a Fund also has less flexibility in the timing of purchases and sales of securities than it would otherwise, and the rebalancing may result in high portfolio turnover. While we will attempt to minimize any adverse impact to a Fund or its shareholders, the Fund may have a higher proportion of capital gains and a lower return than a fund that does not have a rebalancing policy. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on a Fund and its shareholders.

**Regulatory Risk** — Each Fund is subject to regulatory risk, which is the risk that legislative, regulatory, or tax policies or developments may have an adverse impact on the value of the Fund's investments and the Fund's NAV.

**Sector Focus Risk** — While a Fund reserves the right to dynamically allocate its assets across economic sectors, the Fund may make significant investments in one or more sectors, each of which entails associated risks. Additionally, a Fund's performance may be more volatile when the Fund's investments are focused in a particular sector.

**Tracking Error Risk** — Tracking error is the divergence of a Fund's performance from that of the Index. The performance of a Fund may diverge from that of its Index for a number of reasons, such as the use of representative sampling (if applicable), transaction costs, a Fund's holding of cash, differences in accrual of dividends, changes to the Index, tax considerations, rebalancing, or new or existing regulatory requirements. Unlike a Fund, the returns of the Index are not reduced by investment and other operating expenses, including the trading costs associated with implementing changes to its portfolio of investments. Tracking error risk may be heightened during times of market volatility or other unusual market conditions. To the extent that a Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Index is based on securities' closing prices (i.e., the value of the

**22**

------

Risk Factors

------

Index is not based on fair value prices), a Fund's ability to track the Index may be adversely affected. For tax efficiency purposes, a Fund may sell certain securities to realize losses, which will result in a deviation from the Index.

**Valuation Risk** — The sale price a Fund could receive for a security may differ from a Fund's valuation of the security and may differ from the value used by its index, particularly for securities that trade in low volume or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology as a result of trade suspensions or for other reasons. Because non-U.S. exchanges may be open on days when a Fund does not price its shares, the value of the securities or other assets in a Fund's portfolio may change on days or during time periods when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell the Fund's shares. In addition, for purposes of calculating a Fund's NAV, the value of assets denominated in non-U.S. currencies is converted into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more data service providers. This conversion may result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a Fund's NAV and the prices used by the Fund's index, which, in turn, could result in a difference between the Fund's performance and the performance of its index. Authorized Participants who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when a Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received had the Fund not fair-valued securities or used a different valuation methodology. A Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The information may be provided by third parties that are believed to be reliable, but the information may not be accurate due to errors by such pricing sources, technological issues, or otherwise.

**Value Risk** — Value investing entails investing in securities that are inexpensive relative to other securities based on ratios such as price to earnings or price to book. There may be periods when value investing is out of favor, and during which the investment performance of a fund using a value strategy may suffer. In addition, value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may never be realized in the market.

**<u>Additional Risk Factors.</u> The Adviser may use several types of investment strategies in pursuing the Fund's overall investment objective. The following risks are those that the Adviser does not consider to be principal risks of the Funds. Additional risks are included in the Funds' SAI.**

**Investment Company Risk** — A Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective may be directly related to the ability of the underlying any funds (including ETFs) held by the Fund to meet their investment objectives. In addition, shareholders of the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of the underlying investment companies. Underlying investment vehicles are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities.

**Mid-Capitalization Stock Risk** — Investments in mid-capitalization companies involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies. Stock prices of mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than those of large-capitalization companies, and, therefore, a Fund's share price may be more volatile than that of funds that invest a larger percentage of their assets in stocks issued by large-capitalization companies. Stock prices of mid-capitalization companies are also more vulnerable than those of large-capitalization companies to adverse business or economic developments, and the stocks of mid-capitalization companies may be less liquid than those of large-capitalization companies, making it more difficult for a Fund to buy and sell shares of mid-capitalization companies. In addition, mid-capitalization companies generally have less diverse product lines than large-capitalization companies and are more susceptible to adverse developments

related to their products.

**23**

------

Risk Factors

------

**Securities Lending Risk** — The risk in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consists of the possibility of loss to a Fund due to (i) the inability of the borrower to return the securities, (ii) a delay in receiving additional collateral to adequately cover any fluctuations in the value of securities on loan, (iii) a delay in recovery of the securities, or (iv) the loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. In addition, the Fund is responsible for any loss that might result from its investment of the borrower's collateral. In determining whether to lend securities, the Adviser or the Funds' securities lending agent will consider relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

**24**

------

Organization and Management of the Funds

------

The Funds' Board has the overall responsibility for overseeing the management of the Fund.

**The Investment Adviser**

The Adviser serves as the investment adviser to each of the Victory Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement and oversees the operations of the Funds according to investment policies and procedures adopted by the Board. The Adviser is a New York corporation that is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). As of May 31, 2025, the Adviser managed and advised assets totaling in excess of $289.4 billion for individual and institutional clients. The Adviser's principal address is 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256.

A discussion regarding the basis of the Board's approval of the Funds' Advisory Agreement will be available in the Funds' Financial Statements filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30.

The Adviser is a diversified global asset manager comprised of multiple investment teams, referred to as investment franchises, each of which utilizes an independent approach to investing. The Adviser's Victory Solutions platform oversees its rules-based investment strategies and is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund.

Advisory fees to be paid annually, before waivers, are equal to the following:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund**  | **Advisory Fee**  |
| VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 0.50%  |
| VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; 0.50% |

---

See "Fund Fees and Expenses" for information about any contractual agreement by the Adviser to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses with respect to a Fund. From time to time, the Adviser also may voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses in amounts exceeding those required to be waived or reimbursed under any contractual agreement that may be in place with respect to a Fund.

**Portfolio Management**

**Mannik Dhillon** serves as President, Investment Franchises & Solutions, for the Adviser. From 2017-2023, he served as President, VictoryShares & Solutions. From 2015-2017, he served as the Adviser's Head of Investment Solutions, Product, and Strategy. From 2010 to 2015, Mr. Dhillon served as a managing director and head of manager research with Wilshire Associates, where he evaluated asset managers and led strategic consulting engagements. Mr. Dhillon is a CFA and CAIA<sup>®</sup> charterholder.

**Lance Humphrey**, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of Portfolio Management, VictoryShares and Solutions, has co-managed the Funds since their inception. Mr. Humphrey has 18 years of investment management experience, 12 years of which were with USAA Asset Management Company ("AMCO"), which was acquired by the Adviser's parent company in 2019. Education: M.B.A., University of Texas – San Antonio and a B.A., finance, Texas State University. He holds the CFA designation and is a member of the CFA Society of San Antonio.

**Lela Dunlap**, CFA, Portfolio Manager, and Head of Portfolio Implementation, VictoryShares and Solutions, has co-managed the Funds since their inception. Ms. Dunlap has 16 years of investment management experience, five years of which were with AMCO, which was acquired by the Adviser's parent company in 2019. She holds the CFA designation and is a member of the CFA Society of San Antonio.

*The Funds' SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' method of compensation, other accounts they manage, and any ownership interests they may have in the Funds.*

**25**

------

Investing with Victory

------

Share Price

------

The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund generally is determined at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for business. In the event of an emergency or other disruption in trading on the NYSE, a Fund's NAV will be determined based upon the close of the NYSE. The NAV is computed by determining the aggregate market value of all assets of a Fund, less its liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| NAV= | Total Assets - Liabilities |
| NAV= | Number of Shares Outstanding |

---

The NAV takes into account the expenses and fees of a Fund, including management, administration, and distribution fees (if any), which are accrued daily. The determination of NAV for a Fund for a particular day is applicable to all applications for the purchase of shares, as well as all requests for the redemption of shares, received by a Fund (or an authorized broker or agent, or its authorized designee) before the close of trading on the NYSE on that day. The NYSE is closed on weekends, most national holidays, and Good Friday.

Generally, the Funds' investments are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each investment's primary exchange. Investments traded or dealt in upon one or more exchanges (whether domestic or foreign) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the last bid on the primary exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automated Quotation System ("Nasdaq") National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. If market quotations are not readily available, investments will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and evaluated by the Board as to the reliability of the fair value method used. In these cases, a Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio investments' fair value rather than their market price. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for an investment is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that investment. The fair value prices can differ from market prices when they become available or when a price becomes available.

The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund's securities or other assets. In addition, market prices for foreign securities are not determined at the same time of day as the NAV for a Fund. In computing the NAV, a Fund values foreign securities held by a Fund at the latest closing price on the exchange in which they are traded immediately prior to closing of the NYSE. Prices of foreign securities quoted in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates. The value of a Fund's securities may change on days when shareholders are not able to purchase and redeem the Fund's shares if the Fund has portfolio securities that primarily are traded in foreign markets that are open on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares. If events materially affecting the value of a security in a Fund's portfolio, particularly foreign securities, occur after the close of trading on a foreign market but before a Fund prices its shares, the security will be valued at fair value. For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before a Fund calculates its NAV, the Adviser may need to price the security using a Fund's fair value pricing guidelines. Without a fair value price, short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of a 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 a Fund's NAV by short-term traders. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a result, using

**26**

------

Share Price

------

fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the prices used by other funds to determine NAV, or from the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.

With respect to any portion of a Fund's assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), a Fund's NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs of those open-end management investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.

Short-term debt obligations with remaining maturities in excess of 60 days are valued at current market prices, as discussed above. Short-term debt obligations with 60 days or less remaining to maturity are, unless conditions indicate otherwise, amortized to maturity based on their cost to the Fund if acquired within 60 days of maturity or, if already held by the Fund on the 60th day, based on the value determined on the 61st day.

**Premium/Discount Information**

Since investors will buy and sell shares of the Funds in secondary market transactions through brokers at market prices, the Funds' shares will trade at market prices. The market price of shares may be greater than, equal to, or less than NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of shares of a Fund.

For recent information about a Fund, including a Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads visit vcm.com.

**27**

------

How to Buy and Sell Shares

------

Shares of the Fund will be listed for trading on the Exchange under the ticker symbol listed on the cover of this Prospectus. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share. Shares can be bought and sold on the secondary market throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares, and shares typically trade in blocks of less than a Creation Unit. There is no minimum investment required. Shares may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market when the Exchange is open for trading.

When buying or selling shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges. The commission is often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell smaller amounts of shares. You may also pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. The spread varies over time for shares of the Fund based on the Fund's trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if a Fund's shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if a Fund's shares have little trading volume and market liquidity.

Only an Authorized Participant ("AP") may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Funds' APs are institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, which have entered into a Participation Agreement with the Funds' distributor to undertake the responsibility of obtaining or selling the underlying assets needed to purchase or redeem, respectively, Creation Units of the Funds. APs may acquire shares directly from a Fund, and APs may tender their shares for redemption directly to a Fund, at NAV per share only in large blocks, or Creation Units, of 50,000 shares. Purchases and redemptions directly with a Fund must follow the Funds' procedures, which are described in the SAI.

The Funds may liquidate and terminate at any time without shareholder approval.

**Share Trading Prices**

The trading prices of a Fund's shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Fund's daily NAV and are affected by market forces such as the supply of and demand for shares and shares of underlying investments held by the Fund, economic conditions, and other factors. Information regarding the intraday indicative value ("IIV") of the Fund will be disseminated every 15 seconds throughout the trading day by the national securities exchange on which the Fund's shares are primarily listed or by market data vendors or other information providers. The IIV is based on the current market value of the securities and/or cash included in the Fund's published basket of securities. However, the IIV should not be viewed as a "real-time" update of the NAV per share of the Fund because the approximate value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day, generally at the end of the business day. The IIV does not necessarily reflect the precise composition of the current portfolio of securities and instruments held by the Fund at a particular point in time or the best possible valuation of the current portfolio. For example, the calculation of the NAV may be subject to fair valuation at different prices than those used in the calculations of the IIV and, unlike the calculation of NAV, the IIV may not reflect estimated accrued interest, dividends and other income, or Fund expenses. The IIV generally is determined by using both current market quotations and/or price quotations obtained from broker-dealers that may trade in the portfolio securities and instruments included in the Fund's IIV basket. The quotations of certain Fund holdings may not be updated during U.S. trading hours if such holdings do not trade in the United States. The Fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value of the shares and the Fund does not make any warranty as to the accuracy of these values.

**28**

------

How to Buy and Sell Shares

------

**Book Entry**

Shares are held in book entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares of the Funds and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes.

Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all shares. Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book entry or "street name" form.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares**

Each Fund's shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from a Fund by APs in Creation Units. Direct trading by APs is critical to ensuring that a Fund's shares trade at or close to NAV. The cash to be contributed to (or received from) the Fund in connection with a Creation Unit generally is negligible compared to the total amount of the trade. The Fund with exposure to non-U.S. securities employs fair valuation pricing to minimize arbitrage opportunities that attempt to exploit the differences between a security's market quotation and its fair value. In addition, the Funds impose transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Funds in effecting trades. These fees increase if an investor substitutes cash in part or in whole for securities, reflecting the fact that a Fund's trading costs increase in those circumstances.

Trading of a Fund's shares by individual shareholders occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not directly involve the Funds, it is unlikely those trades would cause the harmful effects of market timing, including dilution, disruption of portfolio management, increases in a Fund's trading costs and the realization of capital gains.

Given this structure, the Board has determined that it is not necessary to monitor for frequent in-kind purchases and redemptions of shares or market timing activity by the APs or on the shares' secondary market.

**Other Payments to Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase Fund shares through an investment professional, a broker dealer, or other financial intermediary, the Fund may pay for sub-transfer agent, recordkeeping and/or similar administrative services. In addition, Victory Capital (and its affiliates) may make substantial payments out of its own resources, including the profits from the advisory fees Victory Capital receives from the Funds, to affiliated and unaffiliated dealers or other investment professionals and service providers for distribution, administrative and/or shareholder servicing activities. Victory Capital also may reimburse the distributor (or the distributor's affiliates) for making these payments. Some of these distribution-related payments may be made to dealers or other investment professionals for marketing, promotional or related expenses; these payments are often referred to as "revenue sharing." In some circumstances, these types of payments may create an incentive for a dealer or investment professional or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the Funds to its customers. You should ask your dealer or investment professional for more details about any such payments it receives.

**29**

------

Distribution and Service Plan

------

The Funds has adopted a distribution and service plan ("Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Funds is authorized to pay distribution fees to the distributor and other firms that provide distribution and shareholder services ("Service Providers"). If a Service Provider provides these services, the Funds may pay fees at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

No distribution or service fees are currently paid by the Funds and there are no current plans to impose these fees. In the event Rule 12b-1 fees were charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Funds.

**30**

------

Distributions and Taxes

------

Unlike interests in conventional mutual funds, which typically are bought and sold from and to a fund only at closing NAVs, the Fund's shares are traded throughout the day in the secondary market on a national securities exchange on an intra-day basis and are created and redeemed in-kind and/or for cash in Creation Units at each day's next calculated NAV. In-kind arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from the adverse effects on a Fund's portfolio that could arise from frequent cash redemption transactions. In a conventional mutual fund, redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders if the mutual fund needs to sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet net fund redemptions. These sales may generate taxable gains for the ongoing shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the shares' in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Fund or its ongoing shareholders.

**Taxes on Distributions**

Each Fund ordinarily declares and pays dividends from net investment income, if any, monthly, and net realized capital gains, if any, annually. The Funds may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with U.S. federal tax requirements. Dividends from a Fund's net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses (capital gain dividends) that are properly designated as such are taxable to you as long-term capital gains (at the 20% maximum rate referred to above for non-corporate shareholders) regardless of how long you have held the Fund's shares. Dividends from a Fund's net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income (other than qualified dividend income). Dividends from a Fund's qualified dividend income (i.e., dividends received on stock of most domestic and certain foreign corporations), if any, that are properly designated as such are taxable to non-corporate shareholders at long-term capital gain rates, provided that the Fund and the shareholder satisfy certain holding period and other requirements. Dividends from the Funds that are attributable dividends received on stock from most domestic corporations, if any, that are properly designated as such are eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders, provided that the Fund and the shareholder satisfy certain holding period and other requirements.

Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole shares only if the broker through whom you purchased shares makes such option available.

In general, your distributions are subject to U.S. federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in a Fund (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional shares of a Fund through the means of a dividend **r**einvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash.

Distributions in excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) your basis in the shares and any excess amount will be treated as capital gain.

Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their "net investment income," which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund.

If at the time a shareholder purchases shares of a Fund, the value of shares reflects undistributed net investment income, recognized net capital gain, or unrealized appreciation in the value of the assets of the Fund, distributions of such amounts will be taxable to the shareholder in the manner described above, although such distributions economically constitute a return of capital to the shareholder.

As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in shares will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in shares.

**31**

------

Distributions and Taxes

------

Unless your investment in shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:

◼

A Fund makes distributions,

◼

You sell your shares listed on the Exchange, and

◼

You purchase or redeem Creation Units (if applicable).

If you are a nonresident alien individual, foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation or foreign partnership, the Fund's ordinary income dividends may be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax. See the section titled "TAXES—Foreign Shareholders" in the SAI for details.

**Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales**

Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of shares generally is treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses from sales of shares may be limited.

A nonresident alien individual and a foreign corporation generally is exempt from U.S. federal income or withholding tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of shares of a Fund, but certain exceptions apply under which such shareholders may be subject to U.S. federal tax on such sale or other disposition. See the section titled "TAXES–Foreign Shareholders" in the SAI for details.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

An AP who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the AP's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any cash it pays. An AP who exchanges Creation Units for securities generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received plus any cash equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed and the value of the securities. However, a loss realized by an AP upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units may not be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales" or for other reasons. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

Any capital gain or loss realized on the purchase or redemption of Creation Units generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities surrendered to purchase the Creation Units or the Creation Units, as applicable, have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the securities surrendered or the Creation Units, as applicable, have been held for one year or less.

If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many shares you purchased or sold and at what price. See "TAXES" in the SAI for a description of the requirement regarding basis determination methods applicable to share redemptions and the Fund's obligation to report basis information to the IRS.

**Backup Withholding**

By law, a Fund is required to withhold 24% of your distributions and proceeds if you have not provided the Fund with a correct Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number and in certain other situations.

**32**

------

Distributions and Taxes

------

**Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act**

Under the "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act," unless certain foreign entities comply with certain IRS requirements that generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% U.S. withholding tax may apply to dividends paid by the Fund to such entities. See the section titled "TAXES—Foreign Shareholders" in the SAI for details.

**IRA Distribution Withholding Disclosure**

We generally must withhold federal income tax at a rate of 10% of the taxable portion of your distribution, and if you live in a state that requires state income tax withholding, at your state's tax rate. However, you may elect not to have withholding apply or to have income tax withheld at a higher rate. Any withholding election that you make will apply to any subsequent distribution unless and until you change or revoke the election. If you wish to make a withholding election, or change or revoke a prior withholding election, call 866-376-7890, and form W-4P (OMB No. 1545-0074 withholding certificate for pension or annuity payments) will be sent electronically.

If you do not have a withholding election in place by the date of a distribution, federal income tax will be withheld from the taxable portion of your distribution at a rate of 10%. If you must pay estimated taxes, you may be subject to estimated tax penalties if your estimated tax payments are not sufficient and sufficient tax is not withheld from your distribution.

Dividends and interest received by the Fund and capital gains recognized by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. You may be able to claim a credit or take a deduction for foreign taxes paid by the Fund if certain requirements are met.

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. The foregoing discussion also does not discuss any state, local, or non-U.S. tax consequences associated with an investment in the Fund. The tax information in this Prospectus is based on tax law in effect on the date of this Prospectus and it does not address any proposals to modify such tax laws. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the shares under all applicable tax laws.

For more specific information, please consult your tax adviser.

**33**

------

Other Information

------

**Investments by Investment Companies**

Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of the Funds. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Funds beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) as permitted by any rules and regulations adopted under applicable law, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Funds.

**Continuous Offering**

The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the Funds on an ongoing basis, a "distribution," as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, generally are required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.

**Dealers effecting transactions in the Funds' shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, generally are required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.**

**Portfolio Holdings Disclosure**

A description of the Funds policies regarding disclosure of the securities in the Fund's portfolio is found in the Statement of Additional Information. Each Fund's portfolio is disclosed daily on the Funds' website at www.VictorySharesLiterature.com. Shareholders also may request portfolio holdings schedules at no charge by calling toll free 866-376-7890.

**34**

------

Other Information

------

**Shareholder Communications**

In order to eliminate duplicate mailings to an address at which two or more shareholders with the same last name reside, the Victory Funds may send only one copy of any shareholder reports, financial statements, proxy statements, prospectuses and their supplements, unless you have instructed us to the contrary. You may request that the Victory Funds send these documents to each shareholder individually by calling the Victory Funds at 866-376-7890, and they will be delivered promptly.

While this Prospectus and the SAI of the Trust describe pertinent information about the Trust and the Fund, neither this Prospectus nor the SAI represents a contract between the Trust or a Fund and any shareholder.

**Other Disclosures**

Victory Capital means Victory Capital Management Inc., the investment adviser of the VictoryShares ETFs. VictoryShares ETFs are distributed by Victory Capital Services, Inc. ("VCS") and affiliate of Victory Capital. VCS is a member of FINRA.

**35**

------

Financial Highlights

------

Because the Funds had not commenced operations prior to the date of this prospectus, financial highlights are not available.

**36**

------

Appendix

------

**The Exchange**

Shares are not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by the Exchange. The Exchange makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares or any member of the public regarding the ability of the Funds to track the total return performance of their respective Index or the ability of each Index identified herein to track stock market performance. The Exchange is not responsible for, nor has it participated in, the determination of the compilation or the calculation of each Index, nor in the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of the shares to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. The Exchange has no obligation or liability to owners of the shares in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the shares.

The Exchange does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of each Index or the data included therein. The Exchange makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust on behalf of the Funds', owners of the shares, or any other person or entity from the use of each Index or the data included therein.

The Exchange makes no express or implied warranties, and hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the Index or the data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Exchange have any liability for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special, or consequential damages even if notified of the possibility thereof.

**VettaFi LLC Indexes**

*The VettaFi Developed Market Ex US Index is the property of VettaFi LLC and has been licensed for use by Victory Capital Management Inc. ("Victory Capital") in connection with the Victory International Free Cash Flow Index and the Victory International Growth Free Cash Flow Index (the "Indexes").* 

*The Funds are not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by VettaFi LLC or its affiliates (collectively, "VettaFi") or any of its index calculations agents, if any. VettaFi makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the purchasers or owners of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly or the ability of the Indexes to track general market performance. VettaFi is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Funds to be issued. VettaFi has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of the Funds.*

*Neither VettaFi nor any of its index calculation agents, if any, guarantee the accuracy and/or completeness of the Index or any data included therein and neither VettaFi nor its agents shall have any liability for any errors, omissions, interruptions, or defects therein. VettaFi makes no warranty, express or implied, representations or promises, as to results to be obtained by Victory Capital or any other person or entity from the use of the Index or any data included therein. VettaFi makes no express or implied warranties, representations or promises, regarding the originality, merchantability, suitability, or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall VettaFi or its index calculation agents, if any, have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential, or other damages (including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such damages.*

**37**

------

VS-INTFCF-PRO (06/25)

**By mail:**

VictoryShares

4900 Tiedeman Road, 4th Floor

Brooklyn, OH 44144

![](victoryshares.gif)

4900 Tiedeman Road,

4th Floor

Brooklyn, OH 44144

**Statement of Additional Information (SAI):** The SAI contains more information about the Funds' operations, investment restrictions, policies, and practices. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, which means that it is legally part of this Prospectus, even if you do not request a copy.

**Annual/Semi Annual Reports and Form N-CSR/Form N-CSRS:** Annual and semi annual reports contain more information about the Funds' investments and the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds' performance during the most recent fiscal period. The Funds' Form N-CSR and Form N-CSRS filings contain the Funds' annual and semi-annual financial statements.

**How to Obtain Information:** You may obtain a free copy of the SAI, annual and semi annual reports and other information such as Fund financial statements and ask questions about the Funds or your accounts, online at VictorySharesLiterature.com, by contacting the Funds at the following address or telephone number, or by contacting your financial intermediary.

**By telephone:**

Call VictoryShares at

866-376-7890

You also can get information about the Funds (including the SAI, other reports and other information such as Fund financial statements) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the SEC's Edgar database at sec.gov, or after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request sent to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Investment Company Act File Number 811-22696

------

![](victoryshares.gif)

**June 23, 2025**

Prospectus

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF (ABI)

Listed and traded on:

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

VictorySharesLiterature.com

866-376-7890

------

![](victoryshares.gif)

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **[Fund Summary](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_1)** | 1  |
| [Investment Objective](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_1) | 1  |
| [Fund Fees and Expenses](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_1) | 1  |
| [Principal Investment Strategy](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_2) | 2  |
| [Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_4) | 4  |
| [Investment Performance](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_14) | 14  |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_15) | 15  |
| [Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_15) | 15  |
| [Tax Information](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_15) | 15  |
| [Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_15)<br> [Intermediaries](#xx_5e400fab-74f1-420b-aef2-568c6c47f579_15)<br>| 15  |
| **[Additional Fund Information](#xx_f904fb1d-ca0c-443e-9fc3-d429a0164c67_1)** | 16  |
| [Investments](#xx_f904fb1d-ca0c-443e-9fc3-d429a0164c67_4) | 19  |
| [Additional Investment Strategies and Related Risks](#xx_f904fb1d-ca0c-443e-9fc3-d429a0164c67_10) | 25  |
| [Risk Factors](#xx_cb20b393-5a48-4675-bf95-9668bb7c4fe9_1) | 26  |
| **[Organization and Management of the Fund](#xx_f579892a-2139-4629-94c4-3317bd0905ce_1)** | 44  |
| **[Investing with Victory](#xx_6093b4c0-8476-4ef2-aa27-733c5ffbd1bc_1)** | 45  |
| [Share Price](#xx_6093b4c0-8476-4ef2-aa27-733c5ffbd1bc_1) | 45  |
| [How to Buy and Sell Shares](#xx_6093b4c0-8476-4ef2-aa27-733c5ffbd1bc_3) | 47  |
| **[Distribution and Service Plan](#xx_5b5e8160-1eb8-401e-8af9-3fc6d0a9d2bb_1)** | 49  |
| **[Distributions and Taxes](#xx_facc130d-bdde-407b-b1f8-1219ea1edecb_1)** | 50  |
| **[Other Information](#xx_ead4373b-43f3-4cd5-8226-22d6cf0abcdb_1)** | 53  |
| **[Financial Highlights](#xx_a174367f-b03c-435d-9ec6-42ed04e3baf7_1)** | 55 |

---

------

**VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary**

**Investment Objective**

The VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF (the "Fund") seeks total return.

**Fund Fees and Expenses**

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 example below**.

**Shareholder Fees**<br> (paid directly from your investment)<br>

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.60% |
| Other Expenses<sup>1</sup> <br>| 0.27% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.87% |
| Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement<sup>2</sup> <br>| (0.17)% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement<sup>2</sup> <br>| 0.70% |

---

<sup>1</sup>

Estimated for the current fiscal year.

<sup>2</sup>

Victory Capital Management Inc. (the "Adviser") has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding certain items such as interest, taxes, and brokerage commissions) do not exceed 0.70% through at least October 31, 2026. The Adviser is permitted to recoup advisory fees waived and expenses reimbursed for up to three years after the date of the waiver or reimbursement, subject to the lesser of any operating expense limits in effect at the time of (a) the original waiver or expense reimbursement; or (b) the recoupment, after giving effect to the recoupment amount. This agreement may only be terminated by the Fund's Board of Trustees.

**Example:**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The example assumes that (1) you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell or continue to hold all of your shares at the end of the period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The amounts shown reflect any fee waiver/expense reimbursement in place through its expiration date. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** |
| $72 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $249 |

---

**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 generally will indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when 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 has only recently commenced investment operations, no portfolio turnover information is available at this time.

**1**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

**Principal Investment Strategy**

The Fund seeks an attractive total return by investing primarily in "asset-based income investments." Asset-based income investments include debt instruments that are collateralized by specific assets (e.g., collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs"), commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"), and asset-backed securities ("ABS")). Asset-based income investments also include debt instruments whose cash flows are derived from, or are connected to, the performance of specific underlying assets (e.g., credit risk transfer securities ("CRTs") and credit linked notes ("CLNs")). The Adviser applies an asset-based credit underwriting process to seek diverse credit exposures to various areas outside of the corporate credit markets as well as diverse credit exposures outside of traditional fixed income benchmarks. For example, the Fund seeks to invest in liquid asset-based income investments that have exposure to privately issued loans and obligations (e.g., ABS that are backed by consumer loans, equipment loans, retail installment contracts; CMOs backed by loans made by specialty non-bank residential and commercial mortgage lenders; and CLOs backed by loans made by private credit lenders). The Fund seeks to provide an attractive total return primarily through high current income and secondarily through capital appreciation.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in various U.S. dollar-denominated asset-based income investments. Asset-based income investments include, but are not limited to, securitized assets, such as ABS, including private and multi-class structures, pass-through certificates, residual certificates, and other instruments secured by financial, physical, and/or intangible assets (e.g., receivables or pools of receivables). These instruments also include agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), CMBS of various types, as well as debt and equity tranches of collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"), CMOs, and CLOs. The Fund intends to invest in CMOs backed by both residential and commercial mortgages. The Fund also intends to invest in CLOs backed by loans, including CLOs backed by private credit loans ("Private Credit CLOs") and loans made to medium sized borrowers ("Middle Market CLOs"). CLOs, CMOs, and ABS may be considered to be types of CDOs. The Fund intends to invest in these security types without any specific restriction. Across these security types, the Fund intends to invest in lower-rated tranches without any specific restriction, including below investment grade (i.e., securities rated lower than Baa3/BBB-) and unrated securities. The Fund does not intend to invest directly in private credit. The Fund intends to invest in private credit indirectly through securities that are collateralized by private credit exposure, such as Private Credit CLOs and Middle Market CLOs. Asset-based income investments also include CRTs, synthetic risk transfers ("SRTs"), and CLNs whose cash flows are connected to the performance of pools of assets, and loans as well as privately placed securities secured by specific assets. Derivative instruments that provide exposure to asset-based income investments or have similar economic characteristics may be used to satisfy the Fund's 80% policy.

The Fund will invest in a broad range of issuers and segments of the debt markets. Debt securities may include instruments and obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. corporate and other non-governmental entities, those of U.S. and non-U.S. governmental entities (including government agencies and instrumentalities), secured and unsecured loans and other floating rate securities, subordinated debt securities, preferred securities, insurance-linked securities, certificates of deposit, money market securities, securities of other investment companies (including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds) that invest primarily in debt securities, and cash, cash equivalents and other short-term holdings.

The Fund intends to focus its portfolio investments in non-investment-grade debt securities. Generally, debt securities rated below the four highest credit grades by a public rating agency (or of equivalent quality if not publicly rated) are considered "below-investment-grade," "high-yield," or "junk" securities.

**2**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

The Fund may invest in securities of issuers in any market sector, industry, or market capitalization range. The Fund may also invest in Treasury Inflation Protected Securities ("TIPS"), and other inflation-linked debt securities.

The Fund has no limit as to the maturity or duration of the securities in which it invests and maintains an average portfolio duration that varies based upon the judgment of the Fund's investment adviser. The Fund invests in investments that feature fixed or variable principal payments and all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, floating rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind, and auction rate features.

The Fund will invest in portfolio securities without limit in securities of any rating. Investment in securities of below-investment-grade quality, commonly referred to as "junk bonds," involves substantial risk of loss.

The Fund may invest in securities that are subordinated or "junior" to more senior securities of the issuer, including residual or equity tranches of securitized asset instruments.

When the Adviser believes it is appropriate, the Fund will invest in derivative instruments, including, among other things, interest rate futures and credit default swaps. The Fund may use derivatives to hedge against adverse changes in the market price of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates; as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities; to seek event-linked exposure; to attempt to increase the Fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative; to manage portfolio characteristics; and as a cash flow management technique. The Fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and any use may be limited by applicable law and regulations. The Fund also may hold cash or other short-term investments.

The Fund's investment objective and investment strategies are non-fundamental, and the Fund's Board of Trustees (the "Board") may change the investment objective without shareholder Approval upon 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders.

Asset-based income investments that provide exposure to the private credit markets include securities collateralized by income streams from privately issued loans. While these privately issued loans generally pay higher returns, they involve greater risk because the borrowers generally are smaller companies may be less credit-worthy than other larger or seasoned businesses.

Agency MBS are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, including mortgage pass-through securities representing interests in pools of mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"). Although securitized asset instruments typically represent pools of loans, in some cases they may consist of one large loan that is securitized and sold to capital market investors. At any given time, the Fund may have invested a substantial amount of its assets in any sector or subsector of the securitized asset markets.

The Fund will concentrate its investments in mortgage-related securities. These investments may be structured such that payments consist of interest-only ("IO"), principal-only ("PO") or principal and interest. The Fund may also invest in structured investments including credit linked notes ("CLNs"), adjustable rate mortgage loans ("ARMs"), and custodial receipts. The Fund may invest a substantial amount of its assets in "sub-prime" mortgage-related securities. The Fund also may invest in mortgage pass-through securities including securities eligible to be sold on the "to-be-announced" or TBA market. The Fund may enter into dollar rolls, in which the Fund sells mortgage-backed securities including mortgage TBAs and at the same time contracts to buy back very similar securities on a future date. MBS include credit risk transfer securities, which transfer the credit risk related to the MBS to the buyer of the security. Credit risk transfer securities are fixed or floating-rate unsecured general obligations issued by FNMA, FHLMC, or other government sponsored or private entities.

**3**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

The Fund's investments in mortgage-related securities may include instruments, the underlying assets of which allow for balloon payments (where a substantial portion of a mortgage loan balance is paid at maturity, which can shorten the average life of the mortgage-backed instrument) or negative amortization payments (where as a result of a payment cap, payments on a mortgage loan are less than the amount of principal and interest owed, with excess amounts added to the outstanding principal balance, which can extend the average life of the mortgage-backed instrument).

In selecting investments, the Adviser integrates fundamental analysis of individual investments and their sectors with a top-down view of the macroeconomic landscape. The Adviser uses a research oriented, value-driven approach to identify investments that it believes will perform well over market cycles in terms of income, total return and risk characteristics. The Adviser seeks to add value over the course of market cycles by identifying specific opportunities, including cyclical opportunities, with the potential for attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Adviser considers such factors as yield, interest rate risk, liquidity, instrument structure, credit and asset quality, perceived risk relative to other risk assets, and supply/demand technicals. In selecting among investments, the Adviser considers the relative value of particular investments. The Adviser also may employ sector rotation, which refers to the shifting of investments from one or more sectors or subsectors into one or more other sectors or subsectors.

In addition to investment-specific factors, the Adviser considers broad economic factors in constructing a portfolio designed to achieve the Fund's investment objective. In assessing the appropriate quality, sector weightings and duration of the portfolio, the Adviser considers a variety of factors that are expected to influence economic activity and interest rates.

The Adviser may sell a portfolio security when it believes the security no longer will contribute to meeting the Fund's investment objective. The Adviser makes that determination based on the same criteria it uses to select portfolio securities.

The Fund is "actively managed" and does not seek to replicate the composition or performance of any particular index. Accordingly, the portfolio managers have discretion on a daily basis to manage the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment objective. Immediately after commencement of operations, the Fund will invest most of its assets in cash and U.S. government securities until it can fully deploy its assets in a manner consistent with its investment objective and principal investment strategies. During this "ramp-up" period, the Fund will not necessarily comply with its investment objective or principal investment strategies.

**Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund**

The Fund's investments are subject to the following principal risks:

**Market Risk** —The market prices of securities or other assets held by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, political instability, recessions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, weather or climate events, armed conflict, market disruptions caused by tariffs, trade disputes, sanctions or other government actions, or other factors or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the Fund's securities and assets fall, the value of your investment will go down. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer or market may adversely impact securities markets as a whole.

In the past decade, financial markets throughout the world have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. Governmental and non-governmental issuers have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. Events that have contributed to these market conditions include, but are not limited to, major cybersecurity events; geopolitical events (including wars, terror attacks and economic sanctions); measures to address budget deficits; downgrading of

**4**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

sovereign debt; changes in oil and commodity prices; dramatic changes in currency exchange rates; global pandemics; and public sentiment. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced or may experience particularly large losses. Periods of extreme volatility in the financial markets, reduced liquidity of many instruments, increased government debt, inflation, and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability, may continue for some time.

Raising the ceiling on U.S. government debt has become increasingly politicized. Any failure to increase the total amount that the U.S. government is authorized to borrow could lead to a default on U.S. government obligations, with unpredictable consequences for economies and markets in the United States and elsewhere. Inflation and interest rates may increase. These circumstances could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments, and negatively impact the Fund's performance. In addition, inflation, rising interest rates, global supply chain disruptions, and other market events could adversely affect the companies or issuers in which the Fund invests. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian securities lost all, or nearly all, their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future political, geopolitical, or other events or conditions.

Governments and central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the United States. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, may not be known for some time. U.S. Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank actions, including increases or decreases in interest rates, or contrary actions by different governments, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which the Fund invests. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and these and other events affecting global markets, such as the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union (or Brexit), potential trade imbalances with China or other countries or sanctions or other government actions against Russia, other nations or individuals or companies (or their countermeasures), may contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.

The United States and other countries are periodically involved in disputes over trade and other matters, including the imposition of tariffs (or threat of tariffs), investment restrictions and adverse impacts on affected companies and securities may result in significant losses for the Fund. For example, the United States has imposed tariffs and other trade barriers on Chinese exports, has restricted sales of certain categories of goods to China, and has established barriers to investments in China. Trade disputes may adversely affect the economies of the United States and its trading partners, as well as companies directly or indirectly affected and financial markets generally. The U.S. government has prohibited U.S. persons, such as the Fund, from investing in Chinese companies designated as related to the Chinese military. These and possible future restrictions could limit the Fund's opportunities for investment and require the sale of securities at a loss or make them illiquid. Moreover, the Chinese government is involved in a longstanding dispute with Taiwan that has included threats of invasion. If the political climate between the United States and China does not improve or continues to deteriorate, if China were to attempt unification of Taiwan by force, or if other geopolitical conflicts develop or get worse, economies, markets and individual securities may be severely affected both regionally and globally, and the value of the Fund's assets may go down.

Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, armed conflict such as between Russia and Ukraine or in the Middle East, terrorism, natural disasters, infectious illness or public health issues, cybersecurity events, supply chain disruptions, sanctions against Russia, other nations or individuals or companies and possible countermeasures, and other circumstances in one country or

**5**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

region could have profound impacts on other countries or regions and on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected. The Fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any security or derivative position.

**Credit Risk** — If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by the Fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the Fund defaults on its obligation to pay principal and/or interest, has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. The values of lower-quality debt securities tend to be particularly sensitive to these changes. Changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness may occur quickly. The values of securities also may decline for a number of other reasons that relate directly to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods and services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets. The Fund also could be delayed or hindered in its enforcement of rights against an issuer, guarantor or counterparty.

**Private Credit Risk** — Entities that obtain access to credit from asset-based financing can differ from the entities that have access to traditional corporate or bank lending. In particular, entities gaining access to credit via "private credit" and other non-traditional lenders may be subject to higher levels of credit risk and may lose access to credit in an economic downturn. Privately issued securities are not traded on established markets and may be illiquid, difficult to value and subject to wide fluctuations in value. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. Private credit investments can range in credit quality depending on a variety of factors, including total leverage, amount of leverage senior to the security in question, variability in the issuer's cash flows, the size of the issuer, the quality of assets securing debt and the degree to which such assets cover the subject company's debt obligations. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Fund's Adviser will be able to secure all of the investment opportunities that it identifies for the Fund, or that the size of an investment opportunity available to the Fund will be as large as the Fund's Adviser would desire, on account of general economic conditions, specific market developments, or other circumstances outside of the Fund's Adviser's control. The Fund may be exposed to losses should these entities fail to perform.

**High-Yield or "Junk" Bond Risk** — Debt securities that are below investment grade, called "junk bonds," are speculative, have a higher risk of default or are already in default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments, and may become illiquid. These risks are more pronounced for securities that are already in default.

**Duration Risk** — Duration seeks to measure the price sensitivity of a fixed income security to changes in interest rates. The longer a portfolio's duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. The Fund's average portfolio maturity may be greater than the Fund's average portfolio duration, and, accordingly, the Fund may be more sensitive to changes in yield or interest rates. A portfolio with negative duration may increase in value when interest rates rise, and generally incurs a loss when interest rates and yields fall. The assumptions that are made about a security's features and options when calculating duration may prove to be incorrect. Duration is calculated by the Fund's Adviser, is not an exact measurement and may not reliably predict the Fund's or a particular security's price sensitivity to changes in yield or interest rates. The Fund's Adviser may not be successful in its efforts to limit sensitivity to interest rate changes.

**Interest Rate Risk** —The market prices of the Fund's fixed income securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. The value of your investment will generally go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. For example, if interest rates increase by 1%, the value of the Fund's portfolio with

**6**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

a portfolio duration of 10 years would be expected to decrease by 10%, all other things being equal. A general rise in interest rates could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the Fund. The maturity of a security may be significantly longer than its effective duration. A security's maturity and other features may be more relevant than its effective duration in determining the security's sensitivity to other factors affecting the issuer or markets generally, such as changes in credit quality or in the yield premium that the market may establish for certain types of securities (sometimes called "credit spread"). In general, the longer its maturity the more a security may be susceptible to these factors. When the credit spread for a fixed income security goes up or "widens," the value of the security generally will go down.

Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates, as issuers of adjustable rate and floating rate securities find themselves faced with higher payments. Unlike fixed rate securities, adjustable rate and floating rate securities generally will not increase in value if interest rates decline. Changes in interest rates also will affect the amount of interest income the Fund earns on its adjustable rate and floating rate investments.

**Exchange-Traded Fund ("ETF") Structure Risk** — The Fund is structured as an ETF and, as a result, is subject to special risks, including:

<sup>◼</sup>

**Not Individually Redeemable** — The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by the Fund at its net asset value per share ("NAV") only in large blocks known as Creation Units. The Fund may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit. Alternatively, the Fund may redeem your shares by selling them on the secondary market at prevailing market prices.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Trading Issues** — Trading in shares on the exchange operated by Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the "Exchange") may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange. There is no guarantee that an active secondary market will develop for the shares. In stressed market conditions, authorized participants may be unwilling to participate in the creation/redemption process, particularly if the market for shares becomes less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which may lead to widening of bid-ask spreads and differences between the market price of the shares and the underlying value of those shares.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Market Price Variance Risk** — The market prices of shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for shares and will include a bid-ask spread charged by the exchange specialists, market makers, or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly, particularly in times of market stress. This means that shares may trade at a premium or discount to NAV and bid-ask spreads may widen.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Authorized Participants Concentration Risk** — A limited number of financial institutions may be responsible for all or a significant portion of the creation and redemption activity for the Fund. If these firms exit the business or are unable or unwilling to process creation and/or redemption orders, shares may trade at a premium or discount to NAV and bid-ask spreads may widen.

<sup>◼</sup>

**Tax-Efficiency Risk** — Redemptions of shares may be effected for cash, rather than in kind, which means that the Fund may need to sell portfolio securities in order to complete an in-cash redemption, and may recognize net gains on these sales. As a result, investments in the shares may be less tax-efficient than investments in ETFs that redeem solely or principally in kind, and the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used.

**7**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

You may lose money by investing in the Fund. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its objective. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

By itself, the Fund does not constitute a complete investment plan and should be considered a long-term investment for investors who can afford to weather changes in the value of their investment.

**Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities Risk** — The value of mortgage-related securities, including commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage-backed securities, credit risk transfer securities, and asset-backed securities, will be influenced by factors affecting the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset value, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid. Mortgage-backed securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. These securities are also subject to interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets and are thus subject to the risk of default. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments offered by non-governmental issuers and those that include so-called "sub-prime" mortgages. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less available information than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the Fund may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss. For debt instruments secured by specific assts, those assets are often the sole source of principal and interest payments for the instrument. Should those assets underperform expectations or decline in value, the Fund could experience shortfalls in principal and interest.

**Credit Risk Transfer Securities Risk** — Credit risk transfer securities are unguaranteed and unsecured debt securities issued by government sponsored enterprises and therefore are not directly linked to or backed by the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, in the event that a government sponsored enterprise fails to pay principal or interest on its credit risk transfer securities or goes through a bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding, holders of such credit risk transfer securities have no direct recourse to the underlying mortgage loans and will generally receive recovery on par with other unsecured note holders in such a scenario. The risks associated with an investment in credit risk transfer securities are different than the risks associated with an investment in mortgage-backed securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), or other government sponsored enterprise or issued by a private issuer, because some or all of the mortgage default or credit risk associated with the underlying mortgage loans is transferred to investors. As a result, investors in these securities could lose some or all of their investment in these securities if the underlying mortgage loans default.

**Risks of Investing in Collateralized Debt Obligations** — Investment in a collateralized debt obligation ("CDO") is subject to the credit, subordination, interest rate, valuation, prepayment, extension and other risks of the obligations underlying the CDO and the tranche of the CDO in which the Fund invests. CDOs are subject to liquidity risk. Synthetic CDOs are also subject to the risks of investing in derivatives, such as credit default swaps, and leverage risk.

**Credit Linked Notes Risk —** Investment in a credit linked note ("CLN") is subject to the risks of the obligations underlying the CLN, including but not limited to market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, default risk and, in some cases, foreign currency risk. A holder of a CLN also bears counterparty risk or the risk that the issuer of the CLN will default or become bankrupt and not make timely payment of principal and interest. CLNs may be less liquid than other investments and therefore harder to dispose of at the desired time and price. In addition, CLNs may be leveraged and, as a result, small changes in the value of the obligations underlying the CLN may produce disproportionate losses for the holder of a CLN.

**8**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

**Custodial Receipts Risk —** Custodial receipts are securities that evidence ownership of future interest payments and/or principal payments on a basket of securities which underlie the custodial receipts in connection with programs sponsored by banks and brokerage firms. Custodial receipts are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners of the custodial receipts. Investment in a custodial receipt is subject to the risks of the obligations underlying the custodial receipt, including but not limited to credit risk and market risk. In addition, custodial receipts may be less liquid than other investments and therefore harder to dispose of at the desired time and price.

**Risks of Subordinated Securities** — A holder of securities that are subordinated or "junior" to more senior securities of an issuer is entitled to payment after holders of more senior securities of the issuer. Subordinated securities are more likely to suffer a credit loss than non-subordinated securities of the same issuer, any loss incurred by the subordinated securities is likely to be proportionately greater, and any recovery of interest or principal may take more time. As a result, even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer is likely to have a greater impact on subordinated securities than more senior securities.

**Prepayment or Call Risk** — Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, the Fund will not benefit from the rise in market price that normally accompanies a decline in interest rates, and will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. The Fund also may lose any premium it paid on the security.

**Extension Risk** — During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate, increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security.

**Liquidity Risk** — Some securities and derivatives held by the Fund may be or become impossible or difficult to purchase, sell or unwind, particularly during times of market turmoil. An instrument's liquidity may be affected by reduced trading volume, a relative lack of market makers or legal restrictions, and illiquid securities and derivatives also may be difficult to value. Markets may become illiquid quickly. Liquidity risk may be magnified in an environment of rising interest rates or widening credit spreads. During times of market turmoil, there have been, and may be, no buyers or sellers for securities in entire asset classes. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset or unwind a derivative position to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the Fund may be forced to sell at a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all. The Fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain securities for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer). In extreme cases, this may constrain the Fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).

**Portfolio Selection Risk** — The Adviser's judgment about the quality, relative yield, relative value or market trends affecting a particular sector or region, market segment, security, industry or about interest rates or other market factors may prove to be incorrect or may not produce the desired results, or there may be imperfections, errors or limitations in the models, tools and information used by the Adviser.

**U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk** — The market value of direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury may vary due to changes in interest rates. In addition, changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of the Fund's investments in obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury to decline.

**U.S. Government Agency Obligations Risk** — The Fund invests in obligations issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government. Government-sponsored entities such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") and the Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"), although chartered or sponsored by Congress, are not funded by congressional appropriations and the debt and mortgage-backed securities issued by them are neither guaranteed nor issued by the U.S. government. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some

**9**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

U.S. government obligations may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. government. Such debt and mortgage-backed securities are subject to the risk of default on the payment of interest and/or principal, similar to debt of private issuers. Although the U.S. government has provided financial support to FNMA and FHLMC in the past, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored entities in the future.

**Risks of Instruments that Allow for Balloon Payments or Negative Amortization Payments** — Certain debt instruments allow for balloon payments or negative amortization payments. Such instruments permit the borrower to avoid paying currently a portion of the interest accruing on the instrument. While these features make the debt instrument more affordable to the borrower in the near term, they increase the risk that the borrower will be unable to make the resulting higher payment or payments that become due at the maturity of the loan.

**Risks of Investing in Loans** — Floating rate loans and similar investments may be illiquid or less liquid than other investments and difficult to value. The value of collateral, if any, securing a floating rate loan can decline or may be insufficient to meet the issuer's obligations or may be difficult to liquidate. Market quotations for these securities may be volatile and/or subject to large spreads between bid and ask prices. No active trading market may exist for many floating rate loans, and many loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Any secondary market may be subject to irregular trading activity and extended trade settlement periods. In particular, loans may take longer than seven days to settle, potentially leading to the sale proceeds of loans not being available to meet redemption requests for a substantial period of time after the sale of the loans. To the extent that sale proceeds of loans are not available, the Fund may sell securities that have shorter settlement periods or may access other sources of liquidity to meet redemption requests. There is less readily available, reliable information about most senior loans than is the case for many other types of securities. The adviser's decision not to receive material, non-public information about an issuer of a loan either held by, or considered for investment by, the fund, under normal circumstances could place it at a disadvantage, relative to other loan investors, in assessing a loan or the loan's issuer, and adversely affect the fund's investment performance. Loans may not be considered "securities," and purchasers, such as the Fund therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections afforded by federal securities laws.

**Risks of Investing in Insurance-Linked Securities** — The Fund could lose a portion or all of the principal it has invested in an insurance-linked security, and the right to additional interest and/or dividend payments with respect to the security, upon the occurrence of one or more trigger events, as defined within the terms of an insurance-linked security. Trigger events may include natural or other perils of a specific size or magnitude that occur in a designated geographic region during a specified time period, and/or that involve losses or other metrics that exceed a specific amount. The Fund may also invest in insurance-linked securities that are subject to "indemnity triggers." An indemnity trigger is a trigger based on the actual losses of the ceding sponsor (i.e., the party seeking reinsurance). Insurance-linked securities subject to indemnity triggers are often regarded as being subject to potential moral hazard, since such insurance-linked securities are triggered by actual losses of the ceding sponsor and the ceding sponsor may have an incentive to take actions and/or risks that would have an adverse effect on the Fund. There is no way to accurately predict whether a trigger event will occur and, accordingly, insurance-linked securities carry significant risk. In addition to the specified trigger events, insurance-linked securities may expose the Fund to other risks, including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences. Certain insurance-linked securities may have limited liquidity, or may be illiquid. The Fund has limited transparency into the individual contracts underlying certain insurance-linked securities, which may make the risk assessment of such securities more difficult. Certain insurance-linked securities may be difficult to value.

**Inflation-Linked Securities Risk** —The principal or interest of inflation-linked securities such as TIPS is adjusted periodically to a specified rate of inflation. The inflation index used may not accurately measure the real rate of inflation. Inflation-linked securities may lose value or interest payments on

**10**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

such securities may decline in the event that the actual rate of inflation is different than the rate of the inflation index, and losses may exceed those experienced by other debt securities with similar durations. The values of inflation-linked securities may not be directly correlated to changes in interest rates, for example if interest rates rise for reasons other than inflation.

**Risks of Zero Coupon Bonds, Payment in Kind, Deferred and Contingent Payment Securities** — These securities may be more speculative and may fluctuate more in value than securities which pay income periodically and in cash. In addition, although the Fund receives no periodic cash payments on such securities, the Fund is deemed for tax purposes to receive income from such securities, which applicable tax rules generally require the Fund to distribute to shareholders to retain its status as a regulated investment company and avoid being subject to U.S. federal income and excise tax. Such distributions may be taxable when distributed to shareholders.

**Risks of Non-U.S. Investments** — Investing in non-U.S. issuers, or in U.S. issuers that have significant exposure to foreign markets, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the Fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, less liquid trading markets, extreme price volatility, currency risks, changes in economic, political, regulatory and social conditions, military conflicts and sanctions, terrorism, sustained economic downturns, financial instability, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards, auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements, tariffs, tax disputes or other tax burdens, nationalization or expropriation of assets, arbitrary application of laws and regulations or lack of rule of law, and investment and repatriation restrictions. Investors in foreign countries often have limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims. Lack of information and less market regulation also may affect the value of these securities. Dividends and interest received by the Fund and capital gains recognized by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries and may decrease the Fund's return. Non-U.S. issuers may be located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters. Emerging market economies tend to be less diversified than those of more developed countries. They typically have fewer medical and economic resources than more developed countries and thus they may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of a pandemic. Investing in depositary receipts is subject to many of the same risks as investing directly in non-U.S. issuers. Depositary receipts may involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security.

A number of countries in the European Union ("EU") have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. In addition, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the EU (commonly known as "Brexit"). The range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes of Brexit cannot be fully known but could be significant, potentially resulting in increased volatility, illiquidity and potentially lower economic growth in the affected markets, which will adversely affect the Fund's investments.

Sanctions or other government actions against certain countries could negatively impact the Fund's investments in securities that have exposure to those countries. Circumstances that impact one country could have profound impacts on other countries and on global economies or markets. China and other developing market countries may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. The U.S. government has imposed restrictions on U.S. investor participation in certain Chinese investments. These matters could adversely affect China's economy. In addition, China's long-running conflict over Taiwan's sovereignty, border disputes with many neighbors and historically strained relations with other Asian countries could result in military conflict that could adversely impact the economies of China and other Asian countries, disrupt supply chains, and severely affect global economies and markets.

**11**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In response to the military action by Russia, various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union, issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus and certain companies and individuals. Russia has taken retaliatory actions, including preventing repatriation of capital by United States and other investors. Since then, Russian securities have lost all, or nearly all, their market value, and many other issuers, securities and markets have been adversely affected. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant market disruptions, including in certain markets, industries and sectors, such as the oil and natural gas markets, and negatively affected global supply chains, food supplies, inflation and global growth. The United States and other countries may impose sanctions on other countries, companies and individuals in light of Russia's military invasion. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities, the extent and impact of existing and future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility, and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant impact on the value and liquidity of certain Fund investments, on Fund performance and the value of an investment in the Fund.

**Currency Risk** — The Fund could experience losses based on changes in the exchange rate between non-U.S. currencies and the U.S. dollar or as a result of currency conversion costs. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation.

**Preferred Stocks Risk** — Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred stocks are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company's preferred stocks generally pay dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. Thus, the value of preferred stocks will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. The market value of preferred stocks generally decreases when interest rates rise. Also, the market prices of preferred stocks are more sensitive to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Generally, under normal circumstances, preferred stocks do not carry voting rights. Preferred stocks may trade less frequently and in a more limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than other securities. Preferred stocks of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred stocks of larger companies.

**Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions Risk** — The benefits to the Fund from mortgage dollar roll transactions depend upon the Adviser's ability to forecast mortgage prepayment patterns on different mortgage pools. The Fund may lose money if, during the period between the time it agrees to the forward purchase of the mortgage securities and the settlement date, these securities decline in value due to market conditions or prepayments on the underlying mortgages.

**Risks of Investing in Other Funds** — Investing in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") and closed-end funds, subjects the Fund to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or assets held by those funds. When investing in another fund, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the underlying fund's expenses, including management fees, in addition to its own expenses. ETFs and closed-end funds are bought and sold based on market prices and can trade at a premium or a discount to the ETF's or closed-end fund's net asset value. Such funds may trade at a discount for an extended period and may not ever realize their net asset value.

**Derivatives Risk** — Using swaps, futures, and other derivatives can increase Fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates, currencies, or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by the Fund. Using derivatives may increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value and may not provide the result intended. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the Fund. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund's initial investment. Derivatives are generally subject to the risks applicable to the

**12**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative. Changes in a derivative's value may not correlate well with the referenced asset or metric. The Fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to the Fund. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may not be as favorable as a direct investment in an underlying investment and may adversely affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. As a result, a larger portion of the Fund's distributions may be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains. In addition, certain derivatives are subject to mark-to-market or straddle provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). If such provisions are applicable, there could be an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by the Fund. The U.S. government and foreign governments have adopted and implemented or are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.

**Credit Default Swap Risk** — Credit default swap contracts, a type of derivative instrument, involve special risks and may result in losses to the Fund. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the Fund has exposure to the issuer of the referenced obligation and either the counterparty to the credit default swap or, if it is a cleared transaction, the brokerage firm through which the trade was cleared and the clearing organization that is the counterparty to that trade.

**Structured Securities Risk** — Structured securities may behave in ways not anticipated by the Fund, or they may not receive the tax, accounting or regulatory treatment anticipated by the Fund.

**Risks of Investing in Inverse Floating Rate Obligations** — The interest rate on inverse floating rate obligations will generally decrease as short-term interest rates increase, and increase as short-term rates decrease. Due to their leveraged structure, the sensitivity of the market value of an inverse floating rate obligation to changes in interest rates is generally greater than a comparable long-term bond issued by the same issuer and with similar credit quality, redemption and maturity provisions. Inverse floating rate obligations may be volatile and involve leverage risk.

**Leveraging Risk** — The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the Fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's underlying assets and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than the Fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. Engaging in such transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations. New derivatives regulations require the Fund, to the extent it uses derivatives to a material extent, to, among other things, comply with certain overall limits on leverage. These regulations may limit the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategies and may not be effective to mitigate the Fund's risk of loss from derivatives.

**Market Segment Risk** — To the extent the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation than a fund without the same focus.

**Large Shareholder Risk** — Certain large shareholders, including authorized participants and other funds advised by the Adviser, may from time to time own a substantial amount of the Fund's shares. The actions by one shareholder or multiple shareholders may have an impact on the Fund and, therefore, indirectly on other shareholders. Shareholder purchase and redemption activity may affect the per share amount of the Fund's distributions of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, thereby affecting the tax burden on the Fund's shareholders subject to federal income tax, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and cause the Fund to make taxable

**13**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

distributions to its shareholders earlier than the Fund otherwise would have. To the extent a larger shareholder is permitted to invest in the Fund, the Fund may experience large inflows or outflows of cash from time to time. This activity could magnify these adverse effects on the Fund.

**Limited History of Operations** — The Fund is new and, therefore, has a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.

**Valuation Risk** — Nearly all of the Fund's investments are valued using a fair value methodology. The sales price the Fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in thin or volatile markets. These differences may increase significantly and affect Fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the securities had not been fair-valued or if a different valuation methodology had been used. The ability to value the Fund's investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.

**Redemption Risk** — The Fund may experience heavy redemptions that could cause the Fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, or accelerate taxable gains or transaction costs, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.

**Cybersecurity Risk** — Cybersecurity failures by and breaches of the Adviser, transfer agent, the Distributor, custodian, Fund accounting agent or other service providers may disrupt Fund operations, interfere with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, prevent Fund shareholders from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares or receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the Fund or their investment in the Fund, cause loss of or unauthorized access to private shareholder information, and result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, or additional compliance costs. New ways to carry out cyber attacks continue to develop. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the Fund's ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack.

**Management Risk** — The Fund is actively managed. The Adviser's judgments about a particular security, markets, or investment strategy may prove to be incorrect and may cause the Fund to incur losses. There can be no assurance that the Adviser's investment techniques and decisions will produce the desired results.

**Expense Risk** — Your actual costs of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Please note that there are many other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the Fund from achieving its goals.

An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Investment Performance**

No performance information is presented since the Fund does not yet have a full calendar year of performance. Performance data for the Fund is available online at vcm.com or by calling 866-376-7890. A fund's performance is not necessarily an indication of how that fund will perform in the future.

**14**

------

VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF Summary

**Management of the Fund**

**Investment Adviser**

Victory Capital Management Inc. (the "Adviser") serves as the Fund's investment adviser. The portfolio managers jointly and primarily responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund are members of the Adviser's Pioneer Investments investment franchise.

**Portfolio Management** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Title** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Tenure with the Fund and** <br> **Predecessor Fund**<br>|
| Noah Funderburk | &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President and <br> Director of Securitized Credit<br>| Since June 2025 |
| Nicolas Pauwels | &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Deputy <br> Director of Securitized Credit<br>| Since June 2025 |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund will issue and redeem shares at NAV only in large blocks of 25,000 shares (each block of shares is called a "Creation Unit"). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities by Authorized Participants ("APs") that have entered into agreements with the Fund's distributor. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the Exchange. Individual shares may only be purchased and sold in the secondary market through a broker or dealer at a market price. Because shares of the Fund trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price that is greater than (a premium), at, or less than (a discount) NAV. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the "bid-ask spread").

For recent information about the Fund, including the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, visit vcm.com.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions generally are taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes may be imposed on withdrawals from tax-deferred arrangements. A sale of shares may result in a capital gain or loss.

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

If you purchase shares through an account maintained by 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 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 website for more information.

**15**

------

Additional Fund Information

------

The VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF (the "Fund") is organized as an exchange-traded fund ("ETF").

This and the following sections describe additional information about the principal investment strategies that the Fund will use under normal market conditions to pursue its investment objective, as well as any secondary strategies the Fund may use, and the related risks. This Prospectus does not attempt to describe all of the various investment techniques and types of investments that the Adviser may use in managing the Fund. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") includes more information about the Fund, its investments, and the related risks.

The Fund seeks an attractive total return by investing primarily in "asset-based income investments." Asset-based income investments include debt instruments that are collateralized by specific assets (e.g., collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs"), commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"), and asset-backed securities ("ABS")). Asset-based income investments also include debt instruments whose cash flows are derived from, or are connected to, the performance of specific underlying assets (e.g., credit risk transfer securities ("CRTs") and credit linked notes ("CLNs")). The Adviser applies an asset-based credit underwriting process to seek diverse credit exposures to various areas outside of the corporate credit markets as well as diverse credit exposures outside of traditional fixed income benchmarks. For example, the Fund seeks to invest in liquid asset-based income investments that have exposure to privately issued loans and obligations (e.g., ABS that are backed by consumer loans, equipment loans, retail installment contracts; CMOs backed by loans made by specialty non-bank residential and commercial mortgage lenders; and CLOs backed by loans made by private credit lenders). The Fund seeks to provide an attractive total return primarily through high current income and secondarily through capital appreciation.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in various U.S. dollar-denominated asset-based income investments. Asset-based income investments include, but are not limited to, securitized assets, such as ABS, including private and multi-class structures, pass-through certificates, residual certificates, and other instruments secured by financial, physical, and/or intangible assets (e.g., receivables or pools of receivables). These instruments also include agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), CMBS of various types, as well as debt and equity tranches of collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"), CMOs, and CLOs. The Fund intends to invest in CMOs backed by both residential and commercial mortgages. The Fund also intends to invest in CLOs backed by loans, including CLOs backed by private credit loans ("Private Credit CLOs") and loans made to medium sized borrowers ("Middle Market CLOs"). CLOs, CMOs, and ABS may be considered to be types of CDOs. The Fund intends to invest in these security types without any specific restriction. Across these security types, the Fund intends to invest in lower-rated tranches without any specific restriction, including below investment grade (i.e., securities rated lower than Baa3/BBB-) and unrated securities. The Fund does not intend to invest directly in private credit. The Fund intends to invest in private credit indirectly through securities that are collateralized by private credit exposure, such as Private Credit CLOs and Middle Market CLOs. Asset-based income investments also include CRTs, synthetic risk transfers ("SRTs"), and CLNs whose cash flows are connected to the performance of pools of assets, and loans as well as privately placed securities secured by specific assets. Derivative instruments that provide exposure to asset-based income investments or have similar economic characteristics may be used to satisfy the Fund's 80% policy.

The Fund will invest in a broad range of issuers and segments of the debt markets. Debt securities may include instruments and obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. corporate and other non-governmental entities, those of U.S. and non-U.S. governmental entities (including government agencies and instrumentalities), secured and unsecured loans and other floating rate securities, subordinated debt securities, preferred securities, insurance-linked securities, certificates of deposit, money market

**16**

------

Additional Fund Information

------

securities, securities of other investment companies (including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds) that invest primarily in debt securities, and cash, cash equivalents and other short term holdings.

The Fund intends to focus its portfolio investments in non-investment-grade debt securities. Generally, debt securities rated below the four highest credit grades by a public rating agency (or of equivalent quality if not publicly rated) are considered "below-investment-grade," "high-yield," or "junk" securities.

The Fund may invest in securities of issuers in any market sector, industry, or market capitalization range. The Fund may also invest in Treasury Inflation Protected Securities ("TIPS"), and other inflation-linked debt securities.

The Fund has no limit as to the maturity or duration of the securities in which it invests and maintains an average portfolio duration that varies based upon the judgment of the Fund's investment adviser. The Fund invests in investments that feature fixed or variable principal payments and all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, floating rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind, and auction rate features.

The Fund will invest in portfolio securities without limit in securities of any rating. Investment in securities of below-investment-grade quality, commonly referred to as "junk bonds," involves substantial risk of loss.

The Fund may invest in securities that are subordinated or "junior" to more senior securities of the issuer, including residual or equity tranches of securitized asset instruments.

When the Adviser believes it is appropriate, the Fund will invest in derivative instruments, including, among other things, interest rate futures and credit default swaps. The Fund may use derivatives to hedge against adverse changes in the market price of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates; as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities; to seek event-linked exposure; to attempt to increase the Fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative; to manage portfolio characteristics; and as a cash flow management technique. The Fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and any use may be limited by applicable law and regulations. The Fund also may hold cash or other short-term investments.

The Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental. The Fund's policy to invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its assets in asset-based income investments is non-fundamental. The Board of Trustees (the "Board") may change an objective or policy that is non-fundamental without shareholder approval upon at least 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders. For purposes of a Fund's 80% investment policy, "assets" means the Fund's net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, exclusive of collateral held from securities lending.

Asset-based income investments that provide exposure to the private credit markets include securities collateralized by income streams from privately issued loans. While these privately issued loans generally pay higher returns, they involve greater risk because the borrowers generally are smaller companies may be less credit-worthy than other larger or seasoned businesses.

Agency MBS are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, including mortgage pass-through securities representing interests in pools of mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"). Although securitized asset instruments typically represent pools of loans, in some cases they may consist of one large loan that is securitized and sold to capital market investors. At any given time, the Fund may have invested a substantial amount of its assets in any sector or subsector of the securitized asset markets.

**17**

------

Additional Fund Information

------

The Fund will concentrate its investment in mortgage-related securities. These investments may be structured such that payments consist of interest-only ("IO"), principal-only ("PO") or principal and interest. The Fund may also invest in structured investments including credit linked notes ("CLNs"), adjustable rate mortgage loans ("ARMs"), and custodial receipts. The Fund may invest a substantial amount of its assets in "sub-prime" mortgage-related securities. The Fund also may invest in mortgage pass-through securities including securities eligible to be sold on the "to-be-announced" or TBA market. The Fund may enter into dollar rolls, in which the Fund sells mortgage-backed securities including mortgage TBAs and at the same time contracts to buy back very similar securities on a future date. MBS include credit risk transfer securities, which transfer the credit risk related to the MBS to the buyer of the security. Credit risk transfer securities are fixed or floating-rate unsecured general obligations issued by FNMA, FHLMC, or other government sponsored or private entities.

The Fund's investments in mortgage-related securities may include instruments, the underlying assets of which allow for balloon payments (where a substantial portion of a mortgage loan balance is paid at maturity, which can shorten the average life of the mortgage-backed instrument) or negative amortization payments (where as a result of a payment cap, payments on a mortgage loan are less than the amount of principal and interest owed, with excess amounts added to the outstanding principal balance, which can extend the average life of the mortgage-backed instrument). Mortgage-backed securities may be either pass-through securities or CMOs. Pass-through securities represent a right to receive principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages, which are passed through to security holders.

In selecting investments, the Adviser integrates fundamental analysis of individual investments and their sectors with a top-down view of the macroeconomic landscape. The Adviser uses a research oriented, value-driven approach to identify investments that it believes will perform well over market cycles in terms of income, total return and risk characteristics. The Adviser seeks to add value over the course of market cycles by identifying specific opportunities, including cyclical opportunities, with the potential for attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Adviser considers such factors as yield, interest rate risk, liquidity, instrument structure, credit and asset quality, perceived risk relative to other risk assets, and supply/demand technicals. In selecting among investments, the Adviser considers the relative value of particular investments. The Adviser also may employ sector rotation, which refers to the shifting of investments from one or more sectors or subsectors into one or more other sectors or subsectors.

In addition to investment-specific factors, the Adviser considers broad economic factors in constructing a portfolio designed to achieve the Fund's investment objective. In assessing the appropriate quality, sector weightings and duration of the portfolio, the Adviser considers a variety of factors that are expected to influence economic activity and interest rates.

The Adviser may sell a portfolio security when it believes the security no longer will contribute to meeting the Fund's investment objective. The Adviser makes that determination based on the same criteria it uses to select portfolio securities.

Immediately after commencement of operations, the Fund will invest most of its assets in cash and U.S. government securities until it can fully deploy its assets in a manner consistent with its investment objective and principal investment strategies. During this "ramp-up" period, the Fund will not necessarily comply with its investment objective or principal investment strategies.

**18**

------

Investments

------

**The following describes the types of securities the Fund may purchase under normal market conditions to achieve its principal investment strategy. The Fund will not necessarily buy all of the securities listed below.**

**Investment-Grade Securities**

A debt security is considered investment grade if it is:

<sup>◼</sup>

Rated BBB or higher at the time of purchase by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC;

<sup>◼</sup>

Rated the equivalent rating by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; or

<sup>◼</sup>

Determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.

Securities in the lowest category of investment grade (i.e., BBB) are considered to have speculative characteristics. An investor can still lose significant amounts when investing in investment grade securities.

**Below-Investment-Grade Securities ("Junk Bonds")**

The Fund may invest in debt securities rated below investment grade or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser. A debt security is below investment grade if it is rated BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC or the equivalent rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below-investment-grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities. Below-investment-grade securities also may be more difficult to value.

**Debt Rating Considerations**

For purposes of the Fund's credit quality policies, if a security receives different ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, the Fund will use the rating chosen by the portfolio manager as most representative of the security's credit quality. The ratings of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities that they undertake to rate and may not accurately describe the risks of the securities. A rating organization may have a conflict of interest with respect to a security for which it assigns a quality rating. In addition, there may be a delay between a change in the credit quality of a security or other asset and a change in the quality rating assigned to the security or other asset by a rating organization. If a rating organization changes the quality rating assigned to one or more of the Fund's securities, the Adviser will consider if any action is appropriate in light of the Fund's investment objective and policies. These ratings are used as criteria for the selection of portfolio securities, in addition to the Adviser's own assessment of the credit quality of potential investments.

**Mortgage-Related Securities**

The Fund will concentrate its investments in mortgage-related securities. Mortgage-related securities may be issued by private issuers, by government-sponsored entities such as FNMA ("Fannie Mae") or FHLMC ("Freddie Mac") or by agencies of the U.S. government, such as GNMA. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participation in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. The Fund's investments in mortgage-related securities may include mortgage derivatives and structured securities.

The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"). An SMBS is a derivative multi-class mortgage security. SMBS usually are structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distribution on a pool of mortgage assets. In some cases, one

**19**

------

Investments

------

class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO" class).

The mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund invests, may be either pass-through securities or collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"). Pass-through securities represent a right to receive principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages, which are passed through to security holders. A CMO is a mortgage-backed bond that is issued in multiple classes, each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final scheduled distribution date. The holder of an interest in a CMO is entitled to receive specified cash flows from a pool of underlying mortgages or other mortgage-backed securities. Depending upon the class of CMO purchased, the holder may be entitled to payment before the cash flow from the pool is used to pay holders of other classes of the CMO or, alternatively, the holder may be paid only to the extent that there is cash remaining after the cash flow has been used to pay other classes. A subordinated interest may serve as a credit support for the senior securities purchased by other investors.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has been developing a new securitization infrastructure for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage loans backed by single-family properties. A Common Securitization Platform ("CSP") has been created to facilitate issuance of single-family mortgage securities, release related at-issuance and ongoing disclosures, and administer the securities post-issuance. In addition, CSP supports the single-family mortgage securitization activities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including the issuance by both organizations of a common single mortgage-backed security known as the uniform mortgage-backed security ("UMBS"). The issuance of UMBS has a goal of improving the overall liquidity of these securities and helping ensure liquidity of the U.S. housing finance markets. The effect of the issuance of UMBS on the market for mortgage-backed securities is uncertain.

**Asset-Backed Securities**

The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. The Fund's investments in asset-backed securities may include derivative and structured securities.

The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities issued by special entities, such as trusts, that are backed by a pool of financial assets. The Fund may invest in collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"), which include collateralized bond obligations ("CBOs"), collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs") and other similarly structured securities. A CDO is a trust backed by a pool of fixed income securities. The trust typically is split into two or more portions, called tranches, which vary in credit quality, yield, credit support and right to repayment of principal and interest. Lower tranches pay higher interest rates but represent lower degrees of credit quality and are more sensitive to the rate of defaults in the pool of obligations. Certain CDOs may use derivatives, such as credit default swaps, to create synthetic exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly.

**Equity Tranches of Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities**

The Fund may also invest in the residual or equity tranches of mortgage-related and other asset-backed instruments, which may be referred to as subordinate mortgage-backed or asset-backed instruments and interest-only mortgage-backed or asset-backed instruments. Subordinate mortgage-backed or asset-backed instruments are paid interest only to the extent that there are funds available to make payments. To the extent the collateral pool includes a large percentage of delinquent loans, there is a risk that interest payment on subordinate mortgage-backed or asset-backed instruments will not be fully paid. Investments in subordinate mortgage-backed and other asset-backed instruments are subject to risks arising from delinquencies and foreclosures, thereby

**20**

------

Investments

------

exposing its investment portfolio to potential losses. Subordinate mortgage-backed and other asset-backed instruments are also subject to greater credit risk than those mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities that are more highly rated.

There are multiple tranches of mortgage-backed and asset-backed instruments, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine, and subordinated/equity or "first loss," according to their degree of risk. The most senior tranche of a mortgage-backed or asset-backed instrument has the greatest collateralization and pays the lowest interest rate. If there are defaults or the collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those to subordinated/equity tranches. Lower tranches represent lower degrees of credit quality and pay higher interest rates intended to compensate for the attendant risks. The return on the lower tranches is especially sensitive to the rate of defaults in the collateral pool. The lowest tranche (i.e. the "equity" or "residual" tranche) specifically receives the residual interest payments (i.e., money that is left over after the higher tranches have been paid and expenses of the issuing entities have been paid) rather than a fixed interest rate. Because an investment in the residual or equity tranche of a mortgage-related or other asset-backed instrument will be the first to bear losses incurred by such instrument, these investments may involve a significantly greater degree of risk than investments in other tranches of a mortgage-related or other asset-backed instrument.

**Subordinated Securities**

The Fund may invest in securities that are subordinated or "junior" to more senior securities of the issuer. The investor in a subordinated security of an issuer is entitled to payment after other holders of debt in that issuer.

**Credit Risk Transfer Securities**

Credit risk transfer securities are a type of mortgage-related security that transfers the credit risk related to certain types of mortgage-backed securities to the owner of the credit risk transfer security. Credit risk transfer securities are commonly issued by government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, but may also be issued by private entities such as banks or other financial institutions. Credit risk transfer securities issued by GSEs are unguaranteed and unsecured fixed or floating rate general obligations and are typically issued at par and have stated final maturities. In addition, GSE-issued credit risk transfer securities are structured so that: (i) interest is paid directly by the issuing GSE; and (ii) principal is paid by the issuing GSE in accordance with the principal payments and default performance of a pool of residential mortgage loans acquired by the GSE. In this regard, holders of GSE credit risk transfer securities receive compensation for providing credit protection to the GSE and, when a specified level of losses on the underlying mortgage loans occurs, the principal balance and certain payments owed to the holders of such GSE credit risk transfer securities may be reduced.

**U.S. Government Securities**

The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. U.S. government securities are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. government, its agencies or government-sponsored entities. U.S. government securities include obligations: directly issued by or supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, like Treasury bills, notes and bonds and Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") certificates; supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, like those of the Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"); supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency's securities, like those of the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"); or supported only by the credit of the issuer itself, like the Tennessee Valley Authority. U.S. government securities include issues by non-governmental entities (like financial

**21**

------

Investments

------

institutions) that carry direct guarantees from U.S. government agencies. U.S. government securities include zero coupon securities that make payments of interest and principal only upon maturity and which therefore tend to be subject to greater volatility than interest-bearing securities with comparable maturities.

Although the U.S. government guarantees principal and interest payments on securities issued by the U.S. government and some of its agencies, such as securities issued by GNMA, this guarantee does not apply to losses resulting from declines in the market value of these securities. Some of the U.S. government securities that the Fund may hold are not guaranteed or backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as those issued by FNMA and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC").

**Non-U.S. Investments**

The Fund may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including securities of emerging markets issuers. Non-U.S. issuers are issuers that are organized and have their principal offices outside of the United States. Non-U.S. securities may be issued by non-U.S. governments, banks or corporations, or private issuers, and certain supranational organizations, such as the World Bank and the European Union. The Fund considers emerging market issuers to include issuers organized under the laws of an emerging market country, issuers with a principal office in an emerging market country, issuers that derive at least 50% of their gross revenues or profits from goods or services produced in emerging market countries or sales made in emerging market countries, or issuers that have at least 50% of their assets in emerging market countries. Emerging markets generally will include, but not be limited to, countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging + Frontier Markets Index.

**Adjustable Rate and Floating Rate Investments**

Adjustable rate and floating rate investments are securities and other instruments with interest rates that adjust or "float" periodically based on a specified interest rate or other reference and include ARMs, floating rate loans, repurchase agreements, money market securities and shares of money market and short-term bond funds.

**Floating Rate Loans**

Floating rate loans are provided by banks and other financial institutions to large corporate customers in connection with recapitalizations, acquisitions, and refinancings. These loans are generally acquired as a participation interest in, or assignment of, loans originated by a lender or other financial institution. These loans are rated below investment grade. The rates of interest on the loans typically adjust periodically by reference to a base lending rate, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), a designated U.S. bank's prime or base rate or the overnight federal funds rate, plus a premium. Some loans reset on set dates, typically every 30 to 90 days, but not to exceed one year. Other loans reset periodically when the underlying rate resets.

In most instances, the Fund's investments in floating rate loans hold a senior position in the capital structure of the borrower. Having a senior position means that, if the borrower becomes insolvent, senior debtholders, like the Fund, will be paid before subordinated debtholders and stockholders of the borrower. Senior loans typically are secured by specific collateral.

Floating rate loans typically are structured and administered by a financial institution that acts as an agent for the holders of the loan. Loans can be acquired directly through the agent, by assignment from another holder of the loan, or as a participation interest in the loan. When the Fund is a direct investor in a loan, the Fund may have the ability to influence the terms of the loan, although the Fund does not act as the sole negotiator or originator of the loan. Participation interests are fractional interests in a loan issued by a lender or other financial institution. When the Fund invests in a loan

**22**

------

Investments

------

participation, the Fund does not have a direct claim against the borrower and must rely upon an intermediate participant to enforce any rights against the borrower.

**Insurance-Linked Securities**

The Fund may invest in insurance-linked securities ("ILS"). The Fund could lose a portion or all of the principal it has invested in an ILS, and the right to additional interest or dividend payments with respect to the security, upon the occurrence of one or more trigger events, as defined within the terms of an insurance-linked security. Trigger events, generally, are hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural events of a specific size or magnitude that occur in a designated geographic region during a specified time period, and/or that involve losses or other metrics that exceed a specific amount. There is no way to accurately predict whether a trigger event will occur, and accordingly, ILS carry significant risk. The Fund is entitled to receive principal and interest and/or dividend payments so long as no trigger event occurs of the description and magnitude specified by the instrument. In addition to the specified trigger events, ILS may expose the Fund to other risks, including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences.

The Fund's investments in ILS may include event-linked bonds. ILS also may include securities issued by special purpose vehicles ("SPVs") or similar instruments structured to comprise a portion of a reinsurer's catastrophe-oriented business, known as quota share instruments (sometimes referred to as reinsurance sidecars), or to provide reinsurance relating to specific risks to insurance or reinsurance companies through a collateralized instrument, known as collateralized reinsurance. Structured reinsurance investments also may include industry loss warranties ("ILWs"). A traditional ILW takes the form of a bilateral reinsurance contract, but there are also products that take the form of derivatives, collateralized structures, or exchange-traded instruments. The Fund may invest in interests in pooled entities that invest primarily in ILS.

Where the ILS are based on the performance of underlying reinsurance contracts, the Fund has limited transparency into the individual underlying contracts, and therefore must rely upon the risk assessment and sound underwriting practices of the insurer and/or reinsurer. Accordingly, it may be more difficult for the Adviser to fully evaluate the underlying risk profile of the Fund's structured reinsurance investments, and therefore the Fund's assets are placed at greater risk of loss than if the Adviser had more complete information. Structured reinsurance instruments generally will be considered illiquid securities by the Fund.

**Zero Coupon Securities**

The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are debt instruments that do not pay interest during the life of the security but are issued at a discount from the amount the investor will receive when the issuer repays the amount borrowed (the face value). The discount approximates the total amount of interest that would be paid at an assumed interest rate.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities, indices and currencies, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, bond and interest rate futures, swaps, including interest rate swaps, and other derivatives. The Fund also may enter into credit default swaps, which can be used to acquire or to transfer the credit risk of a security or index of securities without buying or selling the security or securities comprising the relevant index. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other financial instruments. The Fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including:

◼

In an attempt to hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates, or currency exchange rates

**23**

------

Investments

------

◼

As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities

◼

To attempt to increase the Fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative

◼

To manage portfolio characteristics (for example, the duration or credit quality of the Fund's portfolio)

◼

As a cash flow management technique

The Fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and any use may be limited by applicable law and regulations.

**Inverse Floating Rate Obligations**

The Fund may invest in inverse floating rate obligations (a type of derivative instrument). The interest rate on inverse floating rate obligations generally will decrease as short-term interest rates increase, and increase as short-term rates decrease. Due to their leveraged structure, the sensitivity of the market value of an inverse floating rate obligation to changes in interest rates generally is greater than a comparable long-term bond issued by the same issuer and with similar credit quality, redemption, and maturity provisions. Inverse floating rate obligations may be volatile and involve leverage risk.

**Cash Management and Temporary Investments**

Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in money market funds, securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, including overnight repurchase agreements, or may hold cash. For temporary defensive purposes, including during periods of unusual cash flows, the Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or may hold cash. The Fund may adopt a defensive strategy when the Adviser believes securities in which the Fund normally invests have special or unusual risks or are less attractive due to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During such periods, it may be more difficult for the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

**24**

------

Additional Investment Strategies and Related Risks

------

***In addition to the principal investment strategies and related risks discussed in this prospectus, the Fund may also use other techniques, including the following non-principal investment strategies and related risks.*** 

**Repurchase Agreements**

In a repurchase agreement, the Fund purchases securities from a broker/dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the Fund at a later date, and at a specified price. The repurchase price is generally higher than the purchase price paid by the Fund, with the difference being income to the Fund. The securities purchased serve as the Fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. If the counterparty does not repurchase the securities, the Fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the Fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss. Additionally, if the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the Fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.

**Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Borrowing**

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements pursuant to which the Fund transfers securities to a counterparty in return for cash, and the Fund agrees to repurchase the securities at a later date and for a higher price. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the other party may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. The Fund could lose money if it is unable to recover the securities and the value of the collateral held by the Fund, including the value of the investments made with cash collateral, is less than the value of the securities. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings by the Fund, are a form of leverage and may make the value of an investment in the Fund more volatile and increase the risks of investing in the Fund. The Fund also may borrow money from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. The Fund may borrow up to 33 1∕3% of its total assets. Entering into reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowing transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.

**Short-Term Trading**

The Fund usually does not trade for short-term profits. The Fund will sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if it no longer meets the Fund's investment criteria. If the Fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareholders to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital gains and a larger portion of the Fund's distributions may be treated as ordinary income rather than long-term capital gains, which generally are taxed at lower rates.

**25**

------

Risk Factors

------

The following describes the principal risks that you may assume as an investor in the Fund. These risks could adversely affect the net asset value, total return, and the value of the Fund and your investment. The risk descriptions below provide a more detailed explanation of the principal investment risks that correspond to the risks described in the Fund Summary section of this Prospectus.

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio investments. When you sell your Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them; and accordingly, you can lose money investing in the Fund. The Fund, by itself, is not intended to be a complete investment program.

**Market Risk** — The market prices of securities or other assets held by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, political instability, recessions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, weather or climate events, armed conflict, market disruptions caused by tariffs, trade disputes, sanctions or other government actions, or other factors or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the Fund's securities and assets fall, the value of your investment will go down. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer or market may adversely impact securities markets as a whole.

Changes in market conditions may not have the same impact on all types of securities. The value of securities may also fall due to specific conditions that affect a particular sector of the securities market or a particular issuer. In the past decade, financial markets throughout the world have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. Governmental and non-governmental issuers have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. Events that have contributed to these market conditions include, but are not limited to, major cybersecurity events; geopolitical events (including wars, terror attacks and economic sanctions); measures to address budget deficits; downgrading of sovereign debt; changes in oil and commodity prices; dramatic changes in currency exchange rates; global pandemics; and public sentiment. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent variants on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced or may experience particularly large losses. Periods of extreme volatility in the financial markets, reduced liquidity of many instruments, increased government debt, inflation, and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability, may continue for some time.

Raising the ceiling on U.S. government debt has become increasingly politicized. Any failure to increase the total amount that the U.S. government is authorized to borrow could lead to a default on U.S. government obligations, with unpredictable consequences for economies and markets in the United States and elsewhere. Inflation and interest rates may increase. These circumstances could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments, and negatively impact the Fund's performance. In addition, inflation, rising interest rates, global supply chain disruptions and other market events could adversely affect the companies or issuers in which the Fund invests. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian securities lost all, or nearly all, their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future political, geopolitical or other events, or conditions.

Governments and central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the United States. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, may not be known for some time. U.S. Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank actions, including increases or decreases in interest rates, or contrary actions by different

**26**

------

Risk Factors

------

governments, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which the Fund invests. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and these and other events affecting global markets, such as the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union (or Brexit), potential trade imbalances with China or other countries, or sanctions or other government actions against Russia, other nations or individuals or companies (or their countermeasures), may contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.

The United States and other countries are periodically involved in disputes over trade and other matters, including the imposition of tariffs (or the threat of tariffs), investment restrictions and adverse impacts on affected companies and securities may result in significant losses for the Fund. For example, the United States has imposed tariffs and other trade barriers on Chinese exports, has restricted sales of certain categories of goods to China, and has established barriers to investments in China. Trade disputes may adversely affect the economies of the United States and its trading partners, as well as companies directly or indirectly affected and financial markets generally. The U.S. government has prohibited U.S. persons, such as the Fund, from investing in Chinese companies designated as related to the Chinese military. These and possible future restrictions could limit the Fund's opportunities for investment and require the sale of securities at a loss or make them illiquid. Moreover, China's long-running conflict over Taiwan's sovereignty, border disputes with many neighbors and historically strained relations with other Asian countries could result in military conflict. If the political climate between the United States and China does not improve or continues to deteriorate, if China enters into military conflict with Taiwan, the Philippines, or another neighbor, or if other geopolitical conflicts develop or get worse, economies, markets and individual securities may be severely affected both regionally and globally, and the value of the Fund's assets may go down.

Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, armed conflict such as between Russia and Ukraine or in the Middle East, terrorism, natural disasters, infectious illness or public health issues, cybersecurity events, supply chain disruptions, sanctions against Russia, other nations or individuals or companies and possible countermeasures, and other circumstances in one country or region, could have profound impacts on other countries or regions and on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected. The Fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any security or derivative position.

Until recently, a commonly used reference rate for floating rate securities was LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator of LIBOR, has ceased publication of most LIBOR settings on a representative basis. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. In the United States, a common benchmark replacement is based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, including certain spread adjustments and benchmark replacement conforming changes, although other benchmark replacements (with or without spread adjustments) may be used in certain transactions. The impact of the transition from LIBOR on the Fund's transactions and financial markets generally cannot yet be determined. The transition away from LIBOR may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments that have relied on LIBOR and may adversely affect the Fund's performance.

**Credit Risk** — If an obligor (such as the issuer itself or a party offering credit enhancement) for a security held by the Fund fails to pay, otherwise defaults, is perceived to be less creditworthy, becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, a security's credit rating is downgraded or the credit quality or value of an underlying asset declines, the value of your investment could decline. The values of lower-quality

**27**

------

Risk Factors

------

debt securities tend to be particularly sensitive to these changes. Changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness may occur quickly. The values of securities also may decline for a number of other reasons that relate directly to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods and services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets. If the Fund enters into financial contracts (such as certain derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions), the Fund will be subject to the credit risk presented by the counterparty. In addition, the Fund may incur expenses and suffer delays in an effort to protect the Fund's interests or to enforce its rights.A security may change in price for a variety of reasons. For example, floating rate securities may have final maturities of ten or more years, but their effective durations will tend to be very short. If there is an adverse credit event, or a perceived change in the issuer's creditworthiness, these securities could experience a far greater negative price movement than would be predicted by the change in the security's yield in relation to their effective duration. The Fund evaluates the credit quality of issuers and counterparties prior to investing in securities. Credit risk is broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which the Fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade (Baa/BBB) may possess certain speculative characteristics.

**Private Credit Risk** — Entities that obtain access to credit from asset-based financing can differ from the entities that have access to traditional corporate or bank lending. In particular, entities gaining access to credit via "private credit" and other non-traditional lenders may be subject to higher levels of credit risk and may lose access to credit in an economic downturn. Privately issued securities are not traded on established markets and may be illiquid, difficult to value and subject to wide fluctuations in value. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. Private credit investments can range in credit quality depending on a variety of factors, including total leverage, amount of leverage senior to the security in question, variability in the issuer's cash flows, the size of the issuer, the quality of assets securing debt and the degree to which such assets cover the subject company's debt obligations. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Fund's Adviser will be able to secure all of the investment opportunities that it identifies for the Fund, or that the size of an investment opportunity available to the Fund will be as large as the Fund's Adviser would desire, on account of general economic conditions, specific market developments, or other circumstances outside of the Fund's Adviser's control. The Fund may be exposed to losses should these entities fail to perform.

**High Yield or "Junk" Bond Risk** — Debt securities that are below investment grade, called "junk bonds," are speculative, have a higher risk of default or are already in default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities and may involve major risk of exposure to adverse conditions and negative sentiments. These securities have a higher risk of issuer default because, among other reasons, issuers of junk bonds often have more debt in relation to total capitalization than issuers of investment grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments. These risks are more pronounced for securities that are already in default. The Fund may not receive interest payments on defaulted securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. In addition, defaulted securities involve the substantial risk that principal will not be repaid. Changes in economic conditions or developments regarding the individual issuer are more likely to cause price volatility and weaken the capacity of such securities to make principal and interest payments than is the case for higher grade debt securities. The value of lower-quality debt securities often changes in response to company, political, or economic developments and can decline significantly over short as well as long periods of time or during periods of general or regional economic difficulty. Junk bonds may also be less liquid than higher-rated securities, which means that the Fund may have difficulty selling them at times, and it may have to apply a greater degree of judgment in establishing a price for purposes of valuing Fund shares. Junk

**28**

------

Risk Factors

------

bonds generally are issued by less creditworthy issuers. Issuers of junk bonds may have a larger amount of outstanding debt securities relative to their assets than issuers of investment grade bonds. In the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of junk bond holders, leaving few or no assets available to repay junk bond holders. The Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer. Junk bonds frequently have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security from the Fund before it matures. If the issuer redeems junk bonds, the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in bonds with lower yields and may lose income.

**Duration Risk** — Duration seeks to measure the price sensitivity of a fixed income security to changes in interest rates. The longer a portfolio's duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. The Fund's average portfolio maturity may be greater than the Fund's average portfolio duration, and, accordingly, the Fund may be more sensitive to changes in yield or interest rates. A portfolio with negative duration may increase in value when interest rates rise, and generally incurs a loss when interest rates and yields fall. The assumptions that are made about a security's features and options when calculating duration may prove to be incorrect. Duration is calculated by the Adviser, is not an exact measurement and may not reliably predict the Fund's or a particular security's price sensitivity to changes in yield or interest rates. The Adviser may not be successful in its efforts to limit sensitivity to interest rate changes.

**Interest Rate Risk** — The market prices of the Fund's fixed income securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities and therefore the value of your investment in the Fund, generally falls. For example, if interest rates increase by 1%, the value of the Fund's portfolio with a portfolio duration of 10 years would be expected to decrease by 10%, all other things being equal.

A general rise in interest rates could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the Fund. A change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed income securities. Generally, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed income security, the greater the impact of a rise in interest rates on the security's value. The maturity of a security may be significantly longer than its effective duration. A security's maturity and other features may be more relevant than its effective duration in determining the security's sensitivity to other factors affecting the issuer or markets generally, such as changes in credit quality or in the yield premium that the market may establish for certain types of securities (sometimes called "credit spread"). In general, the longer its maturity the more a security may be susceptible to these factors. When the credit spread for a fixed income security goes up or "widens," the value of the security will generally go down. Calculations of duration and maturity may be based on estimates and may not reliably predict a security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Moreover, securities can change in value in response to other factors, such as credit risk. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and foreign interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction. When interest rates go down, the income received by the Fund, and the Fund's yield, may decline. Also, when interest rates decline, investments made by the Fund may pay a lower interest rate, which would reduce the income received and distributed by the Fund.

Certain fixed income securities pay interest at variable or floating rates. Variable rate securities tend to reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities may reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the impact of changes in market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that may produce a leveraging effect; others may also provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Yield generated by the Fund may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates.

**29**

------

Risk Factors

------

The values of securities with floating interest rates generally are less sensitive to interest rate changes but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much, or as quickly, as prevailing interest rates. In addition, rising interest rates can also lead to increased default rates, as issuers of floating rate securities find themselves faced with higher payments. Further, in the case of some instruments, if the underlying reference interest rate does not move by at least a prescribed increment, no adjustment will occur in the floating rate instrument's interest rate. This means that, when prevailing interest rates increase, a corresponding increase in the instrument's interest rate may not result and the instrument may decline in value. Similarly, certain floating rate obligations have an interest rate floor feature, which prevents the interest rate payable by the security from dropping below a specified level as compared to a reference interest rate. Such a floor protects the Fund from losses resulting from a decrease in the reference interest rate below the specified level. However, if the reference interest rate is below the floor, there will be a lag between a rise in the reference interest rate and a rise in the interest rate payable by the obligation, and the Fund may not benefit from increasing interest rates for a significant amount of time. Unlike fixed rate securities, floating rate securities generally will not increase in value if interest rates decline. Changes in interest rates also will affect the amount of interest income the Fund earns on its floating rate investments. Unlike fixed rate securities, when prevailing interest rates decrease, the interest rate payable on floating rate investments will decrease.

The interest rates of some adjustable rate and floating rate obligations adjust only periodically. Between the times that interest rates on adjustable rate and floating rate obligations adjust, the interest rate on those obligations may not correlate to prevailing rates, which will affect the value of the loans and may cause the net asset values of the Fund's shares to fluctuate.

**Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities Risk** — The repayment of certain mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities depends primarily on the cash collections received from the issuer's underlying asset portfolio and, in certain cases, the issuer's ability to issue replacement securities. As a result, there could be losses to the Fund in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the issuer's underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing securities, or the issuer's inability to issue new or replacement securities. Mortgage-backed securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. These securities are also subject to interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the investors in a security held by the Fund may become the holders of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss. In the event of a default, the value of the underlying collateral may be insufficient to pay certain expenses, such as litigation and foreclosure expenses, and inadequate to pay any principal or unpaid interest. The risk of default is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments offered by private issuers and those that include so-called "sub-prime" mortgages. Privately issued mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are not traded on an exchange and may have a limited market. Without an active trading market, these securities may be particularly difficult to value given the complexities in valuing the underlying collateral.

Certain mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may pay principal only at maturity or may represent only the right to receive payments of principal or interest on the underlying obligations, but not both. The value of these types of instruments may change more than the value of debt securities that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing interest rates. Principal only instruments generally increase in value if interest rates decline, but are also subject to the risk of prepayment. Interest only instruments generally increase in value in a rising interest rate environment when fewer of the underlying obligations are prepaid. Interest only instruments could lose their entire value in a declining interest rate environment if the underlying obligations are prepaid.

Unlike mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities, mortgage-related securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or

**30**

------

Risk Factors

------

government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other characteristics. The Fund may invest in other mortgage-related securities, including mortgage derivatives and structured securities. These securities typically are not secured by real property. Because these securities have embedded leverage features, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. These securities also can become illiquid and difficult to value in volatile or declining markets. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are also not subject to the same underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-related securities that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-related securities held in the Fund's portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.

Mortgage-backed securities are particularly susceptible to prepayment and extension risks, because prepayments on the underlying mortgages tend to increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise. Prepayments may also occur on a scheduled basis or due to foreclosure. When market interest rates increase, mortgage refinancings and prepayments slow, which lengthens the effective duration of these securities. As a result, the negative effect of the interest rate increase on the market value of mortgage-backed securities is usually more pronounced than it is for other types of fixed income securities, potentially increasing the volatility of the Fund. Conversely, when market interest rates decline, while the value of mortgage-backed securities may increase, the rates of prepayment of the underlying mortgages tend to increase, which shortens the effective duration of these securities. Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to the risk that the underlying borrowers will be unable to meet their obligations.

At times, some of the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased at a premium above their par value. Prepayments may cause losses on securities purchased at a premium.

The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities. In addition, for mortgage-backed securities, when market conditions result in an increase in the default rates on the underlying mortgages and the foreclosure values of the underlying real estate are below the outstanding amount of the underlying mortgages, collection of the full amount of accrued interest and principal on these investments may be less likely. Certain types of real estate may be adversely affected by changing usage trends, such as office buildings as a result of work-from-home practices and commercial facilities as a result of an increase in online shopping, which could in turn result in defaults and declines in value of mortgage-backed securities secured by such properties.

The Fund may invest in CMOs. Principal prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans may cause a CMO to be retired substantially earlier than its stated maturity or final distribution date. If there are defaults on the underlying mortgage loans, the Fund will be less likely to receive payments of principal and interest, and will be more likely to suffer a loss. This risk may be increased to the extent the underlying mortgages include sub-prime mortgages. As market conditions change, and particularly during periods of rapid or unanticipated changes in market interest rates, the attractiveness of a CMO class and the ability of the structure to provide the anticipated investment characteristics may be significantly reduced. Such changes can result in volatility in the market value, and in some instances reduced liquidity, of a CMO class.

The Fund may invest in credit risk transfer ("CRT") securities. CRT securities are unguaranteed and unsecured fixed income securities issued by government-sponsored or private entities that transfer the credit risk related to certain types of mortgage-backed securities to the holder of the CRT security. In

**31**

------

Risk Factors

------

the event of an issuer default, the holder of a CRT security has no direct recourse to the underlying mortgage loans. In addition, if the underlying mortgage loans default, the principal of the holders of the CRT security is used to pay back holders of the mortgage-backed securities. As a result, all or part of the mortgage default or credit risk associated with the underlying mortgage loans is transferred to the Fund. Therefore, the Fund could lose all or part of its investments in credit risk transfer securities in the event of default by the underlying mortgage loans.

The Fund may invest in commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"). CMBS are subject to the risks generally associated with mortgage-backed securities. CMBS may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government and are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgages. CMBS issued by non-government entities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but also may be subject to greater volatility than government issues. CMBS react differently to changes in interest rates than other bonds and the prices of CMBS may reflect adverse economic and market conditions. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of CMBS.

Asset-backed securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities and are subject to many of the same risks. The ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying assets or to otherwise recover from the underlying obligor may be limited. Certain asset-backed securities present a heightened level of risk because, in the event of default, the liquidation value of the underlying assets may be inadequate to pay any unpaid principal or interest.

**Credit Risk Transfer Securities Risk** — Credit risk transfer securities are unguaranteed and unsecured debt securities issued by government sponsored enterprises and therefore are not directly linked to or backed by the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, in the event that a government sponsored enterprise fails to pay principal or interest on its credit risk transfer securities or goes through a bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding, holders of such credit risk transfer securities have no direct recourse to the underlying mortgage loans and will generally receive recovery on par with other unsecured note holders in such a scenario. The risks associated with an investment in credit risk transfer securities are different than the risks associated with an investment in mortgage-backed securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), or other government sponsored enterprise or issued by a private issuer, because some or all of the mortgage default or credit risk associated with the underlying mortgage loans is transferred to investors. As a result, investors in these securities could lose some or all of their investment in these securities if the underlying mortgage loans default.

**Risks of Investing in Collateralized Debt Obligations** — Investment in a collateralized debt obligation ("CDO") is subject to the credit, subordination, interest rate, valuation, prepayment, extension and other risks of the obligations underlying the CDO and the tranche of the CDO in which the Fund invests. CDOs are subject to liquidity risk. CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the risk that the collateral may default or decline in value or be downgraded, if rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; (iii) the Fund may invest in tranches of CDOs that are subordinate to other tranches; (iv) the structure and complexity of the transaction and the legal documents could lead to disputes among investors regarding the characterization of proceeds; (v) the investment return achieved by the Fund could be significantly different than those predicted by financial models; (vi) the lack of a readily available secondary market for CDOs; (vii) the risk of forced "fire sale" liquidation due to technical defaults such as coverage test failures; and (viii) the CDO's manager may perform poorly. In addition, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities. CDOs may be highly leveraged (which could make them highly volatile). Synthetic CDOs are also subject to the risks of investing in derivatives, such as credit default swaps, and leverage risk. The Fund may invest in or be exposed to CDOs that are sometimes referred to as "covenant-lite" obligations, which generally are debt obligations that lack financial maintenance covenants or possess fewer or contingent financial maintenance covenants and other financial

**32**

------

Risk Factors

------

protections for lenders and investors. These "covenant-lite" obligations typically are particularly subject to the risks associated with investments in loans as described in this prospectus.

**Credit Linked Notes Risk —** Investment in a credit linked note ("CLN") is subject to the risks of the obligations underlying the CLN, including but not limited to market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, default risk and, in some cases, foreign currency risk. A holder of a CLN also bears counterparty risk or the risk that the issuer of the CLN will default or become bankrupt and not make timely payment of principal and interest. CLNs may be less liquid than other investments and therefore harder to dispose of at the desired time and price. In addition, CLNs may be leveraged and, as a result, small changes in the value of the obligations underlying the CLN may produce disproportionate losses for the holder of a CLN. In the case of a CLN that is "funded," the par amount of the security will represent the maximum loss that could be incurred on the investment and no leverage is introduced.

**Custodial Receipts Risk —** Custodial receipts are securities that evidence ownership of future interest payments and/or principal payments on a basket of securities which underlie the custodial receipts in connection with programs sponsored by banks and brokerage firms. Custodial receipts are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners of the custodial receipts. Investment in a custodial receipt is subject to the risks of the obligations underlying the custodial receipt, including but not limited to credit risk and market risk. In addition, custodial receipts may be less liquid than other investments and therefore harder to dispose of at the desired time and price.

**Risks of Subordinated Securities** — A holder of securities that are subordinated or "junior" to more senior securities of an issuer is entitled to payment after holders of more senior securities of the issuer. Subordinated securities are more likely to suffer a credit loss than non-subordinated securities of the same issuer, any loss incurred by the subordinated securities is likely to be proportionately greater, and any recovery of interest or principal may take more time. If there is a default, bankruptcy or liquidation of the issuer, most subordinated securities are paid only if sufficient assets remain after payment of the issuer's non-subordinated securities. As a result, even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer is likely to have a greater impact on subordinated securities than more senior securities.

**Prepayment or Call Risk** — Many fixed income securities give the issuer the option to prepay or call the security prior to its maturity date. Issuers often exercise this right when interest rates fall. Accordingly, if the Fund holds a fixed income security that can be prepaid or called prior to its maturity date, it will not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed income securities generally experience when interest rates fall. Upon prepayment of the security, the Fund also would be forced to reinvest the proceeds at then current yields, which would be lower than the yield of the security that was prepaid or called. In addition, if the Fund purchases a fixed income security at a premium (at a price that exceeds its stated par or principal value), the Fund may lose the amount of the premium paid in the event of prepayment.

**Extension Risk** — During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate, increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security.

To the extent the Fund invests significantly in mortgage-related and asset-backed securities, its exposure to extension risks may be greater than if it invested in other fixed income securities.

**Liquidity Risk** — Liquidity risk is the risk that particular investments, or investments generally, may be or become impossible or difficult to purchase or sell. Although most of the Fund's securities and other investments must be liquid at the time of investment, securities and other investments may become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil or due to adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Liquidity and value of investments can deteriorate rapidly. Markets may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities or when

**33**

------

Risk Factors

------

dealer market-making capacity is otherwise reduced. During times of market turmoil, there have been, and may be, no buyers for securities in entire asset classes, including U.S. Treasury securities. A lack of liquidity or other adverse credit market conditions may affect the Fund's ability to sell the securities in which it invests or to find and purchase suitable investments. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, the Fund may be harder to value, especially in changing markets. If the Fund is forced to sell or unwind an illiquid investment to meet redemption requests or for other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the Fund may suffer a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all. The Fund may experience heavy redemptions that could cause the Fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain securities and other investments, the Fund, due to limitations on investments in illiquid securities, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector. Further, certain securities, once sold, may not settle for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer). The Fund will not receive its sales proceeds until that time, which may constrain the Fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). Liquidity risk may be magnified in an environment of rising interest rates or widening credit spreads in which investor redemptions from fixed income mutual funds may be higher than normal. If an auction fails for an auction rate security, there may be no secondary market for the security and the Fund may be forced to hold the security until the security is refinanced by the issuer or a secondary market develops. To the extent the Fund holds a material percentage of the outstanding debt securities of an issuer, this practice may impact adversely the liquidity and market value of those investments.

**Portfolio Selection Risk** — The Adviser's judgment about the quality, relative yield, relative value or market trends affecting a particular sector or region, market segment, security, industry or about interest rates or other market factors may prove to be incorrect or may not produce the desired results, or there may be imperfections, errors or limitations in the models, tools and information used by the Adviser.

**U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk** — The market value of direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury may vary due to changes in interest rates. In addition, changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of the Fund's investments in obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury to decline.

**U.S. Government Agency Obligations Risk** — The Fund invests in obligations issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government. Government-sponsored entities such as FNMA, FHLMC and the FHLBs, although chartered or sponsored by Congress, are not funded by congressional appropriations and the debt and mortgage-backed securities issued by them are neither guaranteed nor issued by the U.S. government. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government obligations may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. government. Such debt and mortgage-backed securities are subject to the risk of default on the payment of interest and/or principal, similar to debt of private issuers. Although the U.S. government has provided financial support to FNMA and FHLMC in the past, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored entities in the future.

**Risks of Instruments That Allow for Balloon Payments or Negative Amortization Payments** — Certain debt instruments allow for balloon payments or negative amortization payments. Such instruments permit the borrower to avoid paying currently a portion of the interest accruing on the instrument. While these features make the debt instrument more affordable to the borrower in the near term, they increase the risk that the borrower will be unable to make the resulting higher payment or payments that become due at the maturity of the loan.

**Risks of Investing in Loans** — Floating rate loans and similar investments may be illiquid or less liquid than other investments and difficult to value. The value of collateral, if any, securing a floating rate loan can decline or may be insufficient to meet the issuer's obligations or may be difficult to

**34**

------

Risk Factors

------

liquidate. In the event of a default, the Fund may have difficulty collecting on any collateral and would not have the ability to collect on any collateral for an uncollateralized loan. Further, the Fund's access to collateral, if any, may be limited by bankruptcy law. Market quotations for these securities may be volatile and/or subject to large spreads between bid and ask prices. No active trading market may exist for many floating rate loans, and many loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Any secondary market may be subject to irregular trading activity and extended trade settlement periods. In particular, loans may take longer than seven days to settle, potentially leading to the sale proceeds of loans not being available to meet redemption requests for a substantial period of time after the sale of the loans. To the extent that sale proceeds of loans are not available, the Fund may sell securities that have shorter settlement periods or may access other sources of liquidity to meet redemption requests. During periods of heightened redemption activity or distressed market conditions, the Fund may seek to obtain expedited trade settlement, which will generally incur additional costs (although expedited trade settlement will not always be available). If the Fund invests in loans that contain fewer or less restrictive constraints on the borrower than certain other types of loans ("covenant-lite" loans), it may have fewer rights against the borrowers of such loans, including fewer protections against the possibility of default and fewer remedies in the event of default. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a loan may lose significant value before a default occurs. There is less readily available, reliable information about most floating rate loans than is the case for many other types of securities. Normally, the Adviser will seek to avoid receiving material, non-public information about the issuer of a loan either held by, or considered for investment by, the Fund, and this decision could place it at a disadvantage, relative to other loan investors, in assessing a loan or the loan's issuer, and adversely affect the Fund's investment performance. Because affiliates of the Adviser may participate in the primary and secondary market for senior loans, limitations under applicable law may restrict the Fund's ability to participate in structuring a senior loan or to acquire some senior loans, or affect the timing or price of such acquisition. Loans may not be considered "securities," and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections afforded by federal securities laws.

**Risks of Investing in Insurance-Linked Securities** — The Fund could lose a portion or all of the principal it has invested in an insurance-linked security, and the right to additional interest and/or dividend payments with respect to the security, upon the occurrence of one or more trigger events, as defined within the terms of an insurance-linked security. Trigger events may include natural or other perils of a specific size or magnitude that occur in a designated geographic region during a specified time period, and/or that involve losses or other metrics that exceed a specific amount. Natural perils include disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, windstorms, fires, floods and other weather-related occurrences, as well as mortality or longevity events. Non-natural perils include disasters resulting from human-related activity such as commercial and industrial accidents or business interruptions. Major natural disasters (such as in the cases of Super Typhoon Goni in the Philippines in 2020, monsoon flooding in China in 2020, Hurricane Irma in Florida and the Caribbean in 2017, Super Storm Sandy in 2012, and Hurricane Ian in Florida in 2022) or commercial and industrial accidents (such as aviation disasters and oil spills) can result in significant losses, and investors in ILS with exposure to such natural or other disasters may also experience substantial losses. If the likelihood and severity of natural and other large disasters increase, the risk of significant losses to reinsurers may increase. Typically, one significant triggering event (even in a major metropolitan area) will not result in financial failure to a reinsurer. However, a series of major triggering events could cause the failure of a reinsurer. Similarly, to the extent the Fund invests in ILS for which a triggering event occurs, losses associated with such event will result in losses to the Fund and a series of major triggering events affecting a large portion of the ILS held by the Fund will result in substantial losses to the Fund. The Fund may also invest in insurance-linked securities that are subject to "indemnity triggers." An indemnity trigger is a trigger based on the actual losses of the ceding sponsor (i.e., the party seeking reinsurance). Insurance-linked securities subject to indemnity triggers are often regarded as being subject to potential moral hazard, since such insurance-linked securities are

**35**

------

Risk Factors

------

triggered by actual losses of the ceding sponsor and the ceding sponsor may have an incentive to take actions and/or risks that would have an adverse effect on the Fund. For example, a ceding sponsor might inflate its total claims paid above the ILS trigger level, in order to share its losses with investors in the ILS. Thus, bonds with indemnity triggers may be subject to moral hazard, because the trigger depends on the ceding sponsor to properly identify and calculate losses that do and do not apply in determining whether the trigger amount has been reached. In short, "moral hazard" refers to this potential for the sponsor to influence bond performance, as payouts are based on the individual policy claims against the sponsor and the way the sponsor settles those claims. There is no way to accurately predict whether a trigger event will occur and, accordingly, insurance-linked securities carry significant risk. In addition to the specified trigger events, insurance-linked securities may expose the Fund to other risks, including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences. Insurance-linked securities are also subject to the risk that the model used to calculate the probability of a trigger event was not accurate and underestimated the likelihood of a trigger event. Insurance-linked securities may provide for extensions of maturity in order to process and audit loss claims in those cases when a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. Certain insurance-linked securities may have limited liquidity, or may be illiquid. Upon the occurrence or possible occurrence of a trigger event, and until the completion of the processing and auditing of applicable loss claims, the Fund's investment in an insurance-linked security may be priced using fair value methods. Lack of a liquid market may impose the risk of higher transaction costs and the possibility that the Fund may be forced to liquidate positions when it would not be advantageous to do so. Certain insurance-linked securities represent interests in baskets of underlying reinsurance contracts. The Fund has limited transparency into the individual contracts underlying such securities and therefore must rely on the risk assessment and sound underwriting practices of the insurer and/or reinsurer. Certain insurance-linked securities may be difficult to value.

**Inflation-Linked Securities Risk** — Unlike a conventional bond, whose issuer makes regular fixed interest payments and repays the face value of the bond at maturity, an inflation-indexed security provides principal payments and interest payments, both of which are adjusted over time to reflect a rise (inflation) or a drop (deflation) in the general price level. The inflation index generally used is a non-seasonally adjusted index, which is not statistically smoothed to overcome highs and lows observed at different points each year. The use of a non-seasonally adjusted index can cause the Fund's income level to fluctuate. As inflationary expectations increase, inflation-linked securities will become more attractive, because they protect future interest payments against inflation. Conversely, as inflationary concerns decrease, inflation-linked securities will become less attractive and less valuable. The inflation index used may not accurately measure the real rate of inflation. Inflation-linked securities may lose value or interest payments on such securities may decline in the event that the actual rate of inflation is different than the rate of the inflation index, and losses may exceed those experienced by other debt securities with similar durations. The values of inflation-linked securities may not be directly correlated to changes in interest rates, for example if interest rates rise for reasons other than inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-linked security tends to decline when real interest rates increase.

**Risks of Zero Coupon Bonds, Payment in Kind, Deferred and Contingent Payment Securities** — Zero coupon bonds (which do not pay interest until maturity) and payment in kind securities (which pay interest in the form of additional securities) may be more speculative and may fluctuate more in value than securities which pay income periodically and in cash. Payment in kind securities are usually less volatile than zero coupon bonds, but more volatile than cash pay securities. These securities are more likely to respond to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality. The higher interest rates of payment in kind securities reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with these instruments, and payment in kind instruments generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon bonds. These securities are more sensitive to the credit quality of the underlying issuer. Payment in kind securities may be difficult to value because their continuing accruals require continuing judgments about the collectability of the

**36**

------

Risk Factors

------

deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. Deferred interest securities are obligations that generally provide for a period of delay before the regular payment of interest begins and are issued at a significant discount from face value. The interest rate on contingent payment securities is determined by the outcome of an event, such as the performance of a financial index. If the financial index does not increase by a prescribed amount, the Fund may receive no interest.

Unlike bonds that pay interest throughout the period to maturity, the Fund generally will realize no cash until maturity and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. In addition, although the Fund receives no periodic cash payments on such securities, the Fund is deemed for tax purposes to receive income from such securities, which applicable tax rules generally require the Fund to distribute to shareholders to retain its status as a regulated investment company and avoid being subject to U.S. federal income and excise tax. Such distributions may be taxable when distributed to shareholders and, in addition, could reduce the Fund's reserve position and require the Fund to sell securities and incur a gain or loss at a time it may not otherwise want in order to provide the cash necessary for these distributions.

**Risks of Non-U.S. Investments** — Investing in non-U.S. issuers, or in U.S. issuers that have significant exposure to foreign markets, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the Fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include:

<sup>◼</sup>

Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards and auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements, or regulatory practices

<sup>◼</sup>

Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a changing market, the Adviser may not be able to sell the Fund's securities at times, in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable

<sup>◼</sup>

Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the Fund's investments, or its ability to convert non-U.S. currencies to U.S. dollars

<sup>◼</sup>

The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession

<sup>◼</sup>

Economic, political, regulatory and social developments such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events, and the impact of tariffs and other restrictions on trade or economic sanctions, nationalization or expropriation of assets, arbitrary application of laws and regulations, or lack of rule of law, may adversely affect the securities markets

<sup>◼</sup>

There may be significant obstacles to obtaining information necessary for investigations into or litigation against issuers located in or operating in certain foreign markets, particularly emerging market countries, and shareholders may have limited legal remedies. It may be difficult for the Fund to pursue claims or enforce judgments against a foreign bank, depository or issuer of a security, or any of their agents, in the courts of a foreign country

<sup>◼</sup>

The value of the Fund's foreign investments may also be affected by foreign tax laws, special U.S. tax considerations and restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country. Dividends and interest received by the Fund and capital gains recognized by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries and may decrease the Fund's return. The value of the Fund's foreign investments also may be affected by U.S. and non-U.S. tax considerations and restrictions in receiving investment proceeds from a foreign country

<sup>◼</sup>

Some markets in which the Fund may invest are located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters that could result in a significant adverse impact on the economies of those countries and investments made in those countries

**37**

------

Risk Factors

------

<sup>◼</sup>

It is often more expensive for the Fund to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the United States

<sup>◼</sup>

A governmental entity may delay, or refuse or be unable to pay, interest or principal on its sovereign debt due to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity's debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms

<sup>◼</sup>

Investing in depositary receipts is subject to many of the same risks as investing directly in non-U.S. issuers. Depositary receipts may involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying securities listed on an exchange

<sup>◼</sup>

A number of countries in the European Union ("EU") have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. Additional EU member countries may also fall subject to such difficulties. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. In addition, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the EU (commonly known as "Brexit"). The range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes of Brexit cannot be fully known but could be significant, potentially resulting in increased volatility, illiquidity and potentially lower economic growth in the affected markets, which will adversely affect the Fund's investments, particularly in euro-denominated securities and derivative contracts, securities of issuers located in the EU or with significant exposure to EU issuers or countries

<sup>◼</sup>

China and other developing market countries may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Markets in China and other Asian countries are relatively new and undeveloped. China's economic health is largely dependent upon exports, and may be dependent upon the economies of other Asian countries. Investments in Chinese and other Asian issuers could be adversely affected by changes in government policies, or trade or political disputes with major trading partners, including the U.S. China's growing trade surplus with the U.S. has given rise to trade disputes and the imposition of tariffs. The United States has also restricted the sale of certain goods to China. In addition, the U.S. government has imposed restrictions on U.S. investor participation in certain Chinese investments. These matters could adversely affect China's economy. China's central government exercises significant control over China's economy and may intervene in the financial markets, such as by imposing trading restrictions, and investments in Chinese issuers could be adversely affected by changes in government policies. The Chinese economy could be adversely affected by supply chain disruptions. An economic slowdown in China could adversely affect economies of other emerging market countries that trade with China, as well as companies operating in those countries. Economies of Asian countries and Asian issuers could be adversely affected by regional security threats. In addition, China's long-running conflict over Taiwan's sovereignty, border disputes with many neighbors and historically strained relations with other Asian countries could result in military conflict that could adversely impact the economies of China and other Asian countries, disrupt supply chains, and severely affect global economies and markets

<sup>◼</sup>

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, may, from time to time, be unable to inspect audit work papers in certain foreign or emerging market countries. Investors in foreign countries often have limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims, including class actions or fraud claims, and the ability of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities to bring and enforce actions against foreign issuers or foreign persons is limited

**38**

------

Risk Factors

------

<sup>◼</sup>

If one or more stockholders of a supranational entity such as the World Bank fail to make necessary additional capital contributions, the entity may be unable to pay interest or repay principal on its debt securities

<sup>◼</sup>

Sanctions or other government actions against certain countries could negatively impact the Fund's investments in securities that have exposure to those countries

<sup>◼</sup>

Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In response to the military action by Russia, various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union, issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus and certain companies and individuals. Russia has taken retaliatory actions, including preventing repatriation of capital by U.S. and other investors. Since then, Russian securities lost all, or nearly all, their market value, and many other issuers, securities and markets have been adversely affected. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant market disruptions, including in certain markets, industries and sectors, such as the oil and natural gas markets, and negatively affected global supply chains, food supplies, inflation and global growth. The United States and other countries may impose sanctions on other countries, companies and individuals in light of Russia's military invasion. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities, the extent and impact of existing and future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility, and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant impact on the value and liquidity of certain Fund investments, on Fund performance and the value of an investment in the Fund

<sup>◼</sup>

Circumstances that impact one country could have profound impacts on other countries and on global economies or markets

Additional risks of investing in emerging markets include:

<sup>◼</sup>

The extent of economic development, political stability, market depth, infrastructure, capitalization and regulatory oversight can be less than in more developed markets. Emerging market economies tend to be less diversified than those of more developed countries. They typically have fewer medical and economic resources than more developed countries and thus they may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of a pandemic

<sup>◼</sup>

Emerging market countries may experience rising interest rates, or, more significantly, rapid inflation or hyperinflation

<sup>◼</sup>

The Fund could experience a loss from settlement and custody practices in some emerging markets. Less developed markets are more likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the holding of securities by local banks, agents, and depositories. Settlement of trades in these markets can take longer than in other markets and the Fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain securities for an extended period (possibly several weeks or even longer)

<sup>◼</sup>

The possibility that a counterparty may not complete a currency or securities transaction

<sup>◼</sup>

Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in extreme price volatility

**Currency Risk** — Because the Fund may invest in non-U.S. currencies, securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, and other currency-related investments, the Fund is subject to currency risk, meaning that the Fund could experience losses based on changes in the exchange rate between non-U.S. currencies and the U.S. dollar or as a result of currency conversion costs. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation.

**39**

------

Risk Factors

------

**Preferred Stocks Risk** — Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred stocks are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company's preferred stocks generally pay dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. Thus, the value of preferred stocks will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. The market value of preferred stocks generally decreases when interest rates rise. Also, the market prices of preferred stocks are more sensitive to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Generally, under normal circumstances, preferred stocks do not carry voting rights. Preferred stocks may trade less frequently and in a more limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than other securities. Preferred stocks of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred stocks of larger companies.

**Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions Risk** — The benefits to the Fund from mortgage dollar roll transactions depend upon the Adviser's ability to forecast mortgage prepayment patterns on different mortgage pools. The Fund may lose money if, during the period between the time it agrees to the forward purchase of the mortgage securities and the settlement date, these securities decline in value due to market conditions or prepayments on the underlying mortgages.

**Risks of Investing in Other Funds** — Investing in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") and closed-end funds, subjects the Fund to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or assets held by those funds. When investing in another fund, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the underlying fund's expenses, including management fees, in addition to its own expenses. ETFs and closed-end funds are bought and sold based on market prices and can trade at a premium or a discount to the ETF's or closed-end fund's net asset value. Such funds may trade at a discount for an extended period and may not ever realize their net asset value.

**Repurchase Agreement Risk** — In the event that the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the security. In addition, if the Fund is characterized by a court as an unsecured creditor, it would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction.

**Derivatives Risk** — Using swaps, futures, and other derivatives exposes the Fund to special risks and costs and may result in losses to the Fund, even when used for hedging purposes. Using derivatives can increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain when market prices, interest rates or currencies, or the derivative instruments themselves, behave in a way not anticipated by the Fund, especially in abnormal market conditions. Using derivatives can have a leveraging effect (which may increase investment losses) and increase the Fund's volatility, which is the degree to which the Fund's share price may fluctuate within a short time period. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund's initial investment. Derivatives generally are subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices, or other indicators underlying the derivative. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes in the value of the Fund's other investments or do not correlate well with the underlying assets, rate or index, the Fund may not fully benefit from, or could lose money on, or could experience unusually high expenses as a result of, the derivative position. The other parties to certain derivative transactions present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed income securities. Derivatives also tend to involve greater liquidity risk and they may be difficult to value. The Fund may be unable to terminate or sell its derivative positions. In fact, many over-the-counter derivatives will not have liquidity beyond the counterparty to the instrument. The Fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may not be as favorable as a direct investment in an underlying investment and may adversely affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. As a result, a larger portion of the Fund's distributions may be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains. In addition, certain derivatives are subject to mark-to-market or straddle provisions of

**40**

------

Risk Factors

------

the Internal Revenue Code. If such provisions are applicable, there could be an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by the Fund. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that an increased portion of the Fund's assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.

Investments by the fund in structured securities, a type of derivative, raise certain tax, legal, regulatory and accounting issues that may not be presented by direct investments in securities. These issues could be resolved in a manner that could hurt the performance of the fund.

The U.S. government and foreign governments have adopted and implemented or are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets. The Fund may be exposed to additional risks as a result of the additional regulations. The extent and impact of the regulations are not yet fully known and may not be for some time.

The Fund will be required to maintain its positions with a clearing organization through one or more clearing brokers. The clearing organization will require the Fund to post margin and the broker may require the Fund to post additional margin to secure the Fund's obligations. The amount of margin required may change from time to time. In addition, cleared transactions may be more expensive to maintain than over-the-counter transactions and may require the Fund to deposit larger amounts of margin. The Fund may not be able to recover margin amounts if the broker has financial difficulties. Also, the broker may require the Fund to terminate a derivatives position under certain circumstances. This may cause the Fund to lose money. The Fund's ability to use certain derivative instruments currently is limited by Commodity Futures Trading Commission rules.

**Credit Default Swap Risk** — Credit default swap contracts, a type of derivative instrument, involve heightened risks and may result in losses to the Fund. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid and difficult to value, and they increase credit risk since the Fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. If the Fund buys a credit default swap, it will be subject to the risk that the credit default swap may expire worthless, as the credit default swap would only generate income in the event of a default on the underlying debt security or other specified event. As a buyer, the Fund would also be subject to credit risk relating to the seller's payment of its obligations in the event of a default (or similar event). If the Fund sells a credit default swap, it will be exposed to the credit risk of the issuer of the obligation to which the credit default swap relates. As a seller, the Fund would also be subject to leverage risk, because it would be liable for the full notional amount of the swap in the event of default (or similar event). Swaps may be difficult to unwind or terminate. Certain index-based credit default swaps are structured in tranches, whereby junior tranches assume greater default risk than senior tranches. The absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions may lead, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. Relatively recent legislation requires certain swaps to be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. Although this clearing mechanism is generally expected to reduce counterparty credit risk, it may disrupt or limit the swap market and may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value. As swaps become more standardized, the Fund may not be able to enter into swaps that meet its investment needs. The Fund also may not be able to find a clearinghouse willing to accept the swaps for clearing. In a cleared swap, a central clearing organization will be the counterparty to the transaction. The Fund will assume the risk that the clearinghouse may be unable to perform its obligations.

**Structured Securities Risk** — The structured securities in which the Fund invests are a type of derivative instrument. The payment and credit qualities of these instruments derive from the underlying assets and the terms of the particular security, and they may behave in ways not

**41**

------

Risk Factors

------

anticipated by the Fund. Some of these instruments may have the effect of increasing the Fund's exposure to interest rate, market or credit risk, even if they are not primarily intended for these purposes. Distributions from collateral securities may not be adequate to make interest or other payments, and the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default. Investments in structured securities raise certain tax, legal, regulatory and accounting issues that may not be presented by direct investments in the underlying assets. These issues could be resolved in a manner that could hurt the performance of the Fund. Certain structured securities are thinly traded or have limited trading markets. The structured securities may be subordinate to other classes.

**Risks of Investing in Inverse Floating Rate Obligations** — The interest rate on inverse floating rate obligations will generally decrease as short-term interest rates increase, and increase as short-term rates decrease. Due to their leveraged structure, the sensitivity of the market value of an inverse floating rate obligation to changes in interest rates is generally greater than a comparable long-term bond issued by the same issuer and with similar credit quality, redemption and maturity provisions. Inverse floating rate obligations may be volatile and involve leverage risk.

**Large Shareholder Risk** — The Fund, like all investment companies, pools the investments of many investors, including authorized participants and other funds advised by the Adviser. Actions by one shareholder or multiple shareholders may have an impact on the Fund and, therefore, indirectly on other shareholders. For example, significant levels of new investments in the Fund by shareholders may cause the Fund to have more cash than would otherwise be the case, which might have a positive or negative impact on Fund performance. Similarly, to the extent the Fund redeems shares in cash, redemption activity might cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities when it might not otherwise do so, which may increase transaction costs and might generate a capital gain or loss, or cause it to borrow funds on a short-term basis to cover redemptions, which would cause the Fund to incur costs that, in effect, would be borne by all shareholders and not just the redeeming shareholders. Shareholder purchase and redemption activity also may affect the per share amount of the Fund's distributions of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, thereby affecting the tax burden on the Fund's shareholders subject to federal income tax, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and cause the Fund to make taxable distributions to its shareholders earlier than the Fund otherwise would have. In addition, under certain circumstances, non-redeeming shareholders may be treated as receiving a disproportionately large taxable distribution during or with respect to such tax year. To the extent a larger shareholder, including an authorized participant, invests in the Fund, the Fund may experience large inflows or outflows of cash from time to time. This activity could magnify these adverse effects on the Fund. If large shareholders transact in shares on the secondary market, transactions by large shareholders may account for a large percentage of the trading volume for the shares of a Fund and may, therefore, have a material upward or downward effect on the market price of the Fund shares.

**Leveraging Risk** — The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the Fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's underlying assets and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than the Fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. Engaging in such transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations. New derivatives regulations require the Fund, to the extent it uses derivatives to a material extent, to, among other things, comply with certain overall limits on leverage. These regulations may limit the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategies and may not be effective to mitigate the Fund's risk of loss from derivatives.

**Limited History of Operations** — The Fund is a new ETF with limited to no history of operations for investors to evaluate. Investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategies, may be unable to implement certain of its investment strategies or may fail to attract sufficient assets, any of which could result in the Fund being liquidated

**42**

------

Risk Factors

------

and terminated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders. Such a liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and may cause shareholders to incur expenses of liquidation.

**Market Segment Risk** — To the extent the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation, than a fund without the same focus.

**Valuation Risk** — Many factors may influence the price at which the Fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ – higher or lower – from the Fund's valuation of the investment, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. These differences may increase significantly and affect Fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Nearly all of the Fund's investments are valued using fair value methodologies. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the securities had not been fair-valued or if a different valuation methodology had been used. Fixed income securities typically are valued using fair value methodologies. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before the Fund determines its net asset value. The ability to value the Fund's investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.

**Cybersecurity Risk** — Cybersecurity failures by and breaches of the Adviser, transfer agent, the Distributor, custodian, Fund accounting agent or other service providers may disrupt Fund operations, interfere with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, prevent Fund shareholders from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares or receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the Fund or their investment in the Fund, cause loss of or unauthorized access to private shareholder information, and result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, or additional compliance costs. Substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. New ways to carry out cyber attacks continue to develop. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the Fund's ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack.

**Cash Management Risk** — The value of the investments held by the Fund for cash management or temporary defensive purposes may be affected by market risks, changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. To the extent that the Fund has any uninvested cash, the Fund would be subject to credit risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash. If the Fund holds cash uninvested, the Fund will not earn income on the cash and the Fund's yield will go down. During such periods, it may be more difficult for the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

**Expense Risk** — Your actual costs of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

***To learn more about the Fund's investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional information. Please note that there are many other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the Fund from achieving its goals.***

**43**

------

Organization and Management of the Fund

------

The Fund's Board has the overall responsibility for overseeing the management of the Fund.

**The Investment Adviser**

The Adviser serves as the investment adviser to each of the Victory Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement and oversees the operations of the Fund according to investment policies and procedures adopted by the Board. The Adviser is a New York corporation that is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). As of May 31, 2025, the Adviser managed and advised assets totaling in excess of $289.4 billion for individual and institutional clients. The Adviser's principal address is 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256.

A discussion regarding the basis of the Board's approval of the Fund's Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund's Financial Statements filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30.

The Adviser is a diversified global asset manager comprised of multiple investment teams, referred to as investment franchises, each of which utilizes an independent approach to investing. The Adviser's Pioneer Investments investment franchise is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund.

For its services, the Adviser will be paid advisory fees, before waivers, at an annual rate of 0.60% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

See "Fund Fees and Expenses" for information about any contractual agreement by the Adviser to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses with respect to the Fund. From time to time, the Adviser also may voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses in amounts exceeding those required to be waived or reimbursed under any contractual agreement that may be in place with respect to the Fund.

**Portfolio Management**

Day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio is the responsibility of Noah Funderburk and Nicolas Pauwels members of the Pioneer Investments investment franchise. The portfolio managers are supported by the Adviser's fixed income team. Members of this team manage other Victory Funds investing primarily in fixed income securities. The portfolio managers and the team also may draw upon the research and investment management expertise of the global research teams, which provide fundamental and quantitative research and include members from one or more of the Adviser's affiliates.

Mr. Funderburk, Senior Vice President and Director of Securitized Credit of Pioneer Investments, joined the Adviser following the integration of Amundi US into the Adviser, and the predecessor investment adviser in 2008 and has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in June 2025.

Mr. Pauwels, Vice President and Deputy Director of Securitized Credit of Pioneer Investments, joined the Adviser following the integration of Amundi US into the Adviser, and the predecessor investment adviser in 2006 and has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in June 2025.

*The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' method of compensation, other accounts they manage, and any ownership interests they may have in the Fund.*

**44**

------

Investing with Victory

------

Share Price

------

The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund generally is determined at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for business. In the event of an emergency or other disruption in trading on the NYSE, the Fund's NAV will be determined based upon the close of the NYSE. The NAV is computed by determining the aggregate market value of all assets of the Fund, less its liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| NAV= | Total Assets - Liabilities |
| NAV= | Number of Shares Outstanding |

---

The NAV takes into account the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management, administration, and distribution fees (if any), which are accrued daily. The determination of NAV for the Fund for a particular day is applicable to all applications for the purchase of shares, as well as all requests for the redemption of shares, received by the Fund (or an authorized broker or agent, or its authorized designee) before the close of trading on the NYSE on that day. The NYSE is closed on weekends, most national holidays, and Good Friday.

Generally, the Fund's investments are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each investment's primary exchange. Investments traded or dealt in upon one or more exchanges (whether domestic or foreign) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the last bid on the primary exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automated Quotation System ("Nasdaq") National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. If market quotations are not readily available, investments will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and evaluated by the Board as to the reliability of the fair value method used. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio investments' fair value rather than their market price. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for an investment is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that investment. The fair value prices can differ from market prices when they become available or when a price becomes available.

The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund's securities or other assets. In addition, market prices for foreign securities are not determined at the same time of day as the NAV for the Fund. In computing the NAV, the Fund values foreign securities held by the Fund at the latest closing price on the exchange in which they are traded immediately prior to closing of the NYSE. Prices of foreign securities quoted in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates. The value of the Fund's securities may change on days when shareholders are not able to purchase and redeem the Fund's shares if the Fund has portfolio securities that primarily are traded in foreign markets that are open on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares. If events materially affecting the value of a security in the Fund's portfolio, particularly foreign securities, occur after the close of trading on a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares, the security will be valued at fair value. For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before the Fund calculates its NAV, the Adviser may need to price the security using the Fund's fair value pricing guidelines. Without a fair value price, short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. 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. The determination of fair value involves subjective

**45**

------

Share Price

------

judgments. As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the prices used by other funds to determine NAV, or from the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.

With respect to any portion of the Fund's assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), the Fund's NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs of those open-end management investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.

Short-term debt obligations with remaining maturities in excess of 60 days are valued at current market prices, as discussed above. Short-term debt obligations with 60 days or less remaining to maturity are, unless conditions indicate otherwise, amortized to maturity based on their cost to the Fund if acquired within 60 days of maturity or, if already held by the Fund on the 60th day, based on the value determined on the 61st day.

**Premium/Discount Information**

Since investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers at market prices, the Fund's shares will trade at market prices. The market price of shares may be greater than, equal to, or less than NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of shares of the Fund.

For recent information about the Fund, including the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads visit vcm.com.

**46**

------

How to Buy and Sell Shares

------

Shares of the Fund will be listed for trading on the Exchange under the ticker symbol listed on the cover of this Prospectus. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share. Shares can be bought and sold on the secondary market throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares, and shares typically trade in blocks of less than a Creation Unit. There is no minimum investment required. Shares may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market when the Exchange is open for trading.

When buying or selling shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges. The commission is often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell smaller amounts of shares. You may also pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. The spread varies over time for shares of the Fund based on the Fund's trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if the Fund's shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if the Fund's shares have little trading volume and market liquidity.

Only an Authorized Participant ("AP") may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund's APs are institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, which have entered into a Participation Agreement with the Fund's distributor to undertake the responsibility of obtaining or selling the underlying assets needed to purchase or redeem, respectively, Creation Units of the Fund. APs may acquire shares directly from the Fund, and APs may tender their shares for redemption directly to the Fund, at NAV per share only in large blocks, or Creation Units, of 25,000 shares. Purchases and redemptions directly with the Fund must follow the Fund's procedures, which are described in the SAI.

The Fund may liquidate and terminate at any time without shareholder approval.

**Share Trading Prices**

The trading prices of the Fund's shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Fund's daily NAV and are affected by market forces such as the supply of and demand for shares and shares of underlying investments held by the Fund, economic conditions, and other factors.

**Book Entry**

Shares are held in book entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares of the Fund and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes.

Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all shares. Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book entry or "street name" form.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares**

The Fund's shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund by APs in Creation Units. Direct trading by APs is critical to ensuring that the Fund's shares trade at or close to NAV. The cash to be contributed to (or received from) the Fund in connection with a Creation Unit generally is negligible compared to the total amount of the trade. The Fund with exposure to non-U.S. securities employs fair valuation pricing to minimize arbitrage opportunities that attempt to exploit the differences between a security's market quotation and its fair value. In addition, the Fund impose

**47**

------

How to Buy and Sell Shares

------

transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. These fees increase if an investor substitutes cash in part or in whole for securities, reflecting the fact that the Fund's trading costs increase in those circumstances.

Trading of the Fund's shares by individual shareholders occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not directly involve the Fund, it is unlikely those trades would cause the harmful effects of market timing, including dilution, disruption of portfolio management, increases in the Fund's trading costs and the realization of capital gains.

Given this structure, the Board has determined that it is not necessary to monitor for frequent in-kind purchases and redemptions of shares or market timing activity by the APs or on the shares' secondary market.

**Other Payments to Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase Fund shares through an investment professional, a broker dealer, or other financial intermediary, the Fund may pay for sub-transfer agent, recordkeeping and/or similar administrative services. In addition, Victory Capital (and its affiliates) may make substantial payments out of its own resources, including the profits from the advisory fees Victory Capital receives from the Fund, to affiliated and unaffiliated dealers or other investment professionals and service providers for distribution, administrative and/or shareholder servicing activities. Victory Capital also may reimburse the distributor (or the distributor's affiliates) for making these payments. Some of these distribution-related payments may be made to dealers or other investment professionals for marketing, promotional or related expenses; these payments are often referred to as "revenue sharing." In some circumstances, these types of payments may create an incentive for a dealer or investment professional or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the Fund to its customers. You should ask your dealer or investment professional for more details about any such payments it receives.

**48**

------

Distribution and Service Plan

------

The Fund has adopted a distribution and service plan ("Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay distribution fees to the distributor and other firms that provide distribution and shareholder services ("Service Providers"). If a Service Provider provides these services, the Fund may pay fees at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

No distribution or service fees are currently paid by the Fund and there are no current plans to impose these fees. In the event Rule 12b-1 fees were charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.

**49**

------

Distributions and Taxes

------

Unlike interests in conventional mutual funds, which typically are bought and sold from and to the fund only at closing NAVs, the Fund's shares are traded throughout the day in the secondary market on a national securities exchange on an intra-day basis and are created and redeemed in-kind and/or for cash in Creation Units at each day's next calculated NAV. In-kind arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from the adverse effects on the Fund's portfolio that could arise from frequent cash redemption transactions. In a conventional mutual fund, redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders if the mutual fund needs to sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet net fund redemptions. These sales may generate taxable gains for the ongoing shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the shares' in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Fund or its ongoing shareholders.

**Taxes on Distributions**

The Fund ordinarily declares and pays dividends from net investment income, if any, monthly, and net realized capital gains, if any, annually. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with U.S. federal tax requirements. Dividends from the Fund's net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses (capital gain dividends) that are properly designated as such are taxable to you as long-term capital gains (at the 20% maximum rate referred to above for non-corporate shareholders) regardless of how long you have held the Fund's shares. Dividends from the Fund's net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income (other than qualified dividend income). Dividends from the Fund's qualified dividend income (i.e., dividends received on stock of most domestic and certain foreign corporations), if any, that are properly designated as such are taxable to non-corporate shareholders at long-term capital gain rates, provided that the Fund and the shareholder satisfy certain holding period and other requirements. Dividends from the Fund that are attributable dividends received on stock from most domestic corporations, if any, that are properly designated as such are eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders, provided that the Fund and the shareholder satisfy certain holding period and other requirements.

Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole shares only if the broker through whom you purchased shares makes such option available.

In general, your distributions are subject to U.S. federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional shares of the Fund through the means of a dividend **r**einvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash.

Distributions in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) your basis in the shares and any excess amount will be treated as capital gain.

Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their "net investment income," which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund.

If at the time a shareholder purchases shares of the Fund, the value of shares reflects undistributed net investment income, recognized net capital gain, or unrealized appreciation in the value of the assets of the Fund, distributions of such amounts will be taxable to the shareholder in the manner described above, although such distributions economically constitute a return of capital to the shareholder.

**50**

------

Distributions and Taxes

------

As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in shares will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in shares.

Unless your investment in shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:

◼

The Fund makes distributions,

◼

You sell your shares listed on the Exchange, and

◼

You purchase or redeem Creation Units (if applicable).

If you are a nonresident alien individual, foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation or foreign partnership, the Fund's ordinary income dividends may be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax. See the section titled "TAXES—Foreign Shareholders" in the SAI for details.

**Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales**

Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of shares generally is treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses from sales of shares may be limited.

A nonresident alien individual and a foreign corporation generally is exempt from U.S. federal income or withholding tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund, but certain exceptions apply under which such shareholders may be subject to U.S. federal tax on such sale or other disposition. See the section titled "TAXES–Foreign Shareholders" in the SAI for details.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

An AP who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the AP's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any cash it pays. An AP who exchanges Creation Units for securities generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received plus any cash equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed and the value of the securities. However, a loss realized by an AP upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units may not be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales" or for other reasons. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

Any capital gain or loss realized on the purchase or redemption of Creation Units generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities surrendered to purchase the Creation Units or the Creation Units, as applicable, have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the securities surrendered or the Creation Units, as applicable, have been held for one year or less.

If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many shares you purchased or sold and at what price. See "TAXES" in the SAI for a description of the requirement regarding basis determination methods applicable to share redemptions and the Fund's obligation to report basis information to the IRS.

**51**

------

Distributions and Taxes

------

**Backup Withholding**

By law, the Fund is required to withhold 24% of your distributions and proceeds if you have not provided the Fund with a correct Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number and in certain other situations.

**Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act**

Under the "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act," unless certain foreign entities comply with certain IRS requirements that generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% U.S. withholding tax may apply to dividends paid by the Fund to such entities. See the section titled "TAXES—Foreign Shareholders" in the SAI for details.

**IRA Distribution Withholding Disclosure**

We generally must withhold federal income tax at a rate of 10% of the taxable portion of your distribution, and if you live in a state that requires state income tax withholding, at your state's tax rate. However, you may elect not to have withholding apply or to have income tax withheld at a higher rate. Any withholding election that you make will apply to any subsequent distribution unless and until you change or revoke the election. If you wish to make a withholding election, or change or revoke a prior withholding election, call 866-376-7890, and form W-4P (OMB No. 1545-0074 withholding certificate for pension or annuity payments) will be sent electronically.

If you do not have a withholding election in place by the date of a distribution, federal income tax will be withheld from the taxable portion of your distribution at a rate of 10%. If you must pay estimated taxes, you may be subject to estimated tax penalties if your estimated tax payments are not sufficient and sufficient tax is not withheld from your distribution.

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. The foregoing discussion also does not discuss any state, local, or non-U.S. tax consequences associated with an investment in the Fund. The tax information in this Prospectus is based on tax law in effect on the date of this Prospectus and it does not address any proposals to modify such tax laws. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the shares under all applicable tax laws.

For more specific information, please consult your tax adviser.

**52**

------

Other Information

------

**Investments by Investment Companies**

Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of the Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) as permitted by any rules and regulations adopted under applicable law, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund.

**Continuous Offering**

The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, a "distribution," as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, generally are required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.

**Dealers effecting transactions in the Fund's shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, generally are required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.**

**Portfolio Holdings Disclosure**

A description of the Fund policies regarding disclosure of the securities in the Fund's portfolio is found in the Statement of Additional Information. The Fund's portfolio is disclosed daily on the Fund's website at www.VictorySharesLiterature.com. Shareholders also may request portfolio holdings schedules at no charge by calling toll free 866-376-7890.

**53**

------

Other Information

------

**Shareholder Communications**

In order to eliminate duplicate mailings to an address at which two or more shareholders with the same last name reside, the Victory Funds may send only one copy of any shareholder reports, financial statements, proxy statements, prospectuses and their supplements, unless you have instructed us to the contrary. You may request that the Victory Funds send these documents to each shareholder individually by calling the Victory Funds at 866-376-7890, and they will be delivered promptly.

While this Prospectus and the SAI of the Trust describe pertinent information about the Trust and the Fund, neither this Prospectus nor the SAI represents a contract between the Trust or the Fund and any shareholder.

**Other Disclosures**

Victory Capital means Victory Capital Management Inc., the investment adviser of the VictoryShares ETFs. VictoryShares ETFs are distributed by Victory Capital Services, Inc. ("VCS") and affiliate of Victory Capital. VCS is a member of FINRA.

**54**

------

Financial Highlights

------

Because the Funds had not commenced operations prior to the date of this prospectus, financial highlights are not available.

**55**

------

VS-ABI-PRO (06/25)

**By mail:**

VictoryShares

4900 Tiedeman Road, 4th Floor

Brooklyn, OH 44144

![](victoryshares.gif)

4900 Tiedeman Road,

4th Floor

Brooklyn, OH 44144

**Statement of Additional Information (SAI):** The SAI contains more information about the Fund's operations, investment restrictions, policies, and practices. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, which means that it is legally part of this Prospectus, even if you do not request a copy.

**Annual/Semi Annual Reports and Form N-CSR/Form N-CSRS:** Annual and semi annual reports contain more information about the Fund's investments and the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during the most recent fiscal period. The Funds' Form N-CSR and Form N-CSRS filings contain the Funds' annual and semi-annual financial statements.

**How to Obtain Information:** You may obtain a free copy of the SAI, annual and semi annual reports and other information such as Fund financial statements and ask questions about the Fund or your accounts, online at VictorySharesLiterature.com, by contacting the Fund at the following address or telephone number, or by contacting your financial intermediary.

**By telephone:**

Call VictoryShares at

866-376-7890

You also can get information about the Fund (including the SAI, other reports and other information such as Fund financial statements) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the SEC's Edgar database at sec.gov, or after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request sent to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Investment Company Act File Number 811-22696

------

![](g5j2ma883a3sanyvkeb94.jpg)

**VICTORYSHARES**

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

JUNE 23, 2025

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Ticker** |
| VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF | IFLO |
| VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF | GRIN |
| VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF | ABI |

---

(each a "Fund" and together, the "Funds")

Each Fund is a series of Victory Portfolios II (the "Trust")

Listed and traded on:

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with each Fund's prospectus, dated June 23, 2025, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time (each, a "Prospectus"). This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into each Prospectus. Copies of the Prospectus of each Fund can be obtained without charge upon request made to Victory Funds, P.O. Box 182593, Columbus, OH 43218-2593, at <u>VictorySharesLiterature.com</u> or by calling toll free 1-866-376-7890.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**TABLE OF CONTENTS** |  |
| **GENERAL INFORMATION** | **2** |
| **INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND LIMITATIONS** | **2** |
| **INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND LIMITATIONS** | **2** |
| **VETTAFI VICTORY INDEX** | **2** |
| **VETTAFI VICTORY INDEX** | **5** |
| **INVESTMENT PRACTICES, INSTRUMENTS, AND RISKS** | **5** |
| **INVESTMENT PRACTICES, INSTRUMENTS, AND RISKS** | **6** |
| **INVESTMENTS IN THE FUNDS BY OTHER REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES** | **6** |
| **INVESTMENTS IN THE FUNDS BY OTHER REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES** | **39** |
| **DETERMINING NET ASSET VALUE ("NAV") AND VALUING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES** | **39** |
| **DETERMINING NET ASSET VALUE ("NAV") AND VALUING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES** | **39** |
| **PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES** | **39** |
| **PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES** | **41** |
| **MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST** | **41** |
| **MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST** | **48** |
| **CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS** | **48** |
| **CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS** | **54** |
| **INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS** | **54** |
| **INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS** | **55** |
| **PORTFOLIO MANAGERS** | **55** |
| **PORTFOLIO MANAGERS** | **59** |
| **DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN** | **59** |
| **DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN** | **60** |
| **CODE OF ETHICS** | **60** |
| **CODE OF ETHICS** | **61** |
| **PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES** | **61** |
| **PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES** | **61** |
| **PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS** | **61** |
| **PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS** | **63** |
| **DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS AND DISTRIBUTIONS** | **63** |
| **DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS AND DISTRIBUTIONS** | **66** |
| **TAXES** | **66** |
| **TAXES** | **66** |
| **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** | **66** |
| **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** | **74** |
| **APPENDIX A** | **74** |
| **APPENDIX A** | **78** |
|  | **78** |

---

**GENERAL INFORMATION**

The Funds are each diversified series of the Trust (formerly named "Compass EMP Funds Trust"), a Delaware statutory trust organized on April 11, 2012. The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company. The Trust currently consists of [ ] series of beneficial interests ("shares"). This SAI relates to the shares of three series of the Trust (each a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds").

Victory Capital Management Inc. (the "Adviser" or "Victory Capital") is the Funds' investment adviser. Each Fund's investment objective(s), restrictions and policies are more fully described below and in each Fund's Prospectus. The Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees") may organize and offer shares of a new fund or liquidate a Fund at any time.

Much of the information contained in this SAI expands on subjects discussed in each Fund's Prospectus. Capitalized terms not defined herein are used as defined in the Prospectuses. No investment in shares of a Fund should be made without first reading that Fund's Prospectus.

The VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF ("International Free Cash Flow Fund") and VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF ("International Free Cash Flow Growth Fund") are referred to collectively in this SAI as the "Index Funds."

The VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF is referred to in this SAI as the "Bond Fund."

The Index Funds' shares are offered at net asset value ("NAV") only in aggregations of 50,000 shares (each a "Creation Unit"). The Bond Fund's shares are offered at net asset value ("NAV") only in aggregations of 25,000 shares (each a "Creation Unit"). The Funds will issue and redeem Creation Units principally in exchange for a basket of securities (the "Deposit Securities"), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the "Cash Component"), plus a transaction fee. The Bond Fund, may issue and redeem Creation Units in exchange for a specified all-cash payment ("Cash Deposit"). The Funds are approved for listing on the exchange operated by Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the "Exchange"). Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at, or above NAV. The Trust reserves the right to adjust the prices of shares in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the applicable Fund.

Shares of each Fund are listed for trading and trade throughout the day on the Exchange.

In order to provide additional information regarding the indicative value of shares of the Index Funds, the Exchange or a market data vendor will disseminate every 15 seconds through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association or other widely disseminated means an updated "intraday indicative value" ("IIV") for the Funds as calculated by an information provider or market data vendor. The Trust is not involved in or responsible for any aspect of the calculation or dissemination of the IIV and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the IIV.

**INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND LIMITATIONS**

**Investment Objectives**

Each Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental, meaning it may be changed by a vote of the Trustees without a vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.

**Investment Policies and Limitations of the Funds**

Unless a policy of a Fund is expressly deemed to be a fundamental policy, changeable only by an affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of that Fund's outstanding voting securities, the Fund's policies are non-fundamental and may be changed without a shareholder vote only upon at least 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders.

A Fund may, following notice to its shareholders, employ other investment practices that presently are not contemplated for use by the Fund or that currently are not available but that may be developed to the extent such investment practices are both consistent with the Fund's investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they arise, may involve risks that exceed those involved in the activities described in the Fund's Prospectus.

A Fund's classification and sub-classification is a matter of fundamental policy. Each Fund is classified as an open-end investment company. Each Fund is sub-classified as a diversified investment company, which under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act") means that, with respect to 75% of a Fund's total assets, the Fund may not invest in securities of any issuer if, immediately after such investment, (i) more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund (taken at current value) would be invested in the securities of that issuer or (ii) more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer would be held by the Fund (this limitation does not apply to obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and securities of other investment companies). A diversified fund is not subject to this limitation with respect to the remaining 25% of its total assets. In addition, each Fund has elected to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). To

qualify as a regulated investment company, the Funds must meet certain diversification requirements as determined at the close of each quarter of each taxable year. The Code's diversification test is described in "TAXES."

The policies and limitations stated in this SAI supplement the Funds' investment policies set forth in each Fund's Prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of a Fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund's acquisition of such security or other asset except in the case of borrowing (or other activities that may be deemed to result in the issuance of a "senior security" under the 1940 Act). Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with a Fund's investment policies and limitations. If the value of a Fund's holdings of illiquid investments at any time exceeds the percentage limitation applicable at the time of acquisition due to subsequent fluctuations in value or other reasons, the Board will consider what actions, if any, are appropriate to maintain adequate liquidity.

**Fundamental Investment Policies and Limitations of the Funds**

The following investment limitations are fundamental and may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares, as defined under the 1940 Act. As used in the Prospectuses and in this SAI, a "vote of a majority of the outstanding shares" of the Fund means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are represented in person or by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Portions of the Funds' fundamental investment restrictions (e.g., references to "except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction") provide the Funds with flexibility to change limitations in connection with changes in applicable law, rules, regulations or exemptive relief. The language used in these restrictions provides the necessary flexibility to allow the Board to respond efficiently to these kinds of developments without the delay and expense of a shareholder meeting.

**Senior Securities**

None of the Funds may issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction.

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 consistent with or permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or its staff.

Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits a Fund to enter into Derivatives Transactions (as defined below) and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions on the issuance of "senior securities" under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. Section 18 of the 1940 Act, among other things, prohibits open-end funds, including the Funds, from issuing or selling any "senior security," other than borrowing from a bank (subject to a requirement to maintain 300% "asset coverage").

Under Rule 18f-4, "Derivatives Transactions" include the following: (1) any swap, security-based swap (including a contract for differences), futures contract, forward contract, option (excluding purchased options), any combination of the foregoing, or any similar instrument, under which the Fund is or may be required to make any payment or delivery of cash or other assets during the life of the instrument or at maturity or early termination, whether as margin or settlement payment or otherwise; (2) any short sale borrowing; (3) reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions (e.g., recourse and non-recourse tender option bonds, and borrowed bonds), if the Fund elects to treat these transactions as Derivatives Transactions under Rule 18f-4; and (4) when-issued or forward- settling securities (e.g., firm and standby commitments, including to-be-announced ("TBA") commitments, and dollar rolls) and non- standard settlement cycle securities, unless a Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date.

Unless a Fund is relying on the Limited Derivatives User Exception (as defined below), a Fund must comply with Rule 18f-4 with respect to its Derivatives Transactions. Rule 18f-4, among other things, requires the Funds to adopt and implement a comprehensive written derivatives risk management program ("DRMP") and comply with a relative or absolute limit on Fund leverage risk calculated based on value-at-risk ("VaR"). The DRMP is administered by a "derivatives risk manager," who is appointed by the Board, including a majority of Independent Trustees, and periodically reviews the DRMP and reports to the Board.

Rule 18f-4 provides an exception from the DRMP, VaR limit and certain other requirements if a Fund's "derivatives exposure" (as defined in Rule 18f-4) is limited to 10% of its net assets (as calculated in accordance with Rule 18f-4) and the Fund adopts and implements written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage its derivatives risks (the "Limited Derivatives User Exception"). As of the date of this SAI, the Funds rely on the Limited Derivatives User Exception.

**Borrowing**

None of the Funds may borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, or by order of the SEC and as interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction.

A Fund's ability to borrow money is limited by its investment policies and limitations, by the 1940 Act, and by applicable exemptions, no action letters, interpretations, and other pronouncements issued from time to time by regulatory authorities, including the SEC and its staff. Under the 1940 Act, a Fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including the proceeds of borrowings, less liabilities excluding borrowings) of not less than 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the fund's total assets made for temporary purposes. Any borrowings for temporary purposes in excess of 5% are subject to the minimum 300% asset coverage requirement. If the value of the assets set aside to meet the 300% asset coverage were to decline below 300% due to market fluctuations or other causes, a Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) to reduce the debt and comply with the 300% minimum asset coverage requirement, even in circumstances where it is considered disadvantageous from an investment perspective to sell securities at that time or at the prices then available.

**Underwriting, Purchasing Securities on Margin, or Participating on a Joint Basis**

None of the Funds may underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that a Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"), in the disposition of restricted securities.

**Real Estate**

None of the Funds may purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of direct ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction shall not prevent any of these Funds from investing in the following: (i) securities or other instruments backed by real estate;

(ii)securities of real estate operating companies; or (iii) securities of companies engaged in the real estate business, including real estate investment trusts. This restriction does not preclude any of these Funds from buying securities backed by mortgages on real estate or securities of companies engaged in such activities.

**Concentration**

The Bond Fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry or group of industries, except that the Bond Fund will concentrate in mortgage-related securities.

An Index Fund will concentrate to approximately the same extent that its underlying index concentrates in the stocks of such particular industry or group of industries.

With respect to the Funds' concentration policies as described above, the Adviser, where applicable, may determine an "industry" by using various recognized industry classification services including, but not limited to, industry classifications established by the MSCI Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), S&P, Bloomberg L.P. and Frank Russell Company, with certain modifications. The Adviser also may include additional industries as separate classifications, to the extent applicable. Because the Adviser has determined that certain categories within, or in addition to third-party classifications have unique investment characteristics, additional industries may be included as industry classifications. This policy will be interpreted to give broad authority to the Funds as to how to classify issuers within or among industries. The Funds may change the sources used for determining industry classifications without shareholder approval.

With respect to the Bond Fund's concentration policy as set forth above, as it relates to investments in asset-backed securities (including collateralized loan obligations), the Bond Fund will look through to the underlying collateral pool and group such investments according to the nature of their collateral for purposes of the Bond Fund's investment restriction on concentration to the extent that it has reasonable access to such information.

**Commodities**

None of the Funds may purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent a Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts or other derivatives instruments, or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).

**Lending**

None of the Funds may make loans, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction. Generally, the 1940 Act prohibits loans if a fund's investment policies do not permit loans,

and if the loans are made, directly or indirectly, to persons deemed to control or to be under common control with the registered investment company.

**Non-Fundamental Investment Policies and Limitations of the Funds**

The following investment restrictions are non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of a majority of the Trustees:

Each Fund has an investment policy that requires it to invest at least 80% of its assets in the type of security, or index, suggested by its name. To the extent required by SEC rules, each such policy may be changed only upon at least 60 days' prior written notice to the applicable Fund's shareholders.

No Fund may purchase the securities of any registered open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, which permits operation as a "fund of funds." Except as provided in "Securities of Other Investment Companies," none of the Funds may: (1) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company; (2) own more than 3% of the securities of any one investment company; or (3) invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies.

**Temporary Defensive Policy**

The Bond Fund may, on a temporary basis because of market, economic, political, or other conditions, invest up to 100% of its assets in investment-grade, short-term debt instruments. Such securities may consist of obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements secured by such instruments; certificates of deposit of domestic banks having capital, surplus, and undivided profits in excess of $100 million; bankers' acceptances of similar banks; commercial paper and other corporate debt obligations.

The Index Funds generally pursue their investment objectives regardless of market conditions and do not take defensive positions.

**VETTAFI VICTORY INDEX**

**Index Provider**

The Victory International Free Cash Flow Index and the Victory International Growth Free Cash Flow Index (each an "Index" and together, the "Indexes") are currently administered, calculated, and published by an unaffiliated third party, VettaFi LLC (the "Index Provider"). The Index Provider calculates and disseminates the Indexes on a daily basis. A description of each Index is provided in each Fund's Prospectus under "Principal Investment Strategies," and additional details about each Index is provided below.

The Adviser may consult with the Index Provider from time to time concerning an Index methodology, but the Index Provider alone makes all decisions with respect to any changes to the methodology.

**Quarterly Index Reconstitution Dates**

Each Index is reconstituted periodically during the year according to a prescribed schedule. In conjunction with each reconstitution date, each Index's rules are applied to its universe of publicly traded securities in order to determine which securities are eligible for inclusion in the Index. New securities are added to each respective Index only on reconstitution dates and only securities that comply with the Index methodology are eligible to be included in an Index. Securities that no longer meet eligibility for an Index on the reconstitution date are omitted. The Index Provider is solely responsible for the nature and extent of any reconstitution of each Index.

**Index Maintenance**

The Index Provider maintains each Index throughout the year and includes monitoring and adjusting each Index for company additions and deletions, stock splits, corporate restructurings, and other corporate actions. Corporate actions generally are implemented after the close of trading on the day prior to the ex-date of such corporate actions. A security also may be removed from an Index in between rebalancing dates if it no longer represents an investable asset due to legal constraints or other independent factors. In response to market conditions that occur between rebalancing dates, an Index's country and sector weights may fluctuate above or below a specified cap between annual Index screening dates.

**Changes to the Index Methodology**

Each Index is governed by a rules-based methodology. To the extent possible, material changes to the methodology will be publicly disclosed to shareholders prior to implementation. The Index Provider is solely responsible for the nature and extent of any changes to the Indexes.

**No Guarantee or Warranty; Index Errors**

Neither the Index Provider, the Adviser nor the Funds make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Funds' shareholders or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly or the ability of the Indexes to track general stock market performance. The Index Provider has no obligation to take the needs of the Funds or Funds' shareholders into consideration in determining, composing, or calculating the Indexes.

Neither the Index Provider, the Adviser nor the Funds guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or performance of the Indexes or the data included therein and shall have no liability in connection with the Indexes or Indexes calculation, including any errors or omissions in calculating the Indexes. Errors made by the Index Provider with respect to the quality, accuracy, and completeness of the data within the Indexes may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected for a period of time, if at all. Therefore, gains, losses or costs associated with errors will be borne by the Funds and their shareholders.

**INVESTMENT PRACTICES, INSTRUMENTS, AND RISKS**

In addition to the principal investment strategies and the principal risks of the Funds described in each Prospectus, each Fund may, but will not necessarily, employ other investment practices and may be subject to additional risks which are described further below. Because the following is a combined description of investment strategies and risks for all of the Funds, certain strategies and/or risks described below may not apply to every Fund. Unless a strategy or policy described below is specifically prohibited with respect to a particular Fund by the investment restrictions listed in the Prospectus, under "Investment Objectives Policies and Limitations" in this SAI, or by applicable law, a Fund may, but will not necessarily, engage in each of the practices described below. The Funds' use of the investment practices and instruments, and exposure to risks, discussed below may be through a Fund's investments in ETFs.

**Adjustable-Rate Securities**

A Fund may, and the Bond Fund generally will, invest in adjustable-rate securities. The interest on an adjustable-rate security fluctuates periodically. Generally, the security's yield is based on a U.S. dollar-based interest-rate benchmark such as the Federal Funds Rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury bill rate, or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") or its replacement. The yields on these securities are reset on a periodic basis (for example, daily, weekly, or quarterly) or upon a change in the benchmark interest rate. The yields are closely correlated to changes in money market interest rates.

**Calculation of Dollar-Weighted Average Portfolio Maturity**

Dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity is derived by multiplying the value of each debt instrument by the number of days remaining to its maturity, adding these calculations, and then dividing the total by the value of a Fund's debt instruments. An obligation's maturity is typically determined on a stated final maturity basis, although there are some exceptions to this rule.

With respect to obligations held by a Fund, if it is probable that the issuer of an instrument will take advantage of a maturity-shortening device, such as a call, refunding, or redemption provision, the date on which the instrument will probably be called, refunded, or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date. Also, the maturities of mortgage-backed securities, some ABS (as defined below), and securities subject to sinking fund arrangements are determined on a weighted average life basis, which is the average time for principal to be repaid. For mortgage-backed securities and some ABS, this average time is calculated by assuming prepayment rates of the underlying loans. These prepayment rates can vary depending upon the level and volatility of interest rates. This, in turn, can affect the weighted average life of the security. The weighted average lives of these securities will be shorter than their stated final maturities. In addition, for purposes of a Fund's investment policies, an instrument will be treated as having a maturity earlier than its stated maturity date if the instrument has technical features such as puts or demand features that, in the judgment of the Adviser, will result in the instrument being valued in the market as though it has the earlier maturity.

Finally, for purposes of calculating the dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of a Fund, the maturity of a debt instrument with a periodic interest reset date will be deemed to be the next reset date, rather than the remaining stated maturity of the instrument if, in the judgment of the Adviser, the periodic interest reset features will result in the instrument's being valued in the market as though it has the earlier maturity.

**Certificates of Deposit and Bankers' Acceptances**

Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity.

A Fund may invest in insured bank obligations. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insures the deposits of federally insured banks and savings and loan associations (collectively referred to as "banks") up to $250,000. A Fund may purchase bank

obligations that are fully insured as to principal by the FDIC. Currently, to remain fully insured as to principal, these investments must be limited to $250,000 per bank; if the principal amount and accrued interest together exceed $250,000, the excess principal and accrued interest will not be insured. Insured bank obligations may have limited marketability.

Bankers' acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.

**Commercial Paper**

Each Fund may invest in commercial paper, which consists of short-term (usually from one to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations. A variable amount master demand note (which is a type of commercial paper) represents a direct borrowing arrangement involving periodically fluctuating rates of interest under a letter agreement between a commercial paper issuer and an institutional lender pursuant to which the lender may determine to invest varying amounts.

Investments in commercial paper are subject to the risk the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its outstanding commercial paper, also known as rollover risk. Commercial paper may become illiquid or may suffer from reduced liquidity in certain circumstances. Like all fixed income securities, commercial paper prices are susceptible to fluctuations in interest rates. If interest rates rise, commercial paper prices will decline. The short-term nature of a commercial paper investment makes it less susceptible to interest rate risk than many other fixed income securities because interest rate risk typically increases as maturity lengths increase.

Commercial paper tends to yield smaller returns than longer-term corporate debt because securities with shorter maturities typically have lower effective yields than those with longer maturities. As with all fixed income securities, there is a chance that the issuer will default on its commercial paper obligation.

**Commodity-Linked Notes**

Each Fund may invest in commodity-linked notes, which are a type of structured note. Commodity-linked notes are privately negotiated structured debt securities indexed to the return of an index such as the Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index Total Return, which is representative of the commodities market. They are available from a limited number of approved counterparties, and all invested amounts are exposed to the dealer's credit risk. Commodity-linked notes may be leveraged. For example, if a Fund invests $100 in a three-times leveraged commodity-linked note, it will exchange $100 principal with the dealer to obtain $300 exposure to the commodities market. The value of the note will change by a magnitude of three for every percentage point change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying index. This means a $100 note would be worth $70 if the commodity index decreased by 10%. Structured notes also are subject to counterparty risk.

Investments linked to the prices of commodities, including commodity-linked notes, are considered speculative. The values of commodity-linked notes are affected by events that might have less impact on the values of stocks and bonds. Prices of commodities and related contracts may fluctuate significantly over short periods due to a variety of factors, including changes in supply and demand relationships, weather, agriculture, fiscal, and exchange control programs, disease, pestilence, and international economic, political, military, and regulatory developments. In addition, the commodity markets may be subject to temporary distortions and other disruptions due to, among other factors, lack of liquidity, the participation of speculators, and government regulation and other actions. These circumstances could adversely affect the value of the commodity-linked notes and make commodity-linked notes more volatile than other types of investments. Investments in commodity-linked notes may have substantial risks, including risk of loss of a significant portion of their principal value. They are also subject to tax risks because the income therefrom is not "good" income for a regulated investment company. See the section of the SAI titled "Taxes."

**Common Stock**

Common stock represents an equity (ownership) interest in a company, and usually possesses voting rights and earns dividends. Dividends on common stock are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer. Common stock generally represents the riskiest investment in a company. In addition, common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price. A company's common stock also may decline significantly in price over a short period of time due to factors specific to that company, including decisions made by its management or lower demand for the company's products or services.

**Cover**

Transactions using certain derivative instruments, other than purchased options, expose a Fund to an obligation to another party. A Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (1) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities, currencies or other options, futures contracts, or forward contracts, or (2) cash or liquid assets with a value, marked-to-market daily, sufficient to cover its potential obligations to the extent not covered as provided in (1) above.

For more information about these practices, see the "Derivatives" section.

**Debt Securities and Related Investments**

Debt securities rating information. Investment grade debt securities are those rated "BBB" or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's") or the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. Debt securities rated

BBBare considered medium grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal.

Below investment grade debt securities are those rated "BB" and below by Standard & Poor's or the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. See "Appendix A" for a description of rating categories. Each Fund may invest in debt securities rated "D" or better, or comparable unrated securities as determined by Victory Capital.

Below investment grade debt securities or comparable unrated securities are commonly referred to as high yield bonds or "junk bonds" and are considered predominantly speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments. Changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal payments and interest payments. The issuers of high yield securities also may be more adversely affected than issuers of higher rated securities by specific corporate or governmental developments. Such securities may also be impacted by the issuers' inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. The amount of high yield securities outstanding has proliferated as an increasing number of issuers have used high yield securities for corporate financing. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of lower quality securities will have an adverse effect on a Fund's net asset value to the extent that it invests in such securities. In addition, a Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings or to take other steps to protect its investment in an issuer.

The secondary market for high yield securities is not usually as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on a Fund's ability to dispose of a particular security when necessary to meet its liquidity needs. Under adverse market or economic conditions, such as those recently prevailing, the secondary market for high yield securities could contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. As a result, a Fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these and other circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating a Fund's net asset value.

Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with high yield debt securities of the type in which a Fund may invest, the yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments of the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers' creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater yield and price volatility.

High yield and comparable unrated debt securities tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the historical financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have been as strong as that of other issuers. However, high yield securities generally involve greater risks of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities.

For purposes of a Fund's credit quality policies, if a security receives different ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, a Fund will use the rating chosen by the portfolio manager as most representative of the security's credit quality. The ratings of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities that they undertake to rate and may not accurately describe the risk of the security. If a rating organization changes the quality rating assigned to one or more of a Fund's portfolio securities, Victory Capital will consider if any action is appropriate in light of a Fund's investment objectives and policies. These ratings are used as criteria for the selection of portfolio securities, in addition to Victory Capital's own assessment of the credit quality of potential investments.

U.S. government securities. U.S. government securities in which a Fund invests include debt obligations of varying maturities issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or guaranteed by an agency, authority or instrumentality of the U.S. government, including the Federal Housing Administration, Federal Financing Bank, Farm Service Agency, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., Small Business Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), General Services Administration, National Bank for

Cooperatives, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Maritime Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority and various institutions that previously were or currently are part of the Farm Credit System (which has been undergoing reorganization since 1987). Some U.S. government securities, such as U.S. Treasury bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance, are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Others are supported by: (i) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of the FHLBs; (ii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency's obligations, such as securities of FNMA; or (iii) only the credit of the issuer. Such debt securities are subject to the risk of default on the payment of interest and/or principal, similar to debt of private issuers. The maximum potential liability of some U.S. government securities may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. government. Although the U.S. government provided financial support to FNMA and FHLMC in the past, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support in the future to these or other U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Securities guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities include: (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government or any of its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities; and (ii) participations in loans made to non-U.S. governments or other entities that are so guaranteed. The secondary market for certain loan participations described above is limited and, therefore, the participations may be regarded as illiquid.

U.S. government securities may include zero coupon securities that may be purchased when yields are attractive and/or to enhance portfolio liquidity. Zero coupon U.S. government securities are debt obligations that are issued or purchased at a significant discount from face value. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound over the period until maturity or the particular interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Zero coupon U.S. government securities do not require the periodic payment of interest. These investments may experience greater volatility in market value than U.S. government securities that make regular payments of interest. Each Fund accrues income on these investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy a Fund's distribution obligations, in which case a Fund will forgo the purchase of additional income producing assets with these funds. Zero coupon U.S. government securities include STRIPS and CUBES, which are issued by the U.S. Treasury as component parts of U.S. Treasury bonds and represent scheduled interest and principal payments on the bonds.

Convertible debt securities. A Fund may, and the Bond Fund generally will, invest in convertible debt securities which are debt obligations convertible at a stated exchange rate or formula into common stock or other equity securities. Convertible securities rank senior to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure and consequently may be of higher quality and entail less risk than the issuer's common stock. As with all debt securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to increase when interest rates decline and, conversely, tend to decline when interest rates increase. Depending on the relationship of the conversion price to the market value of the underlying securities, convertible securities may trade more like equity securities than debt securities.

A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest that is generally paid or accrued until the convertible security matures, or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics, in that they generally (i) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (ii) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying common stock due to their fixed-income characteristics and (iii) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instruments. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption, a Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could result in losses to a Fund.

Contingent Convertible Securities ("CoCos"). CoCos are a form of hybrid debt security, typically issued by banking institutions, and are intended to either convert into equity or have their principal written down upon the occurrence of certain "triggers." The triggers generally are linked to regulatory capital requirements or regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institution's continued viability as a going-concern. CoCos' unique equity conversion or principal write-down features are tailored to the issuing banking institution and its regulatory requirements. Some additional risks associated with CoCos include, but are not limited to:

Loss absorption risk. CoCos have fully discretionary coupons. This means coupons can potentially be cancelled or adjusted downward to below the original par value upon the occurrence of a trigger at the banking institution's discretion or at the request of the relevant regulatory authority in order to help the bank absorb losses. A write down of the par value would occur automatically and would not entitle the holders to seek bankruptcy of the company. In addition, an automatic write-down could result in a reduced income rate if the dividend or interest payment is based on the security's par value. Such securities may, but are not required to, provide for circumstances under which the liquidation value may be adjusted back up to par, such as an improvement in capitalization and/or earnings. Similarly, if a CoCo provides for a mandatory conversion of the security into the issuer's equity securities in the event of certain circumstances, a

Fund could experience a reduced income rate (even to zero) if such conversion event occurs and the issuer's equity securities pay little or no dividend.

Subordination risk. CoCos will, in the majority of circumstances, be issued in the form of subordinated debt instruments in order to provide the appropriate regulatory capital treatment prior to a conversion. Accordingly, in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding- up of an issuer prior to a conversion having occurred, the rights and claims of the holders of the CoCos, such as a Fund, against the issuer in respect of or arising under the terms of the CoCos will generally rank junior to the claims of all holders of unsubordinated obligations of the issuer. In addition, if the CoCos are converted into the issuer's underlying equity securities following a conversion event, each holder will be subordinated due to their conversion from being the holder of a debt instrument to being the holder of an equity instrument, hence worsening the holder's standing in a bankruptcy. In addition, some CoCos also provide for an automatic write-down if the price of the common stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date.

Market risk. The value of CoCos is unpredictable and will be influenced by many factors including, without limitation: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer's applicable capital ratios; (ii) supply and demand for the CoCos; (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. It is often difficult to predict when, if at all, an automatic write-down or conversion event will occur, but any indication that an automatic write-down or conversion event may occur can be expected to have a material adverse effect on the market price of affected CoCos. Accordingly, the trading behavior of CoCos may not follow the trading behavior of other types of debt and preferred securities. CoCos are a relatively new form of security and the full effects of an automatic write-down or conversion event have not been experienced broadly in the marketplace. The occurrence of an automatic write-down or conversion event may be unpredictable and the potential effects of such event on a Fund's yield, NAV and/or market price may be adverse.

Municipal obligations. Each Fund may purchase municipal obligations. The term "municipal obligations" generally is understood to include debt obligations issued by municipalities to obtain funds for various public purposes, the income from which is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, excluded from gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the proceeds from private activity bonds are used for the construction, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, the interest paid on such bonds may be excluded from gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of these issues. A Fund's distributions of any interest it earns on municipal obligations will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders that are otherwise subject to tax.

The two principal classifications of municipal obligations are "general obligation" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source, but not from the general taxing power. Sizable investments in these obligations could involve an increased risk to a Fund should any of the related facilities experience financial difficulties. Private activity bonds are in most cases revenue bonds and do not generally carry the pledge of the credit of the issuing municipality. There are, of course, variations in the security of municipal obligations, both within a particular classification and between classifications.

Mortgage-backed securities. A Fund may, and the Bond Fund generally will, invest in mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple- class pass-through securities, such as real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMIC") pass-through certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"), and other types of mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") that may be available in the future. A mortgage-backed security is an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some mortgage-backed securities, such as CMOs, make payments of both principal and interest at a variety of intervals; others make semiannual interest payments at a predetermined rate and repay principal at maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage- backed securities are based on different types of mortgages including those on commercial real estate or residential properties. Mortgage-backed securities often have stated maturities of up to thirty years when they are issued, depending upon the length of the mortgages underlying the securities. In practice, however, unscheduled or early payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may make the securities' effective maturity shorter than this, and the prevailing interest rates may be higher or lower than the current yield of the portfolio at the time a Fund receives the payments for reinvestment. Mortgage- backed securities may have less potential for capital appreciation than comparable fixed income securities, due to the likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages as interest rates decline. If a Fund buys mortgage-backed securities at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and prepayments of principal by mortgagors (which may be made at any time without penalty) may result in some loss of a Fund's principal investment to the extent of the premium paid.

The value of mortgage-backed securities may also change due to shifts in the market's perception of issuers. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities markets as a whole. Non-governmental mortgage-backed securities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but also may be subject to greater price changes than governmental issues.

Through its investments in mortgage-backed securities, including those that are issued by private issuers, a Fund may have exposure to subprime loans as well as to the mortgage and credit markets generally. Private issuers include commercial banks, savings associations, mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies and special purpose finance entities (called special purpose vehicles or "SPVs") and other entities that acquire and package mortgage loans for resale as MBS.

Unlike mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its sponsored entities, mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee, but may have credit enhancement provided by external entities such as banks or financial institutions or achieved through the structuring of the transaction itself. Examples of such credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include the issue of senior and subordinated securities (e.g., the issuance of securities by an SPV in multiple classes or "tranches," with one or more classes being senior to other subordinated classes as to the payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgage loans are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class); creation of "reserve funds" (in which case cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying mortgage loans, are held in reserve against future losses); and "overcollateralization" (in which case the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying mortgage loans exceeds that required to make payment of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). However, there can be no guarantee that credit enhancements, if any, will be sufficient to prevent losses in the event of defaults on the underlying mortgage loans.

In addition, mortgage-backed securities that are issued by private issuers are not subject to the underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-backed securities that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying private mortgage-backed securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. Privately issued pools more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value mortgages and manufactured housing loans. The coupon rates and maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a private mortgage-backed securities pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a government guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had in many cases higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements.

The risk of non-payment is greater for mortgage-backed securities that are backed by mortgage pools that contain subprime loans, but a level of risk exists for all loans. Market factors adversely affecting mortgage loan repayments may include a general economic turndown, high unemployment, a general slowdown in the real estate market, a drop in the market prices of real estate, or an increase in interest rates resulting in higher mortgage payments by holders of adjustable rate mortgages.

If a Fund purchases subordinated mortgage-backed securities, the subordinated mortgage-backed securities may serve as a credit support for the senior securities purchased by other investors. In addition, the payments of principal and interest on these subordinated securities generally will be made only after payments are made to the holders of securities senior to a Fund's securities. Therefore, if there are defaults on the underlying mortgage loans, a Fund will be less likely to receive payments of principal and interest, and will be more likely to suffer a loss.

Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-backed securities held in the portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.

In the case of private issue mortgage-related securities whose underlying assets are neither U.S. government securities nor U.S. government-insured mortgages, to the extent that real properties securing such assets may be located in the same geographical region, the security may be subject to a greater risk of default than other comparable securities in the event of adverse economic, political or business developments that may affect such region and, ultimately, the ability of residential homeowners to make payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages.

Guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities. Guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans and are issued by U.S. governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but not limited to GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC. GNMA certificates are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government for timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. FNMA certificates are guaranteed by FNMA, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for full and timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. FHLMC certificates are guaranteed by FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans.

Mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees may be purchased if Victory Capital determines that the securities meet a Fund's quality standards. Mortgage-related securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable.

Multiple-class pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"). CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by, among others, U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private issuers. REMICs are CMO vehicles that qualify for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and invest in mortgages principally secured by interests in real property and other investments permitted by the Code. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of CMO or REMIC certificate, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date.

Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.

Typically, CMOs are collateralized by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC certificates but also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment income thereon.

Stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"). SMBS are multiple-class mortgage-backed securities that are created when a U.S. government agency or a financial institution separates the interest and principal components of a mortgage-backed security and sells them as individual securities. Each Fund may invest in SMBS that are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A typical SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remaining principal. The holder of the "principal-only" security ("PO") receives the principal payments made by the underlying mortgage-backed security, while the holder of the "interest-only" security ("IO") receives interest payments from the same underlying security. The prices of stripped mortgage- backed securities may be particularly affected by changes in interest rates. As interest rates fall, prepayment rates tend to increase, which tends to reduce prices of IOs and increase prices of POs. Rising interest rates can have the opposite effect. Victory Capital may determine that certain stripped mortgage-backed securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities are not readily marketable. If so, these securities, together with privately issued stripped mortgage-backed securities, will be considered illiquid for purposes of a Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid investments. The yields and market risk of interest-only and principal-only SMBS, respectively, may be more volatile than those of other fixed income securities.

Each Fund also may invest in planned amortization class ("PAC") and target amortization class ("TAC") CMO bonds which involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risks than other mortgage-backed securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within expected prepayment ranges or "collars." To the extent that the prepayment rates remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment, extension and interest rate risks associated with the underlying mortgage assets.

Other risk factors associated with mortgage-backed securities. Investing in mortgage-backed securities involves certain risks, including the failure of a counterparty to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. In addition, investing in the lowest tranche of CMOs and REMIC certificates involves risks similar to those associated with investing in equity securities. However, due to adverse tax consequences under current tax laws, a Fund does not intend to acquire "residual" interests in REMICs. Further, the yield characteristics of mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest rates of the underlying instrument, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.

Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest rate and prepayment rate scenarios, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in mortgage-

backed securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental, agency or other guarantee. When a Fund reinvests amounts representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may obtain a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, mortgage-backed securities, and adjustable rate mortgage pass- through securities in particular, may be less effective than other types of U.S. government securities as a means of "locking in" interest rates.

Asset-backed securities. A Fund may, and the Bond Fund generally will, invest in asset-backed securities, which are securities that represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, a stream of payments generated by particular assets, most often a pool or pools of similar assets (e.g., trade receivables). The credit quality of these securities depends primarily upon the quality of the underlying assets and the level of credit support and/or enhancement provided.

The underlying assets (e.g., loans) are subject to prepayments which shorten the securities' weighted average maturity and may lower their return. If the credit support or enhancement is exhausted, losses or delays in payment may result if the required payments of principal and interest are not made. The value of these securities also may change because of changes in the market's perception of the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the pool, or the financial institution or trust providing the credit support or enhancement. There may be no perfected security interest in the collateral that relates to the financial assets that support asset- backed securities. Asset backed securities have many of the same characteristics and risks as mortgage-backed securities.

Each Fund may purchase commercial paper, including asset-backed commercial paper ("ABCP") that is issued by structured investment vehicles or other conduits. These conduits may be sponsored by mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and special purpose finance entities. ABCP typically refers to a debt security with an original term to maturity of up to 270 days, the payment of which is supported by cash flows from underlying assets, or one or more liquidity or credit support providers, or both. Assets backing ABCP include credit card, car loan and other consumer receivables and home or commercial mortgages, including subprime mortgages. The repayment of ABCP issued by a conduit depends primarily on the cash collections received from the conduit's underlying asset portfolio and the conduit's ability to issue new ABCP. Therefore, there could be losses to a Fund investing in ABCP in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the conduit's underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing ABCP, or the conduit's inability to issue new ABCP. To protect investors from these risks, ABCP programs may be structured with various protections, such as credit enhancement, liquidity support, and commercial paper stop-issuance and wind-down triggers. However there can be no guarantee that these protections will be sufficient to prevent losses to investors in ABCP.

Some ABCP programs provide for an extension of the maturity date of the ABCP if, on the related maturity date, the conduit is unable to access sufficient liquidity through the issue of additional ABCP. This may delay the sale of the underlying collateral and a Fund may incur a loss if the value of the collateral deteriorates during the extension period. Alternatively, if collateral for ABCP deteriorates in value, the collateral may be required to be sold at inopportune times or at prices insufficient to repay the principal and interest on the ABCP. ABCP programs may provide for the issuance of subordinated notes as an additional form of credit enhancement. The subordinated notes are typically of a lower credit quality and have a higher risk of default. A Fund purchasing these subordinated notes will therefore have a higher likelihood of loss than investors in the senior notes.

Asset-backed securities include collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"), such as collateralized bond obligations ("CBOs"), collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs") and other similarly structured securities. A CBO is a trust backed by a pool of fixed income securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses. Certain CDOs may use derivatives, such as credit default swaps, to create synthetic exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly.

The trust typically is split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in credit quality and yield. The riskiest portion is the "equity" tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and helps protect the other, more senior tranches from default. Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a CBO trust or CLO trust typically has higher ratings and lower yields than its underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO or CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and the disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CBO or CLO securities as a class.

The risks of an investment in a CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO in which a Fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by a Fund as illiquid investments. However, an active dealer market may exist under some market conditions for some CDOs. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed income securities (e.g., interest rate risk and default risk), CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) a Fund may

invest in CDOs that are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.

Subordinated securities. Each Fund may also invest in other types of fixed income securities which are subordinated or "junior" to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated or junior securities. Such securities may include so-called "high yield" or "junk" bonds (i.e., bonds that are rated below investment grade by a rating agency or that are of equivalent quality) and preferred stock. Under the terms of subordinated securities, payments that would otherwise be made to their holders may be required to be made to the holders of more senior securities, and/or the subordinated or junior securities may have junior liens, if they have any rights at all, in any collateral (meaning proceeds of the collateral are required to be paid first to the holders of more senior securities). As a result, subordinated or junior securities will be disproportionately adversely affected by a default or even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer.

Structured securities. Each Fund may invest in structured securities. The value of the principal and/or interest on such securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators (the "Reference") or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the Reference. The terms of the structured securities may provide in certain circumstances that no principal is due at maturity and therefore may result in a loss of a Fund's investment. Changes in the interest rate or principal payable at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Structured securities are a type of derivative instrument and the payment and credit qualities from these securities derive from the assets embedded in the structure from which they are issued. Structured securities may entail a greater degree of risk than other types of fixed income securities.

Floating rate loans. A floating rate loan is typically originated, negotiated and structured by a U.S. or foreign commercial bank, insurance company, finance company or other financial institution for a group of investors. The financial institution typically acts as an agent for the investors, administering and enforcing the loan on their behalf. In addition, an institution, typically but not always the agent, holds any collateral on behalf of the investors.

The interest rates are adjusted based on a base rate plus a premium or spread or minus a discount. Generally, the base rate is a U.S. dollar- based interest-rate benchmark such as the Federal Funds Rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury bill rate, or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"). The yields on these securities are reset on a periodic basis (for example, daily, weekly, or quarterly) or upon a change in the benchmark interest rate. The yields are closely correlated to changes in money market interest rates.

Floating rate loans include loans to corporations and institutionally traded floating rate debt obligations issued by an asset-backed pool, and interests therein. Each Fund may invest in loans in different ways. Each Fund may: (i) make a direct investment in a loan by participating as one of the lenders; (ii) purchase an assignment of a loan; or (iii) purchase a participation interest in a loan.

Direct investment in loans. It can be advantageous to a Fund to make a direct investment in a loan as one of the lenders. When a new issue is purchased, such an investment is typically made at par. This means that a Fund receives a return at the full interest rate for the loan. Secondary purchases of loans may be made at par, at a premium from par or at a discount from par. When a Fund invests in an assignment of, or a participation interest in, a loan, a Fund may pay a fee or forgo a portion of the interest payment. Consequently, a Fund's return on such an investment may be lower than it would have been if a Fund had made a direct investment in the underlying corporate loan.

Each Fund may be able, however, to invest in corporate loans only through assignments or participation interests at certain times when reduced direct investment opportunities in corporate loans may exist. At other times, however, such as recently, assignments or participation interests may trade at significant discounts from par.

Assignments. An assignment represents a portion of a loan previously attributable to a different lender. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement of the assigning investor and becomes an investor under the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning investor. Assignments may, however, be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning investor.

Participation interests. Participation interests are interests issued by a lender or other financial institution, which represent a fractional interest in a corporate loan. Each Fund may acquire participation interests from the financial institution or from another investor. Each Fund typically will have a contractual relationship only with the financial institution that issued the participation interest. As a result, a Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the financial institution and only upon receipt by such entity of such payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing a participation interest, a Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other investors through set-off against the borrower and a Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral

supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation interest. As a result, a Fund may assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the financial institution issuing the participation interest. In the event of the insolvency of the financial institution issuing a participation interest, a Fund may be treated as a general creditor of such entity.

Other information about floating rate loans. Loans typically have a senior position in a borrower's capital structure. The capital structure of a borrower may include loans, senior unsecured loans, senior and junior subordinated debt, preferred stock and common stock, typically in descending order of seniority with respect to claims on the borrower's assets. Although loans typically have the most senior position in a borrower's capital structure, they remain subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. Such non- payment would result in a reduction of income to a Fund, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the net asset value of a Fund. There can be no assurance that the liquidation of any collateral securing a loan would satisfy a borrower's obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal payments, or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, a Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a loan. Although a loan may be senior to equity and other debt securities in an issuer's capital structure, such obligations may be structurally subordinated to obligations of the issuer's subsidiaries. For example, if a holding company were to issue a loan, even if that issuer pledges the capital stock of its subsidiaries to secure the obligations under the loan, the assets of the operating companies are available to the direct creditors of an operating company before they would be available to the holders of the loan issued by the holding company.

In order to borrow money pursuant to a loan, a borrower will frequently, for the term of the loan, pledge collateral, including but not limited to, (i) working capital assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory; (ii) tangible fixed assets, such as real property, buildings and equipment; (iii) intangible assets, such as trademarks and patent rights (but excluding goodwill); and (iv) security interests in shares of stock of subsidiaries or affiliates. In the case of loans made to non-public companies, the company's shareholders or owners may provide collateral in the form of secured guarantees and/or security interests in assets that they own. In many instances, a loan may be secured only by stock in the borrower or its subsidiaries. Collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of such assets would satisfy fully a borrower's obligations under a loan.

In the process of buying, selling and holding loans, a Fund may receive and/or pay certain fees. Any fees received are in addition to interest payments received and may include facility fees, commitment fees, commissions and prepayment penalty fees. When a Fund buys a loan it may receive a facility fee and when it sells a loan it may pay a facility fee. On an ongoing basis, a Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit portion of a loan. In certain circumstances, a Fund may receive a prepayment penalty fee upon the prepayment of a loan by a borrower. Other fees received by a Fund may include covenant waiver fees and covenant modification fees.

A borrower must comply with various restrictive covenants contained in a loan agreement or note purchase agreement between the borrower and the holders of the loan. Such covenants, in addition to requiring the scheduled payment of interest and principal, may include restrictions on dividend payments and other distributions to stockholders, provisions requiring the borrower to maintain specific minimum financial ratios, and limits on total debt.

In a typical loan, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement. In such cases, the agent is normally responsible for the collection of principal and interest payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the credit of all institutions that are parties to the loan agreement. Each Fund will generally rely upon the agent or an intermediate participant to receive and forward to a Fund its portion of the principal and interest payments on the loan. Furthermore, unless a Fund has direct recourse against the borrower, a Fund will rely on the agent and the other investors to use appropriate credit remedies against the borrower.

Each Fund may acquire interests in loans that are designed to provide temporary or "bridge" financing to a borrower pending the sale of identified assets or the arrangement of longer-term loans or the issuance and sale of debt obligations. Bridge loans often are unrated. Each Fund may also invest in loans of borrowers that have obtained bridge loans from other parties. A borrower's use of bridge loans involves a risk that the borrower may be unable to locate permanent financing to replace the bridge loan, which may impair the borrower's perceived creditworthiness.

From time to time, Victory Capital and its affiliates may borrow money from various banks in connection with their business activities. Such banks may also sell interests in loans to or acquire them from a Fund or may be intermediate participants with respect to loans in which a Fund owns interests. Such banks may also act as agents for loans held by a Fund.

Reorganizational financings. Each Fund may invest in restructurings and similar financings, including debtor-in-possession financings (commonly called "DIP financings"). In such transactions, the borrower may be assuming large amounts of debt in order to have the financial resources to attempt to achieve its business objectives. Such business objectives may include but are not limited to: management's taking over control of a company (leveraged buy-out); reorganizing the assets and liabilities of a company (leveraged recapitalization); or acquiring another company. Loans or securities that are part of highly leveraged transactions involve a greater risk (including default and bankruptcy) than other investments. DIP financings are arranged when an entity seeks the protections of the bankruptcy court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. These financings allow the entity to continue its business operations while reorganizing under Chapter 11. Such financings provide senior liens on unencumbered security (i.e., security not subject to other creditors' claims). There is a risk that the entity will not emerge from Chapter 11 and be forced to liquidate its assets under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. In such event, a Fund's only recourse will be against the property securing the DIP financing.

Inverse floating rate securities. Each Fund may invest in inverse floating rate obligations. The interest on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in inverse floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market values.

Auction rate securities. Each Fund may invest in auction rate securities. Auction rate securities consist of auction rate debt securities and auction rate preferred securities issued by closed-end investment companies. Provided that the auction mechanism is successful, auction rate securities usually permit the holder to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The dividend is reset by "Dutch" auction in which bids are made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of securities at a specified minimum yield. The dividend rate set by the auction is the lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale. While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. If an auction fails, the dividend rate of the securities generally adjusts to a maximum rate specified in the issuer's offering or charter documents. Security holders that submit sell orders in a failed auction may not be able to sell any or all of the shares for which they have submitted sell orders. Broker-dealers may try to facilitate secondary trading in auction rate securities, although such secondary trading may be limited and may only be available for shareholders willing to sell at a discount. Since February 2008, nearly all such auctions have failed, significantly affecting the liquidity of auction rate securities. Holders of such securities have generally continued to receive dividends at the above-mentioned maximum rate. There is no assurance that auctions will resume or that any market will develop for auction rate securities. Valuations of such securities are highly speculative. With respect to auction rate securities issued by a closed-end fund, a Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees paid by the closed- end fund in addition to the advisory fee payable directly by a Fund.

Insurance-linked securities. Each Fund may invest in insurance-linked securities ("ILS"). Each Fund could lose a portion or all of the principal it has invested in an ILS, and the right to additional interest or dividend payments with respect to the security, upon the occurrence of one or more trigger events, as defined within the terms of an insurance-linked security. Trigger events, generally, are hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural events of a specific size or magnitude that occur in a designated geographic region during a specified time period, and/or that involve losses or other metrics that exceed a specific amount. There is no way to accurately predict whether a trigger event will occur, and accordingly, ILS carry significant risk. Each Fund is entitled to receive principal and interest and/or dividend payments so long as no trigger event occurs of the description and magnitude specified by the instrument. In addition to the specified trigger events, ILS may expose a Fund to other risks, including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences.

Each Fund's investments in ILS may include event-linked bonds. Event-linked bonds may be issued by government agencies, insurance companies, reinsurers, special purpose corporations or other on-shore or off-shore entities. In addition to the specified trigger events, event-linked bonds may also expose a Fund to other risks, including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences. Event-linked bonds are subject to the risk that the model used to calculate the probability of a trigger event was not accurate and underestimated the likelihood of a trigger event. This may result in more frequent and greater than expected loss of principal and/or interest, which would adversely impact a Fund's total returns. Further, to the extent there are events that involve losses or other metrics, as applicable, that are at, or near, the threshold for a trigger event, there may be some delay in the return of principal and/or interest until it is determined whether a trigger event has occurred. Finally, to the extent there is a dispute concerning the definition of the trigger event relative to the specific manifestation of a catastrophe, there may be losses or delays in the payment of principal and/or interest on the event-linked bond. Lack of a liquid market for these instruments may impose the risk of higher transactions costs and the possibility that a Fund may be forced to liquidate positions when it would not be advantageous to do so.

Event-linked bonds typically are rated below investment grade or may be unrated. Securities rated BB or lower are considered to be below investment grade. The rating for an event-linked bond primarily reflects the rating agency's calculated probability that a pre- defined trigger event will occur, which will cause a loss of principal. This rating may also assess the credit risk of the bond's collateral pool, if any, and the reliability of the model used to calculate the probability of a trigger event.

In addition to event-linked bonds, a Fund also may invest in other insurance-linked securities, including notes or preferred shares issued by special purpose vehicles structured to comprise a portion of an reinsurer's or insurer's catastrophe-oriented business, known as sidecars, or to provide reinsurance to reinsurers or insurers, known as collateralized reinsurance ("Reinsurance Notes"). An investor in Reinsurance Notes participates in the premiums and losses associated with underlying reinsurance contracts. Reinsurance Notes are subject to the same risks discussed herein for event-linked bonds. In addition, because Reinsurance Notes represent an interest in underlying reinsurance contracts, a Fund has limited transparency into the underlying insurance policies and therefore must rely upon the risk assessment and sound underwriting practices of the reinsurer and/or insurer. Accordingly, it may be more difficult for the Adviser to fully evaluate the underlying risk profile of a Fund's investment in Reinsurance Notes and therefore place a Fund's assets at greater risk of loss than if the Adviser had more complete information. The lack of transparency may also make the valuation of Reinsurance Notes more difficult and potentially result in mispricing that could result in losses to a Fund. Reinsurance Notes are also subject to extension risk. The sponsor of such an investment might have the right to extend the maturity of the notes to verify that the trigger event did occur or to process and audit insurance claims. In certain circumstances, the extension may exceed two years.

Event-linked bonds and other insurance-linked securities typically are restricted to qualified institutional buyers and, therefore, are not subject to registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or any state securities commission and are not listed on any national securities exchange. The amount of public information available with respect to event-linked bonds and other insurance- linked securities is generally less extensive than that available for issuers of registered or exchange listed securities. Event- linked bonds may be subject to the risks of adverse regulatory or jurisdictional determinations. There can be no assurance that future regulatory determinations will not adversely affect the overall market for event-linked bonds.

Event-linked swaps. Each Fund may obtain event-linked exposure by investing in event-linked swaps, which typically are contingent, or formulaically related to defined trigger events, or by pursuing similar event-linked derivative strategies. Trigger events include hurricanes, earthquakes and weather-related phenomena. If a trigger event occurs, a Fund may lose the swap's notional amount. As derivative instruments, event-linked swaps are subject to risks in addition to the risks of investing in event-linked bonds, including counterparty risk and leverage risk.

Zero coupon, pay-in-kind, deferred and contingent payment securities. Each Fund may invest in zero coupon securities, which are securities that are sold at a discount to par value and on which interest payments are not made during the life of the security. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the par value of the security. Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities. A Fund accrues income with respect to zero coupon and pay-in-kind securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain zero coupon securities until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals. The interest rate on contingent payment securities is determined by the outcome of an event, such as the performance of a financial index. If the financial index does not increase by a prescribed amount, a Fund may receive no interest.

Inflation-protected fixed income securities. The Bond Fund may invest in inflation-linked fixed income securities, including Treasury Inflation Protected Securities ("TIPS") issued by the U.S. government, which are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. The interest rate on TIPS is fixed at issuance, but over the life of the bond this interest may be paid on an increasing or decreasing principal value that has been adjusted for inflation. Although repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity is guaranteed, the market value of TIPS is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate.

The values of TIPS generally fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates, which are in turn tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in the value of TIPS. In contrast, if nominal interest rates were to increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in the value of TIPS. If inflation is lower than expected during the period a Fund holds TIPS, a Fund may earn less on the TIPS than on a conventional bond. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in the currency exchange rates), investors in TIPS may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bonds' inflation measure. There can be no assurance that the inflation index for TIPS will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services.

Any increase in principal value of TIPS caused by an increase in the consumer price index is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though a Fund holding TIPS will not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, a Fund could be required at

times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Code.

If a Fund invests in TIPS, it will be required to treat as original issue discount any increase in the principal amount of the securities that occurs during the course of its taxable year. If a Fund purchases such inflation protected securities that are issued in stripped form either as stripped bonds or coupons, it will be treated as if it had purchased a newly issued debt instrument having original issue discount.

Because a Fund is required to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including accrued original issue discount), a Fund's investment in either zero coupon bonds or TIPS may require it to distribute to shareholders an amount greater than the total cash income it actually receives. Accordingly, in order to make the required distributions, a Fund may be required to borrow or liquidate securities.

Debt obligations of non-U.S. governments. Each Index Fund may invest in all types of debt obligations of non-U.S. governments. An investment in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments and their political subdivisions (sovereign debt) involves special risks that are not present in corporate debt obligations. The non-U.S. issuer of the sovereign debt or the non-U.S. governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and a Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. As a sovereign entity, the issuing government may be immune from lawsuits in the event of its failure or refusal to pay the obligations when due. During periods of economic uncertainty, the values of sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that purchase sovereign debt may be more volatile than prices of debt obligations of U.S. issuers. In the past, certain non-U.S. countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest, declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debt, or restructured their debt to effectively eliminate portions of it, and similar occurrences may happen in the future. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.

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 foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor's policy toward its principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on disbursements or assistance from non-U.S. governments, multinational agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. Assistance may be dependent on a country's implementation of austerity measures and reforms, which measures may limit or be perceived to limit economic growth and recovery. 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.

Eurodollar instruments and Samurai and Yankee bonds. Each Fund may invest in Eurodollar instruments and Samurai and Yankee bonds. Eurodollar instruments are bonds of corporate and government issuers that pay interest and principal in U.S. dollars but are issued in markets outside the United States, primarily in Europe. Samurai bonds are yen-denominated bonds sold in Japan by non- Japanese issuers. Yankee bonds are U.S. dollar denominated bonds typically issued in the United States by non-U.S. governments and their agencies and non-U.S. banks and corporations. Each Fund may also invest in Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit ("ECDs"), Eurodollar Time Deposits ("ETDs") and Yankee Certificates of Deposit ("Yankee CDs"). ECDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by non-U.S. branches of domestic banks; ETDs are U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a non-U.S. branch of a U.S. bank or in a non-U.S. bank; and Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a non-U.S. bank and held in the United States These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, seizure of non-U.S. deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest.

**Derivatives**

The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may have varying degrees of volatility at different times, or under different market conditions, and may perform in unanticipated ways. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance.

Under circumstances in which such instruments are expected by the Adviser to aid in achieving each Fund's investment objective, each Fund may buy and sell certain types of derivatives. Derivatives are instruments that derive their value from the value of one or more underlying assets, reference rates or indices, and may include futures contracts, options on futures contracts, swaps, options on currencies, securities, and securities indices. Derivatives also may possess the characteristics of both futures and securities (e.g., debt instruments with interest and principal payments determined by reference to the value of a commodity or a currency at a future time) and therefore, possess the risks of both futures and securities investments.

Permissible derivative instruments include "market access products," which offer synthetic exposure to an underlying local foreign stock. They include, for example, equity-linked notes, warrants, zero strike options, and total return swaps. Market access products are subject to the same risks as direct investments in securities of foreign issuers. If the underlying stock decreases in value, the market access product will decrease commensurately. In addition, market access products are subject to counterparty risk due to the fact that the security is issued by a broker. If the broker suffers a significant credit event and cannot perform under the terms of an agreement, a market access product may lose value regardless of the strength of the underlying stock.

Derivatives, such as futures contracts; options on currencies, securities, and securities indexes; options on futures contracts; and swaps enable a Fund to take both "short" positions (positions which anticipate a decline in the market value of a particular asset or index) and "long" positions (positions which anticipate an increase in the market value of a particular asset or index). Each Fund also may use strategies that involve simultaneous short and long positions in response to specific market conditions, such as where the Adviser anticipates unusually high or low market volatility.

The Adviser may enter into derivative positions for a Fund for either hedging or non-hedging purposes. The term "hedging" is applied to defensive strategies designed to protect a Fund from an expected decline in the market value of an asset or group of assets that a Fund owns (in the case of a short hedge) or to protect a Fund from an expected rise in the market value of an asset or group of assets which it intends to acquire in the future (in the case of a long or "anticipatory" hedge). Non-hedging strategies include strategies designed to produce incremental income (such as the option writing strategy described below) or "speculative" strategies, which are undertaken to equitize the cash or cash-equivalent portion of a Fund's portfolio or to profit from (i) an expected decline in the market value of an asset or group of assets which a Fund does not own or (ii) expected increases in the market value of an asset which it does not plan to acquire. Information about specific types of instruments is provided below.

**Dollar Rolls**

Each Fund may enter into mortgage "dollar rolls" in which a Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase similar (same type, coupon and maturity), but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, a Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, a Fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop") or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of a Fund compared with what such performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls. All cash proceeds will be invested in instruments that are permissible investments for a Fund.

For financial reporting and tax purposes, a Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions; one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving a sale.

Dollar rolls involve certain risks including the following: if the broker-dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes insolvent, a Fund's right to purchase or repurchase the securities subject to the dollar roll may be restricted and the instrument which a Fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than an instrument which a Fund originally held. Successful use of dollar rolls will depend upon Victory Capital's ability to manage its interest rate and prepayment exposure. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed.

A Fund may enter into when-issued or forward-settling securities (e.g., dollar rolls and firm and standby commitments, including TBA commitments) and non-standard settlement cycle securities notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that a Fund complies with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. See "Derivatives."

**Equity Securities**

Each Fund may, and the Index Funds generally will, invest in equity securities listed on any domestic or foreign securities exchange or traded in the over-the-counter market, as well as certain restricted or unlisted securities. As used herein, "equity securities" are defined as common stock, preferred stock, trust or limited partnership interests, rights and warrants to subscribe to or purchase such securities, sponsored or unsponsored American depositary receipts ("ADRs"), European depositary receipts ("EDRs"), global depositary receipts ("GDRs"), and convertible securities, consisting of debt securities or preferred stock that may be converted into common stock or that carry the right to purchase common stock. Common stocks, the most familiar type, represent an equity (ownership) interest in a corporation. They may or may not pay dividends or carry voting rights. Common stock occupies the most junior position in a company's capital structure. 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. Smaller companies are especially sensitive to these factors. Equity securities generally have greater volatility than debt securities.

**Equity-Linked Structured Notes**

Equity-linked structured notes are derivative securities that are specifically designed to combine the characteristics of one or more underlying securities and their equity derivatives in a single note form. The return and/or yield or income component may be based on the performance of the underlying equity securities, an equity index, and/or option positions. Equity-linked structured notes are typically offered in limited transactions by financial institutions in either registered or non-registered form. An investment in equity-linked notes creates exposure to the credit risk of the issuing financial institution, as well as to the market risk of the underlying securities. There is no guaranteed return of principal with these securities and the appreciation potential of these securities may be limited by a maximum payment or call right. In certain cases, equity-linked notes may be more volatile and less liquid than less-complex securities or other types of fixed income securities. Such securities may exhibit price behavior that does not correlate with other fixed income securities.

**European Securities**

A Fund's investments may subject it to the risks associated with investing in the European markets, including the risks associated with the United Kingdom's ("UK") exit from the European Union ("Brexit") and the armed conflict in Ukraine. The EU Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") requires member countries to comply with restrictions on interest rates, deficits, debt levels, and inflation rates, and other factors, each of which may significantly impact every European country. The economies of EU member countries and their trading partners may be affected adversely by changes in the euro's exchange rate, changes in EU or governmental regulations on trade, and the threat of default or default by an EU member country on its sovereign debt, which could negatively impact a Fund's investments and cause it to lose money. Recently, the European financial markets have been impacted negatively by rising government debt levels; possible default on or restructuring of sovereign debt in several European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain; and economic downturns. A European country's default or debt restructuring would adversely affect the holders of the country's debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to the country's creditworthiness and could negatively impact global markets more generally. Recent events in Europe have adversely affected the euro's exchange rate and value and may continue to impact the economies of every European country.

Investments in a single region, even though representing a number of different countries within the region, may be affected by common economic forces and other factors. A number of countries in the European Union (the "EU") have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties, increasing the risk of investing in the European markets. The UK formally withdrew from the EU, effective January 31, 2020. The actual or potential consequences of Brexit, and the associated uncertainty, could adversely affect economic and market conditions in the UK, in the EU and its member states and elsewhere, and could contribute to instability in global financial markets. The impact of such events on a Fund is difficult to predict but they may adversely affect the return on a Fund and its investments. There may be detrimental implications for the value of certain of a Fund's investments, its ability to enter into transactions or to value or realize such investments or otherwise to implement its investment program. It is possible that certain of a Fund's investments may need to be restructured to enable a Fund's objectives to be pursued fully. This may increase costs or make it more difficult for a Fund to pursue its investment objectives.

**Exchange-Traded Funds ("ETFs")**

Each Fund may invest in ETFs, which are, with a few exceptions, open-end investment companies that trade throughout the day. ETFs trade on stock exchanges. Because they trade like a stock, they offer trading flexibility desired by both individuals and institutions. The value of the underlying securities held by an ETF is a major factor in determining an ETF's price. However, ETFs do not necessarily trade at their NAV. The price of an ETF also is determined by supply and demand and, as a result, the share price of an ETF may trade at a premium or discount to its NAV.

To the extent a Fund invests in ETFs, it will be exposed to the same risks of the ETFs' holdings as the ETFs themselves in direct proportion to the allocation of the Fund's assets among those ETFs. You also will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses. In addition, the ETFs that the Funds invest in are typically "passive investors" that invest in the securities and sectors contained in the indexes they seek to track without regard for or analysis of the prospects of such securities or sectors ("Passive ETFs"). A Passive ETF may invest in all of the securities in such index or in a representative sample of such securities. Passive ETFs generally do not attempt to take defensive positions in volatile or declining markets or under other conditions.

Furthermore, Passive ETFs usually are not able to duplicate exactly the performance of the underlying indexes they track. The difference in performance between a Passive ETF and the index it seeks to track can be due to, among other factors, the expenses that the Passive ETF pays, regulatory constraints, investment strategies, techniques undertaken by the Passive ETF and changes to an underlying index. There also may be a lack of correlation between the securities in an index and those actually held by a Passive ETF. The performance of a fund that invests in such an ETF could be adversely impacted. In addition, although ETFs (both active and passive) are generally listed on securities exchanges, there can be no assurances that an active trading market for such ETFs will be maintained. Secondary market trading in the ETFs also may be halted by a national securities exchange because of market conditions or for other reasons. There can be no assurances that the requirement necessary to maintain the listing of the ETFs will continue to be met or will remain unchanged.

**Exchange-Traded Notes ("ETNs")**

Each Fund may invest in ETNs, which are a type of unsecured, unsubordinated debt security, usually issued by large financial institutions. This type of debt security differs from other types of bonds and notes because ETN returns are based upon the performance of a market index minus applicable fees, no period coupon payments are distributed, and no principal protections exist. The purpose of ETNs is to create a type of security that combines the aspects of both bonds and ETFs. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are traded on a major exchange (i.e., NYSE) during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the debt security until maturity. At that time, the issuer will give the investor a cash amount that would be equal to the principal amount (subject to the day's index factor). One factor that affects the ETN's value is the credit rating of the issuer. The value of an ETN also may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying commodities or securities markets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer's credit rating and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced commodity or security. A Fund's decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. If a Fund must sell some or all of its ETN holdings and the secondary market is weak, it may have to sell such holdings at a discount. There may be restrictions on a Fund's right to redeem its investment in an ETN, which are generally meant to be held until maturity. ETNs are subject to counterparty credit risk and fixed income risk. ETNs also are subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") will accept, or a court will uphold, how a Fund characterizes and treats ETNs for federal income tax purposes. Further, the IRS and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing of recognition and tax character of income and gains from ETNs.

**Foreign Securities**

The International Funds invest in foreign securities. Investing in foreign securities poses unique risks: currency exchange rate fluctuations; foreign market illiquidity; emerging markets risk; increased price volatility; exchange control regulations; foreign ownership limits; different accounting, reporting, and disclosure requirements; political or social instability, including policies of foreign governments which may affect their respective equity markets; foreign taxation requirements, including withholding taxes; prohibitions or restrictions by certain foreign governments on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain industries, or limitations on the removal of funds or assets; and difficulties in obtaining legal judgments. In the past, equity and debt instruments of foreign markets have been more volatile than equity and debt instruments of U.S. securities markets.

Investing in the securities of companies located in emerging market companies generally involve greater risk than investing in the securities of companies located in countries with developed markets. Investments in emerging market countries may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical, and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed countries. For instance, these countries may be more likely than developed countries to experience rapid and significant developments in their political or economic structures. Some emerging market countries restrict foreign investments, impose withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, or may nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies. Therefore, a Fund may be limited in its ability to make direct or additional investments in an emerging markets country. Such restrictions also may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies of a Fund. In addition, the securities markets of emerging markets countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of developed countries. Emerging market countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements and less reliable settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations and may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. The risks associated with investing in a narrowly defined geographic area also, generally, are more pronounced with respect to investments in emerging market countries.

Any investments in foreign securities will be made in compliance with U.S. and foreign currency restrictions, tax laws, and laws limiting the amount and types of foreign investments. Pursuit of the Funds' investment objectives will involve currencies of the United States and of foreign countries. Consequently, changes in exchange rates, currency convertibility, and repatriation requirements may favorably or adversely affect the Funds.

<u>Investing in China</u>. Investments in securities of Chinese issuers involve heightened risks as China is a statutorily-designated foreign adversary of the United States. These risks are comparable to those of investing in other designated adversaries such as Iran and Russia, and include market volatility, heavy dependence on exports, which may decrease, sometimes significantly, when the world economy weakens, and significant oversight and control by the Chinese Government, which may take actions that affect economic and market practices. These actions may include regulatory measures, which may be adopted with little or no warning, that can severely restrict a company's business operations, with potentially dramatic adverse impacts on the market values of its securities.

Economic and Market Risks. While the Chinese economy has grown rapidly in recent years, the rate of growth has been declining, and there can be no assurance that China's economy will continue to grow in the future. Trade disputes between China and its trading counterparties, including the United States, have arisen and may continue to arise. Such disputes have resulted in trade tariffs, as well as embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. These consequences could trigger, among other things, a substantial reduction in international trade and adverse effects on, and potential failure of, individual companies and/or large segments

of China's export industry, which could have potentially significant negative effects on the Chinese economy as well as the global economy.

Trade and International Relations. In addition, the political climate between the United States and China has recently deteriorated. The United States government has acted to prohibit U.S. persons, such as a Fund, from owning, and required them to divest, certain Chinese companies designated as related to the Chinese military and high tech industries, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. There is no assurance that more such companies will not be so designated in the future, which could limit a Fund's opportunities for investment and require the sale of securities at a loss or make them illiquid. If the political climate between the United States and China continues to deteriorate, economies and markets may be adversely affected. Further, Chinese companies are subject to the risk of de- listing on U.S. exchanges.

Taiwan and Hong Kong Risk. Taiwan and Hong Kong do not exercise the same level of control over their economies as does China, but changes to their political and economic relationships with China could adversely impact investments in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The potential political reunification of China and Taiwan could negatively affect Taiwan's economy and stock market. Hong Kong is closely tied to China, economically and through China's 1997 acquisition of the region as a Special Autonomous Region. China has committed by treaty to preserve Hong Kong's autonomy and its economic, political and social freedoms until 2047. However, China has in recent years curtailed Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms, which has led to political unrest and eroded investor and business confidence in Hong Kong.

Military Conflict Risk. Military conflicts, either in response to internal social unrest or conflicts with other countries, could disrupt economic development. For example, the Chinese economy is vulnerable to the long-running disagreements with Hong Kong related to integration and religious and nationalist disputes with Tibet and the Xinjiang region. Further, China has a complex territorial dispute regarding the sovereignty of Taiwan that has included threats of invasion; Taiwan-based companies and individuals used to be significant investors in China. Military conflict between China and Taiwan may adversely affect securities of Chinese, Taiwan-based and other issuers both in and outside the region, adversely impact the economies of China and other Asian countries, disrupt supply chains, and severely affect global economies and markets. Risks of investments in issuers based in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, include heavy reliance on the U.S. economy and regional economies, particularly the Chinese economy, which makes these investments vulnerable to changes in these economies. These and related factors may result in adverse effects on investments in China and Hong Kong and have a negative impact on the performance of a Fund.

Financial Reporting Risk. A Fund's reported financial metrics may be unreliable as the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices applicable to Chinese companies may be less rigorous and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject, which may result in significant differences between financial statements prepared in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and practices and those prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This may severely restrict a Fund's ability to verify accuracy of disclosures relating to investments in issuers based in China, affecting a Fund's performance.

Investing through Stock Connect. A Fund may invest in China A shares of certain Chinese companies listed and traded through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs ("Stock Connect"). Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing program established by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited, which seeks to provide mutual stock market access between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Investment through Stock Connect involves heightened risks beyond standard market mechanisms. For example, Stock Connect is subject to quotas that limit aggregate net purchases on an exchange on a particular day, which may be adjusted or terminated arbitrarily by the Chinese government, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security through Stock Connect on the same trading day which may adversely impact a Fund's ability to trade when it would be otherwise attractive to do so.

A Fund also may invest in Chinese interbank bonds traded on the China Interbank Bond Market through the China-Hong Kong Bond Connect program ("Bond Connect"). Bond Connect investments face additional risks beyond Stock Connect. In China, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Central Moneymarkets Unit holds Bond Connect securities on behalf of the ultimate investors (such as a Fund) in accounts maintained with a China-based custodian (either the China Central Depository & Clearing Co. or the Shanghai Clearing House). This recordkeeping system subjects a Fund to numerous risks, including the risk that a Fund may have a limited ability to enforce its rights as a bondholder and the risks of settlement delays and counterparty default of the Hong Kong sub-custodian. Furthermore, courts in China have limited experience in applying the concept of beneficial ownership.

Further, trading through Stock Connect or Bond Connect is subject to a number of restrictions and risks that could impair a Fund's ability to invest in or sell China A shares or Chinese interbank bonds, respectively, and affect investment returns, including limitations on trading and possible imposition of trading suspensions. In addition, both Stock Connect and Bond Connect are generally only available on business days when both the China and Hong Kong markets are open, which may limit a Fund's ability to trade when it would be

otherwise attractive to do so. In addition, uncertainties in China's tax rules related to the taxation of income and gains from investments in China A shares or Chinese interbank bonds could result in unexpected tax liabilities for a Fund. Investing in China A shares and Chinese interbank bonds is also subject to the clearance and settlement procedures associated with Stock Connect and Bond Connect, which could pose risks to a Fund.

All transactions in Stock Connect or Bond Connect securities will be made in renminbi, and accordingly a Fund will be exposed to renminbi currency risks. The ability to hedge renminbi currency risks may be limited. In addition, given the renminbi is subject to exchange control restrictions, a Fund could be unable to convert or adversely affected by delays in converting other currencies into renminbi and vice versa and at times when there are unfavorable market conditions. Securities purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Bond Connect in accordance with applicable rules.

Both Stock Connect and Bond Connect are relatively new mutual market access programs and are subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities and implementation rules made by the stock exchanges, with respect to Stock Connect, in China and Hong Kong. Furthermore, new regulations may be promulgated from time to time by the regulators in connection with operations and cross- border legal enforcement under Stock Connect and Bond Connect.

VIE Structure Risk. A Fund may invest in the securities of Chinese issuers that utilize Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") structures to circumvent Chinese restrictions on foreign ownership of certain industries. When investing in such securities, a Fund will not acquire direct ownership interests in the Chinese operating companies. Instead, a Fund will hold shares in offshore holding companies, typically domiciled in the Cayman Islands or similar jurisdictions, which maintain contractual rights with the Chinese operating companies. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control over the VIEs. If the Chinese government deems that these contractual arrangements do not comply with Chinese regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or their interpretation change in the future, the securities of the Chinese issuer may decline in value or become worthless if the Chinese issuer is unable to assert contractual control rights over the assets of its affiliated entities that conduct all or substantially all of its operations. There can be no assurance that Chinese laws and regulations will not change in ways that invalidate VIE structures or otherwise adversely affect the contractual arrangements of securities of Chinese issuers that utilize VIE structures. The PRC government has increased scrutiny of VIE structures in recent years and may continue to develop new regulations that could impact the legality, validity and enforceability of these arrangements. Chinese authorities may also at their discretion restrict or eliminate the ability of foreign investors to invest in certain industries altogether. If such measures were to be implemented, Chinese issuers may have to relinquish control over their VIEs or cease operations entirely. Any of these regulatory actions could significantly impact the financial performance or viability of investments made by a Fund in the securities of Chinese issuers utilizing VIE structures, potentially resulting in substantial or complete loss of a Fund's investment.

**Forward Currency Contracts**

Each Fund may enter into forward currency contracts. A forward currency contract involves an agreement to purchase or sell a specific currency at a specified future date or over a specified time period at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward currency contracts seek to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates. These contracts are usually traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirements, and no commissions are charged.

A Fund may enter into forward currency contracts under two circumstances. First, when a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security until settlement. By entering into such a contract, a Fund will be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currency from the date the security is purchased or sold to the date on which payment is made or received. Second, when management of a Fund believes that the currency of a specific country may deteriorate relative to the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward currency contract to sell that currency. A Fund may not hedge with respect to a particular currency for an amount greater than the aggregate market value (determined at the time of making any sale of forward currency) of the securities held in its portfolio denominated or quoted in, or bearing a substantial correlation to, such currency.

The use of forward currency contracts involves certain risks. The precise matching of contract amounts and the value of securities involved generally will not be possible since the future value of such securities in currencies will more than likely change between the date the contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult and successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is uncertain. Under normal circumstances, consideration of the prospect for currency parities will be incorporated into the longer-term investment strategies. The Adviser believes it is important, however, to have the flexibility to enter into such contracts when it determines it is in the best interest of the Funds to do so. It is impossible to forecast what the market value of portfolio securities will be at the expiration of a contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a Fund to purchase additional currency (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is less than the amount of currency a Fund is obligated to deliver, and if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell some of the foreign currency received on the sale of the portfolio security if its market value exceeds the amount

of currency a Fund is obligated to deliver. A Fund is not required to enter into such transactions and will not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Adviser.

Although the Funds value their assets each business day in terms of U.S. dollars, they do not intend to convert their foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. They will do so from time to time, and shareholders should be aware of currency conversion costs. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (spread) between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should a Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.

Forward currency contracts in which a Fund may engage include foreign exchange forwards. The consummation of a foreign exchange forward requires the actual exchange of the principal amounts of the two currencies in the contract (i.e., settlement on a physical basis). Because foreign exchange forwards are physically settled through an exchange of currencies, they are traded in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A foreign exchange forward generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades; foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and the prices at which they are selling various currencies. When a Fund enters into a foreign exchange forward, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction. A Fund may be required to obtain the currency that it must deliver under the foreign exchange forward through the sale of portfolio securities denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of a Fund into such currency.

Forward currency contracts in which a Fund may engage also include non-deliverable forwards ("NDFs"). NDFs are cash-settled, short- term forward currency contracts on foreign currencies (each a "Reference Currency") that are non-convertible and that may be thinly traded or illiquid. NDFs involve an obligation to pay an amount (the "Settlement Amount") equal to the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate for the Reference Currency and the agreed-upon exchange rate (the "NDF Rate"), with respect to an agreed notional amount. NDFs have a fixing date and a settlement (delivery) date. The fixing date is the date and time at which the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate and the agreed-upon exchange rate is calculated. The settlement (delivery) date is the date by which the payment of the Settlement Amount is due to the party receiving payment.

Although NDFs are similar to foreign exchange forwards, NDFs do not require physical delivery of the Reference Currency on the settlement date. Rather, on the settlement date, the only transfer between the counterparties is the monetary settlement amount representing the difference between the NDF Rate and the prevailing market exchange rate. NDFs typically may have terms from one month up to two years and are settled in U.S. dollars.

NDFs are subject to many of the risks associated with derivatives in general and forward currency transactions, including risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency and the risk that the counterparty will fail to fulfill its obligations. Although NDFs historically have been traded over-the-counter, in the future, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank Act"), they may be exchange-traded. Under such circumstances, they will be centrally cleared and a secondary market for them will exist. With respect to NDFs that are centrally cleared, an investor could lose margin payments it has deposited with the clearing organization as well as the net amount of gains not yet paid by the clearing organization if the clearing organization breaches its obligations under the NDF, becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In the event of bankruptcy of the clearing organization, the investor may be entitled to the net amount of gains the investor is entitled to receive plus the return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the clearing organization's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the investor. Even if some NDFs remain traded over the counter ("OTC"), they will be subject to margin requirements for uncleared swaps and counterparty risk common to other swaps.

**Futures Contracts**

Each Fund may use futures contracts to implement its investment strategy. Futures contracts are publicly traded contracts to buy or sell an underlying asset or group of assets, such as a currency, interest rate, or an index of securities, at a future time at a specified price. A contract to buy establishes a long position while a contract to sell establishes a short position.

The purchase of a futures contract on a security or an index of securities normally enables a buyer to participate in the market movement of the underlying asset or index after paying a transaction charge and posting margin in an amount equal to a small percentage of the value of the underlying asset or index. A Fund will initially be required to deposit with the Trust's custodian or the futures commission merchant ("FCM"), effecting the futures transaction, an amount of "initial margin" in cash or securities, as permitted under applicable regulatory policies.

Initial margin in futures transactions is different from margin in securities transactions in that the former does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transaction. Rather, the initial margin is like a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract. Subsequent payments (called "maintenance margin" or "variation margin") to and from the broker will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying asset fluctuates. This process is known as "marking to market." For example, when a Fund has taken

a long position in a futures contract and the value of the underlying asset has risen, that position will have increased in value and a Fund will receive from the broker a maintenance margin payment equal to the increase in value of the underlying asset. Conversely, when a Fund has taken a long position in a futures contract and the value of the underlying instrument has declined, the position would be less valuable, and a Fund would be required to make a maintenance margin payment to the broker.

At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, a Fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position that will terminate a Fund's position in the futures contract. A final determination of maintenance margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to a Fund, and a Fund realizes a loss or a gain.

While futures contracts with respect to securities do provide for the delivery and acceptance of such securities, such delivery and acceptance are seldom made.

The risk of loss in trading futures contracts can be substantial because of the low margin deposits required and the high degree of leveraging involved in futures pricing. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss or gain. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are: (i) imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the stocks held by a Fund and the prices of futures contracts; and (ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures position prior to its maturity date. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as variations in speculative market demand for futures on securities, including technical influences in futures trading, and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard contracts available for trading in such respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers.

**Impact of Activity by Other Shareholders**

The Funds, like all mutual funds, pool the investments of many investors. Actions by one shareholder or multiple shareholders may have an impact on the Fund and, therefore, indirectly on other shareholders. For example, significant levels of new investments in the Fund by shareholders may cause the Fund to have more cash than would otherwise be the case, which may have a positive or negative impact on Fund performance. Similarly, redemption activity might cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities, which may increase transaction costs and accelerate the realization of income and cause the Fund to make taxable distributions to shareholders earlier than the Fund otherwise would have, or cause it to borrow funds on a short-term basis to cover redemptions, which would cause the Fund to incur costs that, in effect, would be borne by all shareholders, not just the redeeming shareholders. In addition, under certain circumstances, non- redeeming shareholders may be treated as receiving a disproportionately large taxable distribution during or with respect to a year in which there are large redemptions. To the extent a larger shareholder (including, for example, a fund-of-funds) invests in a Fund or the markets are highly volatile, the Fund may experience large inflows or outflows of cash from time to time. This activity could magnify these adverse effects on the Fund.

**Initial Public Offerings ("IPOs")**

Each Fund may invest in IPOs, which subject a Fund to the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a potentially small number of shares available for trading, and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When a Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance.

**Lending of Portfolio Securities**

A Fund may, from time to time, lend securities from their portfolios to broker-dealers, banks, financial institutions and institutional borrowers of securities and receive collateral in the form of cash or U.S. government obligations. Under the Fund's current practices (which are subject to change), a Fund must receive initial collateral at least equal to the maintenance requirements (e.g., 102% for U.S. equity securities and 105% for non-U.S. securities). This collateral must be valued daily and should the market value of the loaned securities increase, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to a Fund sufficient to maintain the value of the collateral equal to at least 100% of the value of the loaned securities. The lending agent receives a pre-negotiated percentage of the net earnings on the investment of the collateral. A Fund will not lend portfolio securities to: (a) any "affiliated person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of any Fund; (b) any affiliated person of the Adviser; or (c) any affiliated person of such an affiliated person. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any dividends or interest paid on such securities plus any fee negotiated between the parties to the lending agreement. Loans will be subject to termination by the Funds or the borrower at any time. While a Fund will not have the right to vote securities on loan, they intend to terminate loans and regain the right to vote if that is considered important with respect to the investment. A Fund will enter into loan arrangements only with broker-dealers, banks or other institutions that either the Adviser or the lending agent has determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Board. Although these loans are fully collateralized, there are risks associated with securities lending. A Fund's performance could be hurt if a borrower defaults

or becomes insolvent, or if the Fund wishes to sell a security before its return can be arranged. The return on invested cash collateral will result in gains and losses for the Funds. Each Fund will limit its securities lending to 33-1/3% of its total assets.

**Limitations and Risks of Options and Futures Activity**

Each Fund may engage in both hedging and non-hedging strategies. Although effective hedging can generally capture the bulk of a desired risk adjustment, no hedge is completely effective. A Fund's ability to hedge effectively through transactions in futures and options depends on the degree to which price movements in the hedged asset correlate with price movements of the futures and options.

Non-hedging strategies typically involve special risks. The profitability of a Fund's non-hedging strategies will depend on the ability of the Adviser to analyze both the applicable derivatives market and the market for the underlying asset or group of assets. Derivatives markets are often more volatile than corresponding securities markets and a relatively small change in the price of the underlying asset or group of assets can have a magnified effect upon the price of a related derivative instrument.

Derivatives markets also are often less liquid than the market for the underlying asset or group of assets. Some positions in futures and options may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract or option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close such an option or futures position prior to maturity. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on a fund's ability to effectively carry out its derivative strategies and might, in some cases, require the fund to deposit cash to meet applicable margin requirements.

Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract can vary from the previous day's settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions.

If a Fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract or an option on a futures position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account.

Historically, advisers of registered investment companies trading commodity interests (such as futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swaps), including the Funds, have been excluded from regulation as Commodity Pool Operators ("CPOs") pursuant to Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") Regulation 4.5. In February 2012, the CFTC announced substantial amendments to the permissible exclusions, and to the conditions for reliance on the permissible exclusions, from registration as a CPO. To qualify for an exclusion under these amendments to CFTC Regulation 4.5, if a Fund uses commodity interests (such as futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swaps) other than for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish these positions, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed 5% of the fund's NAV (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which options that are "in-the-money" at the time of purchase are "in-the-money") or, alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of those positions, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed 100% of the fund's NAV (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition, to qualify for an exclusion, a Fund must satisfy a marketing test, which requires, among other things, that a fund not hold itself out as a vehicle for trading commodity interests. The amendments to CFTC Regulation 4.5 became effective on April 24, 2012. The regulatory requirements could change at any time and additional regulations could also be adopted, which may adversely affect the Funds.

The Adviser currently claims an exclusion (under CFTC Regulation 4.5) from registration as a CPO with respect to the Funds and, in its management of the Funds, intends to comply with one of the two alternative trading limitations described above and the marketing limitation. Complying with the trading limitations may restrict the Adviser's ability to use derivatives as part of the Funds' investment strategies. Although the Adviser expects to be able to execute the Funds' investment strategies within the limitations, a Fund's performance could be adversely affected. In addition, new rules may limit the availability of certain derivatives, may make the use of derivatives by portfolios more costly and may otherwise adversely impact the performance and value of derivatives.

**Liquidity Determinations**

A Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act defines illiquid investments as investments that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Illiquid investments include investments subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale (e.g., because they have not been registered under the 1933 Act and investments that are otherwise not readily marketable (e.g., because trading in the security is suspended or because market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers). Investments that have not been registered under the 1933 Act are referred to as private placements or restricted

securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Foreign securities that are freely tradable in their principal markets are not considered to be illiquid.

Restricted and other illiquid investments may be subject to the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. A Fund might be unable to dispose of illiquid investments promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemption requests from shareholders. A Fund might have to register restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

A large institutional market exists for certain investments that are not registered under the 1933 Act, including foreign investments. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such investments. Rule 144A under the 1933 Act allows such a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restrictions on resale to the general public.

Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act for resale of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A has produced enhanced liquidity for many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation and the consequent existence of the PORTAL system, which is an automated system for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers sponsored by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA").

Under guidelines adopted by the Trust's Board, the Adviser may determine that particular Rule 144A securities, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act, are liquid even though they are not registered. A determination of whether such a security is liquid or not is a question of fact. In making this determination, the Adviser will consider, as it deems appropriate under the circumstances and among other factors: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; (3) the number of other potential purchasers of the security; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (5) the nature of the security (e.g., debt or equity, date of maturity, terms of dividend or interest payments, and other material terms) and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer); and (6) the rating of the security and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. In the case of commercial paper, the Adviser will also determine that the paper (1) is not traded flat or in default as to principal and interest and (2) is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two National Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSROs") or, if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or, if the security is unrated, the Adviser determines that it is of equivalent quality.

Rule 144A securities and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper that have been deemed liquid as described above will continue to be monitored by the Adviser to determine if the security is no longer liquid as the result of changed conditions. Investing in Rule 144A securities or Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the amount of a Fund's assets invested in illiquid investments if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.

The Funds have adopted a liquidity risk management program designed to meet the requirements of the rules under the 1940 Act related to liquidity.

**New or Smaller Funds**

Funds with limited operating history and/or small asset base may involve additional risk. For example, there can be no assurance that a new or smaller fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size. Should the Fund not grow to or maintain an economically viable size, the Board may determine to liquidate the Fund. Although the interests of shareholders in the Fund are the principal concern of the Board, in the event the Board determines to liquidate the Fund, the timing of any possible liquidation might not be favorable to certain individual shareholders.

**Options**

The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may have a return that is tied to a formula based upon an interest rate, index, or other measurement, which may differ from the return of a simple security of the same maturity. A formula may have a cap or other limitation on the rate of interest to be paid. Derivatives may have varying degrees of volatility at different times, or under different market conditions, and may perform in unanticipated ways. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value, or performance.

The Funds may purchase and write (i.e., sell) put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities, stock indices, other index, reference asset or reference item and may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary

investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.

A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.

Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index or the Value Line Composite Index or a narrower market index, such as the S&P 100<sup>®</sup>.

Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment, such as the AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Pacific Stock Exchange, and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.

A Fund's obligation to sell an instrument subject to a call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a put option written by it, may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by the Fund's execution of a closing purchase transaction, which is effected by purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series (i.e., same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transactions costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event a Fund will have paid a loss in the transaction. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. An option writer unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument or liquidate the assets held in a segregated account, as described below, until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. In such circumstances, the writer will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.

If an option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If a Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund would realize a gain if the premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold). If an option written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss.

Certain Risks Regarding Options. There are several risks associated with transactions in options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the- counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

Successful use by a Fund of options on stock indices will be subject to the ability of the Adviser to correctly predict movements in the directions of the stock market. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. In addition, a Fund's ability to effectively hedge all or a portion of the securities in its portfolio, in anticipation of or during a market decline, through transactions in put options on stock indices, depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index

correlate with the price movements of the securities held by the Fund. Inasmuch as a Fund's securities will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, a Fund bears the risk that the prices of its securities being hedged will not move in the same amount as the prices of its put options on the stock indices. It is also possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index and a Fund's securities that would result in a loss on both such securities and the options on stock indices acquired by the Fund.

The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of stock index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by a Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the stock index on which the option is based.

There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If a Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.

Cover for Options Positions. Transactions using options (other than options that a Fund has purchased) expose a Fund to an obligation to another party. A Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (i) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities or other options or (ii) cash or liquid securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations not covered as provided in (i) above.

For more information about these practices, see the "Derivatives" section.

Options on Futures Contracts. A Fund may purchase and sell options on the same types of futures in which it may invest. Options on futures are similar to options on underlying instruments except that options on futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the futures contract, at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by the delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.

Dealer Options. A Fund may engage in transactions involving dealer options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to dealer options. While a Fund might look to a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if the Fund were to purchase a dealer option it would need to rely on the dealer from which it purchased the option to perform if the option were exercised. Failure by the dealer to do so would result in the loss of the premium paid by a Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.

Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while dealer options may not. Consequently, a Fund may generally be able to realize the value of a dealer option it has purchased only by exercising or reselling the option to the dealer who issued it. Similarly, when a Fund writes a dealer option, it may generally be able to close out the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer to whom the Fund originally wrote the option. While a Fund will seek to enter into dealer options only with dealers who will agree to and which are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will at any time be able to liquidate a dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Unless a Fund, as a covered dealer call option writer, is able to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to liquidate securities (or other assets) used as cover until the option expires or is exercised. In the event of insolvency of the other party, a Fund may be unable to liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by a Fund, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to the Fund. For example, because a Fund must maintain a secured position with respect to any call option on a security it writes, the Fund may not sell the assets, which it has segregated to secure the position while it is obligated under the option. This requirement may impair a Fund's ability to sell portfolio securities at a time when such sale might be advantageous.

The Staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased dealer options are illiquid investments. A Fund may treat the cover used for written dealer options as liquid if the dealer agrees that the Fund may repurchase the dealer option it has written for a maximum price to be calculated by a predetermined formula. In such cases, the dealer option would be considered illiquid only to the extent the maximum purchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option. Accordingly, a Fund will treat dealer options as subject to the

Fund's limitation on illiquid investments. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of dealer options, a Fund will change its treatment of such instruments accordingly.

Spread Transactions. A Fund may purchase covered spread options from securities dealers. These covered spread options are not presently exchange-listed or exchange-traded. The purchase of a spread option gives a Fund the right to put securities that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield spread in relationship to another security that the Fund does not own, but which is used as a benchmark. The risk to a Fund, in addition to the risks of dealer options described above, is the cost of the premium paid as well as any transaction costs. The purchase of spread options will be used to protect a Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads, i.e., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities. This protection is provided only during the life of the spread options.

**Options on Futures Contracts**

Each Fund may invest in options on futures contracts to implement its investment strategy. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option.

The trading of options on futures contracts entails the risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract will not be fully reflected in the value of the option. The risk of imperfect correlation, however, generally tends to diminish as the maturity date of the futures contract or expiration date of the option approaches. In addition, a Fund utilizing options on futures contracts is subject to the risk of market movements between the time that the option is exercised and the time of performance thereunder. This could increase the extent of any loss suffered by a Fund in connection with such transactions.

Each Index Fund may also purchase and write options on futures contracts with respect to each of their respective Index. The purchase of a call option on an index futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on such an index. For example, when a Fund is not fully invested, it may purchase a call option on an index futures contract to hedge against a market advance.

**Options on Securities and Securities Indexes**

Each Fund may purchase and sell options on securities or securities indexes to implement its investment strategy. There are two basic types of options: "puts" and "calls." Each type of option can be used to establish either a long or a short position, depending upon whether a Fund is the purchaser or a writer of the option. A call option on a security, for example, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying asset at the exercise price during the option period. Conversely, a put option on a security gives the purchaser the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying asset at the exercise price during the option period.

Purchased options have limited risk equal to the amount of the premium paid for the option. Such options afford the opportunity for gain corresponding to the increase or decrease in the value of the optioned asset. In general, a purchased put increases in value as the value of the underlying security falls and a purchased call increases in value as the value of the underlying security rises.

The principal reason to write options is to generate extra income (the premium paid by the buyer). Written options have varying degrees of risk. An uncovered written call option theoretically carries unlimited risk, as the market price of the underlying asset could rise far above the exercise price before its expiration. This risk is tempered when the call option is covered; that is, when the option writer owns the underlying asset. In this case, the writer runs the risk of the lost opportunity to participate in the appreciation in value of the asset rather than the risk of an out-of-pocket loss. A written put option has defined risk; that is, the difference between the agreed-upon price that a Fund must pay to the buyer upon exercise of the put and the value, which could be zero, of the asset at the time of exercise.

The obligation of the writer of an option continues until the writer effects a closing purchase transaction or until the option expires. To secure its obligation to deliver the underlying asset in the case of a call option, or to pay for the underlying asset in the case of a put option, a covered writer is required to deposit in escrow the underlying security or other assets in accordance with the rules of the applicable clearing corporation and exchanges.

Among the options that a Fund may purchase or sell are options on a securities index. In general, options on an index of securities are similar to options on the securities themselves, except that delivery requirements are different. For example, a put option on an index of securities does not give the holder the right to make actual delivery of a basket of securities, but instead gives the holder the right to receive an amount of cash upon exercise of the option if the value of the underlying index has fallen below the exercise price. The amount of cash received will be equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. As with options on equity securities, or futures contracts, a Fund may offset its position in index options prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange or it may let the option expire unexercised.

A securities index assigns relative values to the securities included in the index and the index options are based on a broad market index. In connection with the use of such options, a Fund may cover its position by identifying assets having a value equal to the aggregate face value of the option position taken.

Indexed securities are instruments whose prices are indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indices, commodities indices, currencies, precious metals or other commodities, or other financial indicators. Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or deposits whose value at maturity or coupon rate is determined by reference to a specific instrument or statistic.

Inflation-protected securities, for example, can be indexed to a measure of inflation, such as the Consumer Price Index ("CPI").

Commodity-indexed securities, for example, can be indexed to a commodities index such as the Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index Total Return.

The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the performance of the security, currency, commodity, or other instrument or measure to which they are indexed, and also may be influenced by interest rate changes in the United States and abroad. Indexed securities may be more volatile than the underlying instruments or measures. Indexed securities also are subject to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks, corporations, the U.S. Treasury and certain other U.S. government agencies. In calculating a Fund's dividends, index-based adjustments may be considered income.

**Preferred Stocks**

Each Fund may invest in preferred stocks, which represent a class of capital stock. Generally, preferred stock has a specified dividend and ranks after bonds and before common stocks in its claim on income for dividend payments and on assets should the company be liquidated. Preferred stockholders do not ordinarily enjoy any of the voting rights of common stockholders. Most preferred stock is cumulative, meaning that if dividends are passed (not paid for any reason), they accumulate and must be paid before common dividends. Typically, a preferred stock pays a fixed dividend that does not fluctuate, although the company does not have to pay this dividend if it lacks the financial ability to do so. However, an adjustable-rate preferred stock pays a dividend that is adjustable, usually quarterly, based on changes in the U.S. Treasury bill rate or other money market rates. A convertible preferred stock is exchangeable for a given number of common shares and thus tends to be more volatile than nonconvertible preferred, which behaves more like a fixed income bond. The main benefit to owning preferred stock is that the investor has a greater claim on the company's assets than common stockholders. Preferred stockholders always receive their dividends, and in the event the company goes bankrupt, are paid off before common stockholders. The Fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend. Such investments would be made primarily for their capital appreciation potential.

**Private Placements**

Each Fund may invest in securities that are not registered under the 1933 Act ("restricted securities"). Restricted securities may be sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers and may be neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets. In many cases, privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. As a result of the absence of a public trading market, privately placed securities may be less liquid and more difficult to value than publicly traded securities. To the extent that privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales, due to illiquidity, could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than their fair market value. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. Certain of the Fund's investments in private placements may consist of direct investments and may include investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in such securities, a Fund may obtain access to material nonpublic information, which may restrict the Fund's ability to conduct portfolio transactions in such securities.

Some of these securities are new and complex, and trade only among institutions; the markets for these securities are still developing, and may not function as efficiently as established markets. Because there may not be an established market price for these securities, the Fund may have to estimate their value. Transactions in restricted or illiquid investments may entail registration expense and other transaction costs that are higher than those for transactions in unrestricted or liquid securities. Where registration is required for restricted or illiquid investments, a considerable time period may elapse between the time the Fund decides to sell the security and the time it is actually permitted to sell the security under an effective registration statement. If during such period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain less-favorable pricing terms that when it decided to sell the security.

**Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs")**

Each Fund may invest in REITs. REITs are companies that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests. Risks associated with investments in REITs and other equity securities of real estate industry issuers may include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The U.S. or a local real estate market declines due to adverse economic conditions, foreclosures, overbuilding and high vacancy rates, reduced or regulated rents or other causes Interest rates go up. Rising interest rates can adversely affect the availability and cost of financing for property acquisitions and other purposes and reduce the value of a REIT's fixed income investments

• The values of properties owned by a REIT or the prospects of other real estate industry issuers may be hurt by property tax increases, zoning changes, other governmental actions, environmental liabilities, natural disasters or increased operating expenses

• A REIT in a Fund's portfolio is, or is perceived by the market to be, poorly managed

• If a Fund's real estate related investments are concentrated in one geographic area or property type, a Fund will be particularly subject to the risks associated with that area or property type

REITs generally are classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs (known as hybrid REITs). Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and similar real estate interests and derive income primarily from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Code. Each Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by a Fund. Such indirect expenses are not reflected in the fee table or expense example in a Fund's prospectus. Debt securities issued by REITs are, for the most part, general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs.

Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes in interest rates and the ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their obligations. Mortgage REITs are subject to the risks of default of the mortgages or mortgage-related securities in which they invest, and REITs that invest in so- called "sub-prime" mortgages are particularly subject to this risk. REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are not diversified. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees or borrowers. REITs are typically invested in a limited number of projects or in a particular market segment or geographic region. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties in one geographic area or used by a particular industry, such as health care, will be particularly subject to risks associated with such area or industry.

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans, the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.

REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically REITs have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500.

Many real estate companies, including REITs, utilize leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a real estate company's operations and market value. Mortgage REITs tend to be more leveraged than equity REITs. In addition, many mortgage REITs manage their interest rate and credit risks through the use of derivatives and other hedging techniques. In addition, capital to pay or refinance a REIT's debt may not be available or reasonably priced. Financial covenants related to real estate company leveraging may affect the company's ability to operate effectively.

**Recent Market Conditions and Events.** There have been multiple periods in recent decades of high levels of stress and volatility in financial markets. Periods of market volatility, restrictive credit conditions, lack of confidence in key market participants, and broadly negative sentiment, sometimes limited to a particular sector or a geography, continue to recur. Political changes, trade policies and trade disputes (including sanctions and tariffs), tax and budget policies, debt disputes, geopolitical developments, environmental and public health events, and central bank actions (including withdrawals, or "tapering," of market support and changes in interest rate targets) have all at times represented sources of stress and instability in world economies and markets. For example, Russia's military campaign in Ukraine resulted in broad-based sanctions by the U.S. and other countries and rapid price movements in sectors (such as energy) where Russian companies are important market participants, with related impacts both globally and regionally. Also for example, the COVID- 19 pandemic and related quarantines and restrictions resulted in high unemployment, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, and general concern and uncertainty, with corresponding impacts on financial markets worldwide. COVID-19 remains a risk with the potential that new variants could lead to increased government restrictions and consumer caution. More recently, a number of major economies, including the United States, adjusted to reduced levels of market and monetary support following periods of fiscal and

monetary interventions. Recent periods of rising inflation and increases in interest rate targets by central banks have generated significant market stress and volatility, with market sentiment changing rapidly in response to changes in inflation or interest rate expectations.

**Risks Related to Cybersecurity and Information Technology.** The Funds and their service providers have administrative and technical safeguards in place with respect to information security. Nevertheless, the Funds and their service providers are potentially susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from a cyber-attack as the Funds are highly dependent upon the effective operation of their computer systems and those of their business partners. These risks include, among other things, the theft, misuse, corruption and destruction of data maintained online or digitally, denial of service on websites and other operational disruption and unauthorized release of confidential customer information. Cyber-attacks affecting the Funds' service providers, financial intermediaries and other affiliated or third parties may adversely affect the Funds and their shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of Fund transactions, including the processing of orders, impact a Fund's ability to calculate NAVs, cause the release and possible destruction of confidential customer or business information, impede trading, subject a Fund and/or its service providers and intermediaries to regulatory fines and financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. Cybersecurity risks may also affect the issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, which may cause a Fund's investments to lose value. A Fund may also incur additional costs for cybersecurity risk management in the future. Although the Funds and their service providers have adopted security procedures to minimize the risk of a cyber-attack, there can be no assurance that the Funds or their service providers will avoid losses affecting the Funds due to cyber-attacks or information security breaches in the future.

Recent technological advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning technologies, and their current and potential future applications including in the financial sectors, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks within which they operate, continue to rapidly evolve. It is not possible to predict the full extent of current or future risks of these new technologies. Regulations related to these technologies also may impose certain obligations on organizations, and the costs of monitoring and responding to such regulations, as well as the consequences of non-compliance, could have an adverse effect on organizations connected to the Funds and their investments. In addition, the Funds and their investments could be exposed to risks to the extent third-party service providers or any counterparties use these technologies in their business activities.

**Reference Rate Transition Risk.** The London Interbank Offered Rate, or "LIBOR," which had historically been the principal floating rate benchmark in the financial markets, has been discontinued. Its discontinuation has affected and will continue to affect the financial markets generally and may also affect a Fund's operations, finances, and investments specifically. The UK Financial Conduct Authority, which is the regulator of the LIBOR administrator, has ceased publishing all LIBOR tenors. As an alternative to LIBOR, the market has generally coalesced around the use of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") as a replacement for U.S. dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a risk-free overnight floating rate that is currently published in multiple formats, including as an overnight rate, as a compounded average and as an index. In addition to the SOFR rate variations, other alternative floating rates have been developed and various market participants have adopted these floating rates to various degrees, although market practice remains in flux. Uncertainty as to the nature of alternative reference rates and as to potential changes or other reforms to alternative reference rates, or any changes announced with respect to such reforms, may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in the reported reference rates and the value of reference rate-based loans and securities. The effects of these potential changes on the Funds, issuers of instruments in which the Funds invests and financial markets generally and the effectiveness of changes already made, remain uncertain. . If a Fund invests in instruments that utilize an alternative reference rate that falls out of favor, the value of such instrument may decline due to a lack of liquidity or other factors.

**Repurchase Agreements**

Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, member banks of the Federal Reserve System and other financial institutions. Repurchase agreements are arrangements under which a Fund purchases securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the securities within a specific time and at a specific price. The repurchase price is generally higher than a Fund's purchase price, with the difference being income to a Fund. A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan by a Fund collateralized by securities. Under the direction of the Board, Victory Capital reviews and monitors the creditworthiness of any institution which enters into a repurchase agreement with a Fund. The counterparty's obligations under the repurchase agreement are collateralized with U.S. Treasury and/or agency obligations with a market value of not less than 100% of the obligations, valued daily. Collateral is held by a Fund's custodian in a segregated, safekeeping account for the benefit of a Fund. Repurchase agreements afford a Fund an opportunity to earn income on temporarily available cash. In the event of commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the security before repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement, a Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the security. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and a Fund has not perfected a security interest in the security, a Fund may be required to return the security to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, a Fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction. There is no specific limit on a Fund's ability to enter into repurchase agreements. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans for purposes of the 1940 Act.

**Reverse Repurchase Agreements**

Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities to a bank or other institution with an agreement that a Fund will buy back the securities at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest" which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities purchased by a Fund with proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the securities sold by a Fund that it is obligated to repurchase. Each Fund will also continue to be subject to the risk of a decline in the market value of the securities sold under the agreements because it will reacquire those securities upon effecting their repurchase. Reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be a type of borrowing. A Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions (e.g., recourse and non-recourse tender option bonds, borrowed bonds) notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that a Fund complies with the asset coverage requirements of Section 18 and combines the aggregate amount of indebtedness associated with all reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the asset coverage ratio, or treats all reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions as derivatives transactions for all purposes under Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. The DRMP currently provides that reverse repurchase agreements will not be treated as derivatives for purposes of the DRMP and will be subject to the asset coverage requirements of Section 18. See "Derivatives."

**Responsible Investing Risk**

A Fund may incorporate specific responsible, environmental, social and governance ("ESG"), impact or sustainability considerations into its investment objectives, strategies, and/or processes, as described in the applicable Fund's Prospectus. These considerations will vary depending on a Fund's particular investment strategy and the investment process followed by the particular investment team that manages the Fund. A team may include consideration of third-party research as well as consideration of proprietary research across the ESG risks and opportunities regarding an issuer. The investment team considers those ESG characteristics it deems relevant or additive when making investment decisions for a Fund. The ESG characteristics utilized in a Fund's investment process are anticipated to evolve over time and one or more characteristics may not be relevant with respect to all issuers that are eligible for investment.

ESG characteristics are not the sole considerations when making investment decisions for a Fund. Further, investors can differ in their views of what constitutes positive or negative ESG characteristics. As a result, a Fund may invest in issuers that do not reflect the beliefs and values with respect to ESG of any particular investor. ESG considerations may affect a Fund's exposure to certain companies or industries and a Fund may forego certain investment opportunities. While the Adviser views ESG considerations as having the potential to contribute to a Fund's long-term performance, there is no guarantee that such results will be achieved.

While a Fund may incorporate ESG integration principles, these considerations may not constitute a primary focus, and the weight assigned to ESG factors varies significantly—potentially carrying minimal influence in specific investment decisions.

**Section 4(a)(2) Commercial Paper and Rule 144A Securities**

Each Fund may invest in commercial paper issued in reliance on the "private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act ("Section 4(2) Commercial Paper"). Section 4(2) Commercial Paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws; therefore, any resale of Section 4(2) Commercial Paper must be effected in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Section 4(2) Commercial Paper is normally resold to other investors through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in Section 4(2) Commercial Paper, thus providing liquidity.

Each Fund also may purchase restricted securities eligible for resale to "qualified institutional buyers" pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act ("Rule 144A Securities"). Rule 144A provides a non-exclusive safe harbor from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act for resales of certain securities to institutional investors.

However, investing in Rule 144A securities and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the level of a Fund's illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities.

**Securities of Other Investment Companies**

Each Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies that invest in eligible quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments. As a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would indirectly bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that a Fund bears in connection with its own operations. The Funds may invest in securities issued by other investment companies subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the 1940 Act. Certain exceptions to these limitations are provided by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but the total return on such instruments at the investment company level may be reduced by the operating expenses and fees of such investment companies, including advisory fees.

**Senior Securities and Borrowings**

Pursuant to the investment restrictions that have been adopted by the Trust for the Fund, the Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act. "Senior securities" are defined as any bond, debenture, note, or similar obligation or instrument constituting a security and evidencing indebtedness, and any Fund obligations that have a priority over the Fund's shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of Fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a Fund from issuing senior securities except that the Fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third (33 1/3%) of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings) from banks. Any borrowings that exceed this amount will be reduced within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation even if it is not advantageous to sell securities at that time. Borrowings may be used for a variety of purposes, including (i) for temporary or emergency purposes, (ii) in anticipation of or in response to adverse market conditions, (iii) for cash management purposes, and (iv) for investment purposes. Borrowed money will cost a Fund interest expense and/or other fees. The costs of borrowing may reduce a Fund's return. To the extent that a Fund has outstanding borrowings, it will be leveraged. Leveraging generally exaggerates the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund's securities.

**Security Substitution**

At times when a corporate action involving a constituent is pending, an arbitrage opportunity may exist. For example, if a constituent is acquiring another company (which may or may not be an index constituent) for stock, the target company may be trading at a discount to the acquiring company, given the conditions of the deal and the market. In this case, value may be added to a Fund by purchasing the target company stock in anticipation of the acquisition and corresponding exchange of the target company stock for the acquiring company stock. The Fund would effectively increase in weighting of the acquiring company in line with the holding's increased weighting in the index at a price lower than that of the acquiring company's stock.

**Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities ("STRIPS")**

Each Fund may invest in STRIPS, which are U.S. Treasury securities that allow the investor to hold and trade the individual interest and principal components of eligible Treasury notes and bonds as separate securities. STRIPS can only be purchased and held through financial institutions and government securities brokers and dealers. These securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

**Short Sales**

The Index Funds may sell securities short as an outright investment strategy and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.

When a Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. A Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.

If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time a Fund covers its short position, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.

**Short Sales Against the Box**

Each Fund may sell securities "short against the box." A short sale involves a Fund borrowing securities from a broker and selling the borrowed securities. Each Fund has an obligation to return securities identical to the borrowed securities to the broker. In a short sale against the box, a Fund at all times owns an equal amount of the security sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, with or without payment of additional consideration, an equal amount of the security sold short. Each Fund intends to use short sales against the box to hedge. For example when a Fund believes that the price of a current portfolio security may decline, a Fund may use a short sale against the box to lock in a sale price for a security rather than selling the security immediately. In such a case, any future losses in a Fund's long position should be offset by a gain in the short position and, conversely, any gain in the long position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. Each Fund may engage in short sales of securities only against the box.

If a Fund effects a short sale against the box at a time when it has an unrealized gain on the security, it may be required to recognize that gain as if it had actually sold the security (a "constructive sale") on the date it effects the short sale. However, such constructive sale treatment may not apply if a Fund closes out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated securities held at the time of the

short sale provided that certain other conditions are satisfied. Uncertainty regarding the tax consequences of effecting short sales may limit the extent to which a Fund may make short sales against the box.

A Fund must comply with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act with respect to its short positions "against the box." See "Derivatives."

**Short-Term Instruments**

When a Fund experiences large cash inflows, for example, through the sale of securities and desirable securities that are consistent with the Fund's investment objective(s) are unavailable in sufficient quantities or at attractive prices, the Fund may hold short-term investments (or shares of money market mutual funds) for a limited time at the discretion of the Adviser. Short-term instruments consist of foreign and domestic: (i) short-term obligations of sovereign governments, their agencies, instrumentalities, authorities, or political subdivisions; (ii) other short-term debt securities; (iii) commercial paper; (iv) bank obligations, including negotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances; and (v) repurchase agreements.

**Swap Arrangements**

Each Fund may enter into various forms of swap arrangements with counterparties with respect to interest rates, currency rates, specific securities, or indices, including purchase of caps, floors and collars as described below. Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. A swap agreement may be negotiated bilaterally and traded over-the-counter ("OTC") between the two parties (for uncleared swaps) or, in some instances, must be transacted through an FCM and cleared through a clearing house that serves as a central counterparty (for a cleared swap).

In an interest rate swap, a Fund could agree for a specified period to pay a bank or investment banker the floating rate of interest on a so-called notional principal amount (i.e., an assumed figure selected by the parties for this purpose) in exchange for an agreement by the bank or investment banker to pay a Fund a fixed rate of interest on the notional principal amount. In a currency swap, a Fund would agree with the other party to exchange cash flows based on the relative differences in values of a notional amount of two (or more) currencies; in an index swap, a Fund would agree to exchange cash flows on a notional amount based on changes in the values of the selected indices. The purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments from the seller on a notional amount to the extent that the selected index exceeds an agreed-upon interest rate or amount whereas the purchase of a floor entitles the purchaser to receive such payments to the extent the selected index falls below an agreed-upon interest rate or amount. A collar combines buying a cap and selling a floor.

Most swaps entered into by a Fund will be on a net basis. For example, in an interest rate swap, amounts generated by application of the fixed rate and floating rate to the notional principal amount would first offset one another, with the Fund either receiving or paying the difference between such amounts. In order to be in a position to meet any obligations resulting from swaps, a Fund will set up a segregated custodial account to hold liquid assets, including cash. For swaps entered into on a net basis, assets will be segregated having a net asset value equal to any excess of a Fund's accrued obligations over the accrued obligations of the other party; for swaps on other than a net basis, assets will be segregated having a value equal to the total amount of a Fund's obligations. Collateral is treated as illiquid.

Swap agreements historically have been individually negotiated and most swap arrangements are currently OTC traded. Certain standardized swaps currently are, and more in the future will be, centrally cleared and traded on either a swap execution facility or a designated contract market. Cleared swaps are transmitted through FCMs that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse serving as a central counterparty similar to transactions in futures contracts. Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterparty to each participant's swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. For example, swaps that are centrally cleared are subject to the creditworthiness of the clearing organization involved in the transaction. An investor could lose margin payments it has deposited with its FCM, as well as the net amount of gains not yet paid by the clearing organization if the clearing organization becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In the event of bankruptcy of the clearing organization, the investor may be entitled to the net amount of gains the investor is entitled to receive, plus the return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the clearing organization's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the investor. In addition, depending on the size of a portfolio and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member FCM may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a portfolio to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap.

These swap arrangements will be made primarily for hedging purposes, to preserve the return on an investment or on a portion of a Fund's portfolio. However, a Fund may, as noted above, enter into such arrangements for income purposes to the extent permitted by applicable law. In entering into a swap arrangement, a Fund is dependent upon the creditworthiness and good faith of the counterparty. A Fund will attempt to reduce the risk of nonperformance by the counterparty by dealing only with established, reputable institutions. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation and, in some cases, transacting in swaps that are centrally cleared and exchange traded. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Certain swap transactions involve more recent

innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and generally will not be centrally cleared or traded on an exchange and, accordingly, they are less liquid than traditional swap transactions.

A Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, the use of which is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates, or other applicable factors, the investment performance of a Fund would diminish compared with what it would have been if these investment techniques were not used. Moreover, even if the Adviser is correct in its forecasts, there is a risk that the swap position may correlate imperfectly with the price of the asset or liability being hedged.

The Funds may enter into credit default swap contracts ("CDSs") for investment purposes. If a Fund is a seller of a CDS contract, a Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, a Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, a Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. As the seller, a Fund is not required to remain in the CDS contract until default or maturity and could terminate the contract and incur a realized gain or loss.

The Funds also may purchase CDS contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities it holds, in which case a Fund would function as the counterparty referenced above. This would involve the risk that the swap may expire worthless and would only generate income in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability). It also would involve credit risk; the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to a Fund in the event of a default. As the buyer, a Fund is not required to remain in the CDS contract until default or maturity and could terminate the contract and incur a realized gain or loss.

The swap market was largely unregulated prior to the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act has changed the way the U.S. swap market is supervised and regulated. Developments in the swap market under final implementing regulations under the Dodd- Frank Act will adversely affect a Fund's ability to enter into certain swaps in the over-the-counter market (and requires that certain of such instruments be exchange-traded and centrally cleared). Dodd-Frank Act developments also could adversely affect a Fund's ability to support swap trades with collateral, terminate new or existing swap agreements, or realize amounts to be received under such instruments. Regulations that are being developed by the CFTC and banking regulators will require a Fund to post margin on over-the- counter swaps, and clearing organizations and exchanges require minimum margin requirements for exchange-traded and cleared swaps. These changes, under the Dodd-Frank Act, may increase the cost of a Fund's swap investments, which could adversely affect Fund investors.

**Synthetic Instruments**

Synthetic instruments involve structural risks that could adversely affect the value of the instrument or could result in a Fund's holding an instrument for a longer period of time than originally anticipated. For example, because of the structure of a synthetic instrument, there is a risk that a Fund will not be able to exercise its tender option.

**Temporary Defensive Strategies**

At times, the Adviser may judge that market conditions make pursuing a Fund's basic investment strategy inconsistent with the best interests of its shareholders. At such times, the Adviser may (but will not necessarily), without notice, temporarily use alternative strategies, primarily designed to reduce fluctuations in the values of a Fund's assets. In implementing these "defensive strategies," a Fund may hold assets in cash and cash equivalents and in other investments an Adviser believes to be consistent with the Fund's best interests. If any such a temporary defensive strategy is implemented, a Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities ("TIPS")**

Each Fund may invest in TIPS, which are U.S. Treasury securities that have been designed to provide a real rate of return after being adjusted over time to reflect the impact of inflation. Their principal value periodically adjusts to take into account the rate of inflation. They trade at prevailing real, or after inflation, interest rates. The U.S. Treasury guarantees repayment of at least the face value of these securities in the event of sustained deflation or a drop in prices.

**U.S. Government Obligations**

Each Fund may invest in various types of U.S. government obligations. U.S. government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government and supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. U.S. government obligations differ mainly in the length of their maturity. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government securities, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis. U.S. government obligations also include securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or instrumentalities, including government-sponsored enterprises ("GSEs"). Some obligations of such agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States or U.S. Treasury guarantees. Other obligations of such agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the right of the issuer or guarantor to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. Others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality or only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligation.

In the case of obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including GSEs) where it is not obligated to do so. In addition, U.S. government obligations are subject to fluctuations in market value due to fluctuations in market interest rates. As a general matter, the value of debt instruments, including U.S. government obligations, declines when market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain types of U.S. government obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or value due to their structure or contract terms.

Although a Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Fund itself and do not guarantee the market prices of the securities. In recent periods, the values of U.S. government securities have been affected substantially by increased demand for them in the global markets. Increases or decreases in the demand for U.S. government securities may occur at any time and may result in increased volatility in the values of those securities.

**Variable-Rate and Floating-Rate Securities**

A Fund may, and the Bond Fund generally will, invest in variable-rate and floating-rate securities, which bear interest at rates that are adjusted periodically to market rates. These interest rate adjustments can both raise and lower the income generated by such securities. These changes will have the same effect on the income earned by a Fund depending on the proportion of such securities held. Because the interest rates of variable-rate and floating-rate securities are periodically adjusted to reflect current market rates, the market value of the variable-rate and floating-rate securities is less affected by changes in prevailing interest rates than the market value of securities with fixed interest rates. The market value of variable-rate and floating-rate securities usually tends toward par (100% of face value) at interest rate adjustment time.

Similar to fixed-rate debt instruments, variable- and floating-rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in market interest rates or changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. In addition, variable- and floating-rate securities are subject to the risk of loss of principal and income. Although borrowers frequently provide collateral to secure repayment of these obligations, they do not always do so, and these securities may be unsecured. If borrowers do provide collateral, the value of the collateral may not completely cover the borrower's obligations at the time of a default. If a borrower files for protection from its creditors under bankruptcy laws, these laws may limit a Fund's rights to its collateral. In the event of a bankruptcy, the holder of a variable- or floating-rate loan may not recover its principal, may experience a long delay in recovering its investment, and may not receive interest during the delay.

**Variable-Rate Demand Notes ("VRDNs")**

Each Fund may invest in VRDNs, which are securities that provide the right to sell the security at face value on either that day or within the rate-reset period. The interest rate is adjusted at a stipulated daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or other specified time interval to a rate that reflects current market conditions. The effective maturity for these instruments is deemed to be less than 397 days in accordance with detailed regulatory requirements. These interest-rate adjustments can both raise and lower the income generated by such securities. These changes will have the same effect on the income earned by a Fund depending on the proportion of such securities held. VRDNs are tax-exempt securities.

**Warrants**

To the extent that such investments are consistent with its investment objective, each Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants represent rights to purchase securities at a specific price valid for a specific period of time. Warrants can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of warrants do not necessarily move in tandem with the prices of the underlying securities and therefore are highly volatile and speculative investments. If a warrant held by a Fund is not exercised by the date of its expiration, the Fund would lose the entire purchase price of the warrant. Each Fund may only purchase warrants on securities in which the Fund may invest directly.

**When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities**

Each Fund may invest in debt securities offered on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis; that is, delivery, of and payment for, the securities take place after the date of the commitment to purchase, normally within 45 days. The payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on the securities are each fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. A Fund may sell these securities before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable.

Debt securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis are subject to changes in value in the same way as other debt securities held in the Funds' portfolios are; that is, both generally experience appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The value of such securities will also be affected by the public's perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and anticipated changes in the level of interest rates. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis involves a risk that the yields available in the market when the delivery takes place may actually be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself. To ensure that the Fund will be able to meet its obligation to pay for when-issued or delayed-delivery securities at the time of settlement, a Fund will segregate cash or liquid securities at least equal to the amount of the when-issued or delayed-delivery commitments. The segregated securities are valued at market, and any necessary adjustments are made to keep the value of the cash and/or segregated securities at least equal to the amount of such commitments by the Fund.

On the settlement date of the when-issued or delayed-delivery securities, a Fund will meet its obligations from then-available cash, sale of segregated securities, sale of other securities, or from sale of the when-issued or delayed-delivery securities themselves (which may have a value greater or less than the Fund's payment obligations). The availability of liquid assets for this purpose, and the effect of asset segregation on a Fund's ability to meet its current obligations, to honor requests for redemption, and to otherwise manage its investment portfolio, will limit the extent to which the Fund may purchase when-issued and delayed-delivery securities. A Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with such transactions.

**INVESTMENTS IN THE FUNDS BY OTHER REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES**

Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by registered investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of a Fund. Other registered investment companies (typically structured as a "fund of funds") are not permitted to invest in a Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) except as permitted by any rules and regulations adopted under applicable law, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund.

**DETERMINING NET ASSET VALUE ("NAV") AND VALUING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES**

Normally, each Fund's NAV is determined, and the shares of each Fund are priced as of the valuation time(s) indicated in the Prospectus on each Business Day. A "Business Day" is a day on which the NYSE is open. The NYSE generally is closed in observance of the following holidays: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

In the event of an emergency or other disruption in trading on the NYSE, a Fund's share price normally will be determined based upon the close of the NYSE.

The Funds generally value their investments based upon their last reported sale prices, market quotations, or estimates of value provided by an independent pricing service as of the time as of which a Fund's share price is calculated. The Board has designated the Adviser as the "valuation designee" in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

**Investment Company Securities**

Shares of another open-end investment company (mutual fund) held by a Fund are valued at the latest closing NAV of such mutual fund. Shares of any ETFs held by a Fund are valued in the manner described below under "Equity Securities."

**Fixed Income Securities**

Fixed income securities are valued on the basis of security valuations provided by an independent pricing service, approved by the Board, that determines value by using, among other things, information with respect to transactions of a security, quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various relationships between securities. Specific investment securities that are not priced by the approved pricing service will be valued according to quotations obtained from dealers who are market makers in those securities. Investment securities with less than 60 days to maturity when purchased are valued at amortized cost that approximates market value. Investment securities not having readily available market quotations will be priced at fair value using a methodology approved in good faith by the Board or its designee in accordance with applicable Rules under the 1940 Act subject to Board oversight.

**Convertible Fixed Income Securities**

Convertible fixed income securities are valued in the same manner as any fixed income security. Non-convertible fixed income securities are valued on the basis of prices provided by independent pricing services. Prices provided by the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance on quoted prices and may reflect appropriate factors such as institution-sized trading in similar groups of securities, developments related to special securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, individual trading characteristics, and other market data. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Trust's officers in a manner specially authorized by the Board or its designee in accordance with applicable Rules under the 1940 Act, subject to Board oversight. Short-term obligations having 60 days or less to maturity are valued on the basis of amortized cost, except for convertible fixed income securities.

**Equity Securities**

Each equity security (including ETFs) is valued at the closing price on the exchange where the security is principally traded. Each security traded in the over-the-counter market (but not including securities the trading activity of which is reported on Nasdaq's Automated Confirmation Transaction ("ACT") System) is valued at the bid based upon quotes furnished by market makers for such securities. Each security the trading activity of which is reported on Nasdaq's ACT System is valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price.

**Futures and Options Contracts**

For purposes of determining NAV, futures and options contracts generally will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading of the NYSE.

**Funds that Invest a Significant Amount of their Assets in Foreign Securities**

Time zone arbitrage. Funds that invest a significant amount of their assets in foreign securities, may be exposed to attempts by investors to engage in "time-zone arbitrage." Using this technique, investors seek to take advantage of differences in the values of foreign securities that might result from events that occur after the close of the foreign securities market on which a security is traded and before the close of the NYSE that day, when the Funds calculate their NAV.

If successful, time zone arbitrage might dilute the interests of other shareholders. These Funds use "fair value pricing" under certain circumstances, to adjust the closing market prices of foreign securities to reflect what the Board or its designee in accordance with applicable Rules under the 1940 Act subject to Board oversight considers to be their fair value. Fair value pricing may also help to deter time zone arbitrage.

**Fair Value Pricing**

If market quotations are not readily available, or (in the Adviser's judgment) do not accurately reflect the fair value of a security, or if after the close of the principal market on which a security held by a Fund is traded and before the time as of which the Funds' net asset value is calculated that day, an event occurs that the Adviser learns of and believes in the exercise of its judgment will cause a material change in the value of that security from the closing price of the security on the principal market on which it is traded, that security may be valued by another method that the Board or its designee in accordance with applicable Rules under the 1940 Act subject to Board oversight believes would more accurately reflect the security's fair value.

The Funds' use of fair value pricing procedures involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different from the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a Fund will obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the same time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share.

**Other Valuation Information**

Under the 1940 Act, the Funds are required to act in good faith in determining the fair value of portfolio securities. The SEC has recognized that a security's valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. The fair value ascertained for a security is an estimate and there is no assurance, given the limited information available at the time of fair valuation, that a security's fair value will be the same as or close to the subsequent opening market price for that security.

The Board has adopted valuation procedures for the Funds and has delegated the day-to-day responsibility for fair valuation determinations to the Adviser and the Adviser's Pricing Committee. Those determinations may include consideration of recent transactions in comparable securities, information relating to a specific security, developments in and performance of foreign securities markets, current valuations of foreign or U.S. indices, and adjustment co-efficients based on fair value models developed by independent service providers. The Adviser may, for example, adjust the value of portfolio securities based on fair value models supplied by the service provider when the Adviser believes that the adjustments better reflect actual prices as of the close of the NYSE.

Generally, trading in foreign securities, corporate bonds, U.S. government securities and money market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the NAV of each Fund's shares generally are determined at such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior the close of the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur between the times at which such values are determined and the close of the NYSE. If events affecting the value of securities occur during such a period, and a Fund's NAV is materially affected by such changes in the value of the securities, then these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable law. Other securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which valuation cannot be provided are valued as determined in good faith of the Adviser in accordance with applicable law.

When the NYSE is closed, or when trading is restricted for any reason other than its customary weekend or holiday closings, or under emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC to warrant such action, the Funds may not be able to accept purchase or redemption requests. A Fund's NAV may be affected to the extent that its securities are traded on days that are not Business Days. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order in whole or in part.

**PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES**

**Creation Units**

Each Fund issues and redeems Shares in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor (as defined below), without a sales load, at the NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form on any Business Day. A "Business Day" is any day on which the NYSE is open for business.

Currently, a Creation Unit is an aggregation of 50,000 shares and Creation Units of 10,000 shares in the case of the Free Cash Flow Fund and Small Cap Free Cash Flow Fund. In its discretion, the Trust reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of the Fund's shares that constitute a Creation Unit. The Board reserves the right to declare a split or a consolidation in the number of shares outstanding of the Fund, and to make changes in the number of shares constituting a Creation Unit, including in the event that the per share price in the secondary market rises (or declines) to an amount that falls outside the range deemed desirable by the Board.

**Authorized Participants**

To purchase or redeem any Creation Units, you must be, or transact through, an Authorized Participant. In order to be an Authorized Participant, you must be either a broker-dealer or other participant ("Participating Party") in the Continuous Net Settlement System ("Clearing Process") of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") or a participant in DTC with access to the DTC system ("DTC Participant"), and you must execute an agreement ("Participant Agreement") with the Distributor that governs transactions in each Fund's Creation Units.

Investors who are not Authorized Participants but want to transact in Creation Units may contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized Participants. An Authorized Participant may require investors to enter into a separate agreement to transact through it for Creation Units and may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in a particular form. Investors transacting through a broker that is not itself an Authorized Participant and, therefore, must still transact through an Authorized Participant, may incur additional charges. There are expected to be a limited number of Authorized Participants at any one time.

Investors who are not Authorized Participants may purchase and sell shares of the Fund through an Authorized Participant or on the secondary market.

Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Market disruptions and telephone or other communication failures may impede the transmission of orders.

**Transaction Fees**

A fixed fee payable to the Custodian (as defined below) is imposed on each creation and redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units involved in the transaction ("Fixed Fee"). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in- lieu (as defined below) are required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate each Fund and its ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions ("Variable Charge," and together with the Fixed Fee, the "Transaction Fees"). With the approval of the Board, the Adviser may waive or adjust the Transaction Fees, including the Fixed Fee and/or Variable Charge (shown in the table below), from time to time. In such cases, the Authorized Participant will reimburse each Fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased by each Fund and the cash-in-lieu amount, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes and other costs and expenses related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction (up to the maximum amount shown below). In addition, purchasers of Creation Units are responsible for the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to the account of each Fund (as defined below). Investors who use the services of a broker, or other such intermediary, may be charged a fee for such services.

The following table sets forth each Fund's standard Transaction Fees and maximum additional charge (as described above):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Fee for In-Kind and**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Cash Purchases and**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Redemptions** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Maximum**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Additional Variable**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Charge for Cash**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Purchases and**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Redemptions\*** |
| VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF | $1500 | 2.00% |
| VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF | $1500 | 2.00% |
| VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF | $100 | 2.00% |

---

\*As a percentage of the amount invested.

**The Clearing Process**

Transactions by an Authorized Participant that is a Participating Party using the NSCC system are referred to as transactions "through the Clearing Process." Transactions by an Authorized Participant that is a DTC Participant using the DTC system are referred to as transactions "outside the Clearing Process." The Clearing Process is an enhanced clearing process that is available only for certain securities and only to DTC participants that are also participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. In-kind (portions of) purchase orders not subject to the Clearing Process will go through a manual clearing process run by DTC. Portfolio Deposits that include government securities must be delivered through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system ("Federal Reserve System"). Fund Deposits that include cash may be delivered through the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System. In-kind deposits of securities for orders outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for government securities) or through DTC (for corporate securities).

**Foreign Securities**

Because the portfolio securities of each Fund may trade on days that the Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for each Fund, shareholders may not be able to redeem their shares of each Fund, or to purchase or sell shares of each Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of each Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant foreign markets.

**Purchasing Creation Units**

<u>Portfolio Deposits</u>

The consideration for a Creation Unit generally consists of the in-kind deposit of designated securities ("Deposit Securities") and an amount of cash in U.S. dollars ("Cash Component"). Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the "Portfolio Deposit." The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Deposit Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of each Fund and (y) the market value of the Deposit Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to each Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component from each Fund.

On each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Deposit Security in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for each Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. The Deposit Securities announced are applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, to purchases of Creation Units until the next announcement of Deposit Securities.

The Deposit Securities may change, for example, as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time by the Adviser in each Fund's portfolio. The Deposit Securities may also change in response to the rebalancing and/or reconstitution of the Index. These adjustments will reflect changes known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Portfolio Deposit.

Payment of any stamp duty or the like shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant purchasing a Creation Unit. The Authorized Participant must ensure that all Deposit Securities properly denote change in beneficial ownership.

Portfolio Deposits that include fixed income securities and cash must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and government securities) and through DTC (for corporate and municipal securities) by an Authorized Participant. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the applicable Fund by no later than 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the business day following

the Transmittal Date (as defined below). For Portfolio Deposits consisting of cash, the amount of cash must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Business Day following the Transmittal Date. If the Deposit Securities and/or cash, as applicable, are not received by the applicable Cut-off Time set forth below, the Creation Unit order may be canceled, and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the applicable Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. The Adviser, on behalf of the International Funds, will convert subscriptions that are made in whole or in part in cash into the relevant foreign currency prior to investment at the applicable exchange rate and subject to the applicable spread. Those purchasing Creation Units of the International Funds bear the risk associated with changes in the currency exchange rate between the time they place their order and the time that the International Funds convert any cash received into foreign investments.

<u>Purchase Orders</u>

To order a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order to the Distributor.

<u>Custom Purchase Orders and Cash-in-lieu</u>

Each Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash ("cash-in-lieu") to replace any Deposit Security, which shall be added to the Cash Component in the following situations: (1) to the extent there is a purchase balancing amount, as described herein; (2) if, on a given business day, the Fund announces before the open of trading that all purchases, all redemptions or all purchases and redemptions on that day will be made entirely in cash; (3) if, upon receiving a purchase order from an Authorized Participant, the Fund determines to require the purchase to be made entirely in cash; (4) if, on a given business day, the Fund requires all Authorized Participants purchasing shares on that day to deposit cash in lieu of some or all of the Deposit Securities solely because:

(a)such instruments are not eligible for transfer through either the NSCC or Depository Trust Company ("DTC") systems; or (b) in the case of the funds holding non-U.S. investments, such instruments are not eligible for trading due to local trading restrictions, local restrictions on securities transfers or other similar circumstances; or (5) if the Fund permits an Authorized Participant to deposit cash in lieu of some or all of the Deposit Securities solely because: (a) such instruments are not available in sufficient quantity; or (b) such instruments are not eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant or the investor on whose behalf the Authorized Participant is acting (together with (5)(a), "Custom Orders"). Each Fund will comply with the federal securities laws in accepting Deposit Securities including that the Deposit Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act.

When cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in- kind purchases. In the case of a cash purchase, the investor must pay the cash equivalent of the Portfolio Deposit. In addition, cash purchases will be subject to Transaction Fees, as described above.

<u>Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders — Non-International Funds</u>

All orders to purchase shares directly from any Fund (other than an International Fund) directly from a Fund must be placed for one or more Creation Units and in the manner and by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time (2:00 p.m. Eastern time for the purchase of the Bond Funds) or such earlier time that the Exchange or bond market closes (the "Cut-off Time") in order to receive the NAV calculated on the Transmittal Date. The "Transmittal Date" is the date on which such an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below). All orders placed between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Eastern time are eligible to receive same day settlement (or "T+0").

<u>Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders — International Funds</u>

All orders to purchase shares directly from an International Fund on the next Business Day must be submitted as a "Future Dated Trade" for one or more Creation Units between 4:00 p.m. Eastern time and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the prior Business Day in order to receive the NAV calculated on the Transmittal Date. For purposes of the International Funds, the "Transmittal Date" is the Business Day following the day on which such an order is submitted to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below).

<u>Intermediary Deadlines</u>

Persons placing or effectuating custom orders and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve Bank wire system, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the "Settlement Date," which is generally the Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date ("T+1").

<u>Orders Using the Clearing Process</u>

If available, (portions of) orders may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor or its agent transmits, on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Portfolio Deposit to each Fund, together with such additional

information as may be required by the Distributor and transfer agent. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System.

<u>Orders Outside the Clearing Process</u>

If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Portfolio Deposits will be made outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will be effected through DTC. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of Deposit Securities (whether standard or custom) through DTC to each Fund account by 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, on T+1. The Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee, must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve System in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive both the Deposit Securities and the cash by the appointed time, the order may be canceled. A canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day but must conform to that Business Day's Portfolio Deposit. Authorized Participants that submit a canceled order will be liable to each Fund for any losses incurred by each Fund in connection therewith.

Orders involving foreign Deposit Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable purchase order, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian of such order. The Custodian, who will have caused the appropriate local sub-custodian(s) of each Fund to maintain an account into which an Authorized Participant may deliver Deposit Securities (or cash -in-lieu), with adjustments determined by each Fund, will then provide information of the order to such local sub- custodian(s). The ordering Authorized Participant will then deliver the Deposit Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) to each Fund's account at the applicable local sub-custodian. The Authorized Participant must also make available on or before the contractual settlement date, by means satisfactory to each Fund, immediately available or same day funds in U.S. dollars estimated by each Fund to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component and Transaction Fee. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Settlement must occur by 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the contractual settlement date.

<u>Acceptance of Purchase Order</u>

All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility, and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by each Fund. Each Fund's determination shall be final and binding.

Each Fund reserves the right to reject or revoke acceptance of a purchase order transmitted to it by the Distributor, provided that such action does not result in a suspension of sales of Creation Units in contravention of Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act and the SEC's positions thereunder. For example, a Fund may reject or revoke acceptance of a creation order including, but not limited to, when (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of each Fund; (c) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the Deposit Securities for the applicable date; (d) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; or (e) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Distributor and the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process purchase orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or utility problems resulting in telephone, telecopy, or computer failures; fires, floods, or extreme weather conditions; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other informational systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the Adviser, each Fund's Custodian, a sub-custodian, or any other participant in the creation process; and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify an Authorized Participant of its rejection of the order. Each Fund, the Custodian, any sub-custodian, and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Portfolio Deposits, and they shall not incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

<u>Issuance of a Creation Unit</u>

Once a Fund has accepted an order, upon next determination of the Fund's NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor will transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order.

Except as provided below, a Creation Unit will not be issued until a Fund obtains good title to the Deposit Securities, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. The delivery of Creation Units generally will occur no later than T+1.

In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

With respect to orders involving foreign Deposit Securities, when a local sub-custodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the Deposit Securities (or cash-in-lieu) have been delivered to a Fund's account with the sub- custodian, the Fund will issue and deliver the Creation Unit. As stated above, Creation Units are generally delivered on T+1. However, a Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+1 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S.

markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances.

A Fund may issue a Creation Unit prior to receiving good title to the Deposit Securities under the following circumstances if, pursuant to the applicable Participant Agreement, the relevant Authorized Participant provides an undertaking to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking is secured by such Authorized Participant's delivery of cash in U.S. Dollars to the Custodian having a value equal to at least 105% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities ("Collateral") as adjusted by time to time by the Adviser. The Collateral will have a value greater than the NAV of the Creation Unit on the date the order is placed and must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. The value of the missing Deposit Securities is marked to market daily and the amount of Collateral is adjusted to make sure the Collateral value is at least 105% of the marked value. At any time, a Fund may use the Collateral to purchase the missing Deposit Securities, and the Authorized Participant will be liable to the Fund for any costs incurred thereby or losses resulting therefrom, whether or not they exceed the amount of the Collateral, including any Transaction Fee, any amount by which the purchase price of the missing Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such securities on the Transmittal Date, brokerage, and other transaction costs. The Trust will return any unused Collateral once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been received by a Fund. More information regarding a Fund's current procedures for collateralization is available from the Funds.

**Redeeming a Creation Unit**

Shares of a Fund may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request made in proper form by the Distributor on any Business Day. A Fund will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Units. The Bond Fund anticipates meeting redemptions primarily with cash. The Index Funds anticipate meeting redemptions primarily in kind.

<u>Redemption Basket</u>

The consideration received in connection with the redemption of a Creation Unit generally consists of an in-kind basket of designated securities ("Redemption Securities") and an amount of cash in U.S. dollars ("Cash Component"). Together, the Redemption Securities and the Cash Component constitute the "Redemption Basket."

There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient liquidity in shares in the secondary market to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. In addition, investors may incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a Creation Unit.

The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Redemption Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Redemption Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component from the Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to the Fund.

If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Redemption Security in the current Redemption Basket (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, all redemption requests that day will be processed outside the Clearing Process.

The Redemption Securities may change as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time by the Adviser in the Fund's portfolio. These adjustments will reflect changes known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Redemption Basket.

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed: (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares or determination of the ETF's NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as permitted by the SEC, including as described below.

<u>Custom Redemptions and Cash-in-lieu</u>

Cash Redemption Method. The Funds reserve the right to redeem Creation Units solely in cash if, on a given Business Day, a Fund announces before the open of trading that all redemptions on that day will be made entirely in cash. . The Bond Fund anticipates meeting redemptions primarily with cash. A Fund may also on a given Business Day, requires all Authorized Participants redeeming Creation Units on that day to receive cash in lieu of some or all of the Deposit Securities because: (i) such securities are not eligible for transfer either through the NSCC or DTC or (ii) in the case of a Fund that invests a significant amount of its assets in foreign securities holding non-U.S. investments, such securities are not eligible for trading due to local trading restrictions, local restrictions on securities transfers or other similar circumstances. The Funds may also permit an Authorized Participant to receive cash in lieu of some or all of the Deposit Securities because: (i) such securities are not available in sufficient quantity, (ii) such securities are not eligible for trading by an

Authorized Participant or the investor on whose behalf the Authorized Participant is acting, or (iii) a holder of Shares of a Fund holding non-U.S. investments would be subject to unfavorable income tax treatment if the holder receives redemption proceeds in kind. When cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions. In the case of a cash redemption, the investor will receive the cash equivalent of the Redemption Basket minus any Transaction Fees, as described above.

<u>Redemption Requests</u>

To redeem a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable redemption request to the Distributor. An Authorized Participant will represent to the Fund that it will not attempt to place a redemption order for the purpose of redeeming any Creation Units, unless it first ascertains or has reasonable grounds to believe that as of the time of the settlement date: (i) it, or its customer, as the case may be, will own outright (or have full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender) the requisite number of Fund shares for redemption, and (ii) all of the shares that are in the Creation Unit to be redeemed have not been loaned or pledged to another party and are not the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement that would preclude the delivery of such shares to a Fund on the settlement date. Each Fund reserves the absolute right, in its sole discretion, to verify these representations, but will typically require verification in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and /or short interest in a Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of the requested representations, the redemption request will not be considered to be in proper form and may be rejected by a Fund.

<u>Timing of Submission of Redemption Requests – Non-International Funds</u>

All orders to redeem shares directly from any Fund (other than an International Fund) directly from a Fund must be placed for one or more Creation Units by the Cut-off Time in order to receive the NAV calculated on the Transmittal Date.

<u>Timing of Submission of Redemption Requests – International Funds</u>

All orders to redeem shares directly from an International Fund that invests a significant amount of its assets in foreign securities directly from the Funds on the next Business Day must be submitted as a "Future Dated Trade" for one or more Creation Units between 4:00 p.m. Eastern time and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the prior Business Day in order to receive the NAV calculated on the Transmittal Date. The Transmittal Date is the Business Day following the day on which such an order is submitted to redeem Creation Units.

<u>Intermediary Deadlines</u>

A redemption request is deemed received if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating Custom Redemptions and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve System, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the Settlement Date, as defined above.

<u>Requests Using the Clearing Process</u>

If available, (portions of) redemption requests may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the redemption. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Creation Unit(s) to a Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System, as described above.

<u>Requests Outside the Clearing Process</u>

If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Redemption Baskets will be delivered outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the redemption will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant must transfer or cause to be transferred the Creation Unit(s) of shares being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on received T+1. In addition, the Cash Component must be received by the Custodian by 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive the Creation Unit(s) and Cash Component by the appointed times on T+1, the redemption will be rejected, except in the circumstances described below. A rejected redemption request may be resubmitted the following Business Day.

Orders involving foreign Redemption Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable redemption request, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian. The Custodian will then provide information of the redemption to the Fund's local sub-custodian(s). The redeeming Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf is acting, will have established appropriate arrangements with a broker-dealer, bank or other custody provider in each jurisdiction in which the Redemption Securities are customarily traded and to which such Redemption Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) can be delivered from the Fund's accounts at the applicable local sub-custodian(s).

<u>Acceptance of Redemption Requests</u>

All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility, and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust. The Trust's determination shall be final and binding.

The Funds reserve the right to reject a redemption order if the order is not in proper form. In addition, the right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the Fund (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted, (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares of a Fund's portfolio securities or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC. The Funds or Distributor will notify the Authorized Participant of such rejection, but the Funds, Custodian, sub-custodian, and Distributor shall not be liable for any failure to give such notification.

<u>Delivery of Redemption Basket</u>

Once a Fund has accepted a redemption request, upon next determination of the Fund's NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Redemption Basket, against receipt of the Creation Unit(s) at such NAV, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. A Creation Unit tendered for redemption and the payment of the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf it is acting, will be recorded on the book-entry system of DTC.

The Redemption Basket generally will be delivered to the redeeming Authorized Participant within T+1. Except under the circumstances described below; however, a Redemption Basket generally will not be issued until the Creation Unit(s) are delivered to a Fund, along with the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee.

In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

With respect to orders involving foreign Redemption Securities, a Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+1 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period.

Cash Redemption Method. The Funds reserve the right to redeem Creation Units solely in cash if, on a given Business Day, a Fund announces before the open of trading that all redemptions on that day will be made entirely in cash. A Fund also may, on a given Business Day, require all Authorized Participants redeeming Creation Units on that day to receive cash in lieu of some or all of the Deposit Securities because: (i) such securities are not eligible for transfer either through the NSCC or DTC or (ii) in the case of International Funds holding non-U.S. investments, such securities are not eligible for trading due to local trading restrictions, local restrictions on securities transfers or other similar circumstances. The Funds also may permit an Authorized Participant to receive cash in lieu of some or all of the Deposit Securities because: (i) such securities are not available in sufficient quantity, (ii) such securities are not eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant or the investor on whose behalf the Authorized Participant is acting, or (iii) a holder of shares of a Fund holding non-U.S. investments would be subject to unfavorable income tax treatment if the holder receives redemption proceeds in kind. When cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions. In the case of a cash redemption, the investor will receive the cash equivalent of the Redemption Basket minus any Transaction Fees, as described above.

**MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST**

**Board Leadership Structure**

The Trust is governed by the Board, which is comprised of eight Trustees, seven of whom are not "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of that term under the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"). The Chair of the Board is an Independent Trustee, who functions as the lead Trustee. The Chair serves as liaison between the Board and its Committees, the Adviser and other service providers. The Chair is actively involved in setting the Board meeting agenda, and participates on certain Board Committees.

**Board Role in Risk Oversight**

In considering risks related to the Funds, the Board consults and receives reports from officers of the Funds and personnel of the Adviser, who are charged with the day-to-day risk oversight function. Matters regularly reported to the Board or a designated committee include certain risks involving, among other things, the Funds' investment portfolios, trading practices, operational matters, financial and accounting controls, and legal and regulatory compliance. The Board has delegated to each of the Compliance Committee and Audit and

![](gk3t0u9tp86ocjbyiekls.jpg)

Risk Oversight Committee certain responsibilities for reviewing reports relating to compliance and enterprise risk, including operational risk, liquidity, and personnel. The Board relies on the Investment Committee to review reports relating to investment risks, that is, risks to the Funds resulting from pursuing the Funds' investment strategies (e.g., credit risk and market risk).

**Trustees and Officers**

The following tables list the Trustees and Officers, their dates of birth, position with the Trust, length of time served, principal occupations during the past five years and, where applicable, any directorships of other investment companies or companies whose securities are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("1934 Act"), or who file reports under the 1934 Act. Under the Trust's organizational documents, each Trustee serves as a Trustee of the Trust during the lifetime of the Trust and until its termination except as such Trustee sooner dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. However, pursuant to a policy adopted by the Board, each elected or appointed Independent Trustee may serve as a Trustee until the Trustee reaches age 80, and the Interested Trustee may serve as a Trustee until the Trustee reaches age 80. The Board may change or grant exceptions from this policy at any time without shareholder approval. Each Trustee's address is c/o Victory Funds, 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78256.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | | | | |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Position** | | | | |
| **Name and** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Held with** | | | | |
| **Date of Birth** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**the Trust** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Date**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Commenced**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Service** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;**Principal Occupation**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**During Past 5 Years** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;**Number of Portfolios**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**in Fund Complex**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;**Overseen by Trustee** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Other**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Directorships**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Held During**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**the**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Past 5 Years** |
| David Brooks | Trustee | May 2015 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Consultant (since 2006) | &nbsp;&nbsp;65 portfolios comprised |  |
| Adcock, |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;of 27 portfolios in the |  |
| Born |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trust, 33 portfolios in |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;1951 |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, and 5 |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Funds |  |
| Nigel D.T. | Trustee | May 2015 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Retired | &nbsp;&nbsp;65portfolios comprised | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, |
| Andrews, |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;of 27 portfolios in the | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlyle Secured |
| Born 1947 |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trust, 33 portfolios in | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lending, Inc. |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, and 5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(formerly TCG |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BDC I, Inc.) |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since 2012); |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Funds | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, |
|  |  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlyle Credit |
|  |  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Solutions, Inc. |
|  |  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(formerly TCG |
|  |  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BDC II, Inc.) |
|  |  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since 2017); |
| E. Lee Beard\*, | Trustee | May 2015 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Retired | &nbsp;&nbsp;65 portfolios comprised |  |
| Born 1951 |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;of 27 portfolios in the |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trust, 33 portfolios in |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, and 5 |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Funds |  |
| John L. Kelly, | Chair and | May 2015 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Partner, | &nbsp;&nbsp;65 portfolios comprised | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, |
| Born 1953 | Trustee |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Active Capital | &nbsp;&nbsp;of 27 portfolios in the | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caledonia |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Partners LLC, a | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trust, 33 portfolios in | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mining |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;strategic consultant | &nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, and 5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Corporation |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;(since October 2017) | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since May |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance | 2012) |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Funds |  |

---

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Name and**<br>**Date of Birth** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Position**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Held with**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**the Trust** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Date**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Commenced**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Service** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Principal Occupation**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**During Past 5 Years** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;**Number of Portfolios**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**in Fund Complex**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;**Overseen by Trustee** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Other**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Directorships**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Held During**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**the**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Past 5 Years** |
| David L. Meyer, | Trustee | May 2015 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retired | &nbsp;&nbsp;65 portfolios comprised | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None |
| Born 1957 |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;of 27 portfolios in the |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trust, 33 portfolios in |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, and 5 |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Funds |  |
| Gloria S. | Trustee | July 2016 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chair, CEO, and | &nbsp;&nbsp;65 portfolios comprised | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TriLinc Global |
| Nelund, |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Co-Founder of TriLinc | &nbsp;&nbsp;of 27 portfolios in the | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impact Fund, |
| Born 1961 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Global, LLC, an | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trust, 33 portfolios in | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LLC (since |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;investment firm | &nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, and 5 | 2012) |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance |  |
|  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Funds |  |
| Timothy Pettee, | Trustee | January 2023 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Investment | &nbsp;&nbsp;65 portfolios comprised | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None |
| Born 1958 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Officer, Hoya Capital | &nbsp;&nbsp;of 27 portfolios in the |  |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Real Estate LLC (since | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trust, 33 portfolios in |  |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 2022); Chief | &nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, and 5 |  |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment Officer, Sun | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory |  |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;America Asset | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance |  |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Management Corp. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Funds |  |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(January 2003-July |  |  |
|  |  |  | 2021) |  |  |
| **Interested Trustee** |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Other** |
|  |  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Directorships** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Position** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Date** |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Number of Portfolios** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Held During** |
| **Name and** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Held with** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Commenced** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Principal Occupation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**in Fund Complex** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**the** |
| **Date of Birth** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**the Trust** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Service** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**During Past 5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Overseen by Trustee** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Past 5 Years** |
| David C. | Trustee | May 2015 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Executive Officer | &nbsp;&nbsp;146 portfolios comprised | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trustee, Victory |
| Brown\*\*, |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and Chairman (2013- | &nbsp;&nbsp;of 27 portfolios in the | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolios, |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Born 1972 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;present), Victory Capital | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trust, 33 portfolios in | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Management Inc.; Chief | &nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, 5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolios III, |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive Officer and | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chairman (2013- | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolios IV, |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;present), Victory Capital | &nbsp;&nbsp;Funds, 45 portfolios in | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Variable |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holdings, Inc.; Director, | &nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios III, 29 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insurance |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Capital Services, | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Funds, and |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inc. (2013- present); | &nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolios IV, and 7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Variable |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, Victory Capital | &nbsp;&nbsp;portfolios in Victory | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insurance Funds |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transfer Agency, Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance Funds | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;II; Board |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2019- present) | II. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Member, |
|  |  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Capital |

---

\*The Board has designated Ms. Beard as its Audit Committee Financial Expert.

\*\*Mr. Brown is an "Interested Person" by reason of his relationship with the Adviser.

**Trustee Qualifications**

The following summarizes the experience and qualifications of the Trustees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•David Brooks Adcock. Mr. Adcock served for many years as general counsel to Duke University and Duke University Health System, where he provided oversight to complex business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions and dispositions. He has served for more than 20 years as a public interest arbitrator for, among others, the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the National Futures Association, FINRA, and the American Arbitration Association. The Board believes that Mr. Adcock's knowledge of complex business transactions and the securities industry combined with his previous service on the boards of other mutual funds qualifies him to serve on the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Nigel D.T. Andrews. Mr. Andrews served for many years as a management consultant for a nationally recognized consulting company and as a senior executive at GE, including Vice President of Corporate Business Development, reporting to the Chairman, and as Executive Vice President of GE Capital. He also served as a Director and member of the Audit and Risk Committee of Old Mutual plc, a large publicly traded company whose shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. Mr. Andrews also formerly served as the non-executive chairman of Old Mutual's U.S. asset management business, where he also served on the audit and risk committee. Mr. Andrews also served as a Governor of the London Business School. He serves as a director of Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc. (formerly TCG BDC I, Inc.) and Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc., (formerly TCG BDC II, Inc.), each a business development company. The Board believes that his experience in these positions, particularly with respect to oversight of risk and the audit function of public companies, as well as his previous service on the boards of other mutual funds qualifies him to serve as a Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•E. Lee Beard. Ms. Beard, a certified public accountant, has served as the president, chief executive officer and director, and as a chief financial officer, of public, federally insured depository institutions. As such, Ms. Beard is familiar with issues relating to audits of financial institutions. The Board believes that Ms. Beard's experience as the chief executive officer of a depository institution, her service on the boards of other mutual funds and her knowledge of audit and accounting matters qualifies her to serve as a Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•David C. Brown. Mr. Brown serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (since 2013) of the Adviser and, as such, is an "interested person" of the Trust. Previously, he served as Co-Chief Executive Officer (2011 - 2013), and President — Investments and Operations (2010 - 2011) and Chief Operating Officer (2004 - 2011) of the Adviser. The Board believes that his position and experience with the Adviser and his previous experience in the investment management business qualifies him to serve as a Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•John L. Kelly. Mr. Kelly has more than 35 years of experience and leadership roles in the financial services industry including institutional electronic trading, capital markets, corporate and investment banking, retail brokerage, private equity, asset/wealth management, institutional services, mutual funds, and related technology enabled services. He previously served as an Independent Trustee of Victory Portfolios, Victory Institutional Funds, and Victory Variable Insurance Funds from 2008 to 2011. The Board believes that this experience qualifies him to serve as a Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•David L. Meyer. For six years, Mr. Meyer served as chief operating officer, Investment Wealth Management Division, of Mercantile Bankshares Corp (now PNC Financial Services Corp.) and has served as an officer or on the boards of other mutual funds for many years. The Board believes that his experience, particularly as it related to the operation of registered investment companies, qualifies him to serve as a Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Gloria S. Nelund. Ms. Nelund has executive and investment management industry experience, including service as chief executive officer of two investment advisory firms. Ms. Nelund also has experience as a co-founder and chief executive officer of an investment firm. Ms. Nelund previously served as the Chairman and Trustee of the boards of the RS Investment Trust and RS Variable Products Trust. The Board believes that this experience qualifies her to serve as a Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Timothy Pettee. Mr. Pettee served for many years as Chief Investment Officer and Lead Portfolio Manager (Rules Based Funds) of SunAmerica Asset Management Corp., where he was responsible for investment oversight, portfolio management, and securities selection. At SunAmerica, Mr. Pettee also was Chair of the Portfolio Policy and Brokerage and Soft Dollar Committees, and a member of the Proxy and Executive Committees. The Board believes that Mr. Pettee's experience with other mutual funds and his knowledge qualifies him to serve as a Trustee.

**Committees of the Board**

The following standing Committees of the Board are currently in operation: Audit and Risk Oversight, Compliance, Continuing Education, Investment, Service Provider, Board Governance and Nominating, and Agenda. In addition to these standing Committees,

the Board may form temporary Sub- or Special Committees to address particular areas of concern. A Committee may form a Sub- Committee to address particular areas of concern to that Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The members of the Audit and Risk Oversight Committee, all of whom are Independent Trustees, are Ms. Beard (Chair), Mr. Andrews, Mr. Kelly, and Ms. Nelund. The primary purpose of this Committee is to oversee the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies, practices, and internal controls, as required by the statutes and regulations administered by the SEC, including the 1940 Act. The Committee also has overall responsibility for reviewing periodic reports with respect to compliance and enterprise risk, including operational risk and personnel. The Board has designated Mr. Meyer and Ms. Beard as its Audit Committee Financial Experts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The members of the Compliance Committee are Mr. Adcock (Chair), Mr. Andrews, Ms. Beard, Mr. Kelly, and Ms. Nelund. The Compliance Committee oversees matters related to the Funds' compliance program and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations and meets regularly with the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The members of the Continuing Education Committee are Mr. Meyer (Chair), Mr. Adcock, Mr. Andrews, Ms. Beard, Mr. Kelly, and Ms. Nelund. The function of this Committee is to develop programs to educate the Trustees to enhance their effectiveness as a Board and individually.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The members of the Investment Committee are Mr. Pettee (Chair), Mr. Adcock, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Meyer. The function of this Committee is to oversee the Fund's compliance with investment objectives, policies, and restrictions, including those imposed by law or regulation, and assist the Board in its annual review of the Funds' investment advisory agreements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The members of the Service Provider Committee are Ms. Nelund (Chair), Mr. Andrews, Ms. Beard, and Mr. Kelly. This Committee oversees the negotiation of the terms of the written agreements with the Funds' service providers, evaluates the quality of periodic reports from the service providers (including reports submitted by sub-service providers) and assists the Board in its review of each Fund's service providers, other than the investment adviser and independent auditors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Board Governance and Nominating Committee consists of all of the Independent Trustees. Mr. Andrews currently serves as the Chair of this Committee. The functions of this Committee are: to oversee Fund governance, including the nomination and selection of Trustees; to evaluate and recommend to the Board the compensation and expense reimbursement policies applicable to Trustees; and periodically, to coordinate and facilitate an evaluation of the performance of the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Board Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominee recommendations from Fund shareholders, in accordance with procedures established by the Committee. A Fund shareholder should submit a nominee recommendation in writing to the attention of the Chair of the Trust, 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78256. The Committee (or a designated sub-committee) will screen shareholder recommendations in the same manner as it screens nominations received from other sources, such as current Trustees, management of the Fund or other individuals, including professional recruiters. The Committee need not consider any recommendations when no vacancy on the Board exists, but the Committee will consider any such recommendation if a vacancy occurs within six months after receipt of the recommendation. In administering the shareholder recommendation process, the Chair, in the Chair's sole discretion, may retain the services of counsel to the Trust or to the Independent Trustees, management of the Fund or any third party. The Committee will communicate the results of the evaluation of any shareholder recommendation to the shareholder who made the recommendation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Agenda Committee consists of the Chair of the Board and the Chair of each other Committee.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the Board held eight meetings. The Audit and Risk Oversight Committee held four meetings; the Compliance Committee held four meetings; the Investment Committee held four meetings; the Service Provider Committee held four meetings; and the Board Governance and Nominating Committee held four meetings. The Continuing Education Committee met informally during the fiscal year.

**Officers of the Trust**

The officers of the Trust are elected by the Board to actively supervise the Trust's day-to-day operations. The officers of the Trust, their dates of birth, the length of time served, and their principal occupations during the past five years, are detailed in the following table. Each individual holds the same position with the other registered investment companies in the Victory Fund Complex, and each officer serves until the earlier of his or her resignation, removal, retirement, death, or the election of a successor. The mailing address of each officer of the Trust is 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256. The officers of the Trust receive no compensation directly from the Trust for performing the duties of their offices.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Name and**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;**Date of Birth** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Position with**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**the Trust** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Date**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Commenced**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Service** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Principal Occupation**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**During Past 5 Years** |
| Thomas | President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 2022\* | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, Fund Administration, the Adviser; Treasurer |
| Dusenberry, |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and Principal Financial Officer (May 2023-present); |
| Born 1977 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Manager, Fund Administration, the Adviser; Treasurer |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and Principal Financial Officer (2020-2022), Assistant |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Treasurer (2019), Salient MF Trust, Salient Midstream, |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MLP Fund and Forward Funds; Principal Financial |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Officer (2018-2021) and Treasurer (2020-2021), Salient |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Private Access Funds and Endowment PMF Funds; |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Vice President of Fund Accounting and |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operations, Salient Partners (2020-2022); Director of |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fund Operations, Salient Partners (2016-2019). Mr. |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dusenberry also serves as President of Victory Portfolios, |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios III, Victory Portfolio IV, Victory |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance Funds, and Victory Variable Insurance |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Funds II. |
| Scott A. Stahorsky, | Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 2015 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, Third-Party Dealer Services & Reg |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Born 1969 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administration, Fund Administration, the Adviser |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5/1/2023-present); Vice President, Victory Capital |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transfer Agency, Inc. (4/20/23-present); Manager, Fund |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administration, the Adviser (4/30/23- 2015). Mr. |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stahorsky also serves as Vice President of Victory |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolios, Victory Portfolios III, Victory Portfolio IV, |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Variable Insurance Funds, and Victory Variable |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insurance Funds II. |
| Patricia McClain | Secretary | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;June 2024 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, Regulatory Administration, Fund |
| Born 1962 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administration, the Adviser (7/1/19-present). Ms. |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;McClain also serves as Secretary of Victory Portfolios, |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios III, Victory Portfolio IV, Victory |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance Funds, and Victory Variable Insurance |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Funds II. |
| Carol D. Trevino | Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 2023\*\* | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, Financial Reporting, Fund Administration |
| Born 1965 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5/1/23-present); Director, Accounting and Finance, the |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adviser (7/1/19-4/30/23); Accounting/ Financial |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, USAA (12/13-6/30/19). Ms. Trevino also serves |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;as Treasurer of Victory Portfolios, Victory Portfolios III, |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolio IV, Victory Variable Insurance Funds, |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and Victory Variable Insurance Funds II. |
| Christopher Ponte, | Assistant | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 2015 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director, Fund and Broker Dealer Finance, Fund |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Born 1984 | Treasurer |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administration, (5/1/23-present); Victory Capital |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transfer Agency, Inc. (5/23-present); Manager, Fund |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administration, the Adviser (2017-2023); Chief |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Officer, Victory Capital Services, Inc. (since |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2018). Mr. Ponte also serves as Assistant Treasurer of |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, Victory Portfolios III, Victory |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolio IV, Victory Variable Insurance Funds, and |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Variable Insurance Funds II. |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Name and**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;**Date of Birth** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Position with**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**the Trust** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Date**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Commenced**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Service** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Principal Occupation**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**During Past 5 Years** |
| Sean Fox, | Chief | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;June 2022 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sr. Compliance Officer, the Adviser (2019-Present); |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Born 1976 | Compliance |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Compliance Officer, the Adviser (2015-2019). Mr. Fox |
|  | Officer |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;also serves as Chief Compliance Officer for Victory |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolios, Victory Portfolios III, Victory Portfolio IV, |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Variable Insurance Funds, and Victory Variable |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insurance Funds II. |
| D. Brent Rowse, | Anti-Money | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;October 2024 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sr. Compliance Officer, the Adviser (4/1/23-present); |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Born 1981 | Laundering |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Compliance Officer, the Adviser (7/1/19-3/31/23). Mr. |
|  | Compliance |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rowse also serves as the Anti-Money Laundering |
|  | Officer and |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Compliance Officer and Identity Theft Officer for |
|  | Identity Theft |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Portfolios, Victory Portfolios III, Victory |
|  | Officer |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolio IV, Victory Variable Insurance Funds, Victory |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Variable Insurance Funds II, and the Anti-Money |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laundering Compliance Officer for Victory Capital |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Services, Inc. |
| Jay G. Baris, | Assistant | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 2015 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Counsel, Sidley Austin LLP (since 2024); Partner, |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Born 1954 | Secretary |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidley Austin LLP (2020-2024); Partner, Shearman & |
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sterling LLP (2018-2020). |

---

\*Effective June 14, 2024, Mr. Dusenberry resigned as Secretary and accepted the position of President of the Trust.

\*\*On October 1, 2024, Ms. Trevino resigned as Assistant Treasurer and accepted the position of Treasurer of the Trust.

**Fund Ownership**

The following tables show the dollar ranges of Fund shares (and of shares of all series of the Victory Fund Complex) beneficially owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2024. No Independent Trustee (or any immediate family member) owns beneficially or of record an interest in the Adviser or the Distributor or in any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser or the Distributor (other than Funds in the Victory Funds Complex). As of December 31, 2024, the Trustees and officers as a group owned beneficially less than 1% of each class of outstanding shares of those series of the Trust.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Independent Trustees**<br>**Trustee** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;**Dollar Range of Beneficial**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;**Ownership of Fund Shares** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Aggregate Dollar Range of**<br>**Ownership**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**of Shares of All Series**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**of the Victory Fund Complex** |
| Mr. Adcock |  | Over $100,000 |
| Mr. Andrews |  | Over $100,000 |
| Ms. Beard |  | Over $100,000 |
| Mr. Kelly |  | Over $100,000 |
| Mr. Meyer |  | Over $100,000 |
| Ms. Nelund |  | Over $100,000 |
| Mr. Pettee |  |  |
| **Interested Trustee** |  |  |
|  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Aggregate Dollar Range of** |
|  |  | **Ownership** |
|  | **Dollar Range of Beneficial** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**of Shares of All Series** |
| **Trustee** | **Ownership of Fund Shares** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**of the Victory Fund Complex** |
| Mr. Brown |  | Over $100,000 |

---

**Compensation**

The Victory Fund Complex pays each Independent Trustee $375,000 per year for his or her services to the Complex. The Board Chair is paid an additional retainer of $140,000 per year. While the Board reserves the right to award reasonable compensation to any Interested Trustee, as of the date of this SAI no Interested Trustee receives compensation for services as a Trustee.

The following tables indicate the compensation received by each Trustee from the Funds covered in this SAI and from the Victory Fund Complex for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2024, there were 72 funds in the Victory Fund Complex for which the Trustees listed below were compensated. The Trust does not maintain a retirement plan for its Trustees.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Independent Trustees**<br>**Trustee** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Aggregate**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Compensation**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**from the Funds** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Compensation from the**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Victory Fund Complex** |
| Mr. Adcock |  | $349500 |
| Mr. Andrews\* |  | $349500 |
| Ms. Beard |  | $349500 |
| Mr. Kelly |  | $494500 |
| Mr. Meyer |  | $349500 |
| Ms. Nelund |  | $349500 |
| Mr. Pettee |  | $349500 |

---

\*Mr. Andrews no longer elects to receive a portion of his compensation as deferred compensation. As of June 30, 2024, the value of Mr. Andrews' deferred compensation account was $624,042.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Interested Trustee**<br>**Trustee** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Aggregate**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Compensation**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**from the Funds** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Compensation from the**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Victory Fund Complex** |
| Mr. Brown\* |  |  |

---

\*Mr. Brown is an "Interested Person" by reason of his relationship with the Adviser.

**Deferred Compensation**

Each Trustee may elect to defer a portion of his or her compensation from the Victory Fund Complex in accordance with a Deferred Compensation Plan adopted by the Board (the "Plan"). Such amounts are invested in one or more Funds in the Victory Fund Complex offered under the Plan or a money market fund, as selected by the Trustee.

As of the last completed fiscal year ended June 30, the following current Trustees have elected to defer a portion of his or her compensation from the Victory Fund Complex:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Trustee** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Aggregate**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Compensation**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**from the Funds** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Compensation from the**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Victory Fund Complex** |
| Mr. Adcock\* |  | $79050 |
| Ms. Beard\*\* |  | $75500 |
| Ms. Beard\*\* |  | $75500 |

---

\*As of June 30, 2024, the value of Mr. Adcock's deferred compensation account was $377,506.

\*\*As of June 30, 2024, the value of Ms. Beard's deferred compensation account was $153,593.

**CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS**

As of May 31, 2025, no shareholders owned 5% or more of the indicated Funds. Each shareholder that beneficially owns more than 25% of the voting securities of a class of a Fund may be deemed a control person of the Fund's outstanding shares and, thereby, may influence the outcome of matters on which shareholders are entitled to vote. Since the economic benefit of investing in a Fund and related voting authority is passed through to the underlying investors of the record owners, it is expected that these record owners generally will not be considered the beneficial owners of the Fund's shares or control persons of the Fund.

![](gphgo8yeazpnlfi21p2s1.jpg)

**INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS**

**Investment Adviser**

Victory Capital, a New York corporation registered as an investment adviser with the SEC, serves as investment adviser to the Funds. Victory Capital's principal business address is 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256. Subject to the authority of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Funds' business affairs. Each of the Adviser's multiple investment teams, referred to separately as investment franchises utilizes its own independent approach to investing. The Adviser is responsible for selecting each Fund's investments according to its investment objective, policies, and restrictions. The Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. ("VCH"), a publicly traded Delaware corporation. As of May 31, 2025, the Adviser managed assets totaling in excess of $289.4 billion for numerous clients including large corporate and public retirement plans, Taft-Hartley plans, foundations and endowments, high net worth individuals and mutual funds.

The Adviser is a diversified global asset manager comprised of multiple investment teams, referred to as investment franchises, each of which utilizes an independent approach to investing.

**The Advisory Agreement**

The Adviser serves as the Funds' investment adviser pursuant to an advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement"). Unless sooner terminated, the Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, provides that it will continue in effect as to the Funds for two years and for consecutive one-year terms thereafter, provided that such renewal is approved at least annually by the Trustees or by vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of each such Fund (as defined under "Miscellaneous" below) and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Advisory Agreement, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Advisory Agreement is terminable as to any particular Fund at any time on 60 days' written notice without penalty by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund, by vote of the Trustees, or as to all applicable Funds by the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement also terminates automatically in the event of any assignment, as defined by the 1940 Act.

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Funds in connection with the performance of the services pursuant thereto, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard by the Adviser of its duties and obligations thereunder.

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser may delegate a portion of its responsibilities to a sub-adviser. In addition, the agreements provide that the Adviser may render services through its own employees or the employees of one or more affiliated companies that are qualified to act as an investment adviser of the Fund provided all such persons are functioning as part of an organized group of persons, managed by authorized officers of the Adviser.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| The following schedule lists the advisory fees for each Fund, as an annual percentage of its average daily net assets. |  |
| **Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Advisory** |
| **Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**F** |
| VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF | 0.50% |
| VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF | 0.50% |
| VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF | 0.60% |

---

No advisory fees have been paid by the Funds as they have not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

**Management Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement**

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Fund expenses so that the total annual operating expenses (excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses and certain other items such as interest, taxes, dividend, and interest expenses on short sales and brokerage commissions) of a Fund (by share class) do not exceed a certain percentage for a predetermined amount of time. In these instances, the fee and expense table in the Fund's Prospectus provides more details about this arrangement and shows the impact it will have on the Fund's total annual fund operating expenses. Under its contractual agreement with the Funds, the Adviser is permitted to recoup advisory fees waived and expenses reimbursed for up to three years after the date of the waiver or reimbursement, subject to the lesser of any operating expense limits in effect at the time of: (a) the original waiver or expense reimbursement; or (b) the recoupment, after giving effect to the recoupment amount. This agreement may only be terminated by the Board. From time to time, the Adviser may also voluntarily waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses for a Fund. These voluntary reductions are not reflected in the fee and expense table in the Fund's Prospectus.

From time to time, the Manager may, without prior notice to shareholders, waive all or any portion of fees or agree to reimburse expenses incurred by a Fund.

No information is provided for the Funds as they have not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

**Compliance Services**

The Trust and the Adviser are parties to the Agreement to Provide Compliance Services (the "Compliance Agreement") pursuant to which the Adviser furnishes its compliance personnel, including the services of the CCO, and other resources reasonably necessary to provide the Trust with compliance oversight services related to the design, administration, and oversight of a compliance program for the Trust in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under 1940 Act. The funds in the Victory Fund Complex, in the aggregate, compensate the Adviser for these services.

No compliance fees have been paid by the Funds to Victory Capital under the Compliance Agreement as the Funds have not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

**Administrator and Fund Accountant**

Victory Capital serves as the administrator and fund accountant to the Trust pursuant to an agreement (the "Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement"). Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. ("Citi") serves as sub-administrator and sub-fund accountant to the Trust pursuant to an agreement with Victory Capital (the "Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement"). As administrator, Victory Capital supervises the Trust's operations, including the services that Citi provides to the Funds as sub-administrator and sub- fund accountant, but excluding those that Victory Capital supervises as investment adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board.

Under the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement, for the administration and fund accounting services that Victory Capital renders to the Funds, the Trust, Victory Portfolios ("VP") and Victory Variable Insurance Funds ("VVIF") pay Victory Capital an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the following annual rates based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust, VP and VVIF: 0.08% of the first $15 billion in aggregate Trust, VP and VVIF net assets, plus 0.05% of aggregate Trust, VP and VVIF net assets in excess of $15 billion to $30 billion, plus 0.04% of aggregate Trust, VP and VVIF net assets in excess of $30 billion. Victory Capital may periodically waive all or a portion of the amount of its fee that is allocated to any Fund in order to increase the Fund's net income available for distribution to shareholders. In addition, the Trust, VP and VVIF reimburse Victory Capital for all of its reasonable out-of- pocket expenses incurred as a result of providing the services under the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement, including costs associated with implementing new reports required by the new RIC Modernization rules adopted by the SEC under the 1940 Act.

Except as otherwise provided in the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement, Victory Capital pays all expenses that it incurs in performing its services and duties as administrator. Unless sooner terminated, the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement continues in effect for a period of three years and for consecutive one-year terms thereafter, provided that such continuance is approved by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of each Fund and, in either case, by a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement provides that Victory Capital 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 Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from bad faith, willful misfeasance, negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.

Under the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement, Victory Capital, among other things, coordinates the preparation, filing and distribution of amendments to the Trust's registration statement on Form N-1A, supplements to prospectuses and SAIs, and proxy materials in connection with shareholder meetings; drafts shareholder communications, including annual and semi-annual reports and financial statements; administers the Trust's other service provider contracts; monitors compliance with investment restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, each Fund's investment objective, defined investment policies, and restrictions, tax diversification, and distribution and income requirements; coordinates the Funds' service arrangements with financial institutions that make the Funds' shares available to their customers; assists with regulatory compliance; supplies individuals to serve as Trust officers; prepares Board meeting materials; and annually determines whether the services that it provides (or the services that Citi provides as sub-administrator) are adequate and complete.

Victory Capital also performs fund accounting services for each Fund, excluding those services that Citi performs as sub-fund accountant. The fund accountant calculates each Fund's NAV, its dividend and capital gain distribution, if any, and its yield. The fund accountant also provides a current security position report, a summary report of transactions and pending maturities, a current cash position report, and maintains the general ledger accounting records for the Funds. The fees that Citi receives for sub-administration and sub-fund accounting services are described in the SAI section entitled "Sub-Administrator and Sub-Fund Accountant."

The Funds have not accrued fees as they have not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

**Sub-Administrator and Sub-Fund Accountant**

Citi serves as sub-administrator and sub-fund accountant to the Funds pursuant to the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement. Citi assists in supervising all operations of the Funds (other than those performed by Victory Capital either as investment adviser or administrator), subject to the supervision of the Board.

Unless sooner terminated, the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement continues in effect as to each Fund for a period of three years and for consecutive one-year terms thereafter. The Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement provides that Citi 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 Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from bad faith, willful misfeasance, negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.

Under the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement, Citi calculates Trust expenses and make disbursements; calculates capital gain and distribution information; registers the Funds' shares with the states; prepares shareholder reports, financial statements, and reports to the SEC on Forms N-CEN and N-PORT; coordinates dividend payments; calculates the Funds' performance information; files the Trust's tax returns; supplies individuals to serve as Trust officers; monitors the Funds' status as regulated investment companies under the Code; assists in developing portfolio compliance procedures; reports to the Board amounts paid under shareholder service agreements; assists with regulatory compliance; obtains, maintains and files fidelity bonds and trustees' and officers'/errors and omissions insurance policies for the Trust; assists with liquidity and derivatives risk management services; and assists in the annual audit of the Funds, among other services.

**Transfer Agent**

Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank" or the "Custodian"), 388 Greenwich St., New York, New York 10013, serves as transfer agent for the Funds pursuant to a Transfer Agency Services Agreement. Under its agreement with the Funds, Citibank has agreed, among other things, to (1) perform and facilitate the performance of purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by Authorized Participants; (2) record and calculate the number of outstanding Fund shares; (3) maintain shareholder accounts; (4) perform duties relating to anti-money laundering and identity theft prevention; and (5) make periodic reports to the Board and regulators regarding its operations.

**Custodian**

**General.** Citibank, 388 Greenwich St., New York, New York 10013, ("Citibank" or the "Custodian") serves as the custodian of the assets of each Fund pursuant to the Global Custodial Services Agreement (the "Custody Agreement"). The Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling each Fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund's investments. Pursuant to the Custody Agreement, the Custodian also maintains original entry documents and books of record and general ledgers; posts cash receipts and disbursements; and records purchases and sales based upon communications from the Adviser. The Custodian may, with the approval of a Fund and at its own expense, open and maintain a sub-custody account or accounts on behalf of a Fund, provided that it shall remain liable for the performance of all of its duties under the Custody Agreement.

**Foreign Custody.** Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, which governs the custody of investment company assets outside the United States, allows a mutual fund's board of directors to delegate to a "Foreign Custody Manager" the selection and monitoring of foreign sub- custodian arrangements for the Trust's assets. Accordingly, the Board delegated these responsibilities to the Custodian pursuant to the Custody Agreement. As Foreign Custody Manager, the Custodian must (a) determine that the assets of the Funds held by a foreign sub- custodian will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the relevant market; (b) determine that the Trust's foreign custody arrangements are governed by written contracts in compliance with Rule 17f-5 (or, in the case of a compulsory depository, by such a contract and/or established practices or procedures); and (c) monitor the appropriateness of these arrangements and any material change in the relevant contract, practices or procedures. In determining appropriateness, the Custodian will not evaluate a particular country's investment risks, such as (a) the use of compulsory depositories, (b) such country's financial infrastructure, (c) such country's prevailing custody and settlement practices, (d) nationalization, expropriation or other governmental actions, (e) regulation of the banking or securities industry, (f) currency controls, restrictions, devaluations, or fluctuations, and (g) market conditions that affect the orderly execution of securities transactions or affect the value of securities. The Custodian will provide to the Board quarterly written reports regarding the Trust's foreign custody arrangements.

**Line of Credit.** Each Fund, along with other funds managed by the Adviser, expects to participate in a 364-day committed credit facility and a 364-day uncommitted, demand credit facility with Citibank. Each such credit facility may be renewed if so agreed by the parties. Under the current agreement with Citibank, the Funds may borrow up to $600 million, of which $300 million is committed and $300 million is uncommitted. Of this amount, $40 million of the committed line of credit and $60 million of the uncommitted line of credit are reserved for use by the Victory Floating Rate Fund (a series of Victory Portfolios), with that Fund paying the related commitment fees for that amount. The purpose of each agreement is to meet temporary or emergency cash needs. For the committed credit facility, Citibank received an annual commitment fee of 0.15%. Each Fund pays a pro-rata portion (adjusted for the amount of credit reserved for the Victory Floating Rate Fund) of these fees and pays the interest on any amount that it borrows. Each Fund paid a pro-rata portion of the renewal fee.

**Securities Lending**

The Funds, through a Securities Lending Agreement with Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank"), may lend its securities to qualified financial institutions, such as certain broker-dealers and banks, to earn additional income, net of income retained by Citibank. Borrowers are required to initially secure their loans for collateral in the amount of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned or at least 105% of the value of non-U.S. securities loaned, marked-to-market daily. Any collateral shortfalls associated with increases in the valuation of the securities loaned generally are cured the next business day. The collateral can be received in the form of cash collateral and/or non- cash collateral. Non-cash collateral can include U.S. government securities and other securities as permitted by SEC guidelines.

The cash collateral is invested in short-term instruments or cash equivalents, primarily open-end investment companies. The Funds effectively do not have control of the non-cash collateral. Collateral requirements are determined daily based on the value of a Fund's securities on loan as of the end of the prior business day. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any dividends or interest paid on such securities plus any fee negotiated between the parties to the lending agreement. A Fund also earns a return from the collateral. A Fund pays Citibank various fees in connection with the investment of cash collateral and fees based on the investment income received from securities lending activities. Loans are terminable upon demand and the borrower must return the loaned securities within the lesser of one standard settlement period or five business days. Although risk is mitigated by the collateral, a Fund could experience a delay in recovering its securities and possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return them. In addition, there is a risk that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral required to be returned to the borrower.

The Funds' agreement with Citibank does not include master netting provisions. Non-cash collateral received by a Fund may not be sold or repledged, except to satisfy borrower default.

No information is provided for income and fees/compensation related to the Fund's securities lending activities as it has not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

**Distributor**

Victory Capital Services, Inc. serves as the distributor of Creation Units (the "Distributor") for the Funds on an agency basis. Under the ETF Distribution Agreement ("Distribution Agreement"), the Distributor receives orders from Authorized Participants to create and redeem shares in Creation Unit aggregations and transmits such orders to the Trust's Custodian and transfer agent. The Distributor's principal address is 4900 Tiedeman Road, 4<sup>th</sup> Floor, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 . The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act. Shares will be continuously offered for sale only in Creation Units. Shares in less than a Creation Unit are not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the Funds or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Funds. No compensation is payable by the Trust to the Distributor for such distribution services. However, the Adviser has entered into an agreement with the Distributor under which it makes payments to the Distributor in consideration for its services under the Distribution Agreement. The payments made by the Adviser to the Distributor do not represent an additional expense to the Trust or its shareholders.

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, as agent for the Trust, will solicit orders for the purchase of shares, provided that any subscriptions and orders will not be binding on the Trust until accepted by the Trust. The Distributor will deliver Prospectuses and, upon request, SAIs to persons purchasing Creation Units. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of FINRA.

The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers ("Soliciting Dealers") who will solicit purchases of Creation Units of shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Authorized Participants (as discussed in "Procedures for Creation of Creation Units" below) or DTC participants (as defined below).

The Distribution Agreement will continue for two years from its effective date and is renewable thereafter. The continuance of the Distribution Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Distribution Agreement or any related agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement is terminable, without penalty, by the Trust on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by majority vote of its outstanding voting shares or by a vote of a majority of its Board (including a majority of the Independent Trustees), or by the Distributor on 60 days' written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Distribution Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Distributor, or reckless disregard by it of its obligations thereunder, the Distributor shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**

This section includes information about the Funds' portfolio managers, including information concerning other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Fund shares they own and how they are compensated.

<u>Other Accounts</u>

The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by the portfolio managers and assets under management in those accounts as of the end of the last completed fiscal year:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Registered** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Registered** |  |  |  |  |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Investment** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Investment** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Pooled Investment** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Pooled Investment** |  |  |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Company Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Company Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Vehicle Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Vehicle Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Other Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Other Accounts** |
|  | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Number of<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Assets<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managed<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;(In Millions) | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Number of<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Assets<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managed<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;(In Millions) | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Number of<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Assets<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managed<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;(In Millions) |
| **VictoryShares ETFs** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Mannik Dhillon | 59 | $60053.85 | 3 | $67.86 | 19 | $5003.64 |
| Lance Humphrey | 18 | $11623.15 | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$— | 4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$— |
| Lela Dunlap | 12 | $9621.54 | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$— | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$— |
| **Pioneer Investments** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Noah Funderburk | 3 | $9246 | 2 | $1314.4 | 5 | $382.44 |
| Nicolas Pauwels | 3 | $9246 | 2 | $1314.4 | 6 | $1578.3 |

---

The following table sets forth performance-based accounts for which the Funds' portfolio managers were primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management as of the end of the last completed fiscal year:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Registered** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Registered** |  |  |  |  |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Investment** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Investment** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Pooled Investment** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Pooled Investment** |  |  |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Company Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Company Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Vehicle Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Vehicle Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Other Accounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Other Accounts** |
|  | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Number of<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Assets<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managed<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;(In Millions) | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Number of<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Assets<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managed<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;(In Millions) | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Number of<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Assets<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managed<br>(In Millions) |
| **VictoryShares ETFs** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Mannik Dhillon | 14 | $20633.99 | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$— | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$— |
| Lance Humphrey | 2 | $594.49 | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$— | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$— |
| Lela Dunlap | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$— | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$— | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$— |
| **Pioneer Investments** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Noah Funderburk | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$— | 2 | $1314.4 | 2 | $229 |
| Nicolas Pauwels | 0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$— | 2 | $1314.4 | 1 | $183.86 |

---

**Fund Ownership**

Since the Funds had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, no shares of the Funds were owned by the portfolio managers.

**Portfolio Manager Compensation**

The Adviser has designed the structure of its portfolio managers' compensation to (1) align portfolio managers' interests with those of the Adviser's clients with an emphasis on long-term, risk-adjusted investment performance, (2) help the Adviser attract and retain high- quality investment professionals, and (3) contribute to the Adviser's overall financial success. Each of the portfolio managers receives a base salary plus an annual incentive bonus for managing a Fund, separate accounts, other investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts (including any accounts for which the Adviser receives a performance fee) (together, "Accounts"). A portfolio manager's base salary is dependent on the manager's level of experience and expertise. The Adviser monitors each manager's base salary relative to salaries paid for similar positions with peer firms by reviewing data provided by various independent third-party consultants that specialize in competitive salary information. Such data, however, is not considered to be a definitive benchmark.

Each of the Adviser's investment franchises may earn incentive compensation based on the performance of the Victory Solutions platform. Members of the Adviser's other investment franchises may earn incentive compensation based on a percentage of the Adviser's revenue attributable to fees paid by Accounts managed by that team. The chief investment officer or a senior member of the team, in coordination with the Adviser, determines the allocation of the incentive compensation earned by the team among the team's portfolio managers by establishing a "target" incentive for each portfolio manager based on the portfolio manager's level of experience and expertise in the portfolio manager's investment style. Individual performance is based on objectives established annually using performance metrics such as portfolio structure and positioning, research, stock selection, asset growth, client retention, presentation skills, marketing to prospective clients and contribution to the Adviser's philosophy and values, such as leadership, risk management and teamwork. The annual incentive bonus also factors in individual investment performance of each portfolio manager's portfolio or Fund relative to a selected peer group(s). The overall performance results for a portfolio manager are based on the composite performance of all Accounts managed by that manager on a combination of one, three and five year rolling performance periods as compared to the performance information of a peer group of similarly managed competitors.

The Adviser's portfolio managers may participate in the equity ownership plan of the Adviser's parent company. There is an ongoing annual equity pool granted to certain employees based on their contribution to the firm. Eligibility for participation in these incentive programs depends on the manager's performance and seniority.

**Conflicts of Interest**

The Adviser's portfolio managers are often responsible for managing one or more Funds as well as other accounts, such as separate accounts, and other pooled investment vehicles, such as collective trust funds or unregistered hedge funds. A portfolio manager may manage other accounts which have materially higher fee arrangements than a Fund and may, in the future, manage other accounts which have a performance-based fee. A portfolio manager also may make personal investments in accounts he or she manages or supports. The side-by-side management of the Funds along with other accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest by incenting a portfolio manager to direct a disproportionate amount of: (1) their attention; (2) limited investment opportunities, such as less-liquid securities or initial public offering; and/or (3) desirable trade allocations, to such other accounts. In addition, certain trading practices, such as cross-trading between Funds or between a Fund and another account, raise conflict of interest issues. The Adviser has adopted numerous compliance policies and procedures, including a Code of Ethics, and brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, which seek to address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, the Adviser has a designated Chief Compliance Officer (selected in accordance with the federal securities laws) and compliance staff whose activities are focused on monitoring the activities of the Adviser's investment franchises and employees in order to detect and address potential and actual conflicts of interest. However, there can be no assurance that the Adviser's compliance program will achieve its intended result.

**DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN**

The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1 Plan" or "Plan"). In accordance with its Plan, the Funds are authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year for certain distribution-related activities. In addition, if the payment of management fees by the Fund is deemed to be indirect financing by the Funds of the distribution of its shares, such payment is authorized by the Rule 12b-1 Plan. The Plan specifically recognizes that the Adviser and other persons may use management fee revenue, as well as past profits or other resources, to pay for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares. The Adviser and such other persons, as well as their affiliates, may pay amounts to third parties for distribution or marketing services on behalf of the Funds. The making of the types of payments described in this paragraph could create a conflict of interest for the party receiving such payments.

The Rule 12b-1 Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Funds' method of distribution. No fees are currently paid by the Funds under the Plan, and there are no current plans to impose such fees. In the event such fees were to be charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Funds.

The Distributor is required to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Board, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts (if any) expended pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Further, the Distributor will inform the Board of any Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by the Distributor to Recipients. From time to time, the Adviser, at its expense, may provide additional compensation to dealers that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of a Fund. Such compensation provided by the Adviser may include financial assistance to dealers that enable the Adviser to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other dealer-sponsored events. Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. The Adviser may make payments for events it deems appropriate, subject to applicable law. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event.

The Rule 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the Distributor's compensation to be paid by the Fund, unless such amendment is approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). All material amendments must be approved by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes

cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on a Rule 12b-1 Plan. During the term of the Rule 12b-1 Plan, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of current non-interested Trustees. The Distributor will preserve copies of the Rule 12b-1 Plan, any related agreements, and all reports, for a period of not less than six years from the date of such document and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place.

Any agreement related to the Rule 12b-1 Plan will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the applicable Fund at any time upon sixty days' written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the respective Rule 12b- 1 Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the Fund; (b) it will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act); and (c) it will continue in effect for a period of more than one year from the date of its execution or adoption only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreements.

**CODE OF ETHICS**

The Trust and the Adviser each have adopted a Code of Ethics in accordance with Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. The Adviser's Code of Ethics applies to all of the Adviser's directors and officers and employees with investment advisory duties ("Access Personnel") and all of the Adviser's directors, officers and employees ("Supervised Personnel"). Each Code of Ethics provides that Access Personnel must refrain from certain trading practices. Each Code also requires all Access Personnel (and, in the Adviser Code, all Supervised Personnel) to report certain personal investment activities, including, but not limited to, purchases or sales of securities that may be purchased or held by a Fund. Violations of any Code of Ethics can result in penalties, suspension, or termination of employment.

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

In accordance with the 1940 Act, the Trust has adopted policies and procedures for voting proxies related to equity securities held by the Funds (the "Proxy Voting Policy"). The Trust's Proxy Voting Policy is designed to: (i) ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of shareholders of the Funds with a view toward maximizing the value of their investments; (ii) address conflicts of interests between these shareholders, on the one hand, and affiliates of the Fund, the Adviser or the Distributor, on the other, that may arise regarding the voting of proxies; and (iii) provide for the disclosure of the Funds' proxy voting records and the Proxy Voting Policy.

The Proxy Voting Policy delegates to the Adviser the obligation to vote the Funds' proxies in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders, subject to oversight by the Board.

To assist the Adviser in making proxy-voting decisions, the Adviser has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy ("Policy") that establishes voting guidelines ("Proxy Voting Guidelines") with respect to certain recurring issues. The Policy is reviewed on an annual basis by the Adviser's Proxy Committee ("Proxy Committee") and revised when the Committee determines that a change is appropriate. The Board annually reviews the Trust's Proxy Voting Policy and the Adviser's Policy and determines whether amendments are necessary or advisable. Voting under the Adviser's Policy may be executed through administrative screening per established guidelines with oversight by the Proxy Committee or upon vote by a quorum of the Proxy Committee. The Adviser allows its Investment Franchises to modify their voting instructions against that of the default policy on a case-by-case basis, provided sufficient justification is provided and approved by the Proxy Committee. The Adviser delegates to Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"), an independent service provider, the non-discretionary administration of proxy voting for the Trust, subject to oversight by the Adviser's Proxy Committee. In no circumstances shall ISS have the authority to vote proxies except in accordance with standing or specific instructions given to it by the Adviser.

The Adviser votes proxies in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders. This entails voting client proxies with the objective of increasing the long-term economic value of Fund assets. The Adviser's Proxy Committee determines how proxies are voted by following established guidelines, which are intended to assist in voting proxies and are not considered to be rigid rules. The Proxy Committee is directed to apply the guidelines as appropriate. On occasion, however, a contrary vote may be warranted when such action is in the best interests of the Funds or if required by the Board or the Funds' Proxy Voting Policy. In such cases, the Adviser may consider, among other things:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the effect of the proposal on the underlying value of the securities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the effect on marketability of the securities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the effect of the proposal on future prospects of the issuer

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the composition and effectiveness of the issuer's board of directors

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the issuer's corporate governance practices

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the quality of communications from the issuer to its shareholders

The Adviser may also take into account independent third party, general industry guidance or other corporate governance review sources when making decisions. It may additionally seek guidance from other senior internal sources with special expertise on a given topic where it is appropriate. The Adviser generally votes on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration whether implementation of an Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG")-related proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value. The investment team's opinion concerning the management and prospects of the issuer may be taken into account in determining whether a vote for or against a proposal is in a Fund's best interests. Insufficient information, onerous requests or vague, ambiguous wording may indicate that a vote against a proposal is appropriate, even when the general principal appears to be reasonable.

The following examples illustrate the Adviser's policy with respect to some common proxy votes. This summary is not an exhaustive list of all the issues that may arise or of all matters addressed in the Guidelines, and whether the Adviser supports or opposes a proposal will depend upon the specific facts and circumstances described in the proxy statement and other available information.

Directors

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser generally supports the election of directors in uncontested elections, except when there are issues of accountability, responsiveness, composition, and/or independence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser generally supports proposals for an independent chair taking into account factors such as the current board leadership structure, the company's governance practices, and company performance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser generally supports proxy access proposals that are in line with the market standards regarding the ownership threshold, ownership duration, aggregation provisions, cap on nominees, and do not contain any other unreasonably restrictive guidelines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser reviews contested elections on a case-by-case basis taking into account such factors as the company performance, particularly the long-term performance relative to the industry; the management track record; the nominee qualifications and compensatory arrangements; the strategic plan of the dissident and its critique of the current management; the likelihood that the proposed goals and objectives can be achieved; the ownership stakes of the relevant parties; and any other context that is particular to the company and the nature of the election.

Capitalization & Restructuring

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser generally supports capitalization proposals that facilitate a corporate transaction that is also being supported and for general corporate purposes so long as the increase is not excessive and there are no issues of superior voting rights, company performance, previous abuses of capital, or insufficient justification for the need for additional capital.

Mergers and Acquisitions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser reviews mergers and acquisitions on a case-by-case basis to balance the merits and drawbacks of the transaction and factors such as valuation, strategic rationale, negotiations and process, conflicts of interest, and the governance profile of the company post-transaction.

Compensation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser reviews all compensation proposals for pay-for-performance alignment, with emphasis on long-term shareholder value; arrangements that risk pay for failure; independence in the setting of compensation; inappropriate pay to non-executive directors, and the quality and rationale of the compensation disclosure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser will generally vote FOR advisory votes on executive compensation ("say on pay") unless there is a pay-for- performance misalignment; problematic pay practice or non-performance based element; incentive for excessive risk-taking, options backdating; or a lack of compensation committee communication and/or responsiveness to shareholder concerns.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser will vote case-by-case on equity based compensation plans taking into account factors such as the plan cost; the plan features; and the grant practices as well as any overriding factors that may have a significant negative impact on shareholder interests.

Social and Environmental Issues

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser generally will vote in line with the Board's recommendations, with support limited to circumstances where it is considered that greater disclosure will directly enhance or protect shareholder value and is reflective of a clearly established reporting standard in the market.

Occasionally, conflicts of interest arise between the Adviser's interests and those of a Fund or another client. When this occurs, the Proxy Committee must document the nature of the conflict and vote the proxy in accordance with the Proxy Voting Guidelines unless such guidelines are judged by the Proxy Committee to be inapplicable to the proxy matter at issue. In the event that the Proxy Voting Guidelines are inapplicable or do not mitigate the conflict, the Adviser will seek the opinion of the Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer or consult with an external independent adviser. In the case of a Proxy Committee member having a personal conflict of interest (e.g. a family member is on the board of the issuer), such member will abstain from voting. Finally, the Adviser reports to the Board annually any proxy votes that took place involving a conflict, including the nature of the conflict and the basis or rationale for the voting decision made.

The Funds' Proxy Voting Policy provides that the Funds, in accordance with SEC rules, annually will disclose on Form N-PX the Funds' proxy voting record. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30th is updated each year by August 31st and is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 800-539- FUND (800-539-3863) or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS**

Subject to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for making decisions with respect to the purchase and sale of portfolio securities on behalf of the Funds. The Adviser is also responsible for the implementation of those decisions, including the selection of broker/dealers to effect portfolio transactions, the negotiation of commissions, and the allocation of principal business and portfolio brokerage. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser may delegate these responsibilities to a sub-adviser.

Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of brokerage commissions. In transactions on stock exchanges in the United States, these commissions are negotiated. Traditionally, commission rates have generally been fixed for trades on stock markets outside the United States. In recent years, however, an increasing number of overseas stock markets have adopted a system of negotiated commission rates. It is expected that equity securities will ordinarily be purchased in the primary markets for such securities, whether over-the- counter or listed, and that listed securities may be purchased in the over-the-counter market if such market is deemed the primary market. In the case of securities traded on the over-the- counter markets, there is generally no stated commission, but the price usually includes an undisclosed commission or markup. In underwritten offerings, the price includes a disclosed, fixed commission (the underwriter's concession) or discount.

Fixed income and convertible securities are bought and sold through broker-dealers acting on a principal basis. These trades are not charged a commission, but rather are marked up or marked down by the executing broker- dealer. The Adviser does not know the actual value of the markup/markdown. However, the Adviser attempts to ascertain whether the overall price of a security is reasonable through the use of competitive bids. Orders to buy or sell convertible securities and fixed income securities are placed on a competitive basis with a reasonable attempt made to obtain three competitive bids or offers. Exceptions are: (1) where the bid/ask spread is 5 basis points or less, provided the order is actually filled at the bid or better for sales and at the ask or better for purchases; (2) securities for which there are only one or two market makers; (3) block purchases considered relatively large; (4) swaps, a simultaneous sale of one security and purchase of another in substantially equal amounts for the same account, intended to take advantage of an aberration in a spread relationship, realize losses, etc.; and (5) purchases and/or sales of fixed income securities for which, typically, more than one offering of the same issue is unobtainable; subject to a judgment by the trader that the bid is competitive.

It is the policy of the Adviser to obtain the "best execution" of its clients' securities transactions. The Adviser strives to execute each client's securities transactions in such a manner that the client's total costs or proceeds in each transaction are the most favorable under the circumstances. Commission rates paid on securities transactions for client accounts must reflect comparative market rates.

In purchasing and selling each Fund's portfolio securities, it is the Adviser's policy to obtain quality execution at the most favorable prices through responsible broker/dealers and, in the case of agency transactions, at competitive commission rates where such rates are negotiable. In selecting broker/dealers to execute a Fund's portfolio transactions, consideration is given to such factors as the price of the security, the rate of the commission, the size and difficulty of the order, the reliability, integrity, financial condition, general execution and operational capabilities of competing brokers and dealers, their expertise in particular markets and the brokerage and research services they provide to the Adviser or the Funds. It is not the Adviser's practice to seek the lowest available commission rate where it is believed that a broker or dealer charging a higher commission rate would offer greater reliability or provide better price or execution.

As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Adviser may cause a Fund to pay broker- dealers that provide brokerage and research services a commission rate that exceeds the amount other broker/dealers would have charged for the transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that the greater commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the executing broker/dealer viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or the Adviser's overall responsibilities to the Fund or to its other clients. The term "brokerage and research services" includes advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the availability of securities or of purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts; and effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto such as clearance and settlement.

The brokerage and research services are in addition to and do not replace the services and research that the Adviser is required to perform and do not reduce the investment advisory fees payable to the Adviser by the Funds. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in serving the Funds and the Adviser's other clients. The Adviser also expects to share such information with certain of its affiliates, and such information is expected to be useful to such affiliates in serving their respective clients. The Adviser's use of such information for the benefit of its other clients and the use of such information by the Adviser's affiliates for the benefit of such affiliates' clients presents a conflict of interest insofar as the Funds will indirectly pay for services and research that do not solely benefit the Funds. Conversely, supplemental research information obtained by the placement of orders on behalf of other clients of the Adviser may be useful to the Adviser in carrying out its obligations to the Funds, which presents the same conflict of interest from the perspective of such other clients.

Brokerage commissions may never be used to compensate a third party for client referrals unless the client has directed such an arrangement. In addition, brokerage commissions may never be used to obtain research and/or services for the benefit of any employee or non-client entity.

The Adviser will make a good faith determination that the commissions paid are reasonable in relationship to the value of the services received and continually reviews the quality of execution it receives from and the commission rates charged by the brokers it uses to carry out trades for its clients. The Adviser will consider the full range and quality of a broker's services in placing brokerage including, but not limited to, the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rate, willingness and ability to commit capital and responsiveness. The lowest possible commission cost alone does not determine broker selection. The transaction that represents the best quality execution for a client account will be executed. Commission ranges and the actual commission paid for trades of listed stocks and over-the-counter stocks may vary depending on, but not limited to, the liquidity and volatility of the stock and services provided to the Adviser by the broker.

Some brokers executing trades for the Adviser's clients may, from time to time, receive liquidity rebates in connection with the routing of trades to Electronic Communications Networks. Since the Adviser is not a broker, however, it is ineligible to receive such rebates and does not obtain direct benefits for its clients from this broker practice.

Investment decisions for each Fund are made independently from those made for the other Funds or any other investment company or account managed by the Adviser. Such other investment companies or accounts may also invest in the same securities and may follow similar investment strategies as the Funds. The Adviser may combine transaction orders ("bunching" or "blocking" trades) for more than one client account where such action appears to be equitable and potentially advantageous for each account (e.g., for the purpose of reducing brokerage commissions or obtaining a more favorable transaction price.) The Adviser will aggregate transaction orders only if it believes that the aggregation is consistent with its duty to seek best execution for its clients and is consistent with the terms of investment advisory agreements with each client for whom trades are being aggregated. Both equity and fixed income securities may be aggregated. When making such a combination of transaction orders for a new issue or secondary market trade in an equity security, the Adviser adheres to the following objectives:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Fairness to clients both in the participation of execution of orders for their account, and in the allocation of orders for the accounts of more than one client.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Allocation of all orders in a timely and efficient manner.

In some rare cases, "bunching" or "blocking" trades may affect the price paid or received by a Fund or the size of the position obtained by the Fund in an adverse manner relative to the result that would have been obtained if only that particular Fund had participated in or been allocated such trades.

The aggregation of transactions for advisory accounts and proprietary accounts (including partnerships and other accounts in which the Adviser or its associated persons are partners or participants, and managed employee accounts) is permissible. However, no proprietary account may be favored over any other participating account and such practice must be consistent with the Adviser's policies and procedures including its Code of Ethics.

Equity trade orders are executed based only on trade instructions received from portfolio managers by the trading desk. Portfolio managers may enter trades to meet the full target allocation immediately or may meet the allocation through moves in incremental blocks. Orders are processed on a "first-come, first-served" basis. At times, a rotation system may determine "first-come, first-served" treatment when the equity trading desk receives the same order for multiple accounts simultaneously. The Adviser will utilize a rotation whereby the Funds, even if aggregated with other orders, are in the first block(s) to trade within the rotation. To aggregate orders, the equity trading desk must determine that all accounts in the order will benefit. Any new trade that can be blocked with an existing open order may be added to the open order to form a larger block. The Adviser receives no additional compensation or remuneration of any kind as a result of the aggregation of trades. All accounts participating in a block execution receive the same execution price, an average share price, for securities purchased or sold on a trading day. Execution prices may not be carried overnight. Any portion of an order that

remains unfilled at the end of a given day shall be rewritten (absent contrary instructions) on the following day as a new order. Accounts with trades executed the next day will receive a new daily average price to be determined at the end of the following day.

If the order is filled in its entirety, securities purchased in the aggregate transaction will be allocated among accounts participating in the trade in accordance with an Allocation Statement prepared at the time of order entry. If the order is partially filled, the securities will be allocated pro rata based on the Allocation Statement. Portfolio managers may allocate executed trades in a different manner than indicated on the Allocation Statement (e.g., non-pro rata) only if all client accounts receive fair and equitable treatment.

In some instances, such as trading in fixed income securities, it may not be practical to complete the Allocation Statement prior to the placement of the order. In that case, the trading desk will complete the Allocation Statement as soon as practicable, but no later than the end of the same business day on which the securities have been allocated to the trading desk by the broker.

Where the full amount of a block execution is not executed, the partial amount actually executed will be allocated on a pro rata basis whenever possible. The following execution methods may be used in place of a pro rata procedure: relative size allocations, security position weighting, priority for specialized accounts, or a special allocation based on compliance approval.

In making investment decisions for the Funds, the Adviser will not inquire or take into consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by a Fund is a customer of the Adviser, its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, and, in dealing with their commercial customers, the Adviser, its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates will not inquire or take into consideration whether securities of such customers are held by the Funds. Portfolio securities will not be purchased from or sold to the Adviser, or the Distributor, or any affiliated person of any of them acting as principal, except to the extent permitted by rule or order of the SEC.

No brokerage commissions were paid by the Funds as they had not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

**Affiliated Brokerage.** The Board has authorized the allocation of brokerage to affiliated broker-dealers on an agency basis to effect portfolio transactions. The Board has adopted procedures incorporating the standards of Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act, which require that the commission paid to affiliated broker-dealers must be "reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received, or to be received, by other broker-dealers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities during a comparable period of time."

The Trust will not acquire portfolio securities issued by, make savings deposits in, or enter into repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements with the Adviser or its affiliates. From time to time, when determined by the Adviser or Sub- Adviser to be advantageous to the Funds, the Adviser may execute portfolio transactions through affiliated broker-dealers. All such transactions must be consistent with best execution and completed in accordance with procedures approved by the Board.

No payments were made to any affiliated brokers by any Fund or Predecessor Fund during the last three completed fiscal years.

**Allocation of Brokerage in Connection with Research Services.** The Funds have not paid brokerage commissions since they had not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

**Securities of Regular Brokers or Dealers.** The SEC requires the Trust to provide certain information for those Funds that held securities of their regular brokers or dealers (or their parent companies) during the most recent fiscal year. The Funds did not hold any securities of their regular broker or dealers since they had not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

**Portfolio Turnover**

Each Fund may sell a portfolio investment soon after its acquisition if the Adviser believes that such a disposition is consistent with attaining the investment objective of the Fund. The Funds' portfolio turnover rates stated in the Prospectuses are calculated by dividing the lesser of each Fund's purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average value of the portfolio securities. The calculation excludes all securities whose maturities, at the time of acquisition, were one year or less. Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of a Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

The turnover rate for a Fund will vary from year-to-year, and, depending on market conditions, could be greater in periods of unusual market movement and volatility. Transaction costs associated with turnover are borne directly by the Fund and, ultimately, by its shareholders. A high rate of portfolio turnover (generally, over 100% annually) generally will involve correspondingly greater transaction costs. High portfolio turnover may result in the realization of substantial net capital gains. To the extent short-term capital gains are realized, distributions attributable to such gains will be ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

Portfolio turnover rates are not presented as the Funds had not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

**DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS AND DISTRIBUTIONS**

The Funds distribute substantially all of their net investment income and net capital gains, if any, to shareholders within each calendar year as well as on a fiscal year basis to the extent required for the Funds to qualify for favorable federal tax treatment. The Funds ordinarily declare and pay dividends from their net investment income. Each Fund declares and pays capital gains annually. Ordinarily, dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid monthly by each Fund.

The amount of distributions may vary from time to time depending on market conditions, the composition of a Fund's portfolio and expenses borne by a Fund. Dividends are calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day for shares.

For this purpose, the net income of a Fund, from the time of the immediately preceding determination thereof, shall consist of all interest income accrued on the portfolio assets of the Fund, dividend income, if any, income from securities loans, if any and realized capital gains and losses on the Fund's assets, less all expenses and liabilities of the Fund chargeable against income. Interest income shall include discount earned, including both original issue and market discount, on discount paper accrued ratably to the date of maturity. Expenses, including the compensation payable to the Adviser, are accrued each day. The expenses and liabilities of a Fund shall include those appropriately allocable to the Fund as well as a share of the general expenses and liabilities of the Trust in proportion to the Fund's share of the total net assets of the Trust.

**TAXES**

Information set forth in the Prospectuses that relates to federal income taxation is only a summary of certain key federal income tax considerations generally affecting purchasers of shares of the Funds. The following is only a summary of certain additional federal income and excise tax considerations generally affecting each Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectuses. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the federal tax treatment of the Funds or the implications to shareholders and the discussions here and in each Fund's Prospectus are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning. The following summary does not, except as otherwise set forth herein, discuss any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences associated with an investment in the Fund. In addition, the following summary does not describe the tax consequences to an Authorized Participant from the creation and redemption of Creation Units. Accordingly, potential purchasers of shares of the Funds are urged to consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax circumstances. Special tax considerations may apply to certain types of investors subject to special treatment under the Code including, without limitation, financial institutions, insurance companies, pass-through entities (or investors therein), U.S. shareholders whose "functional currency" is not the U.S. dollar, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities or commodities that elect mark to market treatment, or persons that will hold shares as a position in a "straddle," "hedge" or as part of a "constructive sale" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion applies only to U.S. shareholders that hold shares as capital assets. A U.S. shareholder is an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S. corporation, a trust if it (a) is subject to the primary supervision of a court in the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person, or any estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source. Lastly, the tax discussion in the Prospectuses and this SAI is based on tax law in effect on the date of the Prospectuses and this SAI and it does not address any proposals to modify such tax laws; such laws and regulations may be changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action, sometimes with retroactive effect.

**Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company**

Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. As a regulated investment company, a Fund is not subject to federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income (i.e., taxable interest, dividends and other taxable ordinary income, net of expenses) and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of long-term capital gains over short-term capital losses) that it distributes to shareholders, provided that it distributes at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (i.e., net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) and 90% of its tax-exempt income (net of expenses allocable thereto) for the taxable year (the "Distribution Requirement") and satisfies certain other requirements of the Code that are described below. Distributions by a Fund made during the taxable year or, under specified circumstances, within twelve months after the close of the taxable year, will be considered distributions of income and gains for the taxable year and will therefore count toward satisfaction of the Distribution Requirement.

If a Fund has a net capital loss (i.e., an excess of capital losses over capital gains), the amount thereof may be carried forward and would retain its character as either a short-term capital loss or a long-term capital loss that can be used to offset such capital gains in future years. There is no limitation on the number of years to which net capital losses may be carried. However, the amount of capital loss that can be carried forward and used in any single year is subject to an annual limitation if there is a more than 50% "change in ownership" of the Fund.

In addition to satisfying the Distribution Requirement, a regulated investment company must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities

or foreign currencies (to the extent such currency gains are directly related to the regulated investment company's principal business of investing in stock or securities), other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies and net income from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (the "Income Requirement").

A regulated investment company, in determining its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long- term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) for any taxable year, may elect (unless it has made a taxable year election for excise tax purposes as discussed below, in which case different rules apply) to treat all or any part of certain net capital losses incurred after October 31 of a taxable year, and certain net ordinary losses incurred after October 31 or December 31 of a taxable year, as if they had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

In addition to satisfying the Income and Distribution Requirements described above, a Fund must satisfy an asset diversification test in order to qualify as a regulated investment company. Under this test, at the close of each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund's assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and securities of other issuers (provided that, with respect to each issuer, the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in securities of each such issuer and the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of each such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses (other than securities of other regulated investment companies), or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. Generally, an option (call or put) with respect to a security is treated as issued by the issuer of the security, not the issuer of the option. For purposes of asset diversification testing, obligations issued or guaranteed by certain agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, such as the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, the FFCB, FHLB, FHLMC, FNMA, GNMA, and SLMA, are treated as U.S. government securities.

Certain Funds may invest in futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and other similar investments that provide exposure to commodities such as gold or other precious metals, energy, or other commodities. Income or gain, if any, from such investments may not be qualifying income for purposes of the Income Requirements and a Fund's investments in such instruments may not be treated as an investment in a "security" for purposes of the asset diversification test.

If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company after taking into account cure provisions available for certain failures to so qualify (certain of which would result in the imposition of a tax on the Fund), all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) will be subject to tax at the regular corporate rate without any deduction for distributions to shareholders and such distributions will be taxable to the shareholders as dividends to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions may be eligible for: (i) the dividends-received deduction, in the case of corporate shareholders; or (ii) treatment as "qualified dividend income," in the case of non-corporate shareholders. In addition, to qualify again to be taxed as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year, the Fund would be required to distribute to shareholders its earnings and profits attributable to non- qualifying years. Further, if the Fund failed to qualify for a period greater than two taxable years, then, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year, the Fund would be required to elect to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (i.e., 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, be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years.

**Excise Tax on Regulated Investment Companies**

A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that fails to distribute in each calendar year an amount equal to at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary taxable income for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ended on October 31 of such calendar year (or, with respect to capital gain net income, at the election of a regulated investment company having a taxable year ending November 30 or December 31, for its taxable year (a "taxable year election")). Tax- exempt interest on municipal obligations is not subject to the excise tax. The balance of such income must be distributed during the next calendar year. For the foregoing purposes, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by a regulated investment company that is subject to corporate income tax will be treated as having been distributed during the taxable year ending in such calendar year.

Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions of its ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the excise tax. However, investors should note that a Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio investments to make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.

**Fund Investments**

In general, gain or loss recognized by a Fund on the disposition of an asset will be a capital gain or loss. In addition, gain will be recognized as a result of certain constructive sales, including short sales "against the box." However, gain recognized on the disposition of a debt obligation (including municipal obligations) purchased by a Fund at a market discount (generally, at a price less than its principal amount) will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the portion of the market discount that accrued while the Fund held

the debt obligation. In addition, under the rules of Code Section 988, gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a debt obligation denominated in a foreign currency or an option with respect thereto, and gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a foreign currency forward contract, futures contract, option or similar financial instrument, or of foreign currency itself, except for regulated futures contracts or non-equity options subject to Code Section 1256 (unless a Fund elects otherwise), generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss to the extent attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Certain transactions that may be engaged in by a Fund (such as regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency contracts and options on stock indexes and futures contracts) will be subject to special tax treatment as "Section 1256 Contracts." Section 1256 Contracts are treated as if they are sold for their fair market value on the last business day of the taxable year, even though a taxpayer's obligations (or rights) under such Section 1256 Contracts have not terminated (by delivery, exercise, entering into a closing transaction, or otherwise) as of such date. Any gain or loss recognized as a consequence of the year-end deemed disposition of Section 1256 Contracts is taken into account for the taxable year together with any other gain or loss that was recognized previously upon the termination of Section 1256 Contracts during that taxable year. Any capital gain or loss for the taxable year with respect to Section 1256 Contracts (including any capital gain or loss arising as a consequence of the year-end deemed sale of such Section 1256 Contracts) generally is treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. A Fund, however, may elect not to have this special tax treatment apply to Section 1256 Contracts that are part of a "mixed straddle" with other investments of the Fund that are not Section 1256 Contracts.

A Fund may enter into notional principal contracts, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors, and collars. Treasury Regulations provide, in general, that the net income or net deduction from a notional principal contract for a taxable year is included in or deducted from gross income for that taxable year. The net income or deduction from a notional principal contract for a taxable year equals the total of all of the periodic payments (generally, payments that are payable or receivable at fixed periodic intervals of one year or less during the entire term of the contract) that are recognized from that contract for the taxable year, all of the non-periodic payments (including premiums for caps, floors and collars) that are recognized from that contract for the taxable year and any termination payments that are recognized from that contract for the taxable year. No portion of a payment by a party to a notional principal contract is recognized prior to the first year to which any portion of a payment by the counterparty relates. A periodic payment is recognized ratably over the period to which it relates. In general, a non-periodic payment must be recognized over the term of the notional principal contract in a manner that reflects the economic substance of the contract. A non-periodic payment that relates to an interest rate swap, cap, floor, or collar is recognized over the term of the contract by allocating it in accordance with the values of a series of cash-settled forward or option contracts that reflect the specified index and notional principal amount upon which the notional principal contract is based (or under an alternative method provided in Treasury Regulations). A termination payment is recognized in the year the notional principal contract is extinguished, assigned, or terminated (i.e., in the year the termination payment is made).

Income from options on individual securities written by a Fund will not be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes until an option is exercised or lapses. Any gain recognized by a Fund on the lapse of, or any gain or loss recognized by a Fund from a closing transaction with respect to, an option written by the Fund will be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the premiums received and the amount paid by the Fund to close out its position will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. If an 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 the security, and the character of any gain on such sale of the underlying security as short-term or long-term capital gain will depend on the holding period of the Fund in the underlying security. Because the Fund will not have control over the exercise of the options it writes, such exercises or other required sales of the underlying securities may cause the Fund to realize gains or losses at inopportune times.

A Fund may purchase securities of certain foreign investment funds or trusts that constitute passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs") for federal income tax purposes. If a Fund invests in a PFIC, it has three separate options. First, it may elect to treat the PFIC as a qualified electing fund (a "QEF"), in which event the Fund will each year have ordinary income equal to its pro rata share of the PFIC's ordinary earnings for the year and long-term capital gain equal to its pro rata share of the PFIC's net capital gain for the year, regardless of whether the Fund receives distributions of any such ordinary earnings or capital gains from the PFIC, and such amounts would be subject to the 90% and excise tax distribution requirements described above. In order to make this election with respect to a PFIC in which it invests, a Fund must obtain certain information from the PFIC on an annual basis, which the PFIC may be unwilling or unable to provide. Second, a Fund that invests in marketable stock of a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election with respect to such stock. Pursuant to such election, the Fund will include as ordinary income any excess of the fair market value of such stock at the close of any taxable year over the Fund's adjusted tax basis in the stock. If the adjusted tax basis of the PFIC stock exceeds the fair market value of the stock at the end of a given taxable year, such excess will be deductible as ordinary loss in an amount equal to the lesser of the amount of such excess or the net mark-to-market gains on the stock that the Fund included in income in previous years. Solely for purposes of Code Sections 1291 through 1298, the Fund's holding period with respect to its PFIC stock subject to the election will commence on the first day of the first taxable year beginning after the last taxable year for which the mark-to-market election applied. If the Fund makes the mark-to-market election in the first taxable year it holds PFIC stock, it will not incur the tax described below under the third option.

Finally, if a Fund does not elect to treat the PFIC as a QEF and does not make a mark-to-market election, then, in general, (1) any gain recognized by the Fund upon the sale or other disposition of its interest in the PFIC or any excess distribution received by the Fund from the PFIC will be allocated ratably over the Fund's holding period of its interest in the PFIC stock, (2) the portion of such gain or excess distribution so allocated to the year in which the gain is recognized or the excess distribution is received shall be included in the Fund's gross income for such year as ordinary income (and the distribution of such portion by the Fund to shareholders will be taxable as a dividend, but such portion will not be subject to tax at the Fund level), (3) the Fund shall be liable for tax on the portions of such gain or excess distribution so allocated to prior years in an amount equal to, for each such prior year, (i) the amount of gain or excess distribution allocated to such prior year multiplied by the highest corporate tax rate in effect for such prior year, plus (ii) interest on the amount determined under clause (i) for the period from the due date for filing a return for such prior year until the date for filing a return for the year in which the gain is recognized or the excess distribution is received, at the rates and methods applicable to underpayments of tax for such period, and (4) the distribution by the Fund to its shareholders of the portions of such gain or excess distribution so allocated to prior years (net of the tax payable by the Fund thereon) will be taxable to the shareholders as a dividend.

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount ("OID") is treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A portion of the OID includable in income with respect to certain high-yield corporate debt securities (including certain pay-in-kind securities) may be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

A Fund that holds the foregoing kinds of securities may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount, which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they would in the absence of such transactions.

Gain or loss on the sale of securities by the Fund will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the securities have been held by the Fund for more than one year. Gain or loss on the sale of securities held for one year or less will be short-term capital gain or loss.

The Fund may invest in preferred securities or other securities the federal income tax treatment of which may not be clear or may be subject to recharacterization by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or the income from such securities differs from the tax treatment expected by the Fund, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized by the Fund, potentially requiring the Fund to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order to comply with the tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies under the Code.

The Fund may invest a portion of its net assets in below investment grade securities. Investments in these types of securities may present special tax issues for the Fund. Federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues 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, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest and whether modifications or exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues could affect the Fund's ability to distribute sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company or to avoid the imposition of U.S. federal income or excise tax.

**Fund Distributions**

Each Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income for each taxable year. Such distributions will be treated as dividends for federal income tax purposes and may be taxable to non-corporate shareholders as long-term capital gains (a "qualified dividend"), provided that certain requirements, as discussed below, are met. Dividends received by corporate shareholders and dividends that do not constitute qualified dividends are taxable as ordinary income. The portion of dividends received from a Fund that are qualified dividends generally will be determined on a look-through basis. If the aggregate qualified dividends received by the Fund are less than 95% of the Fund's gross income (as specially computed), the portion of dividends received from the Fund that constitute qualified dividends will be reported by the Fund and cannot exceed the ratio that the qualified dividends received by the Fund bears to its gross income. If the aggregate qualified dividends received by the Fund equal at least 95% of its gross income, then all of the dividends received from the Fund will constitute qualified dividends.

No dividend will constitute a qualified dividend (1) if it has been paid with respect to any share of stock that the Fund has held for less than 61 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock) during the 121-day period (181-day period in the case of certain preferred stock) beginning on the date that is 60 days (90 days in the case of certain preferred stock) before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, excluding for this purpose, under the rules of Code Section 246(c), any period during which the Fund has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell, has made and not closed a short sale of, is the grantor of an option to buy, or has otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with respect to, such (or substantially identical) stock; (2) if the non-corporate shareholder fails to meet the holding period requirements set forth in (1) with respect to its shares in the Fund to which the dividend is attributable; or (3) to the extent that the Fund (or shareholder, as applicable) is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in property substantially similar or related to stock with respect to which an otherwise qualified dividend is paid.

Qualified dividends are, in general, dividends from taxable U.S. corporations and certain foreign corporations. Dividends from a foreign corporation may be qualified dividends if (1) the stock with respect to which the dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, (2) the foreign corporation is incorporated in a possession of the United States, or (3) the foreign corporation is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that includes an exchange of information program (and that the Treasury Department determines to be satisfactory for these purposes). The Treasury Department has issued guidance identifying which treaties are satisfactory for these purposes. Notwithstanding the above, dividends received from a foreign corporation that for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a PFIC will not constitute qualified dividends. Substitute payments received by a Fund representing dividends paid on securities loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified dividend income, and distributions by the Fund of such substitute payments will not be eligible to be treated as qualified dividends.

Distributions attributable to dividends received by a Fund from domestic corporations will qualify for the 50% dividends-received deduction ("DRD") for corporate shareholders only to the extent discussed below. Distributions attributable to dividends paid by a foreign corporation, a REIT or a corporation exempt from tax generally do not qualify for the DRD. Substitute payments received by a Fund representing dividends paid on securities loaned out by the Fund will not be treated as dividends eligible for the dividends paid deduction.

Ordinary income dividends paid by a Fund with respect to a taxable year may qualify for the 50% DRD generally available to corporations (other than corporations such as S corporations, which are not eligible for the deduction because of their special characteristics, and other than for purposes of special taxes such as the accumulated earnings tax and the personal holding company tax) to the extent of the amount of dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year. No DRD will be allowed with respect to any dividend (1) if it has been received with respect to any share of stock that the Fund has held for less than 46 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock) during the 91-day period (181-day period in the case of certain preferred stock) beginning on the date that is 45 days (90 days in the case of certain preferred stock) before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, excluding for this purpose under the rules of Code Section 246(c) any period during which the Fund has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell, has made and not closed a short sale of, is the grantor of an option to buy, or has otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with respect to, such (or substantially identical) stock; (2) to the extent that the Fund is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property; or (3) to the extent the stock on which the dividend is paid is treated as debt-financed under the rules of Code Section 246A. Moreover, the DRD for a corporate shareholder may be disallowed or reduced (1) if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy the foregoing requirements with respect to its shares of the Fund or (2) by application of Code Section 246(b), which in general limits the DRD to 50% of the shareholder's taxable income (determined without regard to the DRD and certain other items).

For tax years before January 1, 2026, if a Fund receives a dividend (other than a capital gain dividend) in respect of any share of REIT stock, then Fund dividends attributable to that REIT dividend income (as reduced by certain Fund expenses) may be reported by the Fund as eligible for the 20% deduction for "qualified REIT dividends" generally available to non-corporate shareholders under the Code. It is unclear whether such deduction for qualified REIT dividends will be extended beyond December 31, 2025. A dividend from a Fund may not be treated as a qualified REIT dividend (1) if it has been paid with respect to any share of REIT stock that the Fund has held for less than 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, excluding for this purpose, under the rules of Code Section 246(c), any period during which the Fund has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell, has made and not closed a short sale of, is the grantor of an option to buy, or has otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with respect to, such (or substantially identical) stock; (2) if the non- corporate shareholder fails to meet the holding period requirements set forth in (1) with respect to its shares in the Fund to which the dividend is attributable; or (3) to the extent that the Fund (or shareholder, as applicable) is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in property substantially similar or related to stock with respect to which an otherwise qualified dividend is paid. Substitute payments received by a Fund representing qualified REIT dividends paid on REIT securities loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified REIT dividends, and distributions by the Fund of such substitute payments will not be eligible for the 20% deduction currently available for ordinary REIT dividends paid to non-corporate shareholders.

A Fund may either retain or distribute to shareholders its net capital gain for each taxable year. Each Fund currently intends to distribute any such amounts. If net capital gain is distributed and reported as a capital gain dividend, it will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has held his shares or whether such gain was recognized by the Fund prior to the date on which the shareholder acquired his shares. The Code provides, however, that under certain conditions none of the capital gain recognized upon a Fund's disposition of domestic qualified "small business" stock will be subject to tax (with certain limitations).

Conversely, if a Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, the Fund will be subject to tax thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carryovers) at the corporate tax rates. If a Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, it is expected that the Fund also will elect to have shareholders of record on the last day of its taxable year treated as if each received a distribution of his pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will be required to report his pro rata share of such gain on his tax return as long-term capital gain, will receive a refundable tax credit for his pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain, and will increase the tax basis for his shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit. Organizations or persons not subject to U.S. federal income tax on such capital gains will be entitled to a refund of their pro rata share of such taxes paid by the Fund upon filing appropriate returns or claims for refund with the IRS.

Distributions by a Fund in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholder's tax basis in his shares; any excess will be treated as gain from the sale of his shares, as discussed below.

Distributions by a Fund will be treated in the manner described above regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional shares of the Fund through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash. In addition, if at the time a shareholder purchases shares of the Fund the value of the shares reflects undistributed net investment income, recognized net capital gain, or unrealized appreciation in the value of the assets of the Fund, distributions of such amounts will be taxable to the shareholder in the manner described above, although such distributions economically constitute a return of capital to the shareholder. The amount of undistributed income and gain the Fund has at the time a shareholder purchases or sells shares can impact the amount of the shareholder's gain or loss on the sale and the treatment and tax rates applicable to the shareholder's return on its investment in the Fund. Before investing you may want to consult your tax adviser.

Ordinarily, shareholders are required to take distributions by a Fund into account in the year in which the distributions are made. However, dividends declared in October, November, or December of any year and payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month will be deemed to have been received by the shareholders (and paid by a Fund) on December 31 of such calendar year if such dividends are actually paid in January of the following year. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of the Fund's taxable year may be "spilled back" and treated as paid by the Fund (except for the purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, a shareholder will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made. Shareholders will be advised annually as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of distributions made (or deemed made) during the year.

Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their "net investment income," which should include dividends from a Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of a Fund. Exempt-interest dividends from the Funds generally are not included in net investment income for purposes of this tax. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in a Fund.

Each Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury backup withholding taxes at the applicable rate on distributions paid to any shareholder (1) who has failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number, (2) who is subject to backup withholding for failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend income properly, or (3) who has failed to certify to the Fund that it is not subject to backup withholding or is an "exempt recipient" (such as a corporation). Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.

If a Fund invests in underlying regulated investment companies, distributions of short-term capital gains by such underlying funds would be recognized as ordinary income by the Fund and would not be able to be offset by the Fund's capital losses or capital loss carryforwards (if any). Losses of an underlying fund would not offset any income or gain of the Fund. Losses realized by a Fund on the sale of shares of underlying funds may be indefinitely or permanently deferred under the wash sale rules. Each of these effects is caused by the Fund's investment in the underlying funds and may result in tax distributions to Fund shareholders being of higher magnitudes.

**Sale of Shares**

A shareholder will generally recognize gain or loss on the sale of shares of a Fund in an amount equal to the difference between the proceeds of the sale the shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the shares. All or a portion of any loss may be disallowed if the shareholder purchases other shares of the same Fund within 30 days before or after the sale. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be increased to reflect the disallowed loss. In general, any gain or loss arising from (or treated as arising from) the sale of shares of a Fund will be considered capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for longer than one year. However, any capital loss arising from the sale of shares held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of the amount of exempt- interest dividends received on such shares (unless the loss is with respect to shares of a Fund for which the holding period began after December 22, 2010, and the Fund declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax- exempt interest and distributes such dividends at least monthly) and (to the extent not disallowed) will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received on such shares. For these purposes, the special holding period rules of Code Section 246(c) (discussed above in connection with qualified dividends, qualified REIT dividends and the dividends-received deduction) generally will apply in determining the holding period of shares. Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent of capital gains plus, in the case of a noncorporate taxpayer, $3,000 of ordinary income.

**Tax Shelter and Other Reporting Requirements**

If a shareholder realizes a loss on the disposition of shares of a Fund of at least $2 million in any single taxable year or at least $4 million in any combination of taxable years for an individual shareholder, or at least $10 million in any single taxable year or at least $20 million in any combination of taxable years for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of this requirement in light of their individual circumstances.

**Foreign Taxation**

Income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties and conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may be able to elect to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of eligible foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. If this election is made, a shareholder generally subject to tax will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund, and may be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his or her pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable income or to use it as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations. In particular, a shareholder must hold his or her shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 more days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a gain dividend. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a non- corporate shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each shareholder will be notified days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for that year.

Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax attributable to his or her total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of the Fund's income will flow through to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to a Fund, gains from the sale of securities will be treated as derived from U.S. sources and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency-denominated debt securities, receivables and payables will be treated as ordinary income derived from U.S. sources. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, and to certain other types of income. A shareholder may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of his or her proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund.

**Foreign Shareholders**

Taxation of a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a nonresident alien individual or foreign corporation ("foreign shareholder"), depends on whether the income from a Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by such shareholder.

If the income from a Fund is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a foreign shareholder, subject to the discussion below with respect to "interest-related dividends" and "short-term capital gain dividends," ordinary income dividends (including dividends that would otherwise be treated as qualified dividends to an applicable non-foreign shareholder) paid to such foreign shareholder would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax (or lower applicable treaty rate) upon the gross amount of the dividend. Except as described below, such foreign shareholder would generally be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including withholding tax, on gains realized on the sale of shares of a Fund or capital gain dividends unless the foreign shareholder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year.

U.S. withholding tax generally does not apply to amounts properly designated by a Fund as an "interest-related dividend" or a "short- term capital gain dividend." The aggregate amount treated as an interest-related dividend for a year is limited to the Fund's qualified net

interest income for the year, which is the excess of the sum of the Fund's qualified interest income (generally, its U.S.-source interest income) over the deductions properly allocable to such income. The aggregate amount treated as a "short-term capital gain dividend" is limited to the excess of the Fund's net short-term capital gain over its net long-term capital loss. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a foreign investor needs to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reported the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Foreign investors should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.

If the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a foreign shareholder, then any dividends, and any gains realized upon the sale of shares of the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. citizens or domestic corporations, and, if the foreign shareholder is a corporation, the shareholder may be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" imposed at the rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate).

In the case of foreign noncorporate shareholders, a Fund may be required to withhold backup withholding taxes at the applicable rate on distributions that are otherwise exempt from withholding tax (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate) unless such shareholders furnish the Fund with proper notification of their foreign status.

Special rules may apply to a foreign shareholder receiving a Fund distribution if at least 50% of the Fund's assets consist of U.S. real property interests, including certain REITs and U.S. real property holding corporations (as defined in the Code and Treasury Regulations), at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of the distribution. Fund distributions that are attributable to gain from the disposition of a U.S. real property interest will be taxable as ordinary dividends and subject to withholding at a 30% or lower treaty rate if the foreign shareholder held no more than 5% of the Fund's shares at all times during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. If the foreign shareholder held at least 5% of the Fund's shares at any time during the one-year testing period, the distribution would be treated as income effectively connected with a trade or business within the U.S. and the foreign shareholder would be subject to withholding tax at a rate of 21% and would generally be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return. The distribution also may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax if the foreign shareholder is a corporation. Similar consequences would generally apply to a foreign shareholder's gain on the sale of Fund shares unless the Fund is domestically controlled (meaning that more than 50% of the value of the Fund's shares is held by U.S. shareholders at all times during the five-year period ending on the date of sale) or the foreign shareholder owns no more than 5% of the Fund's shares at all times during the five-year period ending on the date of sale. Finally, a domestically controlled Fund may be required to recognize a portion of its gain on the in-kind distribution of certain U.S. real property interests. A foreign shareholder may also be subject to certain "wash sale" rules to prevent the avoidance of the tax filing and payment obligations discussed above through the sale and repurchase of Fund shares. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund.

Under the "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act" and existing guidance thereunder, commonly known as "FATCA," a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by the Fund generally applies if paid to a foreign entity unless: (i) if the foreign entity is a "foreign financial institution" as defined under FATCA, the foreign entity undertakes certain due diligence, reporting, withholding, and certification obligations, (ii) if the foreign entity is not a "foreign financial institution," it identifies certain of its U.S. investors, or (iii) the foreign entity is otherwise excepted under FATCA. If withholding is required under FATCA on a payment related to any Fund distribution, investors that otherwise would not be subject to withholding (or that otherwise would be entitled to a reduced rate of withholding) on such payment generally will be required to seek a refund or credit from the IRS to obtain the benefit of such exemption or reduction. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations or other guidance, may modify the foregoing requirements. The Funds will not pay any additional amounts in respect of amounts withheld under FATCA. Each investor should consult its tax adviser regarding the effect of FATCA based on its individual circumstances.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty might be different from those described herein. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund, including the applicability of foreign taxes.

**Cost Basis Reporting**

A Fund is generally required by law to report to shareholders and the IRS on Form 1099-B "cost basis" information for shares of the Fund acquired on or after January 1, 2012, and sold or redeemed after that date. Upon a disposition of such shares, a Fund will be required to report the adjusted cost basis, the gross proceeds from the disposition, and the character of realized gains or losses attributable to such shares. These requirements do not apply to investments through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement plan. The "cost basis" of a share is generally its purchase price adjusted for returns of capital, and other corporate actions. "Cost basis" is used to determine whether a sale or other disposition of the shares results in a gain or loss.

The Fund will permit shareholders to elect among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods to determine the cost basis in their shares. If a shareholder does not affirmatively elect a cost basis method, then the Fund's default cost basis calculation method, which is currently

the average cost method, will be applied to their account. The cost basis method elected or applied may not be changed after the settlement date of a sale of shares.

If a shareholder holds shares through a broker, the shareholder should contact that broker with respect to the reporting of cost basis information.

Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions with respect to the application of the new cost basis reporting rules and, in particular, which cost basis calculation method to elect.

**Effect of Future Legislation, Foreign, State, and Local Tax Considerations**

The foregoing general discussion of U.S. federal income and excise tax consequences is based on the Code and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein and any such changes or decisions may have a retroactive effect.

Rules of foreign, state, and local taxation of ordinary income dividends, qualified dividends, exempt-interest dividends and capital gain dividends from regulated investment companies may differ from the rules for U.S. federal income taxation described above. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the consequences of these and other foreign, state and local tax rules affecting an investment in a Fund.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**Description of Shares**

As a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust need not hold regular annual shareholder meetings and, in the normal course, does not expect to hold such meetings. The Trust, however, must hold shareholder meetings for such purposes as, for example: (1) approving certain agreements as required by the 1940 Act; (2) changing fundamental investment objectives, policies, and restrictions of the Funds; and (3) filling vacancies on the Board of Trustees of the Trust in the event that less than a majority of the Trustees were elected by shareholders. Under the Trust's Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 26, 2019 ("Declaration of Trust"), each Trustee will continue in office until the termination of the Trust or his/her earlier death, incapacity, resignation, or removal. Vacancies may be filled by a majority of the remaining Trustees, except insofar as the 1940 Act may require the election by shareholders. Therefore, the Trust expects that there will be no meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders or unless matters arise requiring a vote of shareholders under the Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act. At such time, the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders meeting. In addition, holders of record of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove a Trustee from office by a vote cast in person or by proxy at a shareholder meeting called for that purpose at the request of holders of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the Trust. The Funds have the obligation to assist in such shareholder communications. Except as set forth above, Trustees will continue in office and may appoint successor Trustees.

The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares, which are units of beneficial interest, with no par value. The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees to divide or re-divide any unissued shares of the Trust into one or more additional series by setting or changing in any one or more aspects their respective preferences, conversion, or other rights, voting power, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption.

Shares have no subscription or preemptive rights and only such conversion or exchange rights as the Trustees may grant in their discretion. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus and this SAI, the Trust's shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shares of a Fund are entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to the Fund, and a proportionate distribution, based upon the relative asset values of the respective series, of any general assets not belonging to any particular series that are available for distribution. The Board may classify and reclassify the shares of a Fund into classes of shares at a future date.

Fund shareholders are entitled to one vote per share (with proportional voting for fractional shares) on such matters as shareholders are entitled to vote ("share-based voting"). Alternatively (except where the 1940 Act requires share-based voting), the Trustees in their discretion may determine that shareholders are entitled to one vote per dollar of NAV (with proportional voting for fractional dollar amounts). Shareholders of all series and classes will vote together as a single class on all matters except (1) when required by the 1940 Act or when the Trustees have determined that a matter affects one or more series or classes materially differently, shares shall be voted by individual series or class; and (2) when the Trustees have determined that the matter affects only the interests of a particular series or class, then only shareholders of such series or class shall be entitled to vote thereon.

There normally will be no meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a majority of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders, at which time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees. A meeting shall be held for such purpose upon the written request of the holders of not less than one-third of the

outstanding shares. Upon written request by ten or more shareholders of record meeting the qualifications of Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act, (i.e., persons who have been shareholders of record for at least six months, and who hold shares having an NAV of at least $25,000 or constituting 1% of the outstanding shares, whichever is less) stating that such shareholders wish to communicate with the other shareholders for the purpose of obtaining the signatures necessary to demand a meeting to consider removal of a Trustee, the Trust will provide a list of shareholders or disseminate appropriate materials (at the expense of the requesting shareholders). Except as set forth above, the Trustees shall continue to hold office and may appoint their successors.

The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to take certain actions without obtaining shareholder approval, if the Trustees determine that doing so would be in the best interests of shareholders. These actions include: (a) reorganizing a Fund with another investment company or another series of the Trust; (b) liquidating a Fund; (c) restructuring a Fund into a "master/feeder" structure, in which a Fund (the "feeder") would invest all of its assets in a separate "master" fund; and (d) amending the Declaration of Trust, unless shareholder consent is required by law.

Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares, as defined under the 1940 Act, of the series affected by the matter. For purposes of determining whether the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund will be required in connection with a matter, a Fund will be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of the Fund and any other series in the matter are identical, or that the matter does not affect any interest of other series of the Trust. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement or any change in investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a Fund only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. However, Rule 18f-2 also provides that the ratification of independent accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts, and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.

**Shareholder and Trustee Liability**

The Delaware Statutory Trust Act provides that a shareholder of a Delaware statutory trust shall be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to shareholders of Delaware corporations and the Declaration of Trust provides that shareholders of the Trust shall not be liable for the obligations of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the trust property of any shareholder held personally liable solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder. The risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is considered to be extremely remote.

The Declaration of Trust states further that to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, no Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be personally liable in connection with the administration or preservation of the assets of the Funds or the conduct of the Trust's business; nor shall any Trustee, officer, or agent be personally liable to any person for any action or failure to act except for his own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his duties. The Declaration of Trust also provides that all persons having any claim against the Trustees or the Trust shall look solely to the assets of the Trust for payment.

**Derivative Actions Brought by Shareholders**

Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, a shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of the Trust only if the shareholder or shareholders first make a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action unless an effort to cause the Trustees to bring such action is excused. A demand on the Trustees shall only be excused if a majority of the Board, or a majority of any committee established to consider the merits of such action, has a personal financial interest in the action at issue. A Trustee shall not be deemed to have a personal financial interest in an action or otherwise be disqualified from ruling on a shareholder demand by virtue of the fact that such Trustee receives remuneration from his service on the Board or on the boards of one or more investment companies managed by the Adviser or that share the same principal underwriter. For purposes of this requirement, the Board may designate a committee of one Trustee to consider a shareholder demand if necessary to create a committee with a majority of Trustees who do not have a personal financial interest in the transaction at issue.

**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**

The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of each Fund's portfolio holdings by the Fund, the Adviser, or their affiliates. These policies and procedures provide that each Fund's portfolio holdings information generally may not be disclosed to any party prior to the information becoming public. Certain limited exceptions are described below. These policies and procedures apply to disclosures to all categories of persons, including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries who sell shares of a Fund, third parties providing services to the Funds (accounting agent, print vendors, etc.), rating and ranking organizations (Lipper, Morningstar, etc.) and affiliated persons of the Funds.

The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for monitoring each Fund's compliance with these policies and procedures, and for providing regular reports (at least annually) to the Board regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the policy and recommend changes, if necessary.

P<u>ublic Disclosure</u>

Each business day, each Fund's portfolio holdings information will generally be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") and/or other fee-based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to those other fee-based subscription services, including Authorized Participants (as defined below), and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of each Fund in the secondary market. This information typically reflects the Fund's anticipated holdings on the current business day.

For in-kind creations, a basket composition file, which includes the names and quantities of Deposit Securities to deliver in exchange for a Creation Unit of shares, together with an estimated Cash Component for the current business day, will be publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the NSCC. The basket represents one Creation Unit of a Fund. The Trust and the Adviser will not disseminate non-public information concerning a Fund's portfolio holdings. However, access to information concerning a Fund's portfolio holdings may be permitted to personnel of third party service providers, including a Fund's custodian, transfer agent, auditors, and counsel, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with such service providers' agreements with the Trust on behalf of a Fund. From time to time, information concerning portfolio holdings other than portfolio holding information made available in connection with the Creation Unit process, as discussed above, may be provided to other entities that provide services to the Funds, including rating or raking organizations, in the ordinary course of business, no earlier than one business day following the date of the information.

The Funds also disclose their complete portfolio holdings in their financial statements and are available upon request or on the Funds' website, VictorySharesLiterature.com. The Funds also file their complete portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-PORT. You can find these filings on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov.

<u>Non-Public Disclosures</u>

The Adviser may authorize the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information under certain limited circumstances. The Funds' policies provide that non-public disclosures of a Fund's portfolio holdings may only be made if: (i) the Fund has a "legitimate business purpose" (as determined by the President of the Trust) for making such disclosure; and (ii) the party receiving the non-public information enters into a confidentiality agreement, which includes a duty not to trade on the non-public information and describes any compensation to be paid to the Fund or any "affiliated person" of the Adviser or Distributor, including any arrangement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or by any "affiliated person" of the Adviser or Distributor.

The Adviser will consider any actual or potential conflicts of interest between the Adviser and a Fund's shareholders and will act in the best interest of the Fund's shareholders with respect to any such disclosure of portfolio holdings information. If a potential conflict can be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to Fund shareholders, the Adviser may authorize release of portfolio holdings information. Conversely, if the potential conflict cannot be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to Fund shareholders, the Adviser will not authorize such release.

**Expenses**

Unless agreed upon otherwise with a third party, all expenses incurred in administration of the Funds will be charged to a particular Fund, including investment management fees; fees and expenses of the Board; interest charges; taxes; brokerage commissions; expenses of valuing assets; expenses of continuing registration and qualification of the Funds and the shares under federal and state law; share issuance expenses; fees and disbursements of independent accountants and legal counsel; fees and expenses of custodians, including, transfer agents and shareholder account servicing organizations; expenses of preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses, reports, proxies, notices and statements sent to shareholders; expenses of shareholder meetings; costs of investing in underlying funds; and insurance premiums. The Funds are also liable for nonrecurring expenses, including litigation to which they may from time to time be a party. Expenses incurred for the operation of a particular Fund, including the expenses of communications with its shareholders, are paid by that Fund.

**Legal Counsel**

Sidley Austin LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, serves as counsel to the Trust.

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Cohen & Company, Ltd., 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds.

**Miscellaneous**

As used in the Prospectuses and in this SAI, "assets belonging to a fund" (or "assets belonging to the Fund") means the consideration received by the Trust upon the issuance or sale of shares of a Fund, together with all income, earnings, profits and proceeds derived from

the investment thereof, including any proceeds from the sale, exchange, or liquidation of such investments and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds and any general assets of the Trust, which general liabilities and expenses are not readily identified as belonging to a particular series that are allocated to that series by the Trustees. The Trustees may allocate such general assets in any manner they deem fair and equitable. It is anticipated that the factor that will be used by the Trustees in making allocations of general assets to a particular series will be the relative NAV of each respective series at the time of allocation. Assets belonging to a particular series are charged with the direct liabilities and expenses in respect of that series and with a share of the general liabilities and expenses of each of the series not readily identified as belonging to a particular series, which are allocated to each series in accordance with its proportionate share of the NAVs of the Trust at the time of allocation. The timing of allocations of general assets and general liabilities and expenses of the Trust to a particular series will be determined by the Trustees and will be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Determinations by the Trustees as to the timing of the allocation of general liabilities and expenses and as to the timing and allocable portion of any general assets with respect to a particular series are conclusive.

As used in the Prospectuses and in this SAI, a "vote of a majority of the outstanding shares" of the Fund means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are represented in person or by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

**Each Prospectus and this SAI are not an offering of the securities described in these documents in any state in which such offering may not lawfully be made. No salesperson, dealer, or other person is authorized to give any information or make any representation other than those contained in a Prospectus and this SAI.**

**While this SAI and each Prospectus describe pertinent information about the Trust and the Funds, neither this SAI nor any Prospectus represents a contract between the Trust or a Fund and any shareholder.**

**APPENDIX A**

**Description of Security Ratings**

Set forth below are descriptions of the relevant ratings of some of the NRSROs. These NRSROs and the descriptions of the ratings are as of the date of this SAI and may subsequently change.

Ratings represent a rating agency's opinion regarding the quality of the security and are not a guarantee of quality. In addition, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes to credit ratings in response to subsequent events and a rating may become stale in that it fails to reflect changes in an issuer's financial condition.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")**

**Global Long-Term Ratings.** Ratings assigned on Moody's global long-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 11 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. The following describes the global long- term ratings by Moody's.

**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.

**Medium-Term Note Program Ratings.** Moody's assigns provisional ratings to medium-term note (MTN) or similar programs and definitive ratings to the individual debt securities issued from them (referred to as drawdowns or notes). MTN program ratings are intended to reflect the ratings likely to be assigned to drawdowns issued from the program with the specified priority of claim (e.g. senior or subordinated). To capture the contingent nature of a program rating, Moody's assigns provisional ratings to MTN programs. A provisional rating is denoted by a (P) in front of the rating.

The rating assigned to a drawdown from a rated MTN or bank/deposit note program is definitive in nature, and may differ from the program rating if the drawdown is exposed to additional credit risks besides the issuer's default, such as links to the defaults of other issuers, or has other structural features that warrant a different rating. In some circumstances, no rating may be assigned to a drawdown.

Moody's encourages market participants to contact Moody's Ratings Desks or visit moodys.com directly if they have questions regarding ratings for specific notes issued under a medium-term note program. Unrated notes issued under an MTN program may be assigned an NR (not rated) symbol.

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.

Global Short-Term Ratings. Ratings assigned on Moody's global short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risk of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of 13 or fewer months 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 employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers: **P-1.** — Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term obligations.

**P-2.** — Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term 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.

Speculative Grade Liquidity Ratings. Moody's Speculative Grade Liquidity Ratings are opinions of an issuer's relative ability to generate cash from internal resources and the availability of external sources of committed financing, in relation to its cash obligations over the coming 12 months. Speculative Grade Liquidity Ratings will consider the likelihood that committed sources of financing will remain available. Other forms of liquidity support will be evaluated and consideration will be given to the likelihood that these sources will be available during the coming 12 months. Speculative Grade Liquidity Ratings are assigned to speculative grade issuers that are by definition Not Prime issuers.

**SGL-1** — Issuers rated SGL-1 possess very good liquidity. They are most likely to have the capacity to meet their obligations over the coming 12 months through internal resources without relying on external sources of committed financing.

**SGL-2** — Issuers rated SGL-2 possess good liquidity. They are likely to meet their obligations over the coming 12 months through internal resources but may rely on external sources of committed financing. The issuer's ability to access committed sources of financing is highly likely based on Moody's evaluation of near-term covenant compliance.

**SGL-3** — Issuers rated SGL-3 possess adequate liquidity. They are expected to rely on external sources of committed financing. Based on its evaluation of near-term covenant compliance, Moody's believes there is only a modest cushion, and the issuer may require covenant relief in order to maintain orderly access to funding lines.

**SGL-4** — Issuers rated SGL-4 possess weak liquidity. They rely on external sources of financing and the availability of that financing is, in Moody's opinion, highly uncertain.

**U.S. Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation Ratings. Moody's uses the global short-term Prime rating scale for commercial paper issued by U.S. municipalities and nonprofits. These commercial paper programs may be backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities, or by an issuer's self-liquidity. For other short-term municipal obligations, Moody's uses one of two other short-term rating scales the Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and Variable Municipal Investment Grade (VMIG) scales discussed below.**

The MIG scale is used for U.S. municipal cash flow notes, bond anticipation notes and certain other short-term obligations, which typically mature in three years or less. Under certain circumstances, the MIG scale is used for bond anticipation notes with maturities of up to five years.

**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.

**VMIG Ratings.** In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned. The components are a long-term rating and a short-term demand obligation rating. The long-term rating addresses the issuer's ability to meet scheduled principal and interest payments. The short-term demand obligation rating addresses the ability of the issuer or the liquidity provider to make payments associated with the purchase-price-upon-demand feature ("demand feature") of the VRDO. The short-term demand obligation rating uses the VMIG scale. VMIG ratings with liquidity support use as an input the short-term Counterparty Risk Assessment

of the support provider, or the long-term rating of the underlying obligor in the absence of third-party liquidity support. Transitions of VMIG ratings of demand obligations with conditional liquidity support differ from transitions on the Prime scale to reflect 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 the VMIG short-term demand obligation rating if the frequency of the demand feature is less than every three years. If the frequency of the demand feature is less than three years but the purchase price is payable only with remarketing proceeds, the short-term demand obligation rating is "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.

**S&P Global 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 Global Ratings would typically assign a long-term issue credit rating to an obligation with an original maturity of greater than 365 days. However, the ratings assigned by S&P Global Ratings to certain instruments may diverge from these guidelines based on market practices. Medium- term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

**Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings.** Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P Global Ratings analysis of the following considerations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The likelihood of payment—the capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The nature of and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise imputed by S&P Global Ratings; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•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**— An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA— An obligation rated "AA" differs 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** — An obligation rated "A" is 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 commitments on the obligation is still strong.

**BBB**— An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 exposure to adverse conditions.

**BB**— An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**B** — An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated "BB," but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**CCC**— An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on the obligation.

**CC**— An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The "CC" rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

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

**D** — An obligation rated "D" is 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 Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within the next 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. A rating on an obligation 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.

**Plus (+) or minus (-)** — 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.** The following describes S&P Global Ratings' short-term issue credit ratings.

**A-1** — A short-term obligation rated "A-1" is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on these obligations is extremely strong.

**A-2** — A short-term obligation rated "A-2" is 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 commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

**A-3** — A short-term obligation rated "A-3" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

**B** — A short-term obligation rated "B" is 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 that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

**C** — A short-term obligation rated "C" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**D** — A short-term obligation rated "D" is 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 Global Ratings 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. A rating on an obligation is lowered to "D" if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

**Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings**. The following describes Standard & Poor'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:

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•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.** 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.

<u>Active Qualifiers</u>

S&P Global Ratings uses the following qualifiers that limit the scope of a rating. The structure of the transaction can require the use of a qualifier such as a 'p' qualifier, which indicates the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only. A qualifier appears as a suffix and is part of the rating.

**Federal deposit insurance limit: "L" qualifier** — Ratings qualified with "L" apply only to amounts invested up to federal deposit insurance limits.

**Principal: "p" qualifier** — This suffix is used for issues in which the credit factors, the terms, or both, that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of principal are different from the credit factors, terms or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of interest on the obligation. The "p" suffix indicates that the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only and that the interest is not rated.

**Preliminary ratings: 'prelim' qualifier** — Preliminary ratings, with the 'prelim' suffix, may be assigned to obligors or obligations, including financial programs, in the circumstances described below. Assignment of a final rating is conditional on the receipt by S&P Global Ratings of appropriate documentation. S&P Global Ratings reserves the right not to issue a final rating. Moreover, if a final rating is issued, it may differ from the preliminary rating.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations, most commonly structured and project finance issues, pending receipt of final documentation and legal opinions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations that will likely be issued upon the obligor's emergence from bankruptcy or similar reorganization, based on late-stage reorganization plans, documentation, and discussions with the obligor. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligors. These ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the reorganized or post-bankruptcy issuer as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Preliminary ratings may be assigned to entities that are being formed or that are in the process of being independently established when, in S&P Global Ratings' opinion, documentation is close to final. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligations of these entities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Preliminary ratings may be assigned when a previously unrated entity is undergoing a well-formulated restructuring, recapitalization, significant financing, or other transformative event, generally at the point that investor or lender commitments are invited. The preliminary rating may be assigned to the entity and to its proposed obligation(s). These preliminary ratingsconsider the anticipated general credit quality of the obligor, as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s), assuming successful completion of the transformative event. Should the transformative event not occur, S&P Global Ratings would likely withdraw these preliminary ratings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A preliminary recovery rating may be assigned to an obligation that has a preliminary issue credit rating.

**Termination structures: "t" qualifier** — This symbol indicates termination structures that are designed to honor their contracts to full maturity or, should certain events occur, to terminate and cash settle all their contracts before their final maturity date.

**Counterparty instrument rating: "cir" qualifier** — This symbol indicates a counterparty instrument rating (CIR), which is a forward- looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an issuer in a securitization structure with respect to a specific financial obligation to a counterparty (including interest rate swaps, currency swaps, and liquidity facilities). The CIR is determined on an ultimate payment basis; these opinions do not take into account timeliness of payment.

**Fitch Ratings, Inc. ("Fitch")**

**International Long-Term Ratings**

**Investment Grade**

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.

**Speculative Grade**

**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 that 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 the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a "C" category rating for an issuer include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•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's opinion has experienced:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•An uncured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan, or other material financial obligation but

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other formal winding-up procedure, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or ordinary execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.

**D** — Default. "D" ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business.

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.

Imminent default, categorized under "C," typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

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.

**International Short-Term Ratings.** The following describes Fitch's two highest short-term ratings:

**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.

**Notes to Long- and Short-term ratings:**

The modifiers "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to "AAA" ratings and ratings below the "CCC" category. For the short-term rating category of "F1," a "+" may be appended.

**Withdrawn** —The rating has been withdrawn and the issue or issuer is no longer rated by Fitch. Ratings that have been withdrawn will be indicated by the symbol "WD."

**Rating Watch** — Rating Watches indicate that there is a heightened probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such a change. These are designated as "Positive," indicating that a rating could stay at its present level or potentially be upgraded, "Negative," to indicate that the rating could stay at its present level or potentially be downgraded, or "Evolving" if ratings may be raised, lowered, or affirmed. However, ratings can be raised or lowered without being placed on Rating Watch first.

A Rating Watch is typically event-driven and, as such, it is generally resolved over a relatively short period. The event driving the Watch may be either anticipated or have already occurred, but in both cases, the exact rating implications remain undetermined. The Watch period is typically used to gather further information and/or subject the information to further analysis. A Rating Watch must be reviewed and a RAC be published every six months after a rating has been placed on Rating Watch, except in the case described below.

Additionally, a Watch may be used where the rating implications are already clear, but where they remain contingent upon an event (e.g. shareholder or regulatory approval). The Watch will typically extend to cover the period until the event is resolved or its outcome is predictable with a high enough degree of certainty to permit resolution of the Watch. In these cases, where it has previously been communicated within the RAC that the Rating Watch will be resolved upon an event and where there are no material changes to the respective rating up to the event, the Rating Watch may not be reviewed within the six months interval. In any case, the affected ratings (and the Rating Watch) will remain subject to an annual review cycle.

**Rating Outlook** — Outlooks indicate the direction a rating is likely to move over a one- to two-year period. They reflect financial or other trends that have not yet reached or been sustained the level that would cause a rating action, but which may do so if such trends continue. A Positive Rating Outlook indicates an upward trend on the rating scale. Conversely, a Negative Rating Outlook signals a negative trend on the rating scale. Positive or Negative Rating Outlooks do not imply that a rating change is inevitable, and similarly, ratings with Stable Outlooks can be raised or lowered without a prior revision to the Outlook. Occasionally, where the fundamental trend has strong, conflicting elements of both positive and negative, the Rating Outlook may be described as "Evolving."

Outlooks are currently applied on the long-term scale to certain issuer ratings in corporate finance (including sovereigns, industrials, utilities, financial institutions and insurance companies) and to both issuer ratings and obligations ratings in public finance in the United States; to issues in infrastructure and project finance; to Insurer Financial Strength Ratings; to issuer and/or issue ratings in a number of National Rating scales; and to the ratings of structured finance transactions and covered bonds. Outlooks are not applied to ratings assigned on the short-term scale. For financial institutions, Outlooks are not assigned to Viability Ratings, Support Ratings and Support Rating Floors. Derivative counterparty ratings are also not assigned Outlooks.

Ratings in the "CCC," "CC," and "C" categories typically do not carry Outlooks since the volatility of these ratings is very high and outlooks would be of limited informational value. Defaulted ratings do not carry Outlooks.

------

**Registration Statement**

**of**

**VICTORY PORTFOLIOS II**

**on**

**Form N-1A**

**PART C. OTHER INFORMATION** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item 28.**  | **Exhibits** |  |
| (a) |  | **Articles of Incorporation**. |
|  | (1) | [<u>Registrant's Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 26, 2019.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465919020193/a19-7054_1ex99dba1.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(a)  | [<u>Registrant's Certificate of Trust dated April 12, 2012.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000091047212001340/a2certificateoftrust.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(b) | [<u>Certificate of Amendment to Registrant's Certificate of Trust.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915073013/a15-20091_1ex99dba2b.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(c)  | [<u>Certificate of Amendment to Registrant's Certificate of Trust.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465916152632/a16-18571_1ex99dba2c.htm) |
| (b) |  | [<u>By-Laws, Amended and Restated as of May 1, 2015.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915048077/a15-14769_1ex99dbdb.htm) |
| (c) |  | &nbsp;&nbsp; Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holder. None other than in the Second Amended and Restated <br> Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Registrant.<br>|
| (d) |  | **Investment Advisory Contracts**. |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(a) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 2015, between Registrant and Victory Capital Manage-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915048077/a15-14769_1ex99dbdd1a.htm)<br> [<u>ment Inc. ("Victory Capital" or the "Adviser").</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915048077/a15-14769_1ex99dbdd1a.htm)<br>|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(b) | [<u>Schedule A to Advisory Agreement dated May 21, 2015, current as of May 21, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006085/f39338d2.htm) |
| (e) |  | **Underwriting Contracts.** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(a) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>ETF Distribution Agreement dated as of March 1, 2025, with Victory Capital Services, Inc. ("VCS") with</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386325003397/f41557d2.htm)<br> [<u>respect to each exchange-traded fund series of the Registrant</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386325003397/f41557d2.htm).<br>|
|  | (2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Form of Authorized Participant Agreement with respect to each exchange-traded fund series of the Regis-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000089418914003008/ap_agmnt.htm)<br> [<u>trant.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000089418914003008/ap_agmnt.htm)<br>|
|  | (3) | [<u>Distribution Agreement with VCS with respect to each mutual fund series of the Registrant</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386325003397/f41557d3.htm). |
| (f) |  | **Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts.** None. |
| (g) |  | **Custodian Agreements.** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(a) | [<u>Global Custodial Services Agreement with Citibank, N.A. dated August 5, 2008.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915073665/a15-20537_1ex99dbg3a.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(b) | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Global Custodial Services Agreement dated August 19, 2015.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915073665/a15-20537_1ex99dbg3c.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(c) | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated July 15, 2016.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000110465917012565/a17-3236_1ex99dbg1b.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(d) | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated August 24, 2016.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000110465917012565/a17-3236_1ex99dbg1c.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(e) | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated February 27, 2017.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465917020677/a17-10121_1ex99dbg1e.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(f) | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated March 1, 2019.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465919020193/a19-7054_1ex99dbg1f.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(g)  | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated June 18, 2020.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465920101924/a20-29846_1ex99dg1g.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(h)  | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated September 10, 2020.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d6.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(i)  | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated August 31, 2020.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d7.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(j)  | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated December 2, 2020.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000168386321001022/f8123d2.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(k)  | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2021.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d9.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(l)  | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated May 18, 2021.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d10.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(m)  | [<u>Amendment and Joinder to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2022.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386322006657/f23350d6.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (l)(n) | [<u>Amendment to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated April 24, 2023.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000168386323003885/f25126d5.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(o) | [<u>Amendment to the Master Global Custodial Services Agreement, dated June 1, 2024</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324004269/f38922d3.htm).  |
| (h) |  | **Other Material Contracts.** |
|  | (1) | [<u>Revised Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement with respect to each mutual fund series of the Registrant.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465917064243/a17-22921_1ex99dbh1.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(a)  | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement with respect to each mutual fund series of the Registrant,</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915073665/a15-20537_1ex99dbh3a.htm)<br> [<u>dated July 1, 2006, with Victory Capital Management Inc.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915073665/a15-20537_1ex99dbh3a.htm)<br>|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(b)  | [<u>Amendment No. 1 dated July 1, 2009, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915073665/a15-20537_1ex99dbh3b.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(c) | [<u>Amendment No. 2 dated July 1, 2012, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915073665/a15-20537_1ex99dbh3c.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(d) | [<u>Amendment No. 3 dated May 21, 2015, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915073665/a15-20537_1ex99dbh3d.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(e) | [<u>Amendment No. 4 dated August 19, 2015, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465915073665/a15-20537_1ex99dbh3e.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(f) | [<u>Amendment No. 5 dated August 24, 2016, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000110465917012565/a17-3236_1ex99dbh2f.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(g) | [<u>Amendment No. 6 dated February 28, 2018, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1068663/000110465918024484/a18-9196_1ex99dbh1g.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(h) | [<u>Amendment No. 7 dated February 27, 2019, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465919020193/a19-7054_1ex99dbh2h.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(i) | [<u>Amendment No. 8 dated June 18, 2020, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465920101924/a20-29846_1ex99dh2g.htm). |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(j) | [<u>Amendment No 9 dated December 2, 2020, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d11.htm) |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(k) | [<u>Amendment No 10 dated May 18, 2021, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d12.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(l) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 11 dated November 18, 2021, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000168386322001045/f10757d6.htm)<br> [<u>dated July 1, 2006.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000168386322001045/f10757d6.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(m) | [<u>Amendment No. 12 dated May 24, 2022, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386322006657/f23350d7.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(n) | [<u>Amendment No. 13 dated August 30, 2022, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386322006657/f23350d8.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(o) | [<u>Amendment No. 14 dated January 1, 2023, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323003132/f25125d3.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(p) | [<u>Amendment No. 15 dated May 23, 2023, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323005083/f25735d5.htm).  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(q) | [<u>Amendment No. 16 dated December 5, 2023, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324002322/f38171d2.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(r) | [<u>Amendment No. 17 dated May 21, 2024, to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324004269/f38922d4.htm). |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (3)(a)  | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Transfer Agency Agreement with FIS Investor Services LLC ("FIS") dated November 7, 2015, with respect</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465918063932/a18-36345_1ex99dbh3a.htm)<br> [<u>to each mutual fund series of the Registrant.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465918063932/a18-36345_1ex99dbh3a.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (3)(b) | [<u>Amendment dated November 1, 2016, to the Transfer Agency Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465918063932/a18-36345_1ex99dbh3b.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (3)(c) | [<u>Amendment dated February 22, 2021, to the Transfer Agency Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321006108/f10051d8.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (3)(d) | [<u>Amendment dated August 24, 2021, to the Transfer Agency Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321006108/f10051d9.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (3)(e) | [<u>Data Protection Addendum dated May 30, 2018, to the Transfer Agency Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465918063932/a18-36345_1ex99dbh3c.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (4)(a) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Transfer Agency Services Agreement with Citibank, N.A. dated February 27, 2017, with respect to</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465917020677/a17-10121_1ex99dbh3.htm)<br> [<u>exchange-traded fund series of the Registrant.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465917020677/a17-10121_1ex99dbh3.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (4)(b) | [<u>Amendment No. 1 dated March 1, 2019, to the Transfer Agency Agreement with Citibank, N.A.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465919020193/a19-7054_1ex99dbh4b.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (4)(c) | [<u>Amendment No. 2 dated June 18, 2020, to the Transfer Agency Agreement with Citibank N.A.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465920101924/a20-29846_1ex99dh4c.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (4)(d) | [<u>Amendment No. 3 dated May 18, 2021, to the Transfer Agency Agreement with Citibank N.A.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d13.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (4)(e) | [<u>Amendment No. 4 dated August 30, 2022, to the Transfer Agency Agreement with Citibank N.A.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386322006657/f23350d9.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (4)(f) | [<u>Amendment No. 5 dated September 30, 2022, to the Transfer Agency Agreement with Citibank N.A.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323005083/f25735d6.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (4)(g) | [<u>Amendment No. 6 dated April 24, 2023, to the Transfer Agency Agreement with Citibank N.A</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323005083/f25735d7.htm). |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (4)(h) | [<u>Amendment No. 7 dated June 20, 2024, to the Transfer Agency Agreement with Citibank N.A.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324005274/f39332d4.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(a)  | [<u>Sub-administration and Sub-accounting Services Agreement dated October 1, 2015.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465917002631/a17-1496_1ex99dbh7a.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(b) | [<u>Amendment to the Sub-administration and Sub-accounting Services Agreement dated February 27, 2017.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000110465917012565/a17-3236_1ex99dbh3b.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(c) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 2 dated February 28, 2018, to the Sub-administration and Sub-accounting Services Agree-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465918063932/a18-36345_1ex99dbh5c.htm)<br> [<u>ment.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465918063932/a18-36345_1ex99dbh5c.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(d) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 3 dated February 27, 2019, to the Sub-administration and Sub-accounting Services Agree-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1068663/000110465919021702/a19-6868_1ex99dbh2d.htm)<br> [<u>ment.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1068663/000110465919021702/a19-6868_1ex99dbh2d.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(e) | [<u>Amendment No. 4 dated July 1, 2019, to the Sub-administration and Sub-accounting Services Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000110465919056585/a19-19337_1ex99dbh3e.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(f)  | [<u>Amendment No. 5 dated June 18, 2020, to the Sub-administration and Sub-accounting Services Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465920101924/a20-29846_1ex99dh5f.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(g)  | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 6 dated August 25, 2020, to the Sub-administration and Sub-accounting Services Agree-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d14.htm)<br> [<u>ment.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d14.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(h)  | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 7 dated to December 2, 2020, the Sub-administration and Sub-accounting Services Agree-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d15.htm)<br> [<u>ment.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d15.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(i)  | [<u>Amendment No. 8 dated April 1, 2021, to the Sub-administration and Sub-accounting Services Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d16.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(j) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 9 dated November 30, 2021, to the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agree-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000168386322001045/f10757d8.htm)<br> [<u>ment.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000168386322001045/f10757d8.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(k) | [<u>Amendment No. 10 dated June 29, 2022, to the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386322006657/f23350d10.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(l) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 11 dated August 30, 2022, to the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agree-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386322006657/f23350d11.htm)<br> [<u>ment.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386322006657/f23350d11.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(m) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 12 dated January 1, 2023, to the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agree-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1068663/000168386323003220/f25124d5.htm)<br> [<u>ment</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1068663/000168386323003220/f25124d5.htm).<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(n) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 13 dated April 24th, 2023, to the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agree-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323005083/f25735d8.htm)<br> [<u>ment</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323005083/f25735d8.htm).<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(o) | [<u>Amendment No. 14 dated June 25, 2024, to the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324005274/f39332d5.htm). |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (5)(p) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 15 dated October 1, 2024, to the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agree-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006085/f39338d3.htm)<br> [<u>ment.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006085/f39338d3.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (6)(a)  | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Victory Capital dated</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d17.htm)<br> [<u>May 1, 2021.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d17.htm)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (6)(b) | [<u>Schedule A to the Expense Limitation Agreement, current as of May 20, 2025.</u>](f42355d2.htm) (filed herewith) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (7)(a)  | [<u>License Agreement dated as of May 1, 2015, between Victory Capital and Registrant.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465917020677/a17-10121_1ex99dbh6.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (7)(b) | [<u>First Amendment dated April 18, 2017, to License Agreement.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000110465917064243/a17-22921_1ex99dbh7b.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (8)(a) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Global Securities Lending Agency Agreement effective November 30, 2021, between Registrant and</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386322006842/f23417d3.htm)<br> [<u>CitiBank N.A.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386322006842/f23417d3.htm)<br>|

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (8)(b) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 1 and Schedule A to the Global Securities Lending Agency Agreement, current as of</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323005083/f25735d10.htm)<br> [<u>April 24, 2023</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323005083/f25735d10.htm). <br>|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (8)(c) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 2 and Schedule A to the Global Securities Lending Agency Agreement, current as of</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324004269/f38922d6.htm)<br> [<u>June 7, 2024</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324004269/f38922d6.htm). <br>|
| (i) | (1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP dated October 25, 2024, relating to the VictoryShares</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006100/f39337d2.htm)<br> [<u>ETFs.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006100/f39337d2.htm)<br>|
| (i) | (2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP dated October 24, 2024, relating to the Victory Market</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006085/f39338d5.htm)<br> [<u>Neutral Income Fund and Victory US 500 Enhanced Volatility Wtd Index Fund, and relevant share classes.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006085/f39338d5.htm)<br>|
|  | (3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, relating to the VictoryShares Small Cap Free Cash Flow</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323008338/f37104d4.htm)<br> [<u>ETF</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323008338/f37104d4.htm). <br>|
|  | (4) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, relating to the VictoryShares WestEnd Global Equity</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324004269/f38922d7.htm)<br> [<u>ETF, VictoryShares WestEnd Economic Cycle Bond ETF, and VictoryShares Hedged Equity Income ETF</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324004269/f38922d7.htm).<br>|
|  | (5) | &nbsp;&nbsp; Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, relating to the VictoryShares WestEnd Dynamic Equity <br> ETF. (to be filed by amendment)<br>|
|  | (6) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, relating to the VictoryShares Free Cash Flow Growth</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324008750/f40024d2.htm)<br> [<u>ETF.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324008750/f40024d2.htm)<br>|
|  | (7) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, relating to the VictoryShares International Free Cash</u>](f42355d3.htm)<br> [<u>Flow ETF, VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF, and VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-</u>](f42355d3.htm)<br> [<u>Based Income ETF</u>](f42355d3.htm). (filed herewith)<br>|
| (j) | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(a) | [<u>Consent of Sidley Austin LLP dated October 25, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006100/f39337d3.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(b) | [<u>Consent of Sidley Austin LLP dated October 24, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006085/f39338d6.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(c) | [<u>Consent of Sidley Austin LLP dated December 2, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324008750/f40024d3.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(d) | [<u>Consent of Sidley Austin LLP dated June 23, 2025</u>](f42355d4.htm). (filed herewith) |
| (j) | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(a) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to the Victory Portfolios II Mutual</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006085/f39338d7.htm)<br> [<u>Funds June 30 fiscal year end funds</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006085/f39338d7.htm). <br>|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(b) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to the Victory Portfolios II</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006100/f39337d4.htm)<br> [<u>VictoryShares ETFs June 30 fiscal year end funds.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006100/f39337d4.htm)<br>|
| (k) |  | **Omitted Financial Statements**. None. |
| (l) |  | [<u>Initial Capital Agreements. Subscription Agreement between the Trust and the Initial Investor.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000091047212002638/exl.htm) |
| (m) |  | **Rule 12b-1 Plans** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(a) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Revised Class A Master Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 with respect to each mutual fund series</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000091047213001184/compassclassadistrib.htm)<br> [<u>of the Registrant.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000091047213001184/compassclassadistrib.htm)<br>|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(b) | [<u>Amended Exhibit A, current as of December 6, 2022</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323007225/f36640d6.htm)<u>.</u> |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(a) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Revised Class C Master Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 with respect to each mutual fund series</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000091047213001184/compasscdistrib.htm)<br> [<u>of the Registrant.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000091047213001184/compasscdistrib.htm)<br>|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (2)(b) | [<u>Amended Exhibit A current as of December 6, 2022</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386323007225/f36640d7.htm). |
|  | (3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended and Restated Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 with respect to each exchange-traded fund</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386325003397/f41557d4.htm)<br> [<u>series of the Registrant dated December 5, 2024</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386325003397/f41557d4.htm). <br>|
| (n) |  | **Rule 18f-3 Plan** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(a) | [<u>Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan, amended and restated February 2, 2021.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386321004176/f9242d19.htm) |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; (1)(b) | [<u>Schedule A to Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan, current as July 1, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324006085/f39338d8.htm) |
| (o) |  | Reserved. |
| (p) |  | **Codes of Ethics** |
|  | (1) | [<u>Code of Ethics for the Registrant, as revised February 28, 2018.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000110465918028601/a18-9201_1ex99dbp1.htm) |
|  | (2) | [<u>Code of Ethics for Victory Capital, VCS, and WestEnd Advisors, LLC, dated April 1, 2025.</u>](f42355d5.htm) (filed herewith) |
| (q) |  | **Powers of Attorney** |
|  | (1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Powers of Attorney of David Brooks Adcock, Nigel D.T. Andrews, E. Lee Beard, David C. Brown, John L.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000110465916126923/a16-11050_1ex99.htm)<br> [<u>Kelly, and David L. Meyer.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000110465916126923/a16-11050_1ex99.htm)<br>|
|  | (2) | [<u>Power of Attorney of Gloria S. Nelund.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/802716/000110465916153019/a16-18677_1ex99.htm) |
|  | (3) | [<u>Power of Attorney of Timothy Pettee</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1547580/000168386324002322/f38171d4.htm). |

---

------

**Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant**

Information pertaining to persons controlled by, or under common control with Registrant is hereby incorporated by reference to the section captioned "Management of the Trust" in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

**Item 30. Indemnification.**

Reference is made to Article VIII of the Registrant's Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Section 8 of the Investment Advisory Agreement, Section 6 of the ETF Distribution Agreement with VCS, Section 5 of the Distribution Agreement with VCA, Section 12 of the Global Custodial Services Agreement with Citibank, N.A., Section 9 of the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement with Victory Capital, Section 7 of the Transfer Agency Services Agreement with Citibank, N.A. and Section 13 of the Form of Transfer Agency Agreement with FIS, each of which is incorporated by reference to the Exhibits. The Registrant has obtained from a major insurance carrier a trustees' and officers' liability policy covering certain types of errors and omissions. In no event will the Registrant indemnify any of its trustees, officers, employees, or agents against any liability to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of his willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of his duties, or by reason of his reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office or under his agreement with the Registrant. The Registrant will comply with Rule 484 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and Release 11330 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in connection with any indemnification.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, 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 such 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 such Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

**Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser**

Information pertaining to business and other connections of the Registrant's investment adviser, Victory Capital Management Inc. ("VCM" or "Adviser"), is hereby incorporated by reference to the section of the Prospectus captioned "Organization and Management of the Fund" and to the section of the SAI captioned "Investment Adviser and Other Service Providers." The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. ("VCH"), a publicly traded Delaware corporation.

**The principal executive officers and directors of the Adviser and VCH are as follows:** 

David C. Brown Director, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Adviser and VCH <br> Michael D. Policarpo, II President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer of Adviser and VCH, Director of Adviser <br> Nina Gupta Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Adviser and VCH, Director of Adviser

The business address of the foregoing individuals is 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78256.

To the knowledge of Registrant, none of the directors or officers of the Adviser is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.

**Item 32. Principal Underwriters.**

(a) Shares of the mutual fund series of Victory Portfolios II are distributed by Victory Capital Services, Inc. ("VCS"). VCS also acts as principal underwriter for Victory Portfolios, Victory Portfolios III, Victory Portfolios IV, Victory Variable Insurance Funds, and Victory Variable Insurance Funds II.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(b) The officers of VCS, all of whose principal business address is 4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144, are set forth below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Name | Positions and Offices with Underwriter | Positions and Offices with Registrant |
| David C. Brown | Director | Trustee |
| Michael D. Policarpo, II | Director, President | None |
| Charles Mathes | &nbsp;&nbsp; Director, Chief Compliance <br> Officer<br>| None |
| Donald Inks | Chief Operations Officer | None |
| Christopher Ponte | Chief Financial Officer | Assistant Treasurer |

---

(c) Not applicable.

**Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.**

(1) Victory Capital Management Inc., 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78256 (records relating to its functions as investment adviser and administrator).

(2) Citibank, N.A., 388 Greenwich St., New York, New York 10013 (records relating to its function as custodian and transfer agent for certain funds).

(3) Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc., 4400 Easton Commons, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio 43219 (records relating to its functions as sub-administrator and sub-fund accountant).

(4) FIS Investor Services LLC, 4249 Easton Way, Suite 400, Columbus, Ohio 43219 (records relating to its functions as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for certain funds).

(5) Victory Capital Services, Inc., 4900 Tiedeman Road, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 (records relating to its function as distributor for certain funds).

**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, 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, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of San Antonio and state of Texas, on the 23rd day of June 2025.

VICTORY PORTFOLIOS II

(Registrant)

By:/s/ Thomas Dusenberry

------

Thomas Dusenberry

President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 23rd day of June 2025.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Signature | Title |
| /s/ Thomas Dusenberry<br>Thomas Dusenberry<br>| President (Principal Executive Officer) |
| /s/ Carol D. Trevino<br>Carol D. Trevino<br>| Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer) |
| \*<br> David Brooks Adcock<br>| Trustee |
| \*<br> Nigel D.T. Andrews<br>| Trustee |
| \*<br> E. Lee Beard<br>| Trustee |
| \*<br> David C. Brown<br>| Trustee |
| \*<br> John L. Kelly<br>| Chairman of the Board and Trustee |
| \*<br> David L. Meyer<br>| Trustee |
| \*<br> Gloria S. Nelund<br>| Trustee |
| \*<br> Timothy Pettee<br>| Trustee |

---

\*By: /s/ Jay G. Baris

------

Jay G. Baris

Attorney-in-Fact

------

## Ex-99.H

**SCHEDULE A**

**TO THE EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT DATED MAY 1, 2021**

**BETWEEN**

**VICTORY PORTFOLIOS II AND VICTORY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC.**

**OPERATING EXPENSE LIMITS AS OF May 20, 2025**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund/Class** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Maximum**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Operating**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Expense Limit** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Date of Termination** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Effective Date of**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Waiver** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Victory Market Neutral Income Fund** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Class A** | 0.76% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Class C** | 1.51% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Class I** | 0.41% | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Member Class** | 0.56% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Wtd** | 0.35% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares US 500 Enhanced** | 0.35% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Volatility Wtd ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares US EQ Income** | 0.35% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares International Volatility** | 0.45% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Wtd ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div** | 0.35% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Volatility Wtd ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares US Small Cap High Div** | 0.35% | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Volatility Wtd ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator** | 0.35% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares US Multi-Factor** | 0.35% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Minimum Volatility ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Core Intermediate** | 0.40% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Bond ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF** | 0.35% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Emerging Markets** | 0.45% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value Momentum ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares International Value** | 0.35% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Momentum ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap** | 0.25% | October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value Momentum ETF** |  |  |  |

---

(Maximum Operating Expense Limit excluding acquired fund fees and expenses and certain other items such as interest, taxes and brokerage commissions)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Maximum** |  |  |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Operating** |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Effective Date of** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund/Class** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Expense Limit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Date of Termination** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Waiver** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares US Value Momentum** | 0.20% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Core Plus Intermediate** | 0.40% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Bond ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Corporate Bond ETF** | 0.40% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares WestEnd US Sector** | 0.46% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF** | 0.39% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Small Cap Free Cash** | 0.49% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 1, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flow ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares WestEnd Global Equity** | 0.60% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 21, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares WestEnd Dynamic** | 0.70% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 21, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Equity ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares WestEnd Economic** | 0.40% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 21, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Cycle Bond ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Hedged Equity Income** | 0.55% | October 31, 2025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 21, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Free Cash Flow** | 0.39% | October 31, 2026 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;December 4, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Growth ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares International Free** | 0.56% | October 31, 2026 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 20, 2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Cash Flow ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares International Free** | 0.56% | October 31, 2026 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 20, 2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Cash Flow Growth ETF** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based** | 0.70% | October 31, 2026 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 20, 2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Income ETF** |  |  |  |

---

(Maximum Operating Expense Limit excluding acquired fund fees and expenses and certain other items such as interest, taxes and brokerage commissions)

## Ex-99.J

![](g40qm33wsjjxh6gssaxhx.jpg)

**M O R R I S , NI C H O L S , AR S H T & T U N N E L L L L P**

1201 NORTH MARKET STREET

P.O. BOX 1347

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19899-1347

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(302)658-9200

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(302)658-3989 FAX

June 23, 2025

Victory Portfolios II

4900 Tiedeman Road

Brooklyn, Ohio 44144

Re: <u>Victory Portfolios II (VictoryShares Pioneer</u> <u>Asset-Based</u> <u>Income ETF; VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF; VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF)</u>

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special Delaware counsel to Victory Portfolios II, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust"), in connection with certain matters of Delaware law set forth below relating to the Trust and VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF, VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow ETF and VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF, each a Series of the Trust (each, a "Fund"), including the issuance of Shares of each Fund (the "Registered Shares"). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise herein defined are used as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of February 26, 2019 (the "Governing Instrument").

In rendering this opinion, we have examined and relied on copies of the following documents, each in the form provided to us: Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 to Registration Statement No. 333-181176 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Amendment No. 134 to Registration Statement No. 811-22696 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 on Form N- 1A of the Trust to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on or about the day hereof (the "Registration Statement"); the Certificate of Trust of the Trust as filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "State Office") on April 11, 2012 (under the name Compass EMP Funds Trust), as amended by the Certificate of Amendment thereto as filed in the State Office on October 22, 2015 (reflecting a change in its name to Victory Portfolios II) and the Certificate of Amendment thereto as filed in the State Office on February 19, 2016 (as so amended, the "Certificate"); the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of April 12, 2012, as amended on February 21, 2013 (as so amended, the "Initial Governing Instrument"); the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of August 19, 2015, as amended by the Amendment thereto dated as of October 21, 2015 (as so amended, the "A/R Governing Instrument"); the Governing Instrument; the Bylaws of the Trust, amended and restated as of May 1, 2015; certain resolutions of the Trustees of the Trust including

Victory Portfolios II

June 23, 2025

resolutions dated August 19, 2015 and March 27, 2025 (collectively, the "Resolutions" and, together with the Registration Statement, the Governing Instrument and Bylaws of the Trust, the "Governing Documents"); and a certification of good standing of the Trust obtained as of a recent date from the State Office. In such examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies or drafts of documents to be executed, and the legal capacity of natural persons to complete the execution of documents. We have further assumed for purposes of this opinion: (i) the due adoption, authorization, execution and delivery, as applicable, by or on behalf of each of the parties thereto of the above-referenced agreements, instruments, certificates and other documents (including the Resolutions), and of all documents contemplated by the Governing Documents to be executed by investors desiring to become Shareholders; (ii) the payment of consideration for Shares, and the application of such consideration, as provided in the Governing Documents and compliance with all other terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in the Governing Documents in connection with the issuance of Shares; (iii) that appropriate notation of the names and addresses of, the number of Shares held by, and the consideration paid by, Shareholders will be maintained in the appropriate registers and other books and records of the Trust in connection with the issuance or transfer of Shares; (iv) that no event has occurred that would cause a termination or dissolution of the Trust under Sections 2 or 4 of Article IX of the Initial Governing Instrument, the A/R Governing Instrument or the Governing Instrument, as applicable; (v) that no event has occurred that would cause a termination or dissolution of any Fund under Section 6 of Article III or Sections 2 or 4 of Article IX of the Governing Instrument; (vi) that the activities of the Trust have been and will be conducted in accordance with the terms of the Governing Instrument and the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, 12 <u>Del</u>. <u>C</u>. §§ 3801 <u>et seq</u>.; (vii) that the Trust became, prior to or within 180 days following the first issuance of beneficial interests therein, a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; (viii) that the Registered Shares constitute the Shares covered by the Registration Statement; and (ix) that each of the documents examined by us is in full force and effect and has not been amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, except as herein referenced. No opinion is expressed herein with respect to the requirements of, or compliance with, federal or state securities or blue sky laws. Further, we express no opinion on the sufficiency or accuracy of any registration or offering documentation relating to the Trust, any Fund or the Shares. As to any facts material to our opinion, other than those assumed, we have relied without independent investigation on the above-referenced documents and on the accuracy, as of the date hereof, of the matters therein contained.

Based on and subject to the foregoing, and limited in all respects to matters of Delaware law, it is our opinion that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.The Trust is a duly formed and validly existing statutory trust in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each Fund is a validly existing Series of the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.The Registered Shares of each Fund, when issued to Shareholders in accordance with the terms, conditions, requirements and procedures set forth in the Governing Documents and all applicable resolutions of the Trustees, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Shares of beneficial interest in the Trust.

Victory Portfolios II

June 23, 2025

With respect to our opinion in paragraph 2 above, we note that under Section 6 of Article IV of the Governing Instrument, the Board of Trustees has the power to cause each Shareholder of the Trust, or each Shareholder of any particular Series, to pay directly, in advance or arrears, for charges of the Trust's custodian or transfer, dividend disbursing, shareholder servicing or similar agent, an amount fixed from time to time by the Board of Trustees, by setting off such charges due from such Shareholder from declared but unpaid dividends or distributions owed such Shareholder and/or by reducing the number of Shares in the account of such Shareholder by that number of full and/or fractional Shares which represents the outstanding amount of such charges due from such Shareholder.

We hereby consent to the filing of a copy of this opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to a post-effective amendment to the Trust's Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. This opinion speaks only as of the date hereof and is based on our understandings and assumptions as to present facts, and on the application of Delaware law as the same exist on the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or supplement this opinion after the date hereof for the benefit of any person or entity (including any Shareholder) with respect to any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or any changes in facts or law that may hereafter occur or take effect. This opinion is intended solely for the benefit of the Trust and the Shareholders in connection with the matters contemplated hereby and may not be relied upon by any other person or entity, or for any other purpose, without our prior written consent.

Sincerely,

MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL LLP

/s/ Sara A. Gelsinger

Sara A. Gelsinger

## Ex-99.J

![](gclbftjdusavb53n19b96.jpg)

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP 787 SEVENTH AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10019 +1 212 839 5300

+1 212 839 5599 FAX

AMERICA • ASIA PACIFIC • EUROPE

**VIA EDGAR**

June 23, 2025

Victory Portfolios II

4900 Tiedeman Road, 4th Floor Brooklyn, OH 44144

<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 – File Nos.: 333-181176; 811-22696</u>

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We hereby consent to the reference to our firm as counsel in Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Victory Portfolios II (File No. 333- 181176).

Very truly yours,

/s/ Sidley Austin LLP

**Sidley Austin LLP**

Sidley Austin (NY) LLP is a Delaware limited liability partnership doing business as Sidley Austin LLP and practicing in affiliation with other Sidley Austin partnerships.

## Ex-99.P

![](ge43jabjjebojn3d4z4wv.jpg)

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and

WestEnd Advisors, LLC

Effective April 1, 2025

![](g3h0gb3o3rf3hdz1ey11k.jpg)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC | April 1, 2025 |
|  | Previously updated: July 1, 2023 | Previously updated: July 1, 2023 |
| 1. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Introduction .................................................................................................................................** | **1** |
| 2. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Definitions ....................................................................................................................................** | **2** |
| 3. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Culture of Compliance ................................................................................................................** | **4** |
| 4. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Policy Statement on Insider Trading .........................................................................................** | **5** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Introduction......................................................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Introduction......................................................................................................................................... | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Scope of the Policy Statement ........................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Scope of the Policy Statement ........................................................................................................... | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. What is Material Information?............................................................................................................. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. What is Material Information?............................................................................................................. | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. What is Non-Public Information? ....................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. What is Non-Public Information? ....................................................................................................... | 6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Identifying Inside Information ............................................................................................................ | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Identifying Inside Information ............................................................................................................ | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F. Contact with Public Companies ........................................................................................................ | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F. Contact with Public Companies ........................................................................................................ | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;G. Tender Offers ................................................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;G. Tender Offers ................................................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H. Protecting Sensitive Information ....................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H. Protecting Sensitive Information ....................................................................................................... | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I. | Trading in Securities Listed on Exchanges in Other Countries ........................................................ | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;J. | Public Company Confidential Records ............................................................................................. | 8 |
| 5. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Conflicts of Interest.....................................................................................................................** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Gifts and Entertainment .................................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Gifts and Entertainment .................................................................................................................... | 9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Political Contributions ..................................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Political Contributions ..................................................................................................................... | 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Outside Business Activities ............................................................................................................. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Outside Business Activities ............................................................................................................. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Other Prohibitions on Conduct ........................................................................................................ | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Other Prohibitions on Conduct ........................................................................................................ | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Review of Employee Communications ............................................................................................ | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Review of Employee Communications ............................................................................................ | 13 |
| 6. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Standards of Business Conduct .............................................................................................** | **13** |
| 7. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Personal Trading, Code of Ethics Reporting and Certifications ..........................................** | **13** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Employee Investment Accounts ...................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Employee Investment Accounts ...................................................................................................... | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Employee Investment Account Reporting ....................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Employee Investment Account Reporting ....................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Personal Trading Requirements and Restrictions ........................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Personal Trading Requirements and Restrictions ........................................................................... | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Representation and Warranties ....................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Representation and Warranties ....................................................................................................... | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Quarterly and Annual Certifications of Compliance ......................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Quarterly and Annual Certifications of Compliance ......................................................................... | 18 |

---

![](gk1uhqa415c5cgq2w4m76.jpg)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC | April 1, 2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F. Review Procedures ........................................................................................................................ | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F. Review Procedures ........................................................................................................................ | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F. Review Procedures ........................................................................................................................ | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;G. Recordkeeping ............................................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;G. Recordkeeping ............................................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;G. Recordkeeping ............................................................................................................................... | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H. Whistleblower Provisions ............................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H. Whistleblower Provisions ............................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H. Whistleblower Provisions ............................................................................................................... | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I. | Confidentiality ................................................................................................................................. | Confidentiality ................................................................................................................................. | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;J. | Reporting to the Board of Directors of Affiliated Funds .................................................................. | Reporting to the Board of Directors of Affiliated Funds .................................................................. | 19 |
| 8. | **Code of Ethics Violation Guidelines .......................................................................................** | **Code of Ethics Violation Guidelines .......................................................................................** | **20** |
| **Appendix 1** – Affiliated Funds, Proprietary Products & Reportable Funds .............................................. | **Appendix 1** – Affiliated Funds, Proprietary Products & Reportable Funds .............................................. | **Appendix 1** – Affiliated Funds, Proprietary Products & Reportable Funds .............................................. | i |
| **Appendix 2** – Approved Brokers List ....................................................................................................... | **Appendix 2** – Approved Brokers List ....................................................................................................... | **Appendix 2** – Approved Brokers List ....................................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii |
| **Appendix 3** | **Appendix 3** | – Investment Account Disclosure .......................................................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii |
| **Appendix 4** | **Appendix 4** | – Preclearance and Reporting By Security Type ................................................................. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iv |
| **Appendix 5** | **Appendix 5** | – ETFs Eligible for De Minimis Transaction Exemption ....................................................... | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;vi |
| **Supplement 1** - RS Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. ("RSIMS") Code of Ethics Supplement | **Supplement 1** - RS Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. ("RSIMS") Code of Ethics Supplement | **Supplement 1** - RS Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. ("RSIMS") Code of Ethics Supplement | **Supplement 1** - RS Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. ("RSIMS") Code of Ethics Supplement |
| ("Singapore Supplement") ........................................................................................................................ | ("Singapore Supplement") ........................................................................................................................ | ("Singapore Supplement") ........................................................................................................................ | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;vii |

---

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

![](gmfsz876o2y6y3bb1njp1.jpg)

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1. INTRODUCTION

Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act") requires all investment advisers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to adopt codes of ethics that set forth standards of conduct and require compliance with federal securities laws. Victory Capital Management Inc. ("VCM") and WestEnd Advisors, LLC ("WestEnd") are both registered investment advisers under the Advisers Act and also both wholly owned subsidiaries of Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. ("VCH"). WestEnd and VCM, together with VCM's subsidiaries, RS Investments (UK) Limited, RS Investments (Hong Kong) Limited, and RS Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (collectively the "Affiliated Advisers"), have adopted this Code of Ethics ("Code"), which sets forth the standards of business conduct that are required of Access Persons. As an adviser to regulated investment companies, VCM also adopts this Code in adherence to Rule 17j-1[1](#div10c72950-7fdd-4a4f-b249-e1a16d7941be)under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). Officers and employees of RS Investments (Hong Kong) Limited and RS Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. should also review the related Code supplements.

VCH is a Delaware corporation with its Class A common stock listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, under the ticker symbol "VCTR." As a public company, compliance policies were adopted that apply to VCH and the Affiliated Advisers (collectively "Victory Capital'). The VCH policies are in addition to the compliance program of the Affiliated Advisers. In particular, the policies that apply to Victory Capital include: (1) Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, (2) Corporate Communications Policy and (3) Insider Trading Policy. Affiliated Advisers make these policies readily available to their Access Persons.

Victory Capital Services, Inc. ("VCS"), is a Victory Capital affiliated broker-dealer that (i) provides marketing and distribution support for the Victory Funds and the 529 Plan; (ii) introduces retail customers to the Victory Funds and the 529 Plan on a direct-application basis; and (iii) introduces retail customers to a clearing broker-dealer pursuant to a fully-disclosed clearing arrangement.

Access Persons have a responsibility to adhere to the highest ethical principles. Thus, the Code imposes obligations in addition to those required under applicable laws and regulations. The Code is a minimum standard of conduct. Additionally, Access Persons must act in accordance with their fiduciary duty owed to Affiliated Adviser clients. Therefore, literal compliance with the Code will not protect an Access Persons if their behavior otherwise violates their fiduciary duty. If an Access Person is uncertain as to the intent or purpose of any provision of the Code, or whether a proposed action is compatible with their fiduciary duty, they should consult the appropriate Affiliated Adviser Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") or a member of the Compliance team.

The Affiliated Advisers recognize the importance of an Access Person's ability to manage and develop their own and their dependents' financial resources through long-term investments and strategies. However, because of the potential conflicts of interest inherent in our business and our industry, the Affiliated Advisers have implemented certain standards and limitations designed to minimize these conflicts.

Victory Capital's reputation is of paramount importance; therefore, the Affiliated Advisers will not tolerate blemishes due to careless personal trading or other conduct prohibited by the Code. Consequently, Material Violations (as defined herein) of the Code may be subject to harsh

1Rule 17j-1 requires that fund advisers adopt written codes of ethics and have procedures in place to prevent their personnel from abusing their access to information about the fund's securities trading and requires "access persons" to submit reports periodically containing information about their personal securities holdings and transactions.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 1 of 22

![](gznye9q1mw4abtux48v8i.jpg)

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

sanctions. Frequent violations of the Code may result in limitations on personal securities trading or other disciplinary actions, which can include termination of employment.

2. DEFINITIONS

<u>"Access Person"</u> means any employee of VCM. It also includes anyone deemed an Access Person by a CCO. As a matter of practice, the Board of Directors of the Victory Portfolios, Victory Portfolios II, Victory Portfolios III, Victory Portfolios IV, Victory Variable Insurance Funds, Victory Variable Insurance Funds II, and the Pioneer Closed-End Funds (collectively the "Victory Funds") generally consists of members who are not employees or officers of Victory Capital, or their affiliates. Unless designated by the COO, a non-employee director is not treated as an "access person" within the meaning of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and is not treated as either an "access person" or an "advisory person" of VCM.

<u>"Affiliated Funds"</u> means any individual series portfolio of the Victory Funds, as well as other sub- advised affiliates listed in Appendix 1, each an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act.

"<u>Automatic or Periodic Investment Plan"</u> is a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.

<u>"Beneficial Interest"</u> means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, to profit, or share in any profit derived from, a transaction in the subject Securities. An Access Person is deemed to have a Beneficial Interest in securities owned by members of his or her Immediate Family. Common examples of Beneficial Interest include joint accounts, spousal accounts (including Non-Victory Capital Employee Compensation Programs, Non-Victory Capital Employee Stock Participation Program, and Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan Accounts), Uniform Transfers to Minors Act accounts, partnerships, trusts and controlling interests in corporations. Any uncertainty as to whether an Access Person has a Beneficial Interest in a Security should be brought to the attention of the Compliance Department. Such questions will be resolved in accordance with, and this definition shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with, the definition of "beneficial owner" set forth in Rules 16a-1(a)(2) and (5) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

<u>"Blackout Period"</u> means seven (7) calendar days before through seven (7) calendar days after the date a client trade is executed for VCM or the month in which a security is added to the Securities Under Consideration list for WestEnd.

<u>"Business Entertainment"</u> includes any social event, hospitality event, charitable event, sporting event, entertainment event, meal, leisure activity or event of like nature or purpose, and any transportation or lodging accompanying or related to such activity or event, including any entertainment activity offered in connection with an educational event or business conference, irrespective of whether any business is conducted during, or is attendant to, such activity.

<u>"Covered Government Official</u>" means a 1) state or local governmental official; 2) candidate for state or local office; or 3) federal candidate currently holding state or local office. A governmental "official" includes an incumbent, candidate, or successful candidate for elective office of a state or

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 2 of 22

![](g3fz76784f09lw57zhdph.jpg)

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

local government entity, if the office is directly or indirectly responsible for, or can influence the outcome of, the hiring of an investment adviser, or has authority to appoint any person who is directly or indirectly responsible for, or can influence the outcome of, the hiring of an investment adviser, by a state or a political subdivision of a state.

"De Minimis Security" means an ETF listed in Appendix 5 of this Code of Ethics. In certain situations, a client trade in a De Minimis Security may not trigger a Blackout Period (see Section 7.C. Personal Trading Requirements and Restrictions for more detailed information). Personal Trades in De Minimis Securities in Personal Accounts always require pre-clearance and are subject to all other provisions of the Code.

<u>"De Minimis Trade"</u> means a Personal Trade Request that at the time is request is either 1) for an equity security with a market capitalization between $3 billion and $50 billion and the market value for the request is less than $10,000 or 2) for an equity security with a market capitalization above $50 billion and the market value for the request is less than $50,000. In certain situations, a De Minimis Trade may not trigger a Blackout Period (see Section 7.C. Personal Trading Requirements and Restrictions for more detailed information). Personal Trades in De Minimis Securities in Personal Accounts always require pre-clearance and are subject to all other provisions of the Code.

<u>"Exempt Securities"</u> means 1) direct obligations of the U.S. Government; 2) bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit and commercial paper; 3) investment grade, short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; 4) shares held in money market funds; 5) variable insurance products that invest in funds for which an Affiliated Adviser does not act as adviser or sub-adviser; 6) open-end mutual funds for which an Affiliated Advisers does not act as adviser or sub-adviser; and 7) investments in qualified tuition programs ("529 Plans"). Exempt Securities do not need to be pre-cleared.

<u>"Franchise"</u> means a group of employees who report directly or indirectly to the same Chief Investment Officer that oversees a brand-named strategy

"<u>Immediate Family</u>" means all family members who share the same household, including but not limited to, a spouse, domestic partner, fiancée, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, step-siblings, step-children, step-parents, or in-laws. Immediate Family includes adoptive relationships and any other relationships (whether or not recognized by law) that a CCO determines could lead to conflicts of interest, diversions of corporate opportunity, or create the appearance of impropriety.

"<u>Initial Holdings Report</u>" is a report that discloses all securities holdings of every Access Person, which must be submitted to the Compliance Department within ten (10) calendar days of becoming an Access Person.

"<u>Initial Public Offering" or "IPO"</u> means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before such registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act.

<u>"Managed Accounts"</u> means investment advisory or brokerage accounts over which an Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control in the investment decisions or activities.

"<u>Material</u> <u>Non-Public</u> <u>Information" or "MNPI"</u> means information that is both <u>material</u> and <u>non-public</u> that might have an effect on the market for a security. Access Persons who possess MNPI must not act or cause others to act on such information.

<u>"Material Violation"</u> means any violation of this Code or other misconduct deemed material by a CCO, in conjunction with the Compliance Committee or the VCM Board of Directors.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 3 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

"<u>Maximum Allowable Trades</u>" means Access Persons are limited to 15 trades in individual securities per calendar quarter across their Personal Accounts. A trade in the same security in multiple accounts on the same day will count as one trade towards the Maximum Allowable Trades in a quarter. Individual securities transactions that do not require pre-clearance (i.e. open-end mutual funds, dividend reinvestments) will not count towards the Maximum Allowable Trades.

<u>"MCO"</u> means MyComplianceOffice, which is a web-based compliance system used to track and approve employee personal trading, gifts and entertainment, political contributions, and outside business activities, store policies, and facilitate employee certifications and manage other compliance objectives.

<u>"Personal Account"</u> means an investment account in which an employee retains investment discretion.

"<u>Personal Trading" or "Personal Trades</u>" means trades or transactions by Access Persons in their Personal Accounts.

<u>"Proprietary Product"</u> is a fund or product in which Victory Capital or its employees have an aggregate of 25% or more Beneficial Interest. See Appendix 1 – Affiliated Funds, Proprietary Products & Reportable Funds for more information.

<u>"Reportable Fund"</u> means any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act for which an Affiliated Adviser is an investment adviser or a sub-adviser, or any registered investment company whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls Victory Capital, is controlled by Victory Capital, or is under common control with Victory Capital. See Appendix 1 – Affiliated Funds, Proprietary Products & Reportable Funds for more information.

<u>"Reportable Security"</u> means any security that is not an Exempt Security, for which Access persons must submit holdings and transaction reports. See the list of Exempt Securities under Appendix 4, as defined by rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

<u>"RIC"</u> means a Regulated Investment Company.

<u>"Short-Sell"</u> <u>or</u> <u>"Short-Selling"</u> means the sale of a security that is not owned by the seller. Access Persons may not take a short position in a security. However, mutual funds or ETFs that correspond to the inverse performance of a broad-based index are not considered to be Short- Sales. For example, buying (long) the ProShares Short S&P500 ETF is permitted. Employees may also trade in funds that track a volatility index.

<u>"Solutions Team"</u> means any employee who is a member of the Solutions Platform group, generally involved in passive investments.

"<u>Victory Capital Stock</u>" means securities offered by VCH or any subsidiary through a registration statement that has been declared effective by the SEC (e.g. "VCTR").

3. CULTURE OF COMPLIANCE

The Affiliated Advisers' primary objective is to provide value through investment advisory, sub- advisory and other financial services to a wide range of clients, including governments, corporations, financial institutions, high net worth individuals, pension funds, and retail clients.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 4 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

The Affiliated Advisers require that all dealings on behalf of existing and prospective clients be handled with honesty, integrity and high ethical standards, and that such dealings adhere to the letter and the spirit of applicable laws, regulations and contractual guidelines. As a general matter, the Affiliated Advisers are fiduciaries that owe their clients a duty of undivided loyalty, and you have a responsibility to act in a manner consistent with this duty. You must actively work to avoid the possibility that the advice or services provided to clients is, or gives the appearance of being, based on your self-interest or the interests of the Affiliated Advisers and not in the clients' best interests. Violations of the Code must be reported promptly to the appropriate CCO or his/her designee.

You must act solely in the best interests of our clients. Statutory and regulatory requirements impose specific responsibilities governing the behavior of personnel in carrying out their responsibilities to clients and you must comply fully with these rules and regulations. Your respective Compliance Department professionals are available to assist you in meeting these requirements.

Since no set of rules can anticipate every possible situation, it is essential that you obtain guidance from the appropriate CCO, Chief Legal Officer ("CLO"), or their designees when you are unsure how to follow these rules in letter and in spirit. It is your responsibility to fully understand and comply with the Code and other applicable policies or seek guidance from a CCO. Technical compliance with the Code and its procedures will not necessarily validate an action. Any activity that compromises the Affiliated Advisers integrity, even if it does not expressly violate a rule, may result in further action from a CCO. In some instances, a CCO holds discretionary authority to apply exceptions under the Code. In a CCO's absence, the CLO may act in his or her place.

The Affiliated Advisers' fiduciary responsibilities apply to a broad range of investment and related activities, including sales and marketing, portfolio management, securities trading, allocation of investment opportunities, client service, operations support, performance measurement and reporting, new product development as well as personal investing activities. These obligations include the duty to avoid material conflicts of interest (and, if this is not possible, to provide full and fair disclosure to clients in communications), to keep accurate books and records, and to supervise personnel appropriately. These concepts are further described in the sections that follow.

4. POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Introduction

The Affiliated Advisers seek to foster a culture of compliance, a reputation for integrity, professionalism and values, and endeavors to protect the confidence and trust placed in us by our clients. To further that goal, this Policy Statement implements procedures to deter the misuse of MNPI in securities transactions.

The term "insider trading" is not defined in the federal securities laws but refers generally to the situation when a person trades while aware of MNPI or communicates MNPI to others in breach of a duty of trust or confidence.

While the law concerning insider trading is not static, it is generally understood that the law prohibits any of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Trading by an insider, while aware of MNPI;

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 5 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Trading by a non-insider, while aware of MNPI, where the information was disclosed to the non-insider in violation of an insider's duty to keep it confidential; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Communicating MNPI to others in breach of a duty of trust or confidence.

Trading securities while in possession of MNPI or improperly communicating that information to others may result in stringent penalties. Criminal sanctions may include fines of up to $5,000,000, twenty years' imprisonment, or both. The civil penalty for a violator may be an amount up to three times the profit (or loss avoided) as a result of the insider trading violation, and a permanent bar from working in the securities industry. Investors may sue and seek to recover damages for insider trading violations.

Regardless of whether a regulatory inquiry occurs, the Affiliated Advisers take seriously any violation of this Policy Statement. Such violations constitute grounds for disciplinary sanctions, up to and including dismissal.

B. Scope of the Policy Statement

This Policy Statement is drafted broadly and will be applied and interpreted in a similar manner. It applies to all Access Persons and to transactions in any security participated in by Immediate Family members of Access Persons or trusts or corporations controlled by Access Persons.

Any questions relating to this Policy Statement should be directed to a CCO or his/her designee. You must notify compliance immediately if you have any reason to believe that a violation of this Policy Statement has occurred or is about to occur.

C. What is Material Information?

Trading on inside information is not a basis for liability unless the information relied upon is deemed to be material. "Material" information is defined generally as information for which there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions, or information that is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company's securities. If the disclosure of that information would be expected to alter the total mix of information that is publicly available about that company, then the information is considered material. Any questions about whether information is material should be directed to a member of compliance.

Material information often relates to a company's financial results and operations, including, for example, dividend changes, earning results, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems, and extraordinary management developments. Information about a company could be material because of its expected effect on a particular class of the company's securities, all of the company's securities, the securities of another company, or the securities of several companies. Material information does not have to relate to a company's business. For example, in Carpenter v. U.S., the Supreme Court considered as material certain information about the contents of a forthcoming newspaper column that was expected to affect the market price of a security. In that case, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal was found criminally liable for disclosing to others the dates that reports on various companies would appear in the Journal and whether those reports would be favorable or not.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 6 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

D. What is Non-Public Information?

For issues concerning insider trading to arise, information must not only be material, it must also be

"non-public". Non-public information is information that has not been made available to investors generally. Information received in circumstances indicating that it is not yet in general circulation or where the recipient knows or should know that the information could only have been provided by an "insider" is also deemed non-public information. For non- public information to become public information, it must be disseminated through recognized channels of distribution designed to broadly reach the securities marketplace.

Facts verifying that the information is public (and therefore has become generally available) may include, for example, and without limitation, disclosure in:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•National business and financial wire service, such as Dow Jones or Reuters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•National news service or newspaper, such as AP or The Wall Street Journal; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Publicly disseminated disclosure document, such as a proxy statement or prospectus.

The circulation of rumors or "talk on the street", even if accurate, widespread and reported in the media, does not constitute the requisite public disclosure. In addition, the information must not only be publicly disclosed, there must also be adequate time for the market to digest the information. Material non-public information is not made public by selective dissemination. Material information improperly disclosed only to institutional investors or to a fund analyst or a favored group of analysts retains its status as "non-public" information that must not be disclosed or otherwise misused.

Partial disclosure does not constitute public dissemination. So long as any material component of the "inside" information has yet to be publicly disclosed, the information is deemed non-public and may not be misused.

E. Identifying Inside Information

Before executing any Personal Trades or trades for client accounts, Access Persons must determine whether they have access to MNPI. If you believe that you might have access to MNPI, you should take the following steps:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Report the information and proposed trade immediately to a CCO or a member of compliance;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Do not purchase or sell the securities as Personal Trades or for clients without written clearance to do so from a CCO or a member of compliance; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Do not communicate the inside information other than to compliance and, if necessary, your direct manager.

A member of the Compliance Department will determine whether the information is material and nonpublic.

F. Contact with Public Companies

The Affiliated Advisers contact with public companies may help form the basis of investment decisions. Legal issues may arise if, in the course of these contacts, you become aware of MNPI. This could happen, for example, if a company's chief financial officer were to

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 7 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

prematurely disclose quarterly results, or an investor relations representative selectively discloses adverse news to a handful of investors.

G. Tender Offers

Tender offers represent a particular concern in the law of insider trading for two reasons. First, tender offer activity often produces extraordinary gyrations in the price of the target company's securities. Trading during this time is more likely to attract regulatory attention (and produces a disproportionate percentage of insider trading cases). Second, the SEC forbids trading and "tipping" while in possession of MNPI regarding the receipt of a tender offer, the tender offeror, the target company or anyone acting on behalf of either of these parties. You should exercise caution any time you become aware of non-public information relating to a tender offer.

H. Protecting Sensitive Information

You are responsible for safeguarding all confidential information relating to investment research, fund and client holdings, including analyst research reports, investment meeting discussions or notes, and current fund or client transaction information, regardless whether such information is deemed MNPI. Other types of information (for example, marketing plans, employment issues and shareholder identities) may also be confidential and should not be shared with individuals outside the company unless approved by a CCO or an executive officer.

You are expressly prohibited from knowingly spreading any false rumor concerning any company, or any purported market development, that is designed to impact trading in or the price of that company's or any other company's securities, and from engaging in any other type of activity that constitutes illegal market manipulation.

**I.Trading in Securities Listed on Exchanges in Other Countries**

Trading in securities listed on exchanges in other countries is governed by the laws of that country. When trading in such securities, you must ensure compliance with applicable law, which in all relevant cases prohibits trading on the basis of MNPI or price-sensitive information, as those terms are defined in the relevant jurisdiction.

J. Public Company Confidential Records

VCH's and Affiliated Adviser records must always be treated as confidential and must not be disclosed or used for any purpose at any time other than for the normal course of business. Information learned about other entities in a special relationship with VCH, such as acquisition, joint venture and partnership negotiations, is confidential and must not be disclosed without proper authorization.

At all times, you are prohibited from making any recommendation or expressing any opinion as to trading in Victory Capital Stock

See VCH's Corporate Communications Policy and Insider Trading Policy for more

information.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 8 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

A "conflict of interest" exists when your interests may be contrary to our clients' and shareholders' interests. A conflict may arise if you take action or have business, financial or other interests that may make it difficult to perform your work objectively and effectively.

Conflicts of interest may arise, for example, if you or your Immediate Family member receives improper personal benefits (for example, personal loans, services, or payment for services) as a result of your position at an Affiliated Adviser or you gain personal enrichment or benefits through access to confidential information. Conflicts may also arise if you or an Immediate Family member holds a financial interest in a company that does business with an Affiliated Adviser or has outside business interests that may result in divided loyalties or compromised independent judgment. Conflicts may also arise when making securities investments for Proprietary Products or Personal Accounts or when determining how to allocate trading opportunities.

Conflicts of interest can arise in many common situations, despite best efforts to avoid them. This Code does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest. Literal compliance with each of the specific procedures will not shield you from liability for Personal Trading or other conduct that violates your fiduciary duties to clients. You are encouraged to seek clarification of, and discuss questions about, potential conflicts of interest. Any questions regarding a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest should be directed to a manager, a CCO or a representative of compliance.

The following areas represent many common types of conflicts of interests and the procedures to be followed; however, the list is not intended to be all-inclusive. A summary is provided for each case, but further details can be found in the related policies and procedures for your specific Affiliated Adviser. To the extent there is a conflict between an Affiliated Adviser's related policies and procedures and the requirements of the Code, the Code shall prevail. For questions related to conflicts of interest, please contact a member of your Affiliated Adviser's compliance department.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Gifts and Entertainment

<u>Gifts</u>

Giving or receiving gifts or other items of value to or from persons doing business or seeking to do business with an Affiliated Adviser could call into question the independence of its judgment as a fiduciary of its clients. Accordingly, such conduct is only permitted in accordance with the limitations stated herein.

Affiliated Adviser policies on gifts and entertainment are derived from industry practices. You should be aware that there are various laws and regulations that prohibit you from giving anything of value to employees of various financial institutions in connection with attempts to obtain any business transaction with the institution, which is viewed as a form of bribery. If there is any question about the appropriateness of any particular gift, you should consult a member of compliance.

Under no circumstances may a gift be received as any form of compensation for services provided by an Affiliated Adviser or an Access Person. Gifts of nominal value may be given to or accepted from present or prospective customers, brokers, service providers, suppliers or vendors with whom there is an actual or potential business relationship. You are required to pre-clear all gifts given and received in MCO, and promptly report all gifts given in the Affiliated Adviser's expense reporting system. Any gifts received must promptly be

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 9 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

disclosed in MCO. Gifts from an individual or entity may not exceed $100 in aggregate value in any calendar year unless pre-approval is obtained from your direct manager and compliance.

Gifts of up to $100 per person per year may be provided to present or prospective customers, brokers, service providers, suppliers or vendors with whom there is an actual or potential business relationship.

Additional policies concerning gifts may be applicable depending on the type of customer (e.g., ERISA, foreign, union, government officials, or Covered Government Officials).

Please refer to the Gifts and Entertainment Policy (F-3) for more information.

<u>Entertainment</u>

You may sponsor and participate in Reasonable and Customary Business Entertainment. Any Business Entertainment that is not Reasonable and Customary must be pre-approved by a CCO and your manager. You must accompany the persons being entertained for an entertainment activity to qualify as permissible Business Entertainment. All Business Entertainment expenses must be reported promptly in the applicable expense reporting system, listing each attendee at the entertainment event. The receipt of Business Entertainment must be disclosed promptly after each occurrence in MCO, with the exception of infrequent business meals that cost no more than $25 per person. If the client, broker, service provider, vendor or supplier is not present, the entertainment is considered a gift. Items that are normally associated with entertainment that are given or received during a virtual event can be considered entertainment as long as the appropriate parties are in attendance at the virtual event.

Additional policies concerning gifts and entertainment may be applicable depending on the type of customer (e.g., ERISA, foreign, union, government officials, or Covered Government Officials).

Please refer to the Gifts and Entertainment Policy (F-3) for more information.

B. Political Contributions

SEC regulations limit political contributions to Covered Government Officials by employees of investment advisory firms and certain affiliated companies. The SEC's "Pay-to-Play" Rule 206(4)-5 (the "Rule") prohibits advisers from receiving any compensation for providing investment advice to a government entity within two years after a contribution has been made by the adviser or one of its covered associates. The two-year time out is triggered by a political contribution to an official of a government entity. The date of the contribution starts the time out.

The Rule permits contributions of up to $350 per person for any election to an elected official or candidate for whom the individual is entitled to vote, and up to $150 per person for any election to an elected official or candidate for whom the individual is not entitled to vote. Many U.S. cities, states and other government entities have also adopted regulations restricting political contributions by associates of investment management firms seeking to provide services to a governmental entity. While contributions to candidates in federal elections would generally not raise any issues under state or local laws, contributions to state and local officials are generally not approved. Prior to the commencement of employment, you must disclose all political contributions in the past 2 years to Human Resources. During

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 10 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

employment, you must receive approval from compliance through MCO before making personal political contributions at all levels. Political contributions which require pre-approval include, but are not limited to, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Covered Government Officials;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Federal candidate campaigns and affiliated committees;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Non-profit organizations that may engage in political activities, such as 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) organizations, and 527 organizations

Note: U.S. national political party donations (e.g. Democratic or Republican) do not require preclearance, provided the donation is not earmarked for a specific candidate. Contributions include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Monetary contributions, gifts or loans;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•"In kind" contributions (e.g. donations of goods or services or underwriting or hosting fundraisers);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Contributions to help pay a debt incurred in connection with an election (including transition or inaugural expenses, purchasing tickets to inaugural events);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Contributions to joint fund-raising committees; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Contributions made by a PAC that is controlled by an Access Person.

See the Political Contributions Policy (F-2) for more information.

C. Outside Business Activities

Prior to commencement of employment with VCM, all Outside Business Activities ("OBAs") must be disclosed to Human Resources. During employment and prior to commencement of any new OBA, you must fill out and submit an OBA request form in MCO. You are responsible for notifying compliance of any material OBA changes and must review, update and certify quarterly to your OBA activities.

<u>Holding Political Office/Appointments</u>

You must avoid any political appointment that may conflict with the performance of your duties on behalf of the Affiliated Advisers and their clients. Prior written approval must be obtained from a CCO before holding political office and, if approved, must be confirmed annually through the compliance certification process. You must expressly remove yourself from any discussions and decisions regarding products or services offered by the Affiliated Advisers.

<u>Outside Employment or Business Activities</u>

You may pursue other interests on your own time as long as the activity doesn't conflict, interfere, or reflect negatively on the Affiliated Advisers or their clients. However, full-time employees should consider their position to be their primary employment.

All outside business activities must be reported to and pre-approved by both your manager and a CCO (or CCO designee). Outside employment or business activities may be considered any activity conducted by you for another organization or business purpose that is outside the scope of your job function with the Affiliated Advisers. This includes, but is not limited to, being an employee, independent contractor, consultant, sole proprietor, officer, director or partner of another organization, or being compensated by, or having the reasonable expectation of compensation from, any other

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 11 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

person or organization as a result of any business activity outside the scope of the relationship with the Affiliated Advisers. Certain activities are <u>not</u> considered reportable OBAs, including any non- investment related activity that is exclusively charitable, civic, religious or fraternal, and is recognized as tax exempt.

Passive investments requirements are governed by the Limited Offerings and Private Placement sections of this Code. If you are unsure if a specific activity is an OBA or passive investment, you should consults with a member of compliance.

Absent prior approval of a CCO and the Chief Executive Officer, you or your Immediate Family member may not serve on the board of directors of any publicly traded company or investment company. You or your Immediate Family member's service on a for-profit private company's board of directors must also be pre-approved by your direct manager and a CCO or CLO, and reported on the your annual Code certification.

All outside employment or business activities must be reported to and pre-approved by both your direct manager and a CCO and reported on your quarterly certification. You are prohibited from the commencement of any outside employment or business activities until a CCO's approval within MCO has occurred.

In addition to these outside employment or business activity procedures, if you are a registered representatives of VCS, you must also adhere to related requirements as set forth in VCS's Written Supervisory Procedures Manual.

See the Outside Business Activity Policy (F-4) for more information.

<u>Bequests</u>

A bequest is the act of leaving or giving something of value in a will. The acceptance of a bequest from a client, vendor or business partner may raise questions about the propriety of that relationship. Any potential or actual bequest in excess of $100 made to you by a client, vendor, or business partner under a will or trust agreement must be reported to compliance, unless the grantor is a member of your immediate family. Such bequests shall be subject to the approval of your direct manage and a CCO.

D. Other Prohibitions on Conduct

In addition to the specific prohibitions detailed elsewhere in the Code, you are subject to a general requirement not to engage or participate in any act or practice that would defraud Affiliated Adviser clients. This general prohibition includes, among other things:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Making any untrue statement of a material fact or employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a client;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Omitting to state a material fact, or failing to provide any information necessary to properly clarify any statements made, in light of the circumstances, thereby creating a materially misleading impression;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Misuse of client confidential information;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Making investment decisions, changing internal research ratings and trading decisions other than exclusively for the benefit and in the best interest of our clients;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Using information about investment or trading decisions or changes in research ratings (whether considered, proposed or made) to benefit or avoid economic injury to an Access Person or anyone other than our clients.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 12 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Taking, delaying or failing to take any action with respect to any research recommendation, report or rating or any investment or trading decision for a client in order to avoid economic injury to an Access Person or anyone other than a client;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Purchasing or selling a security on the basis of knowledge of a possible trade by or for a client with the intent of personally profiting from personal holdings in the same or related securities ("front-running" or "scalping");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Revealing to any other person (except in the normal course of your duties on behalf of a client) any information regarding securities transactions by any client or the consideration by any client of any such securities transactions; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Engaging in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on a client or engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to any client.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**E.Review of Employee Communications**

All correspondence related to the Affiliated Advisers' business and any client correspondence is subject to review by compliance. The Affiliated Advisers are required to maintain original records of employee correspondence that is communicated on approved devices (such as through email). In addition, the Affiliated Advisers are required to monitor employee communications and compliance with conflicts of interest and insider trading policies and procedures. Consequently, all employee communications, including emails and other forms of electronic communication are archived and subject to review for compliance purposes. You are advised that you should have no expectation of privacy regarding personal communications that are sent or received on company-provided or connected electronic devices or communication platforms, such as instant messages or emails.

Additionally, you are prohibited from sending client communications via any personal email account, instant messaging, text or other method that is not captured in our archiving system. You may only use an Affiliated Adviser's e-mail system, instant messaging system, Bloomberg and other explicitly approved methods for business-related communications. You are permitted to communicate on an Affiliated Adviser's e-mail system connected through personal mobile devices such as smartphones. See the appropriate technology policy for more information.

**6. STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You have a duty to place the interests of client accounts first and not take advantage of your position at the expense of clients

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You must not mislead or defraud any clients by any statement, act or manipulative practice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•All personal securities transactions must be conducted in a manner to avoid any actual, potential, or appearance of, a conflict of interest, or any abuse of your position of trust and responsibility.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You may not induce or cause a client to take action, or not to take action, for personal benefit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You may not share portfolio holdings information except as permitted by the applicable portfolio holdings disclosure policy. See the policy for more information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You must notify a CCO or CLO, as soon as reasonably practical, if you are arrested, arraigned, indicted or plead no contest or guilty to any criminal offense (other than minor traffic violations) or if named as a defendant in any investment-related civil proceeding or any administrative or disciplinary action.

**7. PERSONAL TRADING, CODE OF ETHICS REPORTING AND CERTIFICATIONS**

Personal Trading is a privilege granted by the Affiliated Advisers that may be withdrawn at any time. All personal investment activities must be conducted in accordance with your fiduciary duty and the

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 13 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

requirements of the Code at all times. The CCOs have complete discretion over all Personal Trading activity and have no obligation to explain any denial or restriction relating thereto. You may be required to disgorge any gains generated (or losses avoided) from Personal Trading violations. Access Persons must maintain adequate records of all Personal Trading transactions and be prepared to disclose those transactions to compliance.

A. Employee Investment Accounts

Subject to disclosure and pre-clearance requirements, Access Persons may open and maintain Managed Accounts and Personal Accounts with select brokers supported by MCO through direct electronic feeds ("Approved Brokers"). Any accounts held with a broker that is not on the Approved Broker List must be transferred to an Approved Broker within 90 days of the commencement of employment.

On a case-by-case basis, compliance may approve certain accounts held with brokers that are not on the Approved Brokers List. Compliance must still receive statements for each of these types of accounts, regardless of whether they are Managed or Personal Accounts.

For a list of Approved Brokers see Appendix 2 – Approved Brokers List. For a summary of account disclosure requirements see Appendix 3 – Investment Account Disclosure. For a summary of preclearance requirements see Appendix 4 – Preclearance and Reporting By Security Type.

<u>Managed Accounts</u>

Access Persons may open and maintain Managed Accounts with Approved Brokers. With the exception of IPOs and Limited Offerings, the requirements listed below under Personal Trading Requirements and Restrictions do not apply to Managed Accounts. Participation in an IPO or a private placement in a Managed Account still requires prior approval of a CCO or his/her designee.

Managed Accounts require the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•They must be approved by compliance prior to trading or on the next quarterly certification, whichever is sooner;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•At the end of each quarter, <u>all employees</u> must certify that all Managed Accounts have been disclosed and verify all transactions are correctly reflected in MCO;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The employee must certify and compliance must be able to independently verify that the account is truly discretionary; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Access Persons must certify quarterly that they had no direct or indirect influence or control over any transactions that occurred in their Managed Accounts.

Failure to adhere to these requirements could lead to disciplinary actions and penalties up to and including termination.

<u>Personal Accounts</u>

Access Persons may open and maintain Personal Accounts at Victory Capital Services and with brokers on the Approved Brokers List (see Appendix 2). All requirements listed below under Personal Trading Requirements and Restrictions apply to Personal Accounts.

Personal Accounts require the following:

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 14 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•They must be approved by compliance prior to trading or on the next quarterly certification, whichever is sooner;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•At the end of each quarter, <u>all employees</u> must certify that all Personal Accounts have been disclosed and verify all Personal Trades or transactions are correctly reflected in MCO.

Access Persons acknowledge and agree that the Affiliated Advisers may request and obtain information regarding Personal Accounts from broker-dealers. Affiliated Advisers may use personal information, including name, address and social security numbers, to identify and verify employee accounts.

B. Employee Investment Account Reporting

<u>Investment Account Disclosure</u>

All Personal Accounts and Managed Accounts must be disclosed to and approved by compliance prior to trading or on the next quarterly certification, whichever is sooner. New Hires may not trade in their existing accounts until they have been disclosed and approved by compliance. By regulation, such disclosure must take place within 10 days of hire. Failure to comply may result in sanctions imposed by the VCM Compliance Committee and/or Board of Directors.

<u>Initial Holdings Report/Annual Holdings Report</u>

No Personal Trading will be authorized before compliance has received a completed Initial Holdings Report as part of the new hire on-boarding process. Any exceptions must be approved by a CCO. The Initial Holdings Report must be submitted to compliance within ten (10) calendar days of becoming an Access Person. All Access Persons must submit a similar report annually to compliance. These reports must include the following information:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The date when the individual became an Access Person (Initial Holdings Report only);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The name of each Personal Account in which any securities are or could be held in the Beneficial Interest of the Access Person, and the name of the broker-dealer or financial institution holding these accounts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Current holdings in private placements (or non-public offering), including private equity, hedge funds or partnerships; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Each Reportable Security or Reportable Fund in which the Access Person has a Beneficial Interest, including title, number of shares, and principal amount. Holdings information must be current as of 45 calendar days before the report is submitted.

<u>Quarterly Securities Transaction Report</u>

At the end of each quarter, every Access Person must verify his or her Personal Trades or transactions in Personal Accounts through MCO by submitting a Securities Transaction Report ("STR") no later than 30 calendar days following the end of each calendar quarter (whether or not trades were made). The STR must include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A description of any transaction in a Reportable Security or Reportable Fund effected during the preceding quarter, such as the date, number of shares, principal amount of securities involved, nature of the transaction (i.e., a buy or a sell), price, and the name of the broker/dealer or financial institution that effected the transaction; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The name and number for any account established in the preceding quarter

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 15 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

Certain transactions are exempt from the quarterly reporting requirement. See "Summary of Preclearance Requirements" in Appendix 4 – Preclearance and Reporting By Security Type for more information.

C. Personal Trading Requirements and Restrictions

<u>Prohibited Securities and Transactions</u>

Commodities, currencies, futures, options, and selling securities short are prohibited in Personal Accounts.

Investments in companies under common control of VCH are also prohibited in Personal Accounts.

<u>Pre-clearance Requirement</u>

You must obtain compliance approval prior to executing a transaction that requires pre-clearance (see Appendix 4 – Preclearance and Reporting By Security Type). Approval may only be requested by submitting a Personal Trade Pre-Clearance Request ("PTR") in MCO. Compliance approval expires at the end of the trading day approval was provided (see exception granted to Covered Persons, as defined in VCH's Insider Trading Policy). In certain circumstances, an approved and executed Personal Trade may need to be broken or profits disgorged (e.g. a Blackout Period triggered by subsequent client trading).

Cryptocurrencies – Trading in cryptocurrencies must be pre-cleared using the appropriate section of the Trade Pre-Clearance form within MCO. Such trades must be executed either in an account at a firm that is on our approved broker list (see Appendix 2) or in an account that does not offer any security trading capability. Accounts established to trade cryptocurrencies that do not have security trading capabilities must be reported in MCO. Receiving pre-clearance approval does not relieve you of your fiduciary duty and the responsibility to follow the spirit of the Code.

Compliance will review cryptocurrency trade requests for perceived or actual conflicts. As a general rule, compliance expects that cryptocurrencies traded on common crypto exchanges (e.g. Coinbase) will not pose a conflict and would be approved. Trades in cryptocurrencies will not be subject to the Short-Term Trading Period or count towards your Maximum Allowable Trades, however compliance may deny trades if it determines an actual or perceived conflict exists or an employee is trading too frequently. Decisions for approval and denial are the sole responsibility of compliance and are final.

You should be aware that the regulatory environment continues to evolve with respect to cryptocurrencies. In the future, you may be required to divest crypto holdings or hold them only at approved account providers if deemed necessary to meet regulatory requirements.

<u>Prohibition on Personal Trades Ahead of Client Pending Orders</u>

You are prohibited from executing Personal Trades in securities where you are aware of any pending orders in such securities by any Franchise that, if executed, would trigger a Blackout Period, create a conflict, or disadvantage a client. Adherence to the above Pre-Clearance Requirement does not provide relief from this prohibition.

<u>Franchise Blackout Period</u>

The Franchise Blackout Period is triggered by all client trades within an employee's specific Franchise. De Minimis Trades and ETFs listed in Appendix 5 are not subject to the blackout period.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 16 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

Employees may not make De Minimis Trades in the same security on consecutive trading days. The LCR Department does not provide exceptions to the Franchise Blackout Period beyond De Minimis Trades and ETFs.

<u>Standard Blackout Period</u>

For all other employees (e.g. support staff) and the Victory Solutions Team the Standard Blackout Period is triggered by all client trades. Therefore, a Personal Trade by an employee during a Blackout Period in the same name as any client is generally prohibited. De Minimis Trades and ETFs listed in Appendix 5 are not subject to the Standard Blackout Period. Employees may not make De Minimis Trades in the same security on consecutive trading days. The appropriate CCO, or his/her designee, may determine that a nonvolitional client trade (e.g. cash flow trading) did not trigger a Blackout Period. In such cases, Compliance will confirm that there are no other potential conflicts before approving or reviewing a Personal Trade. Additionally, in certain situations (e.g. shared office spaces), the CCO, or his/her designee, may apply the Standard Blackout Period to Franchises.

<u>Private Equity Prohibitions</u>

Employees who are part of a franchise that invests in private equity on behalf of clients are prohibited from investing in any publicly-listed portfolio companies held by such franchise. Publicly-listed companies that are not portfolio companies but are in similar sectors and industries as those that are held will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for potential conflicts.

<u>Short-Term Holding Period</u>

Personal Trading must be for investment purposes rather than for speculation. You may not purchase and sell or sell and purchase the same security within sixty (60) calendar days, calculated on a LIFO basis. This means each purchase will require you to hold your entire position in that security for 60 days. Similarly, this means each sale will require you not to purchase that name for 60 days. Excess profits (or losses avoided) as a result of violating this restriction may be subject to disgorgement. You should carefully consider whether you have the conviction to hold an entire position or refrain from adding to a position for at least 60 days before engaging in buy or sell transactions. See exceptions related to trading in Victory Capital stock. The Short-Term Holding Period only applies to transactions that require pre-clearance.

The appropriate CCO, in his/her sole discretion, may approve exceptions to this requirement.

<u>Maximum Allowable Trades</u>

You are limited to 15 Personal Trades in individual securities per calendar quarter across your Personal Accounts. A trade in the same security in multiple accounts on the same day will count as one trade. Transactions listed in the "Reportable ONLY (Preclearance NOT Required)" section of Appendix 4 do not count toward the 15 allowable trades. A CCO, in his/her sole discretion, may approve exceptions to this requirement.

<u>Prohibition on Small Market Capitalization Securities</u>

Personal Trade purchases in smaller market capitalization stocks of $3 billion market capitalization or less are prohibited. Due to potential conflicts associated with such names, Victory reserves this universe for client use. New hires who hold names in such securities or existing employees who hold names that have since gone below $3 billion should speak to the LCR Department prior to submitting a request to sell.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 17 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

<u>IPO Rule</u>

You may <u>not</u> directly or indirectly acquire a Beneficial Interest in any securities offered in an IPO or in an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), in a Personal Account or Managed Account, without prior approval of a CCO or his/her designee.

<u>Limited Offerings (Private Placements)</u>

You may <u>not</u> acquire a Beneficial Interest in a private placement without the prior approval of a CCO or his/her designee. Prior approval is required whether investing directly or through a Personal Account or Managed Account. Private placements, such as investment in a private company, investments in a hedge fund or other private investment fund are reportable through the preclearance process. Subsequent capital contributions and full or partial redemptions must be precleared through MCO.

<u>Market Timing Mutual Fund Transactions</u>

You shall not participate in any activity that may be construed as market timing of mutual funds. Specifically, you shall <u>not</u> engage in excessive trading or market timing activities as described in each prospectus of a Proprietary Product or Reportable Fund.

<u>Trading in Victory Capital Stock</u>

Victory Capital Stock (VCTR) is a Reportable Security under the Code and any transaction in VCTR in a Personal Account must be precleared. You may be eligible for certain benefits related to VCTR, such as participation in the ESPP and grants of stock options or restricted stock. Certain transactions related to these benefits will require pre-clearance. For a summary of pre-clearance requirements for VCTR see Pre-Clearance Requirements for Victory Capital Stock under Appendix 4 – Preclearance and Reporting By Security Type. If you are uncertain whether a transaction requires pre-clearance, you should consult with compliance prior to trading.

VCTR transactions related to the above employee benefits will not trigger the Short-Term Holding Period in a Personal Account. Likewise, VCTR transactions in a Personal Account will not affect an employee's ability to exercise such employee benefits.

Covered Persons, as defined in VCH's Insider Trading Policy, will have 3 business days upon receipt of approval to effect transactions in VCTR.

D. Representations and Warranties

Each time you submit a PTR, you shall be deemed to make the following representations and warranties:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You are not in possession of any MNPI for the requested security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You are not aware of any client trading in the same security during any Blackout Period to which you are subject

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You have not traded the same position in the opposite direction, in the past 60 days (Mandatory Short-Term Holding Period);

**E.Quarterly and Annual Certifications of Compliance**

You are required to certify quarterly that you have disclosed all reportable:

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 18 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Gifts and entertainment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Outside Business Activities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Political activity and contributions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.All Personal Trading Accounts, including Managed Accounts; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Personal Trades.

You are required to certify annually to the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.You have read, understand and complied with this Code and other related policies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.You have read, understand and complied with Victory Capital's Corporate Information Protection and Technology Use Policy (A-8);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.You have provided and verified all reportable holdings data; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.You have answered all additional questions and disclosures within the Annual Code of Ethics Certification in an accurate and truthful manner.

**F.Review Procedures**

Compliance will maintain review procedures consistent with this Code.

G. Recordkeeping

All Code of Ethics records will be maintained pursuant to the provisions of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act.

H. Whistleblower Provisions

If you believe that there has been a violation of this Code, any federal law, or regulation of any governmental agency or entity, you must promptly notify VCM and WestEnd via: 1) a Chief Legal Officer, 2) a Chief Compliance Officer, or 3) the anonymous VCM Hotline at 800-854-9055.

Nothing in this Code shall prohibit you from: 1) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information to any law enforcement agency, regulatory authority, or self-regulatory organization, or as required by law; 2) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with any law enforcement agency, regulatory authority, or self-regulatory organization; or 3) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards.

You are protected from retaliation for reporting violations of this Code. Retaliation or the threat of retaliation against you for reporting a violation constitutes a further violation of this Code and may lead to immediate suspension and further sanctions.

VCM is also responsible for communicating the Victory Funds whistleblower procedures to applicable employees. The Victory Funds have implemented procedures for receiving anonymous reports of suspected or actual violations of the Victory Funds' policies and questionable accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters.

Call 866-844-3863 to initiate a report regarding Victory Portfolios, Victory Portfolios II, or the Victory Variable Insurance Funds trusts.

Call 877-711-3336 to initiate a report regarding Victory Portfolios III trust.

Call 866-992-3741 to initiate a reporting regarding Victory Portfolios IV, Victory Variable Insurance Funds II, or Pioneer Closed-End Funds.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 19 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**I.Confidentiality**

All information obtained from any employee shall be kept in strict confidence, except when requested by the SEC or any other regulatory or self-regulatory organization, and may otherwise be disclosed to the extent required by law or regulation. Additionally, certain information may be provided to a broker-dealer, service provider or vendor, such as employee name, social security number and home address, in order to ascertain Personal Trading activity that is required to be disclosed by an Access Person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;J. Reporting to the Board of Directors of Affiliated Funds

At least annually, the appropriate Affiliated Advisers will provide the Board of Directors of Affiliated Funds with information regarding: 1) any Material Violations under this Code and any sanctions imposed as a response to such Material Violation; and 2) certification that it has adopted procedures necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating this Code.

8. CODE OF ETHICS VIOLATION GUIDELINES

You are responsible for conducting your activities in accordance with this Code. Violations of the Code may result in applicable sanctions.

Sanctions may correlate to the severity of the violation and may take into consideration, among other things, such factors as the frequency and severity of any prior violations. A CCO may recommend escalation to the VCM Board of Directors and Compliance Committee. When necessary, the VCM Board of Directors may obtain input from the Compliance Committee and a CCO when determining whether such violation is a Material Violation.

The CCOs hold discretionary authority to revoke Personal Trading privileges for any length of time and also reserve the right to lift Personal Trading sanctions in response to market conditions. Additionally, a CCO or Compliance Committee may impose a monetary penalty for any violation. A CCO will report all warnings, violations, exceptions granted and sanctions to the Compliance Committee.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Minor Violations** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Potential Actions** |

---

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 20 of 22

![](g6ksxou49d7ssa7yjnr82.jpg)

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

• Provided incorrect or incomplete account or trading information

• Engaging in a pattern of discouraged or excessive trading

• Trading without pre-clearance approval when trade would have normally been approved and additional violations did not occur

• Failure to submit a complete or timely initial or annual holdings or securities transactions report

• Failure to provide the Compliance Department a duplicate confirmation in a timely manner after request or notice by the Compliance Department

• Failure to pre-clear properly an OBA or political contribution that would have been approved

• Failure to complete a quarterly or annual certification by due date

• Failure to pre-clear an investment in a private placement that would have been approved

**Technical Violations**

• Any pattern of a Minor Violation within a 12-month period may qualify as a Technical Violation

• Failure to report a Personal Account in which trades requiring pre-clearance have occurred

• Trading without pre-clearance approval when trade would <u>not</u> have been approved

• Trading without pre-clearance or supplied incorrect information, which may have resulted in additional violations

• Failure to pre-clear any activity that would have been denied by the Compliance Department

• Any willful violations of the Code, as determined by a CCO, to be more severe than a Minor Violation

**Repeat Technical Violations**

• Any Technical Violation that is repeated at least two

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)times during a 12-month period

**Material Violations / Fraudulent Actions**

• Any Material Violation

• Compliance may question you and document response

• 1<sup>st</sup> violation within a 12-month period may result in a warning letter

• CCO and Compliance Committee may be notified of all warnings and citations given to employees

• You may be required to break a trade or disgorge profits from the trade

• Any additional actions a CCO or Compliance deem appropriate under the circumstances

**Potential Actions**

• Compliance may question you and document response

• Compliance may issue a warning letter

• Compliance Committee may be notified

• Human Resources may be notified

• You may be required to break a trade or disgorge profits from the trade – any such profits will be donated to charity

• Temporary ban from Personal Trading for no less than 30 calendar days

• A fine may be imposed, as determined by a CCO on a case-by-case basis

• Any other actions deemed appropriate by a CCO or compliance

**Potential Actions**

• A CCO may meet with your direct manager to discuss violation

• Human Resources may be notified

• You may be required to break a trade or disgorge profits from the trade – any such profits will be donated to charity

• Three (3) or more technical violations within a 12month period may receive a citation letter, monetary fine and loss of Personal Trading privileges for no less than 90 calendar days

• Any other actions deemed appropriate by a CCO or compliance

**Potential Actions**

• Compliance Committee will review and recommend sanctions and penalties up to and including termination of employment

• The Board of Directors and, when applicable, clients may be notified

• Possible criminal sanctions imposed by regulatory

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 21 of 22

![](giw6vvofnnxmv6qcjn1jc.jpg)

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

authorities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A fine of $10,000 may be imposed by the Board of Directors

Any other actions deemed appropriate by a CCO, Compliance Committee or the Board of Directors

The Code of Ethics Violation Guidelines provides examples of potential Code violations and the actions that Victory Capital might take if you violate the Code; it is not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of potential Code violations or actions relating thereto. All findings of Code violations and any actions relating thereto will be made on a case-by-case basis. The CCOs have discretion to interpret violations and impose various sanctions in response to such violations as deemed necessary.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 22 of 22

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

**Reconsideration**

If you wish to dispute a violation notice, you may submit a written explanation of the circumstances of the violation to a CCO. The CCOs (and the CLO if escalation is deemed necessary) will review submissions on a case-by-case basis. The CCOs and CLO are under no obligation to change any sanction that has been imposed.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page 23 of 22

![](g3zq87gap7ncq4nzadw2z.jpg)

**Appendix 1 – Affiliated Funds, Proprietary Products & Reportable Funds**

As described in this Code, certain restrictions apply to trading in an Affiliated Fund, a Proprietary Product and any fund sub-advised by an Affiliated Adviser. Please refer to the company's intranet site "Under the wing" for a complete list or follow one of the links below.

**Affiliated Funds**

For the most up-to-date list of Affiliated Victory Funds, please visit <u>www.vcm.com.</u>

**Proprietary Products**

Proprietary Products, are funds or products in which Victory Capital or its employees have an aggregate of 25% or more Beneficial Interest. Employees are required to pre-clear trades in any Proprietary Products.

On a quarterly basis Victory's compliance and fund administration department will review fund ownership levels to determine if any funds meet the criteria to be deemed a Proprietary Product. A list of current Proprietary Products will be maintained on the Compliance page of Victory's intranet site.

**Sub-Advised Funds**

VCM acts as sub-adviser to a number of unaffiliated registered investment companies (mutual funds). Please refer to VCM's ADV filed with the SEC by searching for the firm name on <u>https://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov</u> . ADV Part 1 contains SECTION 5.G.(3), which lists "Advisers to Registered Investment Companies and Business Development Companies". The name of the fund complex can be obtained by searching for the SEC File Number (under More Options) using EDGAR: <u>https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html</u> . A complete list is also available on the company's intranet site "Under the wing" under the compliance tab.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. i of ix

![](gfgmfkxmjufwl7wyj5yne.jpg)

Page

**Appendix 2 – Approved Brokers List**

In addition to accounts on Victory Capital's retail brokerage platform, you are allowed to open new or maintain existing personal or managed accounts at any of the external brokers listed below. However, you may NOT begin trading in a brokerage account (in-house or external) until it is reported in MCO and set up on our broker data feed. The approved external brokers have been divided into tiers based on how responsive they typically are to our requests to add new accounts to the broker data feed.

**<u>Tier 1 Approved Brokers</u>**

These brokers provide enhanced broker data feed functionality and typically add new accounts to our broker data feed within 1 – 3 business days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Charles Schwab (acquired TD Ameritrade)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Fidelity Investments

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Interactive Brokers

**<u>Tier 2 Approved Brokers</u>**

These brokers may take longer than Tier 1 Approved Brokers, but they generally add new accounts to our broker data feed within 5 business days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Ameriprise Financial Services

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Edward Jones

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Merrill Lynch

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.UBS

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Vanguard

**<u>Tier 3 Approved Brokers</u>**

These brokers may require you to sign a form before they will add a new account to our broker data feed, and/or typically take longer to update the feed once all their requirements are met – your ability to trade in a new account at these firms may be significantly delayed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.JP Morgan Chase

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Morgan Stanley (acquired E\*TRADE)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Northern Trust

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Raymond James

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.RBC

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Wells Fargo

**<u>Approved Non-Brokers</u>**

The following types of accounts are typically not held through a traditional brokerage firm but are still allowed under the Code of Ethics – you may be required to manually report transactions effected in reportable securities within these types of accounts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.ESOP/ESPP

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Direct Registration Service (DRS – i.e. Computershare, American Stock Transfer Company, etc.)

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page ii of ix

![](gepgzlvqjr15rzjxncana.jpg)

Page

**Appendix 3 – Investment Account Disclosure**

New Hires may not trade in their existing accounts until they have been disclosed and approved by compliance. By regulation, such disclosure must take place within 10 days of hire. All new Personal Accounts and Managed Accounts must be reported to compliance prior to trading or on the next quarterly certification, whichever is sooner. Failure to comply may result in sanctions imposed by the VCM Compliance Committee and/or Board of Directors.

The below chart summarizes certain account types and their disclosure requirements. If you have a beneficial interest in any account identified below, you must follow the disclosure requirements. If you are uncertain whether an account should be disclosed or if you have a beneficial interest in an account not listed below, you should consult with a CCO or a member of the Compliance team.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Account Type** | **Initial Disclosure** | **Periodic Verification** |
| **Account Type** | **Initial Disclosure** | **Periodic Verification** |
| All Personal Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| All Managed Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Affiliated Fund Direct Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| 401(k) if able to hold Reportable Securities | Yes | Yes |
| Security Lending Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Investment Club Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Private Placements | Yes | No |
| Unaffiliated Open-end Mutual Fund Direct Accounts | No | No |
| Retirement accounts if unable to hold Reportable Securities | No | No |
| 529 Plans | No | No |
| Bank accounts if unable to hold Reportable Securities | No | No |
| Donor Advised Fund (only pre-clear gift of stock to account) | No | No |
| HSA Investments (if unable to hold Reportable Securities) | No | No |
| Accounts that facilitate trading cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |

---

**Also see the Account Reporting Job Aid for more details.**

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page iii of ix

![](gururrqi8og4e8olpzmuo.jpg)

**Appendix 4 – Preclearance and Reporting By Security Type**

Most transactions in Personal Accounts require you to submit a PTR through MCO. See Section VI: Personal Trading Requirements and Restrictions for more information.

**Summary of Pre-clearance and Reporting Requirements**

The below chart summarizes the pre-clearance and reporting requirements of certain security types. Additional details can be found in the Pre-Clearance Job Aid. If you are uncertain whether a transaction requires pre-clearance, you should consult with a CCO or a member of the Compliance team. For Victory Capital Stock, please refer to the Summary of Pre-Clearance Requirements for Victory Capital Stock provided in this Appendix.

**Prohibited in Personal Accounts**

Commodity Futures

Futures

Options

Currency Futures

Selling Securities Short

Single Stock ETFs (and similar instruments that provide exposure to a single stock)

Companies under common control with VCH

**Pre-clear in Managed Accounts and Personal Accounts**

Initial Public Offerings (IPO)

Initial Coin Offerings (ICO)

Private placements

**Pre-clear in Personal Accounts**

Equities

Corporate, High-Yield, Convertible, International, and Municipal Bonds

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including affiliated ETFs

Exchange-traded notes (ETNs)

Closed-end funds

Mortgage-Backed Securities

Agency Securities (e.g. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac etc.)

Trust preferred & traditional preferred securities

Any pre-clearance securities that are gifted or donated by an Access Person (e.g. direct to charity

or to donor advised fund)

Unit investment trusts

Victory Proprietary Products (currently there are none)

VCM 401(k) transactions greater than $100,000 in a Proprietary Product

Cryptocurrencies (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)

**Reportable <u>ONLY</u> (pre-clearance NOT required)**

Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs)

Victory Mutual Funds, unless it's a Proprietary Product

Variable insurance products only where an Affiliated Adviser serves as adviser or sub-adviser

**Exempt Transactions (only the effect of these transactions will be captured as an update on the annual holdings certification)**

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page iv of ix

![](g63rt95moyb6uadjmuo8v.jpg)

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

Approved automatic or periodic investment plans

Dividend reinvestment transactions

Corporate action transactions (e.g., stock splits, rights offerings, mergers and acquisitions)

Security lending transactions

**Exempt Securities not subject to the Code**

Direct obligations of the U.S. government

Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit and commercial paper

Investment grade, short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements

Money market funds

Variable insurance products unless an Affiliated Adviser acts as adviser or sub-adviser

Unaffiliated open-end mutual funds

Investments in qualified tuition programs ("529 Plans"), including the USAA College Savings Plan

Physical Commodities (i.e. precious metals)

Foreign Currencies held in order to use as currency (not for investment/speculation purposes)

**Summary of Pre-Clearance Requirements for Victory Capital Stock (ticker "VCTR")**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **VCTR Transaction Description** | **Pre-Clear** |
| **Common Stock (Class A Shares)** |  |
| Employee purchase or sale in any Personal Account (e.g. a brokerage account for the benefit | Yes |
| of the employee or for the benefit of the employee's Immediate Family) | Yes |
| of the employee or for the benefit of the employee's Immediate Family) |  |
| Employee purchase or sale in a Managed Account approved by Compliance. | No |
| **Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)** |  |
| Purchases made pursuant to Employee Stock Purchase Plan | No |
| Sales of shares acquired through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Yes |
| **Options** |  |
| Sale of shares in the open market acquired through the exercise of any options | Yes |
| Cash Exercise - Employee pays the entire cost of the exercise. | No |
| Withhold Shares - Victory Capital withholds shares equal to the cost of the exercise. | No |
| **Restricted Stock (Class B Shares)** |  |
| Selling restricted stock in the open market | Yes |
| Cash - Cash payment to cover vested shares tax liability | No |
| Net - Surrender shares to Victory Capital to cover vested shares tax liability | No |
| **10b5-1 Trading Plan** |  |
| Officers of VCH required to make filings under Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange |  |
| Act of 1934, as amended, conducting trades in accordance with an approved 10b5-1 Trading | No |
| Plan. |  |

---

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page v of ix

![](gdhubxqiay7npgz3rz1im.jpg)

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

**Appendix 5 – ETFs Eligible for De Minimis Transaction Exemption**

Firm trades in the following ETFs will not trigger any Blackout Period due to their use as highly liquid cash management vehicles in various client accounts.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Symbol** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**CUSIP** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Symbol** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**CUSIP** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;IEF | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287440 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;TLT | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287432 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;IEFA | &nbsp;&nbsp;46432F842 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;IEMG | &nbsp;&nbsp;46434G103 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;IVV | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287200 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;AGG | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287226 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares FTSE China 25 Index | &nbsp;&nbsp;FXI | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287184 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond | &nbsp;&nbsp;HYG | &nbsp;&nbsp;464288513 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;LQD | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287242 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares MSCI ACWI Index Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;ACWI | &nbsp;&nbsp;464288257 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares MSCI China Index Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;MCHI | &nbsp;&nbsp;46429B671 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;EEM | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287234 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;EFA | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287465 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;EWJ | &nbsp;&nbsp;464286848 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares MSCI India | &nbsp;&nbsp;INDA | &nbsp;&nbsp;46429B598 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares Russell 1000 | IWF | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287614 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;IWM | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287655 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 Value | &nbsp;&nbsp;IWN | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287630 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value | &nbsp;&nbsp;IWS | &nbsp;&nbsp;464287473 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;JNK | &nbsp;&nbsp;78468R622 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SPDR S&P 500 ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;SPY | &nbsp;&nbsp;78462F103 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;MDY | &nbsp;&nbsp;78467Y107 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VEU | &nbsp;&nbsp;922042775 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VEA | &nbsp;&nbsp;921943858 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VWO | &nbsp;&nbsp;922042858 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VGK | &nbsp;&nbsp;922042874 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VMBS | &nbsp;&nbsp;92206C771 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard Real Estate ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VNQ | &nbsp;&nbsp;922908553 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;BSV | &nbsp;&nbsp;921937827 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VCSH | &nbsp;&nbsp;92206C409 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VOO | &nbsp;&nbsp;922908363 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;BND | &nbsp;&nbsp;921937835 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard Total International Stock ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VXUS | &nbsp;&nbsp;921909768 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;VTI | &nbsp;&nbsp;922908769 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page vi of ix |

---

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page vii of ix

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

**Supplement 1**

**RS Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. ("RSIMS") Code**

**of Ethics Supplement ("Singapore Supplement")**

The policies and procedures in this Singapore Supplement to the Code apply to Access Persons of RSIMS and are in addition to, and supplement, the policies and procedures detailed in the Code.

Matters set out in the relevant sections of this Singapore Supplement shall be read in conjunction, and as one, with the Code. To the extent there is any inconsistency between the Code and this Singapore Supplement, this Singapore Supplement shall prevail.

**Short-Selling of Securities**

All Victory Capital employees, including employees of RSIMS, are prohibited from Short-Selling any security.

**Trading on Inside Information**

In addition to the requirements set out in the Code, all employees of RSIMS and all members of their Immediate Family are required to comply with all applicable laws in Singapore in relation to any Securities Transactions. Such laws include but are not limited to Part XII (Market Conduct) of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289 of Singapore) ("SFA") which set out prohibitions against the following conduct:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•False trading and market rigging transactions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Securities market manipulation and manipulation of prices of futures contracts and cornering;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The making of false or misleading statements or the dissemination of information that is false or misleading;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Fraudulently inducing persons to deal in securities or trade in futures contracts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Employment of fraudulent or deceptive devices, or manipulative and deceptive devices;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Bucketing; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Insider trading and tipping off.

**Reporting Requirements**

In addition to the Personal Account and Personal Trading requirements and restrictions set out in the Code, each employee of RSIMS who acts as a representative of RSIMS in RSIMS' capacity as the holder of a capital markets services license issued pursuant to the SFA for fund management (each a "Relevant Access Person") is required to maintain a register of his or her interests in securities (as such term is defined in section 2(1) of the SFA, the relevant extract of which is set out in the Appendix) that are listed for quotation, or quoted, on a securities exchange or recognized market operator in the prescribed Form 15 to the Securities and Futures (Licensing and Conduct of Business) Regulations (Rg 10).

Within 7 days after the date he or she acquires the interest in the relevant securities, each Relevant Access Person shall be required to enter into his or her register:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Particulars of securities in which such Relevant Access Person has any interest; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Particulars of such interests.

Where there is any change in any interest in the securities of such Relevant Access Person, he or she shall enter particulars of the change (including the date of the change and the circumstances by reason of which the change has occurred), within 7 days after the date of the change.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page viii of ix

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. and WestEnd Advisors, LLC April 1, 2025

All entries in the register must be kept in an easily accessible form for a period of not less than 5 years after the date on which such entry was first made. The register shall:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.If in physical form, be kept at RSIMS's principal place of business in Singapore; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.If in electronic form, be kept in such manner so as to ensure that full access to the register may be gained by the Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS") at RSIMS's principal place of business in Singapore.

RSIMS is required to maintain records of the place at which the Relevant Access Persons keep their respective registers and the places at which copies of those registers are kept in Singapore. As a separate matter, RSIMS is also required to maintain a Form 15 in relation to RSIMS' own interests in the relevant Securities.

Copyright© 2025, Victory Capital Management Inc. Page ix of ix