Bank of New York Mellon Corp S-3, filed Oct 18, 2024
Bank of New York Mellon Corp (BNY)
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2024
Registration Statement No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 13-2614959 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
240 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10286
(212) 495-1784
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
SEE TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS BELOW
Jean Weng
Corporate Secretary
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
240 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10286
(212) 495-1784
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service of each registrant)
With copies to:
Benjamin H. Weiner, Esq.
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
1700 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20006
(212) 558-4000
Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale to the Public: From time to time after the Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer ☒ |
Accelerated filer ☐ | Non-accelerated filer ☐ | ||
| Smaller reporting company ☐ |
Emerging growth company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS
| Mellon Capital IV | Delaware | 20-0101356 | 240 Greenwich Street New York, New York 10286 (212) 495-1784 | |||
| (Exact name of additional registrant as specified in its charter) |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service of additional registrant) | |||
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement contains:
| • | a prospectus relating to both the offering of newly issued securities and market-making transactions that occur on an ongoing basis in securities that will have been previously issued under this Registration Statement. The prospectus may be used by direct or indirect subsidiaries of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, including BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC or other affiliates, in market-making transactions in the securities described therein after they are initially offered and sold; and |
| • | a market-maker prospectus intended for use by direct or indirect subsidiaries of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, including BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC or other affiliates, in connection with offers and sales related to market-making transactions that occur on an ongoing basis in securities that were initially registered under registration statements previously filed by The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation or its predecessors The Bank of New York Company, Inc. and Mellon Financial Corporation, and the Additional Registrant, that were initially sold prior to the date of the prospectus (but are now registered hereunder with respect to ongoing market-making transactions). The market-maker prospectus does not substitute or replace the original prospectuses relating to securities offered hereby in such market-making transactions, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 17, 2024
PROSPECTUS
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
$
Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Depositary Shares
Stock Purchase Contracts
Stock Purchase Units
Warrants
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (also referred to as “BNY,” the “Company” or “we”), may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more series, up to $ , or the equivalent thereof in any other currency, of the securities listed above.
The Common Stock of the Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BK.” Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the other securities offered hereby will not be listed on a national securities exchange.
This prospectus contains a general description of the securities which may be offered. The specific terms of the securities will be contained in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. The prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the applicable offering. You should carefully read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, together with the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, before making an investment decision.
To read about certain important factors you should consider in making an investment decision, see “Risk Factors” on page 5 of this prospectus.
THE SECURITIES WILL BE EQUITY SECURITIES IN OR UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND WILL NOT BE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR NONBANK SUBSIDIARY OF THE COMPANY AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY. THE DEBT SECURITIES ARE NOT BANK DEPOSITS AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY, NOR ARE THEY OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED BY, A BANK.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM NOR ANY OTHER REGULATORY BODY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement may be used in the initial sale of the securities. In addition, the Company, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC or any other affiliate controlled by the Company may use this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplement in a market-making transaction involving the securities after the initial sale. These transactions may be executed at negotiated prices that are related to market prices at the time of purchase or sale, or at other prices. The Company and its affiliates may act as principal or agent in these transactions. Unless you are informed otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this prospectus is being used in a market-making transaction.
The date of this prospectus is , 2024.
| Page | ||||
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 8 | ||||
| 9 | ||||
| 23 | ||||
| 26 | ||||
| 29 | ||||
| DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS |
33 | |||
| 35 | ||||
| 36 | ||||
| 41 | ||||
| 43 | ||||
| 43 | ||||
WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, AND IN ANY FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS THAT WE PREPARE. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO GIVE YOU ANY OTHER INFORMATION, AND WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR, AND CAN PROVIDE NO ASSURANCE AS TO THE RELIABILITY OF, ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT OTHERS MAY GIVE YOU. THIS PROSPECTUS, ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND ANY SUCH FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS MAY BE USED ONLY FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN PREPARED. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE DATE OF THE RELEVANT INCORPORATED DOCUMENT, AS APPLICABLE. THE FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OR BUSINESS PROSPECTS OF THE COMPANY MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THOSE DATES. WE ARE NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED.
i
This document is called a prospectus. This summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the terms of the securities, you should carefully read this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. This prospectus and the prospectus supplement together give the specific terms of the securities being offered. You should also read the documents referred to under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY” or the “Company”). The Company has its principal offices at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286 (telephone: 212-495-1784). Certain capitalized terms used in this summary are defined elsewhere in this prospectus.
The Company has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under a “shelf” registration procedure. Under this procedure, the Company may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more series, any one or a combination of the following securities:
| • | unsecured Debt Securities of the Company, |
| • | shares of Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company (“Preferred Stock”), |
| • | depositary shares representing Preferred Stock, |
| • | shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company, |
| • | Stock Purchase Contracts of the Company, |
| • | Stock Purchase Units of the Company, and |
| • | Warrants of the Company. |
The securities may be sold for U.S. dollars, foreign-denominated currency or currency units, including the Euro. Amounts payable with respect to any such securities may be payable in U.S. dollars or foreign-denominated currency or currency units.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.
Any of the securities described in this prospectus and in a prospectus supplement may be convertible or exchangeable into other securities that are described in this prospectus or will be described in a prospectus supplement or may be issued separately, together or as part of a unit consisting of two or more securities, which may or may not be separate from one another. These securities may include new or hybrid securities developed in the future that combine features of any of the securities described in this prospectus.
The prospectus supplement may also contain information about certain United States federal income tax considerations relating to the securities covered by the prospectus supplement.
The Company may sell securities to underwriters who will sell the securities to the public on terms fixed at the time of sale. In addition, the securities may be sold by the Company directly or through dealers or agents designated from time to time, who may be affiliates of the Company. If the Company, directly or through agents, solicits offers to purchase the securities, the Company reserves the sole right to accept and, together with its agents, to reject, in whole or in part, any such offer.
For the securities being sold, the prospectus supplement will also include the names of the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, their compensation, the terms of offering, and the net proceeds to the Company.
1
Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the offering may be deemed “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Conflicts of Interest
BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC, a broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, may participate in offerings of securities made by means of this prospectus. Accordingly, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC has a “conflict of interest” as defined in FINRA Rule 5121(f)(5)(B), and any offerings made by means of this prospectus will be conducted in compliance with Rule 5121. In general, under Rule 5121, a Qualified Independent Underwriter will not be necessary for these offerings pursuant to Rule 5121(a)(1)(C) or Rule 5121(a)(1)(B), as the Company will be offering securities that have been rated investment grade or are in the same series as securities that have been rated investment grade or will be offering its Common Stock, which has a bona fide public market for purposes of Rule 5121. No underwriter having a Rule 5121 conflict of interest will be permitted under Rule 5121 to confirm sales to any account over which the underwriter exercises discretionary authority without the specific written approval of the accountholder.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our filings with the SEC are available to the public through the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
The Company has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 relating to the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement and does not contain all of the information in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to a contract or other document of ours, please be aware that the reference is only a summary and that you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement for a copy of the contract or other document. You may review a copy of the registration statement through the SEC’s Internet site.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document. Any information referred to in this way is considered part of this prospectus from the date we file that document. Any reports incorporated by reference and filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and before the date that the offering of the securities by means of this prospectus is terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents or information filed with the SEC (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules, except as noted below):
| • | Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 28, 2024 (our “Form 10-K”) (including information specifically incorporated therein by reference from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A of our 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed on February 29, 2024) (SEC File No. 001-35651); |
| • | Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2024, filed on May 3, 2024 and for the three months ended June 30, 2024, filed on August 2, 2024 (SEC File No. 001-35651); |
| • | Our Current Reports on Form 8-K, dated January 12, 2024 (only those portions filed and not furnished), March 4, 2024 (filed on March 5, 2024), March 14, 2024, March 26, 2024, April 9, 2024 (filed on |
2
| April 10, 2024), April 16, 2024 (only those portions filed and not furnished), June 12, 2024 (filed on June 18, 2024), June 28, 2024, July 12, 2024 (only those portions filed and not furnished), July 22, 2024 and October 11, 2024 (only those portions filed and not furnished) (SEC File No. 001-35651); |
| • | The description of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation common stock contained in the joint proxy statement prospectus included in the Registration Statement of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation on Form S-4 (File No. 333-140863) as filed with the SEC on February 23, 2007, and amended by Amendment No. 1 on April 2, 2007 and Amendment No. 2 on April 17, 2007, as that description may be updated from time to time; and |
| • | Any documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on or after the date of this prospectus and before the termination of the offering of the securities. |
You may request a free copy of any or all of these filings by writing, emailing or telephoning us at the following address:
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
240 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Office of the Secretary
Email: CorporateSecretary@bny.com
Telephone: (212) 495-1784
3
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (NYSE symbol: BK), is a global financial services company that manages and services assets for financial institutions, corporations and individual investors in 35 countries. BNY has three business segments, Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services and Investment and Wealth Management, which offer a comprehensive set of capabilities and deep expertise across the investment lifecycle, enabling the Company to provide solutions to buy-side and sell-side market participants, as well as leading institutional and wealth management clients globally. As of September 30, 2024, BNY had $52.1 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration, and $2.1 trillion in assets under management. “BNY” is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation.
The Company is a bank holding company and a financial holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As such, we and our subsidiaries are subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act and the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board.
Our principal executive office is located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, telephone number: (212) 495-1784. Our website is http://www.bnymellon.com. Information on our website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.
Unless the context requires otherwise (for example, in the descriptions of securities), when we refer to “we”, “our” or “us” in this prospectus we mean BNY and its consolidated subsidiaries.
4
Before you invest in any of our securities, in addition to the other information in this prospectus, you should carefully consider the risk factors relating to our business contained in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K and the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Factors” section of our 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as an exhibit to our Form 10-K. Our Form 10-K and certain portions of the 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for an explanation of how to get a copy of our Form 10-K and the 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional risks related to our securities may also be described in a prospectus supplement.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain statements relating to future results of BNY that are considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “anticipate,” “likely,” “target,” “expect,” “intend,” “continue,” “seek,” “believe,” “plan,” “goal,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “strategy,” “synergies,” “opportunities,” “trends,” “ambition,” “aspiration,” “objective,” “momentum”, “aim,” “future,” “potentially,” “outlook” and words of similar meaning may signify forward-looking statements in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein.
These statements include all statements about the usefulness of Non-GAAP measures, the future results of BNY, our businesses, financial, liquidity and capital condition, results of operations, liquidity, risk and capital management and processes, goals, strategies, outlook, objectives, expectations (including those regarding our performance results, expenses, nonperforming assets, products, impacts of currency fluctuations, impacts of securities portfolio repositioning, deposits, impacts of trends on our businesses, regulatory, technology, market, economic or accounting developments and the impacts of such developments on our businesses, legal proceedings and other contingencies), human capital management (including related ambitions, objectives, aims and goals), effective tax rate, net interest income, estimates (including those regarding expenses, losses inherent in our credit portfolios and capital ratios), intentions (including those regarding our capital returns and expenses, including our investments in technology and pension expense), targets, opportunities, potential actions, growth and initiatives.
These forward-looking statements, and other forward-looking statements contained in other public disclosures of BNY (including those incorporated by reference in this prospectus), are not guarantees of future results or occurrences, are inherently uncertain and are based upon beliefs and expectations of future events at the time in which such statements are made, many of which are, by their nature, difficult to predict, outside of our control and subject to change. By identifying these statements in this manner, we are alerting investors to the possibility that our actual results may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors (some of which are beyond BNY’s control), including those factors described in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K and the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Factors” section of our 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as an exhibit to our Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied as a result of a number of factors, such as:
| • | errors or delays in our operational and transaction processing, or those of third parties, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation; |
| • | our risk management framework, models and processes may not be effective in identifying or mitigating risk and reducing the potential for losses and any inadequacy or lapse in our risk management framework, models and processes could expose us to unexpected losses that could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition; |
5
| • | a communications or technology disruption or failure within our infrastructure or the infrastructure of third parties that results in a loss of information, delays our ability to access information or impacts our ability to provide services to our clients may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; |
| • | a cybersecurity incident, or a failure in our computer systems, networks and information, or those of third parties, could result in the theft, loss, disclosure, use or alteration of information, unauthorized access to or loss of information, or system or network failures. Any such incident or failure could adversely impact our ability to conduct our businesses, damage our reputation and cause losses; |
| • | extensive government rulemaking, policies, regulation and supervision that impact our operations. Changes to and introduction of new rules and regulations have compelled, and in the future may compel, us to change how we manage our businesses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations; |
| • | regulatory or enforcement actions or litigation could materially adversely affect our results of operations or harm our businesses or reputation; |
| • | our business may be adversely affected if we are unable to attract, retain, develop and motivate employees; |
| • | a failure or circumvention of our controls, policies and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation; |
| • | weakness and volatility in financial markets and the economy generally may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; |
| • | we are dependent on fee-based business for a substantial majority of our revenue and our fee-based revenues could be adversely affected by slowing market activity, weak financial markets, underperformance and/or negative trends in savings rates or in investment preferences; |
| • | levels of and changes in interest rates have impacted, and will in the future continue to impact our profitability and capital levels, at times adversely; |
| • | we have experienced, and may continue to experience, unrealized or realized losses on securities related to volatile and illiquid market conditions, reducing our capital levels and/or earnings; |
| • | reform of interest rate benchmarks and the use of alternative reference rates by us and our clients could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; |
| • | failure or perceived weakness of any of our significant clients or counterparties, many of whom are major financial institutions or sovereign entities, and our assumption of credit, counterparty and concentration risk, could expose us to credit losses and adversely affect our business; |
| • | we could incur losses if our allowance for credit losses, including loan and lending-related commitment reserves, is inadequate or if our expectations of future economic conditions deteriorate; |
| • | our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected if we do not effectively manage our liquidity; |
| • | failure to satisfy regulatory standards, including “well capitalized” and “well managed” status or capital adequacy and liquidity rules more generally, could result in limitations on our activities and adversely affect our business and financial condition; |
| • | the Company is a non-operating holding company, and as a result, is dependent on dividends from its subsidiaries and extensions of credit from its intermediate holding company to meet its obligations, including with respect to its securities, and to provide funds for share repurchases, payment of income taxes and payment of dividends to its stockholders; |
6
| • | our ability to return capital to shareholders is subject to the discretion of our board of directors (the “Board”) and may be limited by U.S. banking laws and regulations, including those governing capital and capital planning, applicable provisions of Delaware law and our failure to pay full and timely dividends on our preferred stock; |
| • | any material reduction in our credit ratings or the credit ratings of our principal bank subsidiaries, The Bank of New York Mellon, BNY Mellon, N.A. or The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV, could increase the cost of funding and borrowing to us and our rated subsidiaries and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and on the value of the securities we issue; |
| • | the application of our Title I preferred resolution strategy or resolution under the Title II orderly liquidation authority could adversely affect the Company’s liquidity and financial condition and the Company’s security holders; |
| • | new lines of business, new products and services or transformational or strategic project initiatives subject us to new or additional risks, and the failure to implement these initiatives could affect our results of operations; |
| • | we are subject to competition in all aspects of our business, which could negatively affect our ability to maintain or increase our profitability; |
| • | our strategic transactions present risks and uncertainties and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations; |
| • | our businesses may be negatively affected by adverse events, publicity, government scrutiny or other reputational harm; |
| • | ESG concerns, including climate change, could adversely affect our business, affect client activity levels, subject us to additional regulatory requirements and damage our reputation; |
| • | impacts from geopolitical events, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the physical effects of climate change, pandemics and other similar events may have a negative impact on our business and operations; |
| • | tax law changes or challenges to our tax positions with respect to historical transactions may adversely affect our net income, effective tax rate and our overall results of operations and financial condition; and, |
| • | changes in accounting standards governing the preparation of our financial statements and future events could have a material impact on our reported financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and other financial data. |
Investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider all risk factors discussed in our 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders and any subsequent reports filed with the SEC by BNY pursuant to the Exchange Act. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and BNY undertakes no obligation to update any statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such forward-looking statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
7
Except as may be set forth in a prospectus supplement, the Company will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereby for general corporate purposes, including refinancing of existing debt; common stock repurchases and other capital distributions, such as common and preferred stock dividends; the redemption of preferred stock; investments in, or extensions of credit to, our bank subsidiaries and, to a lesser extent, other existing or future subsidiaries. Pending such use, the net proceeds may be temporarily invested in short-term obligations. The precise amounts and timing of the application of proceeds used for general corporate purposes will depend upon funding requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries and the availability of other funds. The Company expects, on a recurring basis, to engage in additional financing of a character and amount to be determined as the need arises.
The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of any securities in connection with market-making transactions by BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC or any other affiliate of the Company.
8
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
Summary
The following description of the terms of the Senior Debt Securities and the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities to be issued by the Company (sometimes referred to as the “Debt Securities” in this “Description of Debt Securities”) sets forth certain general terms and provisions. The particular terms of Debt Securities of any series will be contained in a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of the Debt Securities:
| • | the title of the series of Debt Securities; |
| • | whether the Debt Securities of the series are Senior Debt Securities or Senior Subordinated Debt Securities; |
| • | any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of the series; |
| • | the price (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which Debt Securities of the series will be issued; |
| • | the Person to whom any interest on a Debt Security of the series will be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Debt Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest; |
| • | the date or dates on which the principal of the Debt Securities of the series will be payable; |
| • | the rate or rates per annum at which the Debt Securities of the series will bear interest, if any (or the formula pursuant to which such rate or rates will be determined); |
| • | the date or dates from which any such interest will accrue and the dates on which such payment of any such interest will be payable and the Regular Record Dates for such interest payment dates; |
| • | if Debt Securities of the series are sold bearing no interest or below market interest, known as original issue discount securities, the amount payable upon acceleration and special tax, accounting and other considerations; |
| • | the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Debt Securities of the series will be payable and the manner in which any payment may be made, if other than in accordance with the applicable procedures of the applicable depositary for Debt Securities issued in global form; |
| • | the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, Debt Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company; |
| • | the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or purchase Debt Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such Debt Securities will be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; |
| • | the denominations in which the Debt Securities of the series will be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof; |
| • | the currency, currencies, composite currency, composite currencies or currency units in which payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on Debt Securities of the series will be payable, if other than the currency of the United States of America, and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for any purpose; |
| • | if the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on Debt Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or a holder thereof, in one or more currencies, composite currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such series of Debt Securities are stated to |
9
| be payable, the currency, currencies, composite currency, composite currencies or currency units in which payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on such Debt Securities as to which such election is made will be payable, and the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined); |
| • | the index, formula or other method, if any, with reference to which the amount of any payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on Debt Securities of the series will be determined; |
| • | if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of the Debt Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which will be deemed to be the principal amount of such Debt Securities as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount which will be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which will be deemed to be outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount will be determined); |
| • | the portion of the principal amount of the Debt Securities of the series that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, if other than the entire principal amount thereof; |
| • | the terms, if any, relating to the issuance, payment or conversion of any Debt Securities of the series that may be converted into securities or other property other than Debt Securities of the same series and of like tenor, whether in addition to, or in lieu of, any payment of principal or other amount and whether at the option of the Company or otherwise; |
| • | any addition to, elimination of or other change in the Events of Default or, in the case of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, Defaults, that apply to the Debt Securities of the series and any change in the rights of the trustee or the required holders of Debt Securities to declare the principal thereof due and payable; |
| • | whether either or both of the provisions of the Applicable Indenture (as defined below) described under “—Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” will be applicable to the Debt Securities of the series; |
| • | if Debt Securities are sold for one or more foreign currencies, composite currencies, or currency units, or principal, interest or premium are payable in one or more foreign currencies, composite currencies, or currency units, the restrictions, elections, tax consequences and other information regarding the issue and one or more foreign currencies, composite currencies, or currency units; |
| • | if the Debt Securities are Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, whether the subordination provisions summarized below or other subordination provisions will be applicable to such Senior Subordinated Debt Securities; |
| • | any change in the actions permitted or required to be taken by or on behalf of the holders of the Debt Securities of the series, including any such change that permits or requires any or all such actions to be taken by or on behalf of the holders of any specific Debt Securities of the series rather than or in addition to the holders of all Debt Securities of the series; |
| • | the remarketing or extension features, if any, of the Debt Securities of the series; |
| • | any addition to, elimination of or other change in the covenants that apply to the Debt Securities of the series or, in the case of Senior Debt Securities, in the definition of “Covenant Breach”; and |
| • | any other material terms of the Debt Securities of the series. |
The terms of any Debt Security of a series may differ from the terms of other Debt Securities of the same series. The matters referenced above may be established and set forth or determined as described with respect to all or any specific Debt Securities of a series (in each case to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”)).
10
Unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, the Debt Securities of each series will be represented by fully registered global certificates issued as global Debt Securities to be deposited with a depositary with respect to that series, instead of paper certificates issued to each individual owner. The depositary arrangements that will apply, including the manner in which principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Debt Securities of any series and other payments will be payable are discussed in more detail under the heading “Book-Entry Issuance.”
The Senior Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series under the Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2016, between BNY and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2017, as further supplemented from time to time (the “Senior Indenture”). The Senior Subordinated Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series under the Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2016, between BNY and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2017, as further supplemented from time to time (the “Senior Subordinated Indenture”).
The Bank of New York Mellon, our affiliate, has been appointed as, and will act as, paying agent, authenticating agent and security registrar under each of the Senior Indenture and the Senior Subordinated Indenture, unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement.
The Senior Indenture and the Senior Subordinated Indenture are sometimes referred to collectively as the “Indentures.” The Indentures are qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. The Debt Securities of each series will be established under the applicable Indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture, resolution of the Board or a committee thereof or officers’ certificate. The Trustee on the applicable Indenture is referred to as the “Trustee.”
The Indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities or of any particular series of Debt Securities that may be issued thereunder and provide that Debt Securities may be issued from time to time in series. In addition, a series of Debt Securities may be reopened in order to issue additional Debt Securities of that series in the future without the consent of the holders of Debt Securities of that series.
The following summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Debt Securities, the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and the Indentures are not complete. For a complete description of these Debt Securities you should read the Indenture applicable to a particular series of Debt Securities (the “Applicable Indenture”), including the definitions therein of certain terms. Each Indenture is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and the following summaries do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Indentures.
Debt Securities Issued by the Company under the Senior Indenture or the Senior Subordinated Indenture
Wherever we refer to particular sections, articles or defined terms of the Applicable Indenture we are incorporating those sections, articles or defined terms into this prospectus by reference. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to them in the Applicable Indenture.
General
The Senior Debt Securities issued by the Company will be unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. As of June 30, 2024, indebtedness of the Company that would have ranked equally with the Senior Debt Securities totaled approximately $29.0 billion. As of June 30, 2024, no indebtedness of the Company would have ranked senior to the Senior Debt Securities. The Senior Subordinated Debt Securities issued by the Company will be unsecured subordinated obligations of the Company.
11
Because the Company is a holding company, its rights and the rights of its creditors, including the holders of the Debt Securities, to a share of the assets of any subsidiary upon the liquidation or recapitalization of the subsidiary will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors (including, in the case of bank subsidiaries, their depositors), except to the extent that the Company may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary. Accordingly, the Debt Securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries, and holders of Debt Securities should look only to the assets of the Company for payments on the Debt Securities.
Unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement:
| • | principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Debt Securities issued by the Company will be payable, and the Debt Securities will be exchangeable and transfers thereof will be registerable, at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose (which, as of the date of this prospectus, will be the office or agency of The Bank of New York Mellon in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York), except that, at the option of the Company, interest may be paid (i) by mailing a check to the address of the Person entitled thereto as it appears in the security register or (ii) by wire transfer in immediately available funds at the place and to the account as the Person entitled thereto may designate, as specified in the security register in writing not less than ten business days before the interest payment date, and provided that payment on Debt Securities issued as global Debt Securities may be made pursuant to the applicable depositary’s applicable procedures (Sections 202, 305 and 1002); |
| • | the Debt Securities of each series will be issued only in registered form without coupons and in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof (Section 302); and |
| • | we will not pay any additional amounts on the notes to compensate any holder or beneficial owner for any United States tax withheld from payments of principal or interest on the Debt Securities. (Section 1001) |
No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the Debt Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. (Section 305)
Debt Securities may be issued with original issue discount if they are sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. Special federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable thereto will be described in the prospectus or pricing supplement relating thereto. (Section 101)
If any index or formula is used to determine the amount of payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any series of Debt Securities, special United States federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable thereto will be described in the prospectus or pricing supplement relating thereto.
If the Debt Securities are denominated in whole or in part in any currency, currencies, composite currency, composite currencies or currency units other than the currency of the United States of America, if the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Debt Securities are to be payable at the election of the Company or a holder thereof, in any currency, currencies, composite currency, composite currencies or currency units other than that in which such Debt Securities are to be payable, or if any index is used to determine the amount of payments of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Debt Securities of any series, special federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable thereto will be described in the prospectus or pricing supplement relating thereto.
The Indentures do not contain any provisions that would provide protection to holders of the Debt Securities against a sudden and dramatic decline in credit quality of the Company resulting from any highly leveraged transaction, takeover, merger, recapitalization or similar restructuring or change in control.
12
The Indentures allow us to merge or consolidate with another company, or to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another company, provided that certain conditions are satisfied. If these events occur, the other company will be required to assume our responsibilities relating to the Debt Securities, and we will be released from all liabilities and obligations. See “—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” for a more detailed discussion.
The Indentures provide that holders of a majority of the total principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities of any series may vote to change certain of our obligations or certain of your rights concerning the Debt Securities of that series. However, to change the amount or timing of principal, interest or other payments under the Debt Securities, every holder in the series must consent. See “—Modification of the Indentures” for a more detailed discussion.
Subordination of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities
The payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will, to the extent set forth in the Senior Subordinated Indenture, be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Senior Subordinated Indenture). Upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, marshaling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings of the Company, the holders of all Senior Indebtedness will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due thereon before the holders of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities. In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, the holders of all Senior Indebtedness will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due thereon before the holders of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will be entitled to receive any payment upon the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities. No payments on account of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities or on account of the purchase or acquisition of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities may be made if there shall have occurred and be continuing either a default in any payment with respect to Senior Indebtedness or any event of default permitting the holders of any Senior Indebtedness to declare such Senior Indebtedness due and payable prior to the date on which such Senior Indebtedness would otherwise have become due and payable, or if any judicial proceeding shall be pending with respect to any such default. However, none of the foregoing will prevent the satisfaction of any sinking fund payment with respect to certain Securities, as described in the Senior Subordinated Indenture, which have been acquired prior to such default. (Article Thirteen of the Senior Subordinated Indenture)
By reason of such subordination in favor of the holders of Senior Indebtedness, in the event of insolvency, creditors of the Company who are not holders of Senior Indebtedness or of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities may recover less, ratably, than holders of Senior Indebtedness and may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities.
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of a particular series offered thereby, Senior Indebtedness is defined in the Senior Subordinated Indenture as (a) all indebtedness and obligations of, or guaranteed or assumed by, the Company that are for borrowed money, or are evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, or are deferred obligations for the payment of the purchase price of property or assets, in each case, whether outstanding on the date of the Senior Subordinated Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, (b) obligations of the Company that are similar to those in clause (a) above and arise from off-balance sheet guarantees and direct credit substitutes, in each case, whether outstanding on the date of the Senior Subordinated Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, and (c) all obligations of the Company associated with derivative products such as interest rate and foreign exchange contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements, in each case, whether outstanding on the date of the Senior Subordinated Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, and, in the
13
case of each of clauses (a), (b) and (c) above, all amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refunding of such indebtedness and obligations. However, in each case Senior Indebtedness shall not include (i) the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, (ii) the Existing Senior Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined in the Senior Subordinated Indenture), (iii) the Existing Junior Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined in the Senior Subordinated Indenture) and (iv) such other indebtedness of the Company as is by its terms expressly stated (A) not to be senior in right of payment to, or (B) to rank pari passu with, or (C) to rank junior in right of payment to, the Securities or the other securities referred to in clause (ii). (Section 101 of the Senior Subordinated Indenture)
The Company’s obligations under the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities shall rank equally in right of payment with each other.
As of June 30, 2024, indebtedness of the Company that would have been senior to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities totaled approximately $29.0 billion.
A Senior Subordinated Indenture does not limit or prohibit the incurrence of additional Senior Indebtedness, which may include indebtedness that is senior to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities but subordinate to other obligations of the Company. When issued, the Senior Debt Securities will constitute Senior Indebtedness.
In addition, the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities may be fully subordinate to interests held by the U.S. government in the event we enter into a receivership, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding, including a proceeding under the “orderly liquidation authority” provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”).
The prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, applicable to the subordination of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of a particular series.
Conversion or Exchange
If and to the extent indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Debt Securities of any series may be convertible or exchangeable into securities or other property other than Debt Securities of the same series. The provisions necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance, payment or conversion of such Debt Securities of any series will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Such terms may include provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at the option of the Company, in which case the number or principal amount of such other securities to be received by the holders of Debt Securities would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
If the Debt Securities of a series may be subject to legal defeasance or covenant defeasance or either type of defeasance under the Applicable Indenture, the prospectus supplement relating to that series will so indicate.
If applicable to the Debt Securities of a series, “legal defeasance” means that the Company elects to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to such Debt Securities (including, in the case of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, the provisions described under “—Subordination of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities”), except for the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such Debt Securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the Debt Securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust.
If applicable to any Senior Debt Securities, “covenant defeasance” means that the Company elects to be released from its obligations with respect to such Senior Debt Securities under Section 1005 of the Senior Indenture (and any covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(xviii), 901(2) or 901(7) of the Senior Indenture
14
for the benefit of the holders of such Senior Debt Securities) and the consequences of the occurrence of a Covenant Breach (with respect to Section 1005 of the Senior Indenture and any covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(xviii), 901(2) or 901(7) of the Senior Indenture), and, if applicable, any Event of Default specified pursuant to Section 501(7) of the Senior Indenture.
If applicable to Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, “covenant defeasance” means that the Company elects to be released from its obligations with respect to such Senior Subordinated Debt Securities under any covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(xviii), 901(2) or 901(7) of the Senior Subordinated Indenture for the benefit of the holders of such Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, the occurrence of an event specified in Section 503(c) of the Senior Subordinated Indenture (with respect to any covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(xviii), 901(2) or 901(7) of the Senior Subordinated Indenture), and, if applicable, pursuant to Section 501(3) of the Senior Subordinated Indenture will not result in a Default, and the provisions described under “—Subordination of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities” will cease to apply.
Legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as applicable, will only occur upon the deposit with the applicable Trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust for such purpose, of (A) money in an amount, (B) U.S. Government Obligations that, through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount, (C) other obligations or arrangements as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement with respect to the such Debt Securities, or (D) a combination thereof, in each case, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the applicable Trustee, to pay and discharge (i) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on such Debt Securities to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and (ii) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to such Debt Securities on the due dates thereof. Before such a deposit the Company may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Securities at a future date or dates. As a condition to legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, the Company must deliver to the applicable Trustee an Opinion of Counsel (as specified in the Applicable Indenture) to the effect that the holders of such Debt Securities will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. In the case of legal defeasance, such opinion must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service issued to the Company or published as a revenue ruling or upon a change in applicable federal income tax law, in any such case after the date of the Applicable Indenture.
The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option with respect to such Debt Securities notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of such Debt Securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default. If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option, there will not be a Covenant Breach or any Event of Default under the Senior Debt Securities and there will not be a Default under the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities with respect to the covenants or events noted in the description of covenant defeasance. (Article 13 of the Senior Indenture and Article 14 of the Senior Subordinated Indenture)
A prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, applicable to legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to the Debt Securities of a particular series.
Limitation on Disposition of Stock of the Bank
The Senior Indenture contains a covenant by the Company that, so long as any of the Senior Debt Securities are outstanding, but subject to the rights of the Company in connection with its consolidation with or merger into another Person or a sale of the Company’s assets, neither the Company nor any Intermediate Subsidiary will sell, assign, transfer, grant a security interest in or otherwise dispose of any shares of, or securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Voting Stock of the Bank (except to the Company or an Intermediate Subsidiary) nor will the Company or any Intermediate Subsidiary permit the Bank
15
to issue any shares of, or securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Voting Stock of the Bank, unless (a) any such sale, assignment, transfer, grant of a security interest or other disposition is made for fair market value, as determined by the Board or any Intermediate Subsidiary, as the case may be, and evidenced by a duly adopted resolution thereof and (b) the Company and any one or more Intermediate Subsidiaries will collectively own at least 80% of the issued and outstanding Voting Stock of the Bank (or any successor to the Bank) free and clear of any security interest after giving effect to such transaction. The foregoing, however, will not preclude the Bank from being consolidated with or merged into another banking corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, if after such merger or consolidation the Company (or any successor thereto in a permissible merger) and any one or more Intermediate Subsidiaries own at least 80% of the Voting Stock of the resulting bank and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default or Covenant Breach and no event which would become an Event of Default or Covenant Breach shall have occurred and be continuing. The Company further covenants that it will not permit any Intermediate Subsidiary that owns any shares of, or securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Voting Stock of the Bank to cease to be an Intermediate Subsidiary. “Intermediate Subsidiary” means a subsidiary (i) that is organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and (ii) of which all the shares of each class of capital stock issued and outstanding, and all securities convertible into, and options, warrants and rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, such capital stock, are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of any security interest. (Section 1005 of the Senior Indenture) “Voting Stock” means stock of the class or classes having a general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of a corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency). (Section 101 of the Senior Indenture)
Defaults
Solely for the purposes of this section “—Defaults” and solely with respect to the Senior Debt Securities, the term “series” refers to Senior Debt Securities having identical terms, except as to issue date, principal amount and, if applicable, the date from which interest begins to accrue.
The Senior Indenture
The Senior Indenture defines an Event of Default with respect to any series of Senior Debt Securities as any one of the following events:
| • | default for 30 days in payment of interest on any Senior Debt Security of that series; |
| • | default for 30 days in payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Senior Debt Security of that series at Maturity; |
| • | certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company; and |
| • | any other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that series. (Section 501) |
If an Event of Default (other than certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company) occurs with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of any series, the Trustee or holders of not less than 25% of the outstanding principal amount of that series may declare the principal amount of all Senior Debt Securities of that series (or in the case of any Senior Debt Security of that series which specifies an amount to be due and payable thereon upon acceleration of its maturity, such amount as may be specified by the terms of such Senior Debt Security) immediately payable. However, upon certain conditions such declaration may be annulled, and past defaults (except, unless theretofore cured, a default in payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Senior Debt Securities of that series and certain other specified defaults) may be waived, by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series on behalf of the holders of all Senior Debt Securities of such series.
16
If an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company occurs with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of any series, the principal amount of all the Senior Debt Securities of that series (or in the case of any Senior Debt Security of that series which specifies an amount to be due and payable thereon upon acceleration of its maturity, such amount as may be specified by the terms of such Senior Debt Security) will automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any holder, become immediately due and payable. (Sections 502 and 513)
The Senior Indenture defines a Covenant Breach with respect to any series of Senior Debt Securities as any one of the following events:
| • | default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Senior Debt Security of that series; or |
| • | default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in the Senior Indenture or any Senior Debt Security of that series (other than a covenant or warranty solely for the benefit of Senior Debt Securities other than Senior Debt Securities of that series) and continuance of such default or breach for 90 days after due notice. (Section 101) |
For Senior Debt Securities, acceleration will not be permitted for reasons other than a specified payment default or insolvency event that constitutes an Event of Default in respect of such Senior Debt Securities. Neither the Trustee nor any holders of such Senior Debt Securities will have any enforcement right or other remedy in respect of covenant breaches except as described below.
The Senior Subordinated Indenture
The Senior Subordinated Indenture defines an Event of Default with respect to any series of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities as being certain events involving the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company and any other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of that series. (Section 501)
If an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company occurs with respect to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of any series, the principal amount of all the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of that series (or in the case of any Senior Subordinated Debt Security of that series which specifies an amount to be due and payable thereon upon acceleration of its maturity, such amount as may be specified by the terms of such Senior Subordinated Debt Security) will automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any holder, become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default (other than certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company) occurs with respect to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of any series, the Trustee or holders of not less than 25% of the outstanding principal amount of that series may declare the principal amount of all Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of that series (or in the case of any Senior Subordinated Debt Security of that series which specifies an amount to be due and payable thereon upon acceleration of its maturity, such amount as may be specified by the terms of such Senior Subordinated Debt Security) immediately payable. However, upon certain conditions such declaration may be annulled, and past defaults (except, unless theretofore cured, a default in payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of that series and certain other specified defaults) may be waived, by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of any series on behalf of the holders of all Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of such series. (Sections 502 and 513)
The Senior Subordinated Indenture defines a Default with respect to Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of any series as any one of the following events:
| • | an Event of Default with respect to that series; |
| • | default for 30 days in payment of interest on any Senior Subordinated Debt Security of that series; |
17
| • | default in payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Senior Subordinated Debt Security of that series at Maturity; |
| • | default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Senior Subordinated Debt Security of that series; |
| • | default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in the Senior Subordinated Indenture or any Senior Subordinated Debt Security of that series (other than a covenant or warranty solely for the benefit of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities other than Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of that series) and continuance of such default or breach for 90 days after due notice; or |
| • | any other Default provided with respect to Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of that series. |
In case a Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the holders by appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee deems most effectual.
For Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, acceleration will not be permitted for reasons other than certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company that constitute Events of Default; neither the Trustee nor any holders of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will have any enforcement right or other remedy in respect of any other defaults under or breach of the Senior Subordinated Indenture or any Senior Subordinated Debt Securities except as described below. In addition, all the remedies available upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under the Senior Subordinated Indenture will be subject to the restrictions on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities described above under “—Subordination of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities”
The Indentures
The Indentures provide that, if a default occurs with respect to Debt Securities of any series, within 90 days after the receipt by the applicable Trustee of written notice of a default, the applicable trustee will deliver to the holders of Debt Securities of that series notice of such default if uncured and not waived as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any Debt Security of such series or payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to the Debt Securities of such series, the Trustee will be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as it in good faith determines that the withholding of notice is in the best interest of the holders of the Debt Securities of such series. In addition, under the Senior Indenture, such notice shall not be given until 90 days after the occurrence of a default with respect to outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series or breach of a covenant in the Senior Indenture (other than for a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of such series or payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of such series). The term default with respect to any series of outstanding Debt Securities for the purpose only of this provision means the happening of any of the Events of Default or Covenant Breach (or any event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default or Covenant Breach) or, in the case of the Senior Subordinated Indenture, Defaults, specified in the Applicable Indenture and relating to such series of outstanding Debt Securities. (Section 602)
The Indentures provide that, subject to the duty of the Trustees during a default to act with the required standard of care, the Trustees will not be under an obligation to exercise any of their rights or powers under the Indentures at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustees reasonable security or indemnity. (Sections 601 and 603) The Indentures provide that the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee for that series, or exercising any trust or other power conferred on such Trustee, provided that such Trustee may decline to act if such direction is contrary to law or the Applicable Indenture and may take any other action deemed proper which is not inconsistent with such direction. (Section 512)
18
Modification of the Indentures
From time to time the Company and the applicable Trustee may, without the consent of the holders of any series of Debt Securities, amend, waive or supplement each Indenture for specified purposes, including, among other things:
| • | evidencing the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company; |
| • | adding to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the holders of all or any Debt Securities of any series; |
| • | conveying, transferring, assigning, mortgaging or pledging any property to or with the Trustee, or securing the Debt Securities of any series, or providing for guarantees of the Debt Securities of any series; |
| • | surrendering any right or power conferred on the Company in the Applicable Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of any series; |
| • | adding any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the holders of all or any Debt Securities of any series, and, under the Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture, adding additional Defaults for the benefit of all or any Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of any series; |
| • | adding or changing any provisions to permit or facilitate the issuance of Debt Securities in bearer form, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Debt Securities in uncertificated form; |
| • | adding to, changing or eliminating any of the provisions of the Indentures (including, without limitation, the covenants and Events of Default and Defaults (as applicable)), provided that any such addition, change or elimination shall not apply to any outstanding Debt Securities nor modify the rights of any holder of any such outstanding Debt Securities, or shall become effective only when there is no Debt Security outstanding of any series created prior to the execution of the supplemental indenture that is entitled to the benefit of such provision; |
| • | establishing the form or terms of Debt Securities of any series; |
| • | evidencing and providing for the acceptance of appointment under the Indentures by a successor Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of one or more series and adding to or changing any of the provisions of the Indentures as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the Indentures by more than one Trustee; |
| • | complying with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Applicable Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; |
| • | adding to or changing any of the provisions of the Indentures with respect to any Debt Securities that by their terms may be converted into securities or other property other than Debt Securities of the same series and of like tenor, in order to permit or facilitate the issuance, payment or conversion of such Debt Securities; |
| • | complying with the rules of any applicable depositary; |
| • | supplementing any of the provisions in the applicable Indenture to such extent as will be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge or covenant defeasance of any Debt Securities provided, in each case, that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of Debt Securities or any other Debt Securities in any material respect; or |
| • | curing an ambiguity, correcting or supplementing any provision of the Applicable Indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision thereof, or making any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Applicable Indenture, not adversely affecting the interests of the holders of record of any Debt Securities in any material respect. |
19
In addition, modification and amendments of each Indenture may be made by the Company and the Trustee under the Applicable Indenture, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of each series of outstanding Debt Securities issued under such Indenture and affected thereby, by executing supplemental indentures adding any provisions to or changing or eliminating any of the provisions of the Applicable Indenture or modifying the rights of the holders of outstanding Debt Securities of such series, except that no such supplemental indenture may:
| • | change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Debt Security; |
| • | reduce the principal amount of, or any premium or the rate of interest on, any Debt Security; |
| • | reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount Debt Security or any other Security which would be payable upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof; |
| • | adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of the holder of any Debt Security; |
| • | reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation; |
| • | change the place or currency of payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on, any Debt Security; |
| • | impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Debt Security on or after the Stated Maturity (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date); |
| • | if any Debt Security provides that the holder may require the Company to convert such Debt Security, impair such holder’s right to require conversion of such Debt Security on the terms provided therein; |
| • | reduce the percentage in principal amount of any outstanding Debt Securities, the consent of whose holders is required for modification or amendment of the Applicable Indenture, for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the Applicable Indenture or for waiver of certain covenant defaults; |
| • | modify the provisions of the Applicable Indenture relating to modification and amendment of the Applicable Indenture; or |
| • | in the case of the Senior Subordinated Indenture, modify the subordination provisions adverse to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, in each case, without such holders’ consent. |
The Indentures provide, however, that each of the amendments and modifications listed in the first ten items above and, in the case of the Senior Subordinated Indenture the eleventh item above, may be made with respect to all or any specific Debt Securities of any series with the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security affected thereby. (Section 902 of the Indentures and Section 907 of the Senior Subordinated Indenture)
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
The Company, without the consent of the holders of any of the Debt Securities under either of the Indentures, may consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, or permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company, provided that:
| • | if applicable, the successor is a Person organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia; |
| • | the successor Person, if other than the Company, assumes the Company’s obligations on the Debt Securities and under the Indentures; |
20
| • | after giving effect to the transaction no Event of Default or Covenant Breach, or, in the case of the Senior Subordinated Indenture, Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an Event of Default or Covenant Breach, or, in the case of the Senior Subordinated Indenture, Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and |
| • | certain other conditions are met. (Section 801) |
Upon any consolidation or merger into any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the Company’s assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the successor Person shall succeed to, and be substituted for, the Company under the Indentures, and the Company, except in the case of a lease, shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under the Indentures and the Debt Securities to the extent it was the predecessor Person. (Section 802)
Sections 801 and 802 of the Indentures do not apply to conveyances, transfers or leases of the Company’s assets substantially as an entirety to one or more Subsidiaries.
Our Relationships with the Trustees
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas is the trustee under the Senior Indenture. Wilmington Trust, National Association is the trustee under the Senior Subordinated Indenture. We and certain of our subsidiaries, including The Bank of New York Mellon, maintain banking relations with the trustees in the ordinary course of business.
In addition, affiliates of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas have underwritten our securities from time to time in the past and may underwrite our securities from time to time in the future. Such Trustee may have to resign if a default occurs with respect to the Senior Debt Securities within one year after any offering of our securities underwritten by an affiliate of such Trustee, such as Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., since such Trustee would likely be considered to have a conflicting interest for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act. In that event, except in very limited circumstances, such Trustee would be required to resign as Trustee under the Senior Indenture and we would be required to appoint a successor trustee, unless the default is cured or waived within 90 days. During the period of time until a successor is appointed, such Trustee will have both (a) duties to holders of Debt Securities under the Senior Indenture and (b) a conflicting interest under the Senior Indenture for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default or Covenant Breach in respect of the relevant Senior Debt Securities.
In addition, each applicable Trustee can resign for any reason with 30 days’ notice, and we would be required to appoint a successor trustee. If within one year of such resignation, no successor Trustee has been appointed by the Company the holders of a majority in principal of the outstanding amount of Debt Securities of such series may appoint a successor Trustee. If no applicable successor Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of any series is appointed by the Company or the holders of Debt Securities of such series, a holder of Debt Securities of such series who has been a bona fide holder for at least six months may, on behalf of himself or herself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of such series. If the applicable Trustee resigns following a default or for any other reason, it may be difficult to identify and appoint a qualified successor trustee. The applicable Trustee will remain the trustee under the Applicable Indenture until a successor is appointed.
21
Outstanding Debt Securities
The Indentures provide that, in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action under the Applicable Indenture, as of any date:
| • | the portion of the principal amount of an original issue discount Debt Security that shall be deemed to be outstanding for such purposes shall be that portion of the principal amount thereof that would be due and payable as of such date upon the declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default; |
| • | if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the maturity of a Debt Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Debt Security that will be deemed to be outstanding will be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 301 of the Applicable Indenture; |
| • | the portion of the principal amount of a Debt Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies, composite currencies or currency units that shall be deemed to be outstanding for such purpose shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined on such date as contemplated by Section 301 of the Applicable Indenture, of the principal amount of such Debt Security (or, in the case of an original issue discount Debt Security, the amount determined as provided in the two items immediately above); and |
| • | Debt Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall not be deemed to be outstanding. (Section 101) |
Governing Law
The Indentures are, and the Debt Securities will be, governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Waiver of Jury Trial
Under the Indentures, each of the Company, the Trustees and the holders of the Debt Securities irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to the applicable Indenture, the Debt Securities or the transactions contemplated thereby.
22
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
Summary
The following summary contains a description of certain general terms of the Preferred Stock of the Company. The particular terms of any series of Preferred Stock will be contained in a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of the Preferred Stock:
| • | the specific title and stated value; |
| • | number of shares or fractional interests therein; |
| • | any dividend, liquidation, redemption, voting and other rights; |
| • | if applicable, the terms for conversion into Common Stock or other preferred stock or for exchange for Common Stock or Debt Securities; |
| • | the securities exchanges, if any, on which such Preferred Stock is to be listed; and |
| • | the initial public offering price, and the number of shares, if any, to be purchased by the underwriters. |
The terms of any series of Preferred Stock being offered may differ from the terms set forth below. If the terms differ, those terms will also be disclosed in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of Preferred Stock. The following summary is not complete. You should refer to the Certificate of Designations relating to the series of the Preferred Stock, the applicable provisions of the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws and the Delaware General Corporation Law for a complete statement of the terms and rights of that series of Preferred Stock. That Certificate of Designations will be filed with the SEC promptly after the offering of the series of Preferred Stock.
General
Under the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue up to 3,600,000,000 shares of capital stock of which 3,500,000,000 shares shall be Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 100,000,000 shares shall be Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”), par value $0.01 per share. The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series and the Board will have the power to fix various terms with respect to each series, including voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and/or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. The holders of the Company’s Common Stock are not entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares which may be issued.
In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Common Stock would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all of its debts and liabilities, all of the assets of the Company available for distribution. The holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock, if any, may have a priority over the holders of the Company’s Common Stock in the event of liquidation or dissolution.
Rank
Any series of Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights on liquidation, winding up and dissolution rank (i) senior to all classes of common stock of the Company and all equity securities issued by the Company, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities will rank junior to the Preferred Stock (collectively referred to as the “Junior Securities”); (ii) on a parity with all equity securities issued by the Company, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities will rank on a parity with the Preferred Stock (collectively referred to as the “Parity Securities”); and (iii) junior to all equity securities issued by the Company, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities will rank senior to the Preferred Stock. All shares of Preferred Stock will, regardless of series, be of equal rank. As used in any Certificate of Designations for these purposes, the term “equity securities” will not include Debt Securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities.
23
In addition, the Preferred Stock may be fully subordinate to interests held by the U.S. government in the event we enter into a receivership, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding, including a proceeding under the “orderly liquidation authority” provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Dividends
Holders of each series of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of the Company (or a duly authorized committee of the Board) out of funds legally available therefor, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates as are set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of Preferred Stock. Dividends will be payable to holders of record of Preferred Stock as they appear on the books of the Company (or, if applicable, the records of the Depositary referred to below under “Description of Depositary Shares”) on such record dates as shall be fixed by the Board (or a duly authorized committee of the Board). Dividends on any series of Preferred Stock may be cumulative or non-cumulative.
The Company’s ability to pay dividends on its Preferred Stock is subject to rules and policies established by the Federal Reserve Board. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Supervision and Regulation—Capital Planning and Stress Testing—Payment of Dividends, Stock Repurchases and Other Capital Distributions” in our 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as an exhibit to our Form 10-K, and Part I, “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, both of which are incorporated herein by reference (and similar items in any of our annual, quarterly or current reports that we file with the SEC in the future and that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus).
No full dividends may be declared or paid or funds set apart for the payment of dividends on any Parity Securities unless dividends shall have been paid or set apart for such payment on the Preferred Stock. If full dividends are not so paid, the Preferred Stock shall share dividends pro rata with the Parity Securities.
Conversion
A series of Preferred Stock may be convertible into shares of another series of Preferred Stock or Common Stock. The prospectus supplement for any series of Preferred Stock will state the terms, if any, of such conversion rights.
Exchangeability
The holders of shares of Preferred Stock of any series may be obligated at any time or at a specified time or times to exchange such shares for Common Stock or Debt Securities of the Company. The terms of any such exchange and any such Debt Securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of Preferred Stock.
Redemption
A series of Preferred Stock may be redeemable at any time or at a specified time or times, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company or the holder thereof upon terms and at the redemption prices set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.
In the event of partial redemptions of Preferred Stock, whether by mandatory or optional redemption, the shares to be redeemed will be determined by lot or pro rata, as may be determined by the Board or by any other method determined to be equitable by the Board.
On and after a redemption date, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, dividends will cease to accrue on shares of Preferred Stock called for redemption and all rights of holders of such shares will terminate except for the right to receive the redemption price.
24
Our right to redeem the Preferred Stock once issued is subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board or any successor appropriate federal banking agency as required under the capital rules applicable to us. We cannot assure you that the Federal Reserve Board or any successor appropriate federal banking agency will approve any redemption of the Preferred Stock that we may propose. Under the capital adequacy rules currently applicable to us, prior to exercising our right to redeem the Preferred Stock, we must either (i) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Federal Reserve Board that, following redemption, we will continue to hold capital commensurate with our risk; or (ii) replace the Preferred Stock redeemed or to be redeemed with an equal amount of instruments that will qualify as Tier 1 capital under regulations of the Federal Reserve Board immediately following or concurrent with redemption.
Liquidation Preference
Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of each series of Preferred Stock that ranks senior to the Junior Securities will be entitled to receive out of assets of the Company available for distribution to shareholders, before any distribution is made on any Junior Securities, including Common Stock, distributions upon liquidation in the amount set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of Preferred Stock. If upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the amounts payable with respect to the Preferred Stock of any series and any other Parity Securities are not paid in full, the holders of the Preferred Stock of such series and the Parity Securities will share ratably in any such distribution of assets of the Company in proportion to the full liquidation preferences to which each is entitled. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference to which they are entitled, the holders of such series of Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets of the Company.
Voting Rights
Except as indicated below or in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of Preferred Stock or except as expressly required by applicable law, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock will have no voting rights.
Under the Federal Reserve Board’s regulations implementing the Bank Holding Company Act, if any holder of any series of preferred stock is or becomes entitled to vote for the election of directors, such series will be deemed a class of voting securities and a company holding 25% or more of the series, or 5% or more if it otherwise exercises a “controlling influence” over the issuer, will be subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act. In addition, at the time the series is deemed a class of voting securities, any other bank holding company will be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act to acquire or maintain more than 5% of that series. Any other person (other than the bank holding company) will be required to obtain the non-objection of the Federal Reserve Board under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, to acquire or maintain 10% or more of that series.
25
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
The following summary is not complete. You should refer to the applicable provisions of the forms of the Company’s Deposit Agreement and Depositary Receipt relating to the Preferred Stock for a complete statement of the terms and rights of the Depositary Shares. The following description and any description of the Deposit Agreement, Depositary Receipt and Depositary Shares in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Depositary Agreement and form of Depositary Receipt, which we will file with the SEC (and incorporate by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part) in connection with the offering of Depositary Shares.
General
The Company may, at its option, elect to offer fractional shares of Preferred Stock, rather than full shares of Preferred Stock. In the event such option is exercised, the Company will issue Depositary Receipts, each of which will represent a fraction (to be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of Preferred Stock) of a share of a particular series of Preferred Stock as described below.
The shares of any series of Preferred Stock represented by Depositary Shares will be deposited under a Deposit Agreement (the “Deposit Agreement”) between the Company and a bank or trust company selected by the Company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 (the “Depositary”). Subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, each owner of a Depositary Share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Share, to all the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock represented thereby (including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights).
The Depositary Shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the Deposit Agreement (the “Depositary Receipts”). Depositary Receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of the offering.
Pending the preparation of definitive Depositary Receipts, the Depositary may, upon the written order of the Company or any holder of deposited Preferred Stock, execute and deliver temporary Depositary Receipts which are substantially identical to, and entitle the holders thereof to all the rights pertaining to, the definitive Depositary Receipts. Definitive Depositary Receipts will be prepared thereafter without unreasonable delay, and temporary Depositary Receipts will be exchangeable for definitive Depositary Receipts at the Company’s expense.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The Depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the deposited Preferred Stock to the record holders of Depositary Shares relating to such Preferred Stock in proportion to the numbers of such Depositary Shares owned by such holders, when, as and if declared by the Board.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of Depositary Shares entitled thereto. If the Depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, it may, with the approval of the Company, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to such holders.
Redemption or Exchange of Stock
If a series of Preferred Stock represented by Depositary Shares is to be redeemed or exchanged, the Depositary Shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the Depositary resulting from the redemption,
26
in whole or in part, of such series of Preferred Stock held by the Depositary, or exchanged for the Common Stock or Debt Securities to be issued in exchange for the Preferred Stock (as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of such series of Preferred Stock). The Depositary Shares will be redeemed or exchanged by the Depositary at a price per Depositary Share equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share or market value of Common Stock or Debt Securities per Depositary Share paid in respect of the shares of Preferred Stock so redeemed or exchanged. Whenever the Company redeems or exchanges shares of Preferred Stock held by the Depositary, the Depositary will redeem or exchange as of the same date the number of Depositary Shares representing shares of Preferred Stock so redeemed or exchanged. If fewer than all the Depositary Shares are to be redeemed or exchanged, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed or exchanged will be selected by the Depositary by lot or pro rata or by any other equitable method as may be determined by the Company.
Withdrawal of Stock
Any holder of Depositary Shares may, upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts at the corporate trust office of the Depositary (unless the related Depositary Shares have previously been called for redemption), receive the number of whole shares of the related series of Preferred Stock and any money or other property represented by such Depositary Receipts. Holders of Depositary Shares making such withdrawals will be entitled to receive whole shares of Preferred Stock on the basis set forth in the related prospectus supplement for such series of Preferred Stock, but holders of such whole shares of Preferred Stock will not thereafter be entitled to deposit such Preferred Stock under the Deposit Agreement or to receive Depositary Receipts therefor. If the Depositary Shares surrendered by the holder in connection with such withdrawal exceed the number of Depositary Shares that represent the number of whole shares of Preferred Stock to be withdrawn, the Depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new Depositary Receipt evidencing such excess number of Depositary Shares.
Voting Deposited Preferred Stock
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of any series of deposited Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary will mail the information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the Depositary Shares relating to such series of Preferred Stock. Each record holder of such Depositary Shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the relevant series of Preferred Stock) will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of the Preferred Stock represented by such holder’s Depositary Shares. The Depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the amount of such series of Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and the Company will agree to take all reasonable actions which may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to enable the Depositary to do so. The Depositary will abstain from voting shares of the Preferred Stock to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holder of Depositary Shares representing such Preferred Stock.
Conversion Rights of Convertible Depositary Shares
Any holder of Depositary Shares which are convertible into Common Stock or into shares of another series of Preferred Stock, upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts therefor and delivery of instructions to the Depositary, may cause the Company to convert any specified number of whole or fractional shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares into the number of whole shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock (as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of such series of the Preferred Stock) of the Company obtained by dividing the aggregate liquidation preference of such Depositary Shares by the Conversion Price (as such term is defined in the Certificate of Designations) then in effect, as such Conversion Price may be adjusted by the Company from time to time as provided in the Certificate of Designations. In the event that a holder delivers Depositary Receipts to the Depositary for conversion which in the aggregate are convertible either into less than one whole share of such Common Stock or Preferred Stock or into any number of whole shares of such
27
Common Stock or Preferred Stock plus an excess constituting less than one whole share of such Common Stock or Preferred Stock, the holder shall receive payment in lieu of such fractional share.
Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement
The form of Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares and any provision of the Deposit Agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary. However, any amendment which materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of Depositary Shares representing Preferred Stock of any series will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved by the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the Depositary Shares then outstanding representing Preferred Stock of such series. Every holder of an outstanding Depositary Receipt at the time any such amendment becomes effective, or any transferee of such holder, shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such Depositary Receipt, or by reason of the acquisition thereof, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. The Deposit Agreement may be terminated immediately and without notice if (i) all outstanding Depositary Shares have been redeemed; or (ii) if applicable, each share of Preferred Stock has been converted into Common Stock or Preferred Stock or has been exchanged for Common Stock or Debt Securities; or (iii) there has been a final distribution in respect of the Preferred Stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and such distribution has been distributed to the holders of Depositary Shares; or (iv) with the consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the Depositary Shares then outstanding representing Preferred Stock of such series; or (v) the Depositary materially breaches any of its obligations with regard to the treatment of personal information (as defined in the Depositary Agreement).
Charges of Depositary
The Company will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. The Company will pay all charges of the Depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the relevant series of Preferred Stock and any redemption or exchange of such Preferred Stock. Holders of Depositary Receipts will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges or expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be for their accounts.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to the Company notice of its election to do so, and the Company may at any time remove the Depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor Depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. Such successor Depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
Miscellaneous
The Depositary will forward to the holders of the depositary shares all reports and communications from the Company which are delivered to the Depositary and which the Company is required to furnish to the holders of the depositary shares or the holders of the deposited Preferred Stock.
Neither the Depositary nor the Company will be liable if it is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations under the Deposit Agreement. The obligations of the Company and the Depositary under the Deposit Agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of their duties thereunder and they will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any Depositary Shares, Depositary Receipts or shares of Preferred Stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. They may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by holders of Depositary Receipts or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.
28
General
We may issue Common Stock, separately or together with or upon conversion of or in exchange for other Company securities, all as set forth in a prospectus supplement. The following summary is not complete. You should refer to the applicable provisions of the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws, and to the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) for a complete statement of the terms and rights of the Common Stock.
The Company is authorized to issue 3,500,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share. The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BK.”
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the Common Stock including, where applicable, the following:
| • | the number of shares to be offered; |
| • | the offering price; and |
| • | any additional terms of the Common Stock which are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation. |
The Common Stock will be, when issued against payment therefor, fully paid and nonassessable. The rights of holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of any Preferred Stock that has been issued and may be issued in the future.
Dividends
The holders of the Common Stock of the Company are entitled to receive dividends, when, as and if declared by the Board out of any funds legally available therefor, subject to the preferences applicable to any outstanding Preferred Stock.
The Company’s ability to pay dividends on its Common Stock:
| • | depends primarily upon the ability of its subsidiaries, including The Bank of New York Mellon, BNY Mellon, N.A. and Pershing LLC, to pay dividends or otherwise transfer funds to it, |
| • | is also subject to rules and policies established by the Federal Reserve Board. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Supervision and Regulation—Capital Planning and Stress Testing—Payment of Dividends, Stock Repurchases and Other Capital Distributions” in our 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as an exhibit to our Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference, and Part I, “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (and similar items in any of our annual, quarterly or current reports that we file with the SEC in the future and that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus), and |
| • | will be prohibited, subject to certain restrictions, in the event that we do not declare and pay in full preferred dividends for the then-current dividend period of our Series A preferred stock or the last preceding dividend period of our Series F preferred stock, Series G preferred stock, Series H preferred stock and Series I preferred stock. |
Voting
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters as to which shareholders are entitled to vote. The holders of the Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights.
29
Under our by-laws, in any uncontested election of directors, each director will be elected if more votes are cast “for” the director’s election than are cast “against” the director’s election, with abstentions and broker non-votes not being counted as a vote cast either “for” or “against” the director’s election. A plurality standard will apply in any contested election of directors, which is an election in which the number of nominees for director exceeds the number of directors to be elected. Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, if any incumbent director fails to receive a majority of the votes cast in any uncontested election, the director will be required to tender his or her resignation to the independent Chair or Lead Director (or such other director designated by the Board if the director failing to receive the majority of votes cast is the independent Chair or Lead Director) promptly after the certification of the stockholder vote.
The Corporate Governance, Nominating and Social Responsibility Committee (the “CGNSR Committee”) will promptly consider the tendered resignation and recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject it, or whether other actions should be taken. If, because of recusals, the CGNSR Committee is unable to meet and consider the issue with a quorum of its members participating in the discussion, the Board may assign the issue to another committee consisting solely of independent directors. In considering whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation, the CGNSR Committee (or other committee to which the matter is assigned) will consider whatever factors its members deem relevant, including any stated reasons for the “against” votes, the length of service and qualifications of the director whose resignation has been tendered, the director’s contributions to the company, and the mix of skills and backgrounds of the Board members.
The Board will act on the CGNSR Committee’s recommendation (or the recommendation of such other committee to which the matter is assigned) no later than 90 days following the certification of the election in question. In considering the recommendation of the CGNSR Committee, the Board will consider the factors considered by the CGNSR Committee (or such other committee) and such additional information and factors as it deems relevant.
Following the Board’s decision, the company will publicly disclose such decision (and, if applicable, the reasons for rejecting the tendered resignation) in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. If the Board does not accept the director’s resignation, it may elect to address the underlying stockholder concerns or to take such other actions as it deems appropriate and in the best interests of the company and its stockholders. A director who tenders his or her resignation pursuant to this provision will not vote on the issue of whether his or her tendered resignation will be accepted or rejected. If the Board accepts an incumbent director’s resignation pursuant to this provision, or if a nominee for director is not elected and the nominee is not an incumbent director, then the Board may fill the resulting vacancy pursuant to our by-laws. If the Board does not accept an incumbent director’s resignation pursuant to this provision, he or she will continue to serve on the Board until the election of his or her successor.
Liquidation Rights
Upon liquidation of the Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive pro rata the net assets of the Company after satisfaction in full of the prior rights of creditors of the Company (including holders of the Company’s Debt Securities) and holders of any Preferred Stock.
Miscellaneous
Holders of Common Stock do not have any preferential or preemptive right with respect to any securities of the Company or any conversion rights. The Common Stock is not subject to redemption. The outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
Computershare Trust Company, N.A., is the Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock of the Company. Computershare, Inc. is the Dividend Disbursement Agent for the Common Stock of the Company.
30
Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and the Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws
We are also subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. Section 203 prohibits us from engaging in any business combination (as defined in Section 203) with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years subsequent to the date on which the stockholder became an interested stockholder unless:
| • | prior to such date, the Board approves either the business combination or the transaction in which the stockholder became an interested stockholder; |
| • | upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owns at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock (with certain exclusions); or |
| • | the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized by a vote (and not by written consent) of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder. |
For purposes of Section 203, an “interested stockholder” is defined as an entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, based on voting power, and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such an entity or person.
A “business combination” includes mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. Section 203 could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change of control attempts with respect to us and, accordingly, may discourage attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by stockholders.
Such provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control of management or us.
Under the provisions of the statute, a corporation can expressly elect not to be governed by the business combination provisions in its Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Amended and Restated By-Laws, but, as of the date of this prospectus, the Company has not done so. (DGCL § 203)
The Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws establish an advance notice procedure with regard to nomination by stockholders of candidates for election as directors. In general, written notice with regard to a stockholder nominee for the board of directors must be received by the Secretary of the Company (i) in the case of an annual meeting, not fewer than 90 days or more than 120 days before the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder will be timely if it is received (A) on or before the later of (1) 120 calendar days before the date of the annual meeting at which such business is to be presented or such election is to take place, as the case may be, or (2) 30 calendar days following the first public announcement by the Company of the annual meeting date and (B) not later than 15 calendar days prior to the scheduled mailing date of the Company’s proxy materials for that annual meeting or (ii) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, not later than the close of business on the tenth calendar day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the meeting date was mailed and the day on which public announcement of the meeting date was made.
The notice associated with a stockholder nominee for the board of directors must also provide certain information set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws. Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, the Board is not required to nominate in the annual proxy statement any person so proposed. Compliance with this procedure would permit a stockholder to nominate the individual(s) at the stockholders meeting, and any stockholder may vote in person or by proxy for any individual that stockholder desires. In addition, the Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws permit a stockholder, or a group of up to 20 stockholders, owning 3% or more of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock continuously for at least three years, to nominate and include in the Company’s proxy materials for an annual meeting directors constituting up to two individuals or 20% of the Board, whichever is greater, provided that the stockholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the requirements specified in the Amended and Restated By-Laws.
31
The Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws establish an advance notice procedure with regard to proposals by stockholders to be brought before a meeting of stockholders. In general, written notice of a proposal by stockholders to be brought before an annual meeting must be received by the Secretary of the Company not fewer than 90 days or more than 120 days before the anniversary date of the previous year’s proxy statement; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder will be timely if it is received (A) on or before the later of (1) 120 calendar days before the date of the annual meeting at which such business is to be presented, or (2) 10 calendar days following the first public announcement by the Company of the annual meeting date and (B) not later than 15 calendar days prior to the scheduled mailing date of the Company’s proxy materials for that annual meeting. Matters to be considered and brought before any special meeting of stockholders (including in the case of a stockholder requested special meeting) are limited to such matters that may be brought properly before such meeting as set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws.
The Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws set forth the information that must be provided in connection with any proposal by stockholders to be brought before a meeting of the stockholders. In general, the advance notice of the stockholder’s proposal must set forth a description of the business that the stockholder intends to bring before the meeting, including the text of the proposal, and certain information regarding the proposing stockholder, including the name and address of the stockholder, the class and number of shares of the Company’s capital stock beneficially owned by each such stockholder, a representation that such stockholder will be a holder of record of the Company’s common stock who is entitled to vote at the meeting on the date of the meeting and that such stockholder will appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to present such proposal(s), the name and address of any beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock on whose behalf such business is to be presented, the reasons for conducting the business at the meeting and any material interest of the stockholder or any such beneficial owner in the business proposed at the meeting, information on any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any hedging, derivative or other similar transactions, regardless of the form of settlement) that is in place or has been entered into by or for the benefit of such stockholder or any such beneficial owner with respect to the Company’s securities, debt instruments or credit ratings within the prior six months preceding the date of delivery of the stockholder’s notice, the effect or intent of which transaction is to give rise to gain or loss as a result of changes in the trading price of such securities or debt instruments or changes in the credit ratings of the Company or to increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder or any such beneficial owner, and if so, a summary of the material terms thereof, and a representation that the stockholder or any such beneficial owner intends, or is part of a group (providing the name and address of each participant (as defined in Item 4 of Schedule 14A of the Exchange Act)) that intends to (i) deliver a proxy statement to, and solicit proxies from, holders of at least the percentage of voting power of all of the shares of capital stock of the Company required under applicable law to approve the proposal or (ii) otherwise solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal in compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Our Amended and Restated By-Laws provide stockholders holding an aggregate “net long position” (as defined in the Amended and Restated By-Laws) representing at least 20% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company the right to request that the Secretary of the Company call a special meeting of stockholders. The amendments also set forth the requirements and procedures of such a stockholder special meeting request, including with respect to (i) when multiple requests will be considered together, (ii) the information required when submitting a request, (iii) limitations on when requests may be made, (iv) the time for holding a special meeting following a request and (v) the appropriate scope of business at any meeting held pursuant to a request.
Our Amended and Restated By-Laws also provide that vacancies on the Board may only be filled by a majority of directors then remaining in office, except that those vacancies resulting from removal from office by a vote of the stockholders may be filled by a vote of the stockholders at the same meeting at which such removal occurs.
32
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
Description of Stock Purchase Contracts
We may issue stock purchase contracts, representing contracts obligating holders to purchase from or sell to us, or obligating us to purchase from or sell to the holders, a specified or variable number of shares of our Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, as applicable, at a future date or dates. The price per share of Common Stock, Preferred Stock or per Depositary Share, as applicable, may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula contained in the stock purchase contracts. We may issue stock purchase contracts in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as parts of units, which we refer to in this prospectus as stock purchase units. Units may consist of a stock purchase contract and beneficial interests in other securities described in this prospectus or of third parties, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase from or sell shares to us under the stock purchase contracts. These other securities may consist of debt securities, junior subordinated debentures, Preferred Stock, Common Stock or Depositary Shares of the Company, trust preferred securities or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities. The stock purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase contracts or vice versa, and these payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under those contracts in a specified manner. Any stock purchase contract may include anti-dilution provisions to adjust the number of shares issuable pursuant to such stock purchase contract upon the occurrence of certain events.
The applicable prospectus supplement may contain, where applicable, the following information about the stock purchase contracts issued under it:
| • | whether the stock purchase contracts obligate the holder to purchase or sell, or both purchase and sell, our common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares, as applicable, and the nature and amount of each of those securities, or the method of determining those amounts; |
| • | whether the stock purchase contracts are to be prepaid or not; |
| • | whether the stock purchase contracts are to be settled by delivery, or by reference or linkage to the value, performance or level of our common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares; |
| • | any acceleration, cancellation, termination or other provisions relating to the settlement of the stock purchase contracts; |
| • | whether the stock purchase contracts will be issued in fully registered or global form; and |
| • | any other terms of the stock purchase contracts. |
Description of Stock Purchase Units
We may, from time to time, issue stock purchase units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Stock purchase units may also include debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. Treasury securities. Each stock purchase unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a stock purchase unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a stock purchase unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date. The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:
| • | the designation and terms of the stock purchase units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; |
| • | any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and |
33
| • | whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form. |
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any stock purchase units. The preceding description and any description of units in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant unit agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such units that we will file with the SEC in connection with the offering of stock purchase units.
34
We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock. We may offer warrants separately or together with one or more additional warrants, debt securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock, or any combination of those securities in the form of units, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we issue warrants as part of a unit, the applicable prospectus supplement will specify whether those warrants may be separated from the other securities in the unit prior to the warrants’ expiration date. Below is a description of certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer. Further terms of the warrants will be described in a prospectus supplement.
The applicable prospectus supplement will contain, where applicable, the following terms of and other information relating to the warrants:
| • | the specific designation and aggregate number of, and the price at which we will issue, the warrants; |
| • | the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable; |
| • | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will begin and the date on which that right will expire or, if you may not continuously exercise the warrants throughout that period, the specific date or dates on which you may exercise the warrants; |
| • | whether the warrants will be issued in fully registered form or bearer form, in definitive or global form or in any combination of these forms, although, in any case, the form of a warrant included in a unit will correspond to the form of the unit and of any security included in that unit; |
| • | any applicable material United States federal income tax consequences; |
| • | the identity of the warrant agent for the warrants and of any other depositaries, execution or paying agents, transfer agents, registrars or other agents; |
| • | the proposed listing, if any, of the warrants or any securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants on any securities exchange; |
| • | the designation and terms of the preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise of the warrants; |
| • | the designation, aggregate principal amount, currency and terms of the debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants; |
| • | if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities; |
| • | preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each security; |
| • | if applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and the related debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock will be separately transferable; |
| • | the number of shares of preferred stock, the number of depositary shares or the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which those shares may be purchased; |
| • | if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time; |
| • | information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
| • | the antidilution provisions of the warrants, if any; |
| • | any redemption or call provisions; |
| • | whether the warrants are to be sold separately or with other securities as parts of units; and |
| • | any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants. |
35
If any Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or other securities registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (collectively, “Book Entry Securities”) are to be represented by global certificates, The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) will act as securities depositary for all of the Book Entry Securities, unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to an offering of a particular series of Book Entry Securities.
The following is a summary of the depository arrangements applicable to such securities issued in global form and for which DTC, or its successor, acts as depositary (in the United States) or for which either Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V., or its successor, as operator of the Euroclear System, which we refer to as Euroclear, or Clearstream Banking, sociéte anonyme, or its successor, which we refer to as Clearstream, Luxembourg, acts as depositary (outside of the United States). If there are any changes from this summary, they will appear in a prospectus supplement.
DTC
If any securities are to be issued in global form, you will not receive a paper certificate representing the securities you have purchased. Instead the Company will deposit with DTC or its custodian one or more fully-registered global certificates (“Global Certificates”) registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s partnership nominee) for the Book Entry Securities, representing the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities, or the total number of shares of Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares or the other securities, respectively.
Since the Global Certificate is registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, DTC or its nominee is said to have legal or record ownership of the Global Certificate. Persons who buy interests in the Global Security by purchasing securities are said to own a beneficial interest in the Global Security.
Only institutions (sometimes referred to as “participants”) that have accounts with DTC or its nominee or persons that may hold interests through participants, such as individual members of the public, may own beneficial interests in a Global Certificate. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Certificate by participants will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Certificate by persons that hold through participants will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest within that participant will be effected only through, records maintained by that participant.
DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the Book Entry Securities. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the participants through which the beneficial owners purchased the securities.
DTC alone is responsible for any aspect of its records, any nominee or any participant relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a Global Certificate or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the records of DTC, any nominee or any participant relating to such beneficial interests.
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Certificate.
We have been advised by DTC that upon the issuance of a Global Certificate and the deposit of that Global Certificate with DTC, DTC will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the
36
respective principal amounts or numbers of shares represented by that Global Certificate to the accounts of its participants.
You will be required to make your initial payment for the Debt Securities in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in immediately available funds using DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System.
The Company will pay principal of, and premium, interest or dividends on, securities represented by a Global Certificate registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee to the relevant paying agent who in turn will make payments to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the Global Certificate representing those securities in immediately available funds. We have been advised by DTC that upon receipt of any payment of principal of, or interest or premium (or contract adjustment payments) on, a Global Certificate, DTC will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, accounts of participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal or stated amount of that Global Certificate as shown in the records of DTC. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a Global Certificate held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name”, and will be the sole responsibility of those participants, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. If an issue of Book Entry Securities is denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, we will make payments of principal and any interest, as applicable, in the foreign currency in which the Book Entry Securities are denominated or in U.S. dollars. DTC has elected to have all payments of principal and interest paid in U.S. dollars unless notified by any of its participants through which an interest in the Book Entry Securities is held that it elects, in accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the Book Entry Security, to receive payment of principal or interest in the foreign currency. On or prior to the third business day after the record date for payment of interest and 12 days prior to the date for payment of principal, a participant will be required to notify DTC of (a) its election to receive all, or the specified portion, of payment in the foreign currency and (b) its instructions for wire transfer of payment to a foreign currency account.
Global Certificates are generally not transferable. A Global Certificate is exchangeable for definitive securities (paper certificates) registered in the name of, and a transfer of a Global Certificate may be registered to, any person other than DTC or its nominee, only if:
| (a) | DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for that Global Certificate or if at any time DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute or regulation and we are unable to locate a qualified successor depositary; |
| (b) | we determine in our discretion that the Global Certificate shall be exchangeable for definitive securities in registered form; or |
| (c) | in the case of Debt Securities, there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default or Covenant Breach. |
Any Global Certificate representing a Debt Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding paragraph will be exchangeable in whole for definitive Debt Securities in registered form, of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount as the Global Certificate, in denominations specified in the applicable prospectus supplement (if other than $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000). The definitive Debt Securities will be registered by the registrar in the name or names instructed by DTC. We expect that such instructions may be based upon directions received by DTC from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the Global Certificate. Any principal, premium and interest will be payable, the transfer of the definitive Debt Securities will be registerable and the definitive Debt Securities will be exchangeable at the office specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, provided that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to that interest payment as of the record date and as shown on the register for the Debt Securities. In the event definitive securities are issued, (i) holders of
37
definitive securities will be able to transfer their debt securities, in whole or in part, by surrendering the debt securities for registration of transfer at the corporate trust office of the applicable security registrar. We will not charge any fee for the registration or transfer or exchange, except that we may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any applicable tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the transfer and (ii) any moneys we pay to our paying agents for the payment of principal and interest on a Debt Security that remains unclaimed at the second anniversary of the date such payment was due will be returned to us, and thereafter holders of definitive securities may look only to us, as general unsecured creditors, for payment.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with respect to any of the Book Entry Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the relevant Trustee (or agent) and the Company. In the event that a successor securities depositary is not obtained, definitive Debt Security or Preferred Stock certificates representing such Debt Security or Preferred Stock will be printed and delivered. The Company, at its option, may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor depositary).
Except as provided above, owners of the beneficial interests in a Global Security representing a Debt Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Debt Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the holders of securities for any purpose under the Indentures.
No Global Security shall be exchangeable except for another Global Security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the Global Security or the Indentures.
Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co. as the registered holder of the Book Entry Securities. If less than all of a series of the Debt Securities are being redeemed, DTC will determine the amount of the interest of each direct participant to be redeemed in accordance with its then-current procedures.
Although voting with respect to the Book Entry Securities is limited to the holders of record of the Book Entry Securities, in those instances in which a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote with respect to Book Entry Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC would mail an omnibus proxy (the “Omnibus Proxy”) to the relevant Trustee (or agent) as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts such Book Entry Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered under the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its participants in such securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. Access to DTC’s book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.
Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear
We have been advised by Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear, respectively, as follows:
| • | As to Clearstream, Luxembourg: Clearstream, Luxembourg has advised us that it was incorporated as a limited liability company under Luxembourg law. |
38
| • | Clearstream, Luxembourg holds securities for its customers and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream, Luxembourg customers through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream, Luxembourg customers, thus eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Transactions may be settled by Clearstream, Luxembourg in many currencies, including United States dollars. Clearstream, Luxembourg provides to its customers, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities, securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream, Luxembourg also deals with domestic securities markets in over 30 countries through established depository and custodial relationships. Clearstream, Luxembourg interfaces with domestic markets in a number of countries. Clearstream, Luxembourg has established an electronic bridge with Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., the operator of Euroclear, or the Euroclear operator, to facilitate settlement of trades between Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear. |
| • | As a registered bank in Luxembourg, Clearstream, Luxembourg is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Sector. Clearstream, Luxembourg customers are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations. In the United States, Clearstream, Luxembourg customers are limited to securities brokers and dealers and banks, and may include the underwriters for the Book Entry Securities. Other institutions that maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream, Luxembourg customer may obtain indirect access to Clearstream, Luxembourg. Clearstream, Luxembourg is an indirect participant in DTC. |
| • | Distributions with respect to the Book Entry Securities held beneficially through Clearstream, Luxembourg will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream, Luxembourg customers in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent received by Clearstream, Luxembourg. |
| • | As to Euroclear: Euroclear has advised us that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thus eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Transactions may now be settled in many currencies, including United States dollars and Japanese Yen. Euroclear provides various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries generally similar to the arrangements for cross-market transfers with DTC described below. |
| • | Euroclear is operated by the Euroclear operator, under contract with Euroclear plc, a U.K. corporation. The Euroclear operator conducts all operations, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear operator, not Euroclear plc. Euroclear plc establishes policy for Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear participants. Euroclear participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriters for the Book Entry Securities. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly. Euroclear is an indirect participant in DTC. |
The Euroclear operator is a Belgian bank. The Belgian Banking Commission and the National Bank of Belgium regulate and examine the Euroclear operator.
The Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, or the Euroclear Terms and Conditions, and applicable Belgian law govern securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear operator. Specifically, these terms and conditions govern:
| • | transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear; |
| • | withdrawal of securities and cash from Euroclear; and |
39
| • | receipt of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. |
All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear operator acts under the terms and conditions only on behalf of Euroclear participants and has no record of or relationship with persons holding securities through Euroclear participants.
Distributions with respect to Book Entry Securities held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear participants in accordance with the Euroclear Terms and Conditions, to the extent received by the Euroclear operator.
Secondary market trading between Clearstream, Luxembourg customers and/or Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear and will be settled using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in immediately available funds.
Cross-market transfers between persons holding Book Entry Securities directly or indirectly through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Clearstream, Luxembourg customers or Euroclear participants, on the other, will be effected in DTC in accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by a U.S. depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (based on European time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to the U.S. depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving Book Entry Securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Clearstream, Luxembourg customers and Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to their respective U.S. depositaries.
Because of time-zone differences, credits of Book Entry Securities received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following the DTC settlement date. Such credits or any transactions in such Book Entry Securities settled during such processing will be reported to the relevant Clearstream, Luxembourg customers or Euroclear participants on such business day. Cash received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear as a result of sales of Book Entry Securities by or through a Clearstream, Luxembourg customer or a Euroclear participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.
DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform the procedures described above and such procedures may be discontinued at any time.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system as well as Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear and their respective book-entry systems has been obtained from sources that the Company believes to be accurate, but the Company assumes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. The Company does not have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg, Euroclear or participants therein of their respective obligations as described herein or under the rules and procedures governing their respective operations.
40
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)
Securities offered by the Company
The securities to be offered by the Company may be sold in a public offering to or through agents, underwriters or dealers designated from time to time or directly to purchasers. The Company may sell its securities as soon as practicable after effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The names of any underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, the amount or number of securities to be purchased by any such underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Underwriters may offer and sell securities at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or from time to time at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. In connection with the sale of securities offered by this prospectus, underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from the Company in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions. Underwriters may sell securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters.
Any underwriters utilized may engage in stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Rule 104 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the offered securities or any underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Such stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of such transactions.
Any underwriting compensation paid by the Company to underwriters in connection with the offering of securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by such underwriters to participating dealers, will be described in an accompanying prospectus supplement. Underwriters and dealers participating in the distribution of securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of such securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act. Underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements with the Company to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to reimbursement by the Company for certain expenses.
In connection with the offering of securities of the Company, the Company may grant to the underwriters an option to purchase additional securities to cover over-allotments, if any, at the initial public offering price (with an additional underwriting commission), as may be set forth in the prospectus supplement for such securities. If the Company grants any over-allotment option, the terms of such over-allotment option will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for such securities.
Underwriters and dealers and their affiliates and associates may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, the Company and/or any of its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. Certain of the underwriters and dealers, and their affiliates and associates may be customers of, including borrowers from, engage in transactions with, and perform services for, the Company, The Bank of New York Mellon, BNY Mellon, N.A., Pershing LLC and other subsidiaries of the Company in the ordinary course of business.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments, including serving as counterparties to certain derivative and hedging arrangements, and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may hold long and short positions in such securities and instruments. Such investments and securities activities may
41
involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. If any of the underwriters or their affiliates have a lending relationship with us, certain of those underwriters or their affiliates that have such a relationship routinely hedge, and certain other of those underwriters or their affiliates that have such a relationship may hedge, their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, these underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions that consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the securities offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the debt securities offered hereby. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
Securities other than the Common Stock will be new issues of securities and will have no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom such securities are sold for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Such securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any securities other than the Common Stock.
The Company may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by the Company or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from the Company in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Conflicts of Interest
BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC, a broker-dealer registered with FINRA and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, may participate in offerings of securities made by means of this prospectus. Accordingly, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC has a “conflict of interest” as defined in FINRA Rule 5121(f)(5)(B), and any offerings made by means of this prospectus will be conducted in compliance with Rule 5121. In general, under Rule 5121, a Qualified Independent Underwriter will not be necessary for these offerings pursuant to Rule 5121(a)(1)(C) or Rule 5121(a)(1)(B), as the Company will be offering securities that have been rated investment grade or in the same series as securities that have been rated investment grade or will be offering its Common Stock, which has a bona fide public market for purposes of Rule 5121. No underwriter having a Rule 5121 conflict of interest will be permitted under that rule to confirm sales to any account over which the underwriter exercises discretionary authority without the specific written approval of the accountholder.
Market-Making Transactions by Affiliates
The Company, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC or any other affiliate controlled by the Company may use this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement in a market-making transaction involving the securities after the initial sale. These transactions may be executed at negotiated prices that are related to market prices at the time of purchase or sale, or at other prices. The Company and its affiliates may act as principal or agent in these transactions. Our affiliates, including BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC, are not obligated to make a market in any of these securities and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice.
42
The securities to be sold in market-making transactions include securities to be issued after the date of this prospectus.
Information about the trade and settlement dates, as well as the purchase price, for a market-making transaction will be provided to the purchaser in a separate confirmation of sale.
Unless you are informed otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this prospectus is being used in a market-making transaction.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for the Company by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, New York, New York, and for the underwriters, dealer or agent, as the case may be, by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, New York, New York. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP has in the past represented the Company and its affiliates and continues to represent the Company and its affiliates on a regular basis and in a variety of matters.
The consolidated financial statements of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
43
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 17, 2024
PROSPECTUS
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Mellon Capital IV
Trust Preferred Securities
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
This prospectus may be used in connection with market-making offers and sales of all outstanding debt securities, preferred stock, and depositary shares that were initially offered and sold under previously filed registration statements of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (also referred to as “BNY,” the “Company” or “we”) (File Nos. 333-209450, 333-189568, 333-144261, 333-228787 and 333-261575) or its predecessor, The Bank of New York Company, Inc. (File No. 333-103003) and trust preferred securities and the related guarantees that were initially offered and sold under previously filed registration statements of Mellon Financial Corporation, a predecessor of BNY, and Mellon Capital IV (File Nos. 333-135919-04 and 333-135919-02).
The specific terms of the offered securities are provided in a prospectus included in one of the registration statements listed above, a prospectus supplement to such prospectus, and, if applicable, a pricing supplement.
The Company, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC or any other affiliate controlled by the Company may use this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as applicable, in market-making transactions involving the securities listed above. These transactions may be executed at negotiated prices that are related to market prices at the time of purchase or sale, or at other prices. The Company and its affiliates may act as principal or agent in these transactions. Unless you are informed otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this prospectus is being used in a market-making transaction.
THE SECURITIES WILL BE EQUITY SECURITIES IN OR UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS OF THE ISSUER AND WILL NOT BE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR NONBANK SUBSIDIARY OF THE COMPANY AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY. THE DEBT SECURITIES ARE NOT BANK DEPOSITS AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY, NOR ARE THEY OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED BY, A BANK.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM NOR ANY OTHER REGULATORY BODY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this prospectus is , 2024.
| Page | ||||
| 1 | ||||
| 1 | ||||
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, AND IN ANY FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS THAT WE PREPARE. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO GIVE YOU ANY OTHER INFORMATION, AND WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR, AND CAN PROVIDE NO ASSURANCE AS TO THE RELIABILITY OF, ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT OTHERS MAY GIVE YOU. THIS PROSPECTUS, ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND ANY SUCH FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS MAY BE USED ONLY FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN PREPARED. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE DATE OF THE RELEVANT INCORPORATED DOCUMENT, AS APPLICABLE. THE FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OR BUSINESS PROSPECTS OF THE COMPANY MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THOSE DATES. WE ARE NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED.
i
This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is intended to describe certain outstanding securities previously issued by us and our predecessor companies and affiliated trusts.
This prospectus may be used by the Company, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC or any other affiliate controlled by the Company in connection with offers and sales in the secondary market of the securities referenced in this prospectus. These transactions may be executed at negotiated prices that are related to market prices at the time of purchase or sale, or at other prices. The Company and its affiliates may act as principal or agent in these transactions. The Company and its affiliates, including BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC, are not obligated to make a market in any of these securities and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice.
Unless the context requires otherwise, when we refer to “we”, “our” or “us” in this prospectus we mean BNY and its consolidated subsidiaries.
References herein to “trust preferred securities” and the “related guarantees” mean trust preferred securities issued by Mellon Capital IV and related guarantees of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (as successor to Mellon Financial Corporation).
Conflicts of Interest
BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC, a broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, may participate in offerings of securities made by means of this prospectus. Accordingly, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC has a “conflict of interest” as defined in FINRA Rule 5121(f)(5)(B), and any offerings made by means of this prospectus will be conducted in compliance with Rule 5121.
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (NYSE symbol: BK), is a global financial services company that manages and services assets for financial institutions, corporations and individual investors in 35 countries. BNY has three business segments, Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services and Investment and Wealth Management, which offer a comprehensive set of capabilities and deep expertise across the investment lifecycle, enabling the Company to provide solutions to buy-side and sell-side market participants, as well as leading institutional and wealth management clients globally. As of September 30, 2024, BNY had $52.1 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration, and $2.1 trillion in assets under management. “BNY” is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation.
The Company is a bank holding company and a financial holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As such, we and our subsidiaries are subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act and the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board.
Our principal executive office is located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, telephone number: (212) 495-1784. Our website is http://www.bnymellon.com. Information on our website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.
Mellon Capital IV is a statutory trust organized under Delaware law. Additional information with respect to Mellon Capital IV may be found in the prospectus and supplements thereto with respect to the trust preferred securities issued by Mellon Capital IV referred to below and incorporated herein by reference.
1
Mellon Capital IV is our 100%-owned finance subsidiary and has outstanding trust preferred securities being offered by use of this prospectus. The Company, as successor to Mellon Financial Corporation, effectively provides a full and unconditional guarantee of Mellon Capital IV’s payment obligations on its trust preferred securities.
The outstanding securities being offered by use of this prospectus consist of debt securities, preferred stock, and depositary shares that were initially offered and sold under previously filed registration statements of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (also referred to as “BNY,” the “Company” or “we”) (File Nos. 333-209450, 333-189568, 333-144261, 333-228787 and 333-261575) or its predecessor, The Bank of New York Company, Inc. (File No. 333-103003) and trust preferred securities and the related guarantees that were initially offered and sold under previously filed registration statements of Mellon Financial Corporation, a predecessor of BNY, and Mellon Capital IV (File Nos. 333-135919-04 and 333-135919-02) (collectively, the “Prior Registration Statements”).
The descriptions of the securities being offered hereby are contained in the prospectuses and the prospectus supplements and pricing supplements thereto, as applicable, that are included in the Prior Registration Statements. The disclosure information in the prospectuses and the prospectus supplements and pricing supplements thereto, as applicable, constituting part of the Prior Registration Statements is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, except that information contained in such prospectuses and the prospectus supplements and pricing supplements thereto, as applicable, that (1) constitutes a description of the Company, or (2) incorporates by reference any information contained in our current or periodic reports filed with the SEC, is superseded by the information in this prospectus. In addition, information contained in any of such prospectuses and the prospectus supplements and pricing supplements thereto, as applicable, that refers to The Bank of New York Company, Inc. or Mellon Financial Corporation as the issuer or guarantor of such securities shall be deemed to refer to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, as successor by merger to The Bank of New York Company, Inc. and Mellon Financial Corporation.
Neither the Company nor Mellon Capital IV will receive any proceeds from the sale of any securities in connection with market-making transactions by BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC or any other affiliate of the Company.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our filings with the SEC are available to the public through the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
The Company has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 relating to the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement and does not contain all of the information in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to a contract or other document of ours, please be aware that the reference is only a summary and that you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement for a copy of the contract or other document. You may review a copy of the registration statement through the SEC’s Internet site.
2
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document. Any information referred to in this way is considered part of this prospectus from the date we file that document. Any reports incorporated by reference and filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and before the date that the offering of the securities by means of this prospectus is terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents or information filed with the SEC (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules, except as noted below):
| • | Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 28, 2024 (our “Form 10-K”) (including information specifically incorporated therein by reference from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A of our 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed on February 29, 2024) (SEC File No. 001-35651); |
| • | Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2024, filed on May 3, 2024 and for the three months ended June 30, 2024, filed on August 2, 2024 (SEC File No. 001-35651); |
| • | Our Current Reports on Form 8-K, dated January 12, 2024 (only those portions filed and not furnished), March 4, 2024 (filed on March 5, 2024), March 14, 2024, March 26, 2024, April 9, 2024 (filed on April 10, 2024), April 16, 2024 (only those portions filed and not furnished), June 12, 2024 (filed on June 18, 2024), June 28, 2024, July 12, 2024 (only those portions filed and not furnished), July 22, 2024 and October 11, 2024 (only those portions filed and not furnished) (SEC File No. 001-35651); |
| • | The description of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation common stock contained in the joint proxy statement prospectus included in the Registration Statement of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation on Form S-4 (File No. 333-140863) as filed with the SEC on February 23, 2007, and amended by Amendment No. 1 on April 2, 2007 and Amendment No. 2 on April 17, 2007, as that description may be updated from time to time; |
| • | Any documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on or after the date of this prospectus and before the termination of the offering of the securities; and |
| • | The information in the prospectuses and supplements thereto contained in the Prior Registration Statements that were previously filed by Mellon Capital IV, the Company and/or its predecessors in connection with the initial offer and sale of the securities described herein (except to the extent that any such information has been modified or superseded by other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus), as well as the exhibits filed as exhibits or incorporated by reference in those registration statements in respect of those securities (including the instruments governing those securities). |
You may request a free copy of any or all of these filings by writing, emailing or telephoning us at the following address:
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
240 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Office of the Secretary
Email: CorporateSecretary@bny.com
Telephone: (212) 495-1784
3
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain statements relating to future results of BNY that are considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “anticipate,” “likely,” “target,” “expect,” “intend,” “continue,” “seek,” “believe,” “plan,” “goal,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “strategy,” “synergies,” “opportunities,” “trends,” “ambition,” “aspiration,” “objective,” “momentum”, “aim,” “future,” “potentially,” “outlook” and words of similar meaning may signify forward-looking statements in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein.
These statements include all statements about the usefulness of Non-GAAP measures, the future results of BNY, our businesses, financial, liquidity and capital condition, results of operations, liquidity, risk and capital management and processes, goals, strategies, outlook, objectives, expectations (including those regarding our performance results, expenses, nonperforming assets, products, impacts of currency fluctuations, impacts of securities portfolio repositioning, deposits, impacts of trends on our businesses, regulatory, technology, market, economic or accounting developments and the impacts of such developments on our businesses, legal proceedings and other contingencies), human capital management (including related ambitions, objectives, aims and goals), effective tax rate, net interest income, estimates (including those regarding expenses, losses inherent in our credit portfolios and capital ratios), intentions (including those regarding our capital returns and expenses, including our investments in technology and pension expense), targets, opportunities, potential actions, growth and initiatives.
These forward-looking statements, and other forward-looking statements contained in other public disclosures of BNY (including those incorporated by reference in this prospectus), are not guarantees of future results or occurrences, are inherently uncertain and are based upon beliefs and expectations of future events at the time in which such statements are made, many of which are, by their nature, difficult to predict, outside of our control and subject to change. By identifying these statements in this manner, we are alerting investors to the possibility that our actual results may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors (some of which are beyond BNY’s control), including those factors described in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K and the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Factors” section of our 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as an exhibit to our Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied as a result of a number of factors, such as those described in the “Risk Factors” referred to above. Investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider all risk factors discussed in our 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders and any subsequent reports filed with the SEC by BNY pursuant to the Exchange Act. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and BNY undertakes no obligation to update any statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such forward-looking statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
4
Part II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
| Item 14. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.* |
The following sets forth general categories of expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) that we anticipate incurring in connection with the distribution of the securities registered under this registration statement. Information regarding estimated expenses of issuance and distribution of each identified class of securities being registered will be provided at the time information as to such class is included in a prospectus supplement in accordance with Rule 430B under the Securities Act.
| SEC registration fee |
$ | * | ||
| Fees of the Trustee or Depositary (if applicable) |
** | |||
| Printing fees |
** | |||
| Accounting services |
** | |||
| Legal fees |
** | |||
| Miscellaneous fees and expenses |
** | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total |
$ | ** | ||
|
|
|
| * | Any additional registration fee to be provided in a pre-effective amendment to this Registration Statement. |
| ** | These fees and expenses are calculated based on the number of issuances and the amount and class of securities offered per issuance and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. |
| Item 15. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers. |
Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation, in its certificate of incorporation, to limit or eliminate, subject to certain statutory limitations, the liability of directors to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty, except for liability (a) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (d) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for such limitation of liability.
Under Section 145 of the DGCL, a corporation may indemnify a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation (or a person who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. In the case of an action brought by or in the right of a corporation, the corporation may indemnify a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation (or a person who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent a court finds that, in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper.
II-1
The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Article Eighth) provides that the Company will indemnify its executive officers and directors, and any other person who served in such role for other entities at the request of the Company (“Covered Person”), to the fullest extent permitted by law, against all expenses, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by such person in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person was an executive officer or director of the Company or such other entity. The Company will indemnify Covered Persons in connection with a proceeding commenced or brought by that person only if the commencement or bringing of the proceeding was authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company will, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) of any Covered Person in defending a proceeding (other than a proceeding commenced or brought by the person without the specific authorization of the Company’s Board of Directors), provided that, to the extent required by the DGCL, advancement of expenses will only be made if such person provides an undertaking to repay all amounts advanced if it is determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.
The Company may purchase and maintain insurance to protect itself and any Covered Person against liability or expense asserted or incurred by such Covered Person in connection with any proceeding, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such Covered Person against such liability or expense by law or under the indemnification provisions in the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
The Company is authorized to enter into contracts with any Director or executive officer, or, as authorized by the Board of Directors, any other employee or agent of the Company in furtherance of the provisions of Article Eighth of the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and may create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means (including, without limitation, a letter of credit) to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to effect indemnification as provided in Article Eighth of the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
With respect to advancement of expenses, the DGCL provides that the Company may advance expenses upon the receipt of an undertaking as described above, on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate.
| Item 16. | Exhibits |
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Company has filed certain agreements as exhibits to this Registration Statement on Form S-3. These agreements may contain representations and warranties by the parties. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other party or parties to such agreements and (i) may have been qualified by disclosures made to such other party or parties, (ii) were made only as of the date of such agreements or such other date(s) as may be specified in such agreements and are subject to more recent developments, which may not be fully reflected in the Company’s public disclosure, (iii) may reflect the allocation of risk among the parties to such agreements and (iv) may apply materiality standards different from what may be viewed as material to investors. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the Company’s actual state of affairs at the date hereof and should not be relied upon.
II-2
II-3
II-4
II-5
II-6
| * To | be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K. |
| Item 17. | Undertakings. |
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
| (i) | To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
| (ii) | To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Filing Fee Tables” or “Calculation of Registration Fee” table, as applicable, in the effective registration statement; and |
| (iii) | To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; |
provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
| (i) | Each prospectus filed by a Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and |
| (ii) | Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in |
II-7
| the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which the prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date. |
That, for the purpose of determining liability of a Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, each undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of an undersigned Registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
| (i) | Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of an undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
| (ii) | Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of an undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by an undersigned Registrant; |
| (iii) | The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about an undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of an undersigned Registrant; and |
| (iv) | Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by an undersigned Registrant to the purchaser. |
That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of each Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, each Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by a Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of a Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, that Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
II-8
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on the 17th day of October, 2024.
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORPORATION (Registrant) | ||
| By: | /s/ Robin Vince | |
| Name: Robin Vince Title: President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 17th day of October, 2024.
| Signature |
Title | |
| /s/ Robin Vince Robin Vince |
Director and Principal Executive Officer | |
| /s/ Dermot McDonogh Dermot McDonogh |
Principal Financial Officer | |
| /s/ Kurtis R. Kurimsky Kurtis R. Kurimsky |
Principal Accounting Officer | |
| * Linda Z. Cook |
Director | |
| * Joseph J. Echevarria |
Director | |
| * M. Amy Gilliland |
Director | |
| * Jeffrey A. Goldstein |
Director | |
| * K. Guru Gowrappan |
Director | |
| * Ralph Izzo |
Director | |
| * Sandra E. O’Connor |
Director | |
| * Elizabeth E. Robinson |
Director | |
II-9
| Signature |
Title | |
| * Rakefet Russak-Aminoach |
Director | |
| * Alfred W. Zollar |
Director | |
| * | Jean Weng, by signing her name hereto, does sign this document on behalf of the above-noted individuals, pursuant to the power of attorney duly executed by such individuals, which has been filed as an exhibit to this registration statement. |
| /s/ Jean Weng |
| Name: Jean Weng Title: Attorney-in-fact |
II-10
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Mellon Capital IV certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on the 17th day of October, 2024.
| MELLON CAPITAL IV | ||||
| By: | /s/ Kurtis Kurimsky | |||
| Name: | Kurtis Kurimsky | |||
| Title: | Administrative Trustee | |||
| By: | /s/ Tiffany Eng | |||
| Name: | Tiffany Eng | |||
| Title: | Administrative Trustee | |||
II-11
Exhibit 4.23
THIS NOTE IS NOT A SAVINGS ACCOUNT, DEPOSIT OR OTHER OBLIGATION OF ANY BANK OR NONBANK SUBSIDIARY OF THE COMPANY AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
IF THIS NOTE IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. AS NOMINEE FOR THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, THEN THE FOLLOWING LEGEND SHALL APPLY:
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
ANY PURCHASER, HOLDER OR SUBSEQUENT TRANSFEREE OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN REPRESENTS BY ITS PURCHASE AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE THAT EITHER (1) IT IS NOT, AND IS NOT PURCHASING THIS NOTE ON BEHALF OF OR WITH THE ASSETS OF, A PENSION, PROFIT-SHARING OR OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN SUBJECT TO THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), ANY INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, KEOGH PLAN OR ANY OTHER PLAN SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), ANY ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” WITHIN THE MEANING OF ERISA BY REASON OF THE INVESTMENTS BY SUCH PLANS OR ACCOUNTS THEREIN, OR ANY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS A GOVERNMENTAL PLAN (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(32) OF ERISA), A CHURCH PLAN (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(33) OF ERISA) OR A NON-U.S. PLAN (AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 4(B)(4) OF ERISA) THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF ERISA OR THE CODE BUT IS SUBJECT TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS (“SIMILAR LAWS”) OR (2) THE PURCHASE AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA, SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.
IF APPLICABLE, THE “TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID”, “ORIGINAL YIELD TO MATURITY” AND “INITIAL SHORT ACCRUAL PERIOD OID” (COMPUTED UNDER THE EXACT METHOD) SET FORTH BELOW HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSES OF APPLYING THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT RULES.
| CUSIP: | ISIN: | |||
| REGISTERED | REGISTERED | |||
| No. FXR | $ |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORPORATION
[SENIOR MEDIUM-TERM NOTE SERIES J]
[SENIOR SUBORDINATED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE SERIES K]
(Fixed Rate)
| ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE: | INTEREST RATE: | STATED MATURITY DATE: | ||
| [REDEMPTION COMMENCEMENT DATE][OPTIONAL REDEMPTION DATE]: |
[INITIAL] REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE: |
ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE REDUCTION: | ||
| MAKE-WHOLE REDEMPTION: | FIRST PAR CALL DATE: | [RESERVED] | ||
| Yes No | ||||
| HOLDER’S OPTIONAL REPAYMENT DATE(S): |
TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID: | ORIGINAL YIELD TO MATURITY: | ||
| INITIAL SHORT ACCRUAL PERIOD OID: |
ISSUE PRICE: | INTEREST PAYMENT DATES: | ||
CALCULATION AGENT:
☐ IF BOX IS CHECKED, THIS NOTE IS AN AMORTIZING NOTE AND INFORMATION REGARDING AMORTIZING PAYMENT DATES AND AMORTIZING PAYMENT AMOUNTS IS PROVIDED IN AN ADDENDUM.
☐ IF BOX IS CHECKED, THIS NOTE IS A RENEWABLE NOTE OR AN EXTENDIBLE NOTE AND INFORMATION REGARDING RENEWAL DATE, NEW MATURITY DATE, FINAL MATURITY DATE OR EXTENSION PERIOD, AS APPLICABLE, AND ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE INFORMATION, IS PROVIDED IN AN ADDENDUM.
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”, which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of __________________________________ on the Stated Maturity Date specified above (except to
-2-
the extent redeemed or repaid prior to the Stated Maturity Date), and to pay interest thereon at a rate per annum equal to the Interest Rate specified above, until the principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment. The Company will pay interest on the _________________ day of ________________ and ______________ (each an “Interest Payment Date”) in each year commencing on the first Interest Payment Date next succeeding the Original Issue Date specified above (which for avoidance of doubt shall be ________________), unless the Original Issue Date occurs between the Regular Record Date (as defined below) with respect to the first Interest Payment Date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date or on an Interest Payment Date, in which case commencing on the second Interest Payment Date succeeding the Original Issue Date, to the registered Holder of this Note on the Regular Record Date with respect to such Interest Payment Date, and on the Stated Maturity Date (or [any redemption date as defined below][the Optional Redemption Date] or any Holder’s Optional Repayment Date[, in each case] with respect to which such option has been exercised, each such Stated Maturity Date, [redemption date][Optional Redemption Date] and Holder’s Optional Repayment Date being herein referred to as a “Maturity Date” with respect to the principal repayable on such date). Interest on this Note will accrue from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from the Original Issue Date specified above until the principal hereof has been paid or duly made available for payment. If the Maturity Date or an Interest Payment Date falls on a day which is not a Business Day, as defined below, principal, premium, if any, or interest payable with respect to such Maturity Date or Interest Payment Date will be paid on the next succeeding Business Day. If any payment on the Maturity Date or an Interest Payment Date is made on the next succeeding Business Day in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, no interest on such payment shall accrue for the period from and after such Maturity Date or Interest Payment Date, as the case may be. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, subject to certain exceptions, be paid to the Person in whose name this Note (or one or more predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the fifteenth calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) next preceding such Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that interest payable at the Maturity Date will be payable to the Person to whom the principal hereof shall be payable. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Note (or one or more predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Company, notice whereof shall be given to the Holder of this Note and the Trustee not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.
As used herein, “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday or other day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.
Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, on and interest due on this Note will be made in immediately available funds at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, [in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts][If applicable, insert description of currency, currencies, composite currency, composite currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest is payable]; provided, however, that payment of interest on any Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity Date may be made at the option of the Company (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register and (ii) by wire transfer in immediately available
-3-
funds at such place and to such account as may be designated by the Person entitled thereto as specified in the Security Register in writing not less than 10 days prior to the date of the interest payment; and provided, further that payment may be made pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. A Holder of not less than $10,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes having the same Interest Payment Dates may by written notice to the Paying and Authenticating Agent and Security Registrar (referred to below) at its principal corporate trust office in The City of New York (or at such other address as the Company shall give notice in writing), on or before the Regular Record Date preceding an Interest Payment Date, arrange to have the interest payable on all Notes held by such Holder on such Interest Payment Date, and all subsequent Interest Payment Dates until written notice to the contrary is given to the Paying and Authenticating Agent and Security Registrar, made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a designated account maintained at a bank in The City of New York (or other bank consented to by the Company) as the Holder of such Notes shall have designated; provided that such bank has appropriate facilities therefor.
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Note – This Note is one of a duly authorized series of securities of the Company (hereinafter called the “Securities”) issued and to be issued in one or more series under the Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture dated as of February 9, 2016, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture dated as of January 30, 2017 (herein called the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Notes Series K (the “Notes”) and of the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its principal corporate trust office is the initial Paying Agent for the payment of interest and principal of the Notes; The Bank of New York Mellon acting through its principal corporate trust office is the Authenticating Agent for the Notes; and The Bank of New York Mellon acting through its principal corporate trust office is the Security Registrar for the Notes (the “Paying and Authenticating Agent and Security Registrar”). The Notes may bear different Original Issue Dates, mature at different times, bear interest at different rates and vary in such other ways as are provided in the Indenture.]
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Medium-Term Note – This Note is one of a duly authorized series of securities of the Company (hereinafter called the “Securities”) issued and to be issued in one or more series under the Senior Debt Indenture dated as of February 9, 2016, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Senior Debt Indenture dated as of January 30, 2017 (herein called the “Indenture”), between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Senior Medium-Term Notes Series J (the “Notes”) and of the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its principal corporate trust office is the initial Paying Agent for the payment of interest and principal of the Notes; The Bank of New York Mellon acting through its principal corporate trust office is the Authenticating Agent for the Notes; and The Bank of New York Mellon acting through its principal corporate trust office is the Security Registrar for the Notes (the “Paying and Authenticating Agent and Security Registrar”). The Notes may bear different Original Issue Dates, mature at different times, bear interest at different rates and vary in such other ways as are provided in the Indenture.]
-4-
This Note is not subject to any sinking fund.
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Note – The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of (a) the entire indebtedness evidenced by this Note and/or (b) certain restrictive covenants and Defaults with respect to this Note, in each case upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture. These provisions [shall not][shall] apply to this Note.]
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Medium-Term Note – The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of (a) the entire indebtedness evidenced by this Note and/or (b) certain restrictive covenants, Events of Default and Covenant Breaches with respect to this Note, in each case upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture. At the election of the Company, these provisions [shall][shall not] apply to this Note.]
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Note, if applicable – Describe any addition to, elimination of or other change in the Events of Default or Defaults that apply to the Note, and any change in the acceleration provisions in Section 502 of the Indenture.]
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Medium-Term Note, if applicable – Describe any addition to, elimination of or other change in the Events of Default that apply to the Note, and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of the Notes to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable under Section 502 of the Indenture.]
[If this Note is a Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Note, if applicable – Describe any addition to, elimination of or other change in the covenants that apply to this Note.]
[If this Note is a Senior Medium-Term Note, if applicable – Describe any addition to, elimination of or other change in the covenants or the definition of “Covenant Breach” that apply to this Note.]
This Note may be subject to repayment at the option of the Holder on any Holder’s Optional Repayment Date(s), if any, indicated above. If no Holder’s Optional Repayment Dates are set forth above, this Note may not be so repaid at the option of the Holder hereof prior to the Stated Maturity Date. On any Holder’s Optional Repayment Date, this Note shall be repayable in whole or in part in a minimum amount of $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination] and in increments of $[1,000][Insert other minimum denomination] in excess thereof (provided that any remaining principal hereof shall be at least $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination]) at the option of the Holder hereof at a repayment price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be repaid, together with interest thereon payable to the date of repayment. For this Note to be repaid in whole or in part at the option of the Holder hereof, this Note must be received, with the form entitled “Option to Elect Repayment” below duly completed, by the Paying and Authenticating Agent and Security Registrar at the principal corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon in The City of New York, or such other address which the Company shall from time to time notify the Holder of this Note, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the Holder’s Optional Repayment Date. Exercise of such repayment option by the Holder hereof shall be irrevocable.
-5-
[Insert, as applicable, if this Note is subject to a Make-Whole Redemption—This Note may be redeemed at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, on or after ___________ (or, if any additional Notes of this series are issued after the Original Issue Date, beginning [six months][insert other date] after the last issue date for the additional Notes of this series) and to, but excluding, the First Par Call Date, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the notes matured on the First Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined below) plus ______ basis points less (b) interest accrued to, but excluding, the date of redemption, and (2) 100% of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term “series” refers to Notes with identical terms, except as to issue date, principal amount and, if applicable, the date from which interest begins to accrue.
In addition, on the First Par Call Date, this Note may be redeemed at the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of this Note, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. On and after ___________, this Note may be redeemed at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Note to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.
“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Company in accordance with the following two paragraphs.
The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Company after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third Business Day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) - H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) (“H.15 TCM”). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Company shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the First Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the First Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.
-6-
If on the third Business Day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Company shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the First Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the First Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the First Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the First Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the First Par Call Date, the Company shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the First Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the First Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Company shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.
Any redemption of this Note at the option of the Company will be in a minimum amount of $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination] and in increments of $[1,000][Insert other minimum denomination] in excess thereof (provided that any remaining principal hereof shall be at least $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination]), on notice given to the Holder not less than [5 nor more than 30][10 nor more than 60] days prior to the redemption date. [In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the surrender hereof.]
The Company’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.]
[Insert, as applicable, if this Note is not subject to a Make-Whole Redemption –
[Insert, as applicable, if this Note is not redeemable or is redeemable on one or more dates at the option of the Company – This Note may be redeemed at the option of the Company on any date on and after the Redemption Commencement Date, if any, specified above (the “Redemption Date”). If no Redemption Commencement Date is set forth above, this Note may not be redeemed at the option of the Company prior to the Stated Maturity Date. On and after the Redemption Commencement Date, if any, this Note may be redeemed at any time in whole [but not in part][or from time to time in part in a minimum amount of $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination] and in increments of $[1,000][Insert other minimum denomination] in excess thereof (provided that any remaining principal hereof shall be at least $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination])] at the option of the Company at the applicable Redemption Price (as defined below) together with interest thereon payable to the Redemption Date, on notice given to the Holder not less than [5 nor more than 30][10 nor more than 60] days prior to the Redemption Date. [In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the surrender hereof.]]
-7-
[Insert, as applicable, if this Note is redeemable at the option of the Company on only a single date – This Note may be redeemed at the option of the Company on the Optional Redemption Date specified above. On the Optional Redemption Date this Note may be redeemed in whole [but not in part][or in part in a minimum amount of $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination] and in increments of $[1,000][Insert other minimum denomination] in excess thereof (provided that any remaining principal hereof shall be at least $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination])] at the option of the Company at the applicable Redemption Price (as defined below) together with interest thereon payable to the Optional Redemption Date, on notice given to the Holder not less than [5 nor more than 30][10 nor more than 60] days prior to the Optional Redemption Date. [In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the surrender hereof.]]
[Insert if this Note is not redeemable or is redeemable on one or more dates at the option of the Company – If this Note is redeemable at the option of the Company, the “Redemption Price” shall initially be the Initial Redemption Percentage specified above of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed and shall decline at each anniversary of the Redemption Commencement Date by the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction, if any, specified above, of the principal amount to be redeemed until the Redemption Price is 100% of such principal amount.]
[Insert if this Note is redeemable at the option of the Company on only a single date – On or after the Optional Redemption Date, the “Redemption Price” shall be the Redemption Percentage specified above of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed.]]
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Note — Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not redeem this Note without having received the prior approval of the “appropriate federal banking agency” with respect to the Company, as defined in Section 3(q) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. § 1813(q)), or any successor provision, if then required under capital regulations applicable to the Company.]
Notices to the Holder of this Note with respect to redemption as provided above will be delivered to the Holder’s address listed in the Security Register maintained by the Security Registrar not less than [5 nor more than 30][10 nor more than 60] days prior to the redemption date. Notwithstanding anything in the Indenture or this Note to the contrary, such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depositary for such Security (or its designee), pursuant to its Applicable Procedures, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice.
The “Amortized Face Amount” of an Original Issue Discount Note shall be the amount equal to (i) the Issue Price set forth above plus (ii) that portion of the difference between the Issue Price and the principal amount of such Note that has accrued at the Original Yield to Maturity (computed in accordance with generally accepted United States bond yield computation principles) by the date of redemption or repayment, as calculated by an agent appointed by the Company, but in no event shall the Amortized Face Amount of an Original Issue Discount Note exceed its principal amount.
-8-
Interest payments on this Note will include interest accrued to but excluding the Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be. Interest payments for this Note will be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Notes may become due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Note – The indebtedness evidenced by this Note is, to the extent provided in the Indenture, subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Note is issued subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each Holder of this Note, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by the provisions of the Indenture, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Each Holder hereof, by his or her acceptance hereof, waives all notice of the acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each Holder of Senior Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, and waives reliance by each such Holder upon said provisions.]
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Note – Payment of principal on the Securities may be accelerated only in the case of certain events involving the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company. There is no right of acceleration in the case of a default in the performance of any covenant of the Company, including the payment of principal or interest. In case a Default with respect to the Securities shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of the Securities through appropriate judicial proceedings. The Indenture defines a Default to include, without limitation, default in the payment of principal of the Securities when due and default for 30 days in any payment of interest on any Security of this series.]
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Medium-Term Note – Payment of principal on this Note may be accelerated only in the case of default for 30 days in any payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest on the Securities of this series and certain events involving the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company. There is no right of acceleration in the case of a default in the performance of any other covenant of the Company. In case an Event of Default or Covenant Breach with respect to the Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of this series through appropriate judicial proceedings. The Indenture defines a Covenant Breach to include default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of this series or default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in the Indenture or any Security of this series (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is specifically dealt with in Section 501 of the Indenture or which has expressly been included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of securities other than Securities of this series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Covenant Breach” under the Indenture. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term “series” refers to such Securities with identical terms, except as to issue date, principal amount and, if applicable, the date from which interest begins to accrue.]
-9-
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding to be affected under the Indenture, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note. [Insert if this Note is a Senior Medium-Term Note – For the purpose of this paragraph, the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default or Covenant Breach in respect of such Securities, and, for purposes of any waivers of past defaults, the term “series” refers to such Securities with identical terms, except as to issue date, principal amount and, if applicable, the date from which interest begins to accrue.]
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Note – As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Note shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or this Note or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity or security. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Note for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof (and premium, if any, hereon) or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.]
[Insert if this Note is a Senior Medium-Term Note – As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Note shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or this Note or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default or Covenant Breach with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default or Covenant Breach, as applicable, as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the
-10-
Holder of this Note for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof (and premium, if any, hereon) or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “series” refers to such Securities with identical terms, except as to issue date, principal amount and, if applicable, the date from which interest begins to accrue.]
If so provided pursuant to the terms of any specific Securities, the above-referenced provisions of the Indenture regarding the ability of Holders to waive certain defaults, or to request the Trustee to institute proceedings (or to give the Trustee other directions) in respect thereof, may be applied differently with regard to such Securities.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest on this Note, at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.
As provided in the Indenture, and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note may be registered on the Security Register of the Company upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and premium, if any, on and interest on this Note are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar, duly executed by the Holder hereof or by such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing and thereupon one or more new Notes and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
The Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination] or any amount in excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $[1,000][Insert other minimum denomination] and, unless otherwise specified on the face hereof, shall be denominated in U.S. dollars. As provided in the Indenture, and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the Notes are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
No service charge will be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or the interest on this Note, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture or any indenture supplemental thereto, against any incorporator, shareholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or any successor corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the acceptance hereof and as part of the consideration for the issue hereof, expressly waived and released.
-11-
The Indenture and the Notes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed in such State.
Under the Indenture, the Company, the Trustee and the Holder of the Note waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to a trial by jury in any proceeding relating to the Notes.
All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Except to the extent specified in this Note pursuant to Section 301 of the Indenture, in the event of any inconsistency between the Indenture and this Note, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern.
Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by the Authenticating Agent under the Indenture by the manual signature of one of its authorized officers, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
-12-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed, manually or in facsimile, and its corporate seal to be imprinted hereon.
| Dated: | ||
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORPORATION | ||
| By: |
| |
| [SEAL] | ||
| Attest: | ||
|
| ||
| CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION: | ||
| This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture. | ||
| Dated: | ||
| By: | The Bank of New York Mellon | |
| As Authenticating Agent | ||
| By: |
| |
| Authorized Officer | ||
OPTION TO ELECT REPAYMENT
The undersigned hereby irrevocably request(s) and instruct(s) the Company to repay this Note (or portion hereof specified below) pursuant to its terms at a price equal to the principal amount hereof together with interest to the repayment date, to the undersigned, at
(Please print or typewrite name and address of the undersigned)
For this Note to be repaid, this Note must be received at the corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon, in The City of New York, or at such other place or places which the Company shall from time to time notify the Holder of this Note, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the Holder’s Optional Repayment Date, if any, specified above, with this “Option to Elect Repayment” form duly completed. Exercise of such repayment option by the Holder hereof shall be irrevocable. In the event of repayment of this Note in part only, a new Note or Notes for the amount of the unpaid portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.
If less than the entire principal amount of this Note is to be repaid, specify the portion hereof (which shall be in increments of $[1,000][Insert other minimum denomination]) which the Holder elects to have repaid and specify the denomination or denominations (each of which shall be $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination] or an integral multiple of $[1,000][Insert other minimum denomination] in excess of $[2,000][Insert other minimum denomination]) of the Notes to be issued to the Holder for the portion of this Note not being repaid (in the absence of any such specification, one such Note will be issued for the portion not being repaid).
| $ ____________________ | ___________________________________ | |||
| Date ______________________ | ||||
NOTICE: The signature on this Option to Elect Repayment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of this Note in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.
-14-
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations.
TEN COM—as tenants in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT-.............Custodian............
(Minor)
Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act _________________________
(State)
TEN ENT—as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN— as joint tenants with right of survivorship
and not as tenants in common
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
-15-
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
Please Insert Social Security or Other Identifying Number of Assignee:
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS
INCLUDING ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE:
the within Note and all rights thereunder, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint _____________________________________________ attorney to transfer said Note on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated: ___________________ ________________________________
NOTICE: The signature(s) to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the within instrument in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEED:______________________________
NOTICE: The signature(s) must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (e.g., banks, securities brokers or dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges and savings associations) which is a member of or participant in a signature guarantee program recognized by the Securities Registrar pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
-16-
Exhibit 5.1
[Letterhead of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP]
October 17, 2024
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation,
240 Greenwich Street,
New York, New York 10286.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as counsel to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with its filing of a registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”). The Registration Statement registers common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”), preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“Preferred Stock”), depositary shares representing interests in shares of Preferred Stock (the “Depositary Shares”), senior and senior subordinated unsecured debt securities (the “Debt Securities”), warrants to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Debt Securities (the “Warrants”), stock purchase contracts (the “Purchase Contracts”), and stock purchase units comprised of one or more of the foregoing (the “Units,” and together with the Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Debt Securities, Warrants or Purchase Contracts, the “Securities”).
In connection with the filing of the Registration Statement, we, as your counsel, have examined such corporate records, certificates and other documents, and such questions of law, as we have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion. Upon the basis of such examination, it is our opinion that:
(1) Common Stock. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, when the terms of the sale of the Common Stock have been duly established in conformity with the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company and to include a number of shares of Common Stock to be issued not in excess of the number of shares of Common Stock then authorized and not outstanding or reserved for issuance, and when the Common Stock has been duly issued and sold for a price per share determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, that is not less than the par value thereof, and if all the foregoing actions are taken pursuant to authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, the Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Common Stock covered by the opinion in this paragraph includes any Common Stock that may be issued as part of the Units or upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
-1-
(2) Preferred Stock. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, when the terms of the Preferred Stock and of their issue and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company and to include a number of shares of Preferred Stock to be issued not in excess of the number of shares of Preferred Stock then authorized and not outstanding or reserved for issuance, when a certificate of designations with respect to the Preferred Stock has been duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and when the Preferred Stock has been duly issued and sold for a price per share determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, that is not less than the par value thereof, and if all the foregoing actions are taken pursuant to authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, the Preferred Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Preferred Stock covered by the opinion in this paragraph includes any Preferred Stock that may be issued as part of the Units or upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
(3) Depositary Shares. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, when the terms of the deposit agreement under which the Depositary Shares are to be issued have been duly established and the deposit agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered, when the terms of the Depositary Shares and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the deposit agreement, when the Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares has been duly authorized, validly issued and duly delivered to the depositary and when the depositary receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares have been duly issued against deposit of the Preferred Stock in accordance with the deposit agreement and issued and sold for a price determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, that is not less than the par value of the underlying shares of Preferred Stock represented thereby, and if all the foregoing actions are taken pursuant to authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, and so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, the depositary
-2-
receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares will be validly issued and will entitle the holders thereof to the rights specified in the Depositary Shares and the deposit agreement, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles. The Depositary Shares covered by the opinion in this paragraph include any Depositary Shares that may be issued as part of the Units or upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
(4) Debt Securities. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, when the terms of the Debt Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2016, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2017, in each case between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (in the case of senior Debt Securities) or the Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2016, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2017, in each case between the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (in the case of senior subordinated Debt Securities), as applicable, so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, and when the Debt Securities have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the applicable Indenture and Supplemental Indenture and issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the basic prospectus included therein and the appropriate prospectus supplement or supplements, and if all the foregoing actions are taken pursuant to authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, the Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles. The Debt Securities covered by the opinion in this paragraph include any Debt Securities that may be issued as part of the Units or upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
(5) Warrants. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, when the terms of any applicable warrant agreements under which the Warrants are to be issued have been duly established and the applicable warrant agreements have been duly authorized, executed and delivered, when the terms of the Warrants and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the applicable warrant agreement and when the Warrants have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the applicable warrant agreement and issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the
-3-
basic prospectus included therein and the appropriate prospectus supplement or supplements, and if all the foregoing actions are taken pursuant to authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, and so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Warrants will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles. The Warrants covered by the opinion in this paragraph include any Warrants that may be issued as part of the Units or upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
(6) Purchase Contracts. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, when the terms of the governing instruments or agreements under which certain of the Purchase Contracts are to be issued have been duly established and the governing documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered, when the terms of the Purchase Contracts and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the applicable governing documents and when the Purchase Contracts have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the applicable governing documents and issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the basic prospectus included therein and the appropriate prospectus supplement or supplements, and if all the foregoing actions are taken pursuant to authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, and so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Purchase Contracts will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles. The Purchase Contracts covered by the opinion in this paragraph include any Purchase Contracts that may be issued as part of the Units or upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
(7) Units. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, when the terms of the unit agreements under which the Units are to be issued have been duly established and the unit agreements have been duly authorized, executed and delivered, when the terms of the Units and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the applicable unit agreements and when the Units have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the applicable unit agreements and issued and sold as
-4-
contemplated in the Registration Statement, the basic prospectus included therein and the appropriate prospectus supplement or supplements, and if all the foregoing actions are taken pursuant to the authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, and so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Units will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles. The Units covered by the opinion in this paragraph include any Units that may be issued upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
In rendering the foregoing opinion, we are not passing upon, and assume no responsibility for, any disclosure in the Registration Statement or any related prospectus or prospectus supplement or other offering material relating to the offer and sale of the Securities.
We note that, as of the date of this opinion, a judgment for money in an action based on a Security denominated in a foreign currency or currency unit in a Federal or state court in the United States ordinarily would be enforced in the United States only in United States dollars. The date used to determine the rate of conversion of the foreign currency or currency unit in which a particular Security is denominated into United States dollars will depend upon various factors, including which court renders the judgment. In the case of a Security denominated in a foreign currency, a state court in the State of New York rendering a judgment on such Security would be required under Section 27 of the New York Judiciary Law to render such judgment in the foreign currency in which the Security is denominated, and such judgment would be converted into United States dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of entry of the judgment.
The foregoing opinion is limited to the Federal laws of the United States, the laws of the State of New York and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and we are expressing no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
We have relied as to certain factual matters on information obtained from public officials, officers of the Company and other sources believed by us to be responsible, and we have assumed all other governing documents under which the Securities are to be issued, as well as the purchase contracts, if applicable, will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by all parties thereto other than the Company and that the signatures on documents examined by us are genuine. We have also assumed that the issuance or delivery by the Company of any securities other than the Securities,
-5-
or of any other property, upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of the Securities will be effected pursuant to authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, and so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding on the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company. We have further assumed that the authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, will remain in effect at all relevant times and that no Securities will be issued or other action taken in contravention of any applicable limit established pursuant to such resolutions from time to time. Finally, with respect to any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock issued in uncertificated form, we have assumed that such shares will have been duly recorded by a transfer agent and duly registered by a registrar thereof in the direct registration system of the Company and that the notice required by Section 151(f) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware will have been given to the holders of such shares within a reasonable time following the issuance thereof.
We are expressing no opinion as to any obligations that parties other than the Company may have under or in respect of the Securities, or as to the effect that their performance of such obligations may have upon any of the matters referred to above. Nor are we expressing an opinion as to securities of any persons other than the Company.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the heading “Validity of the Securities” in the prospectus contained therein. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act.
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Sullivan & Cromwell LLP |
-6-
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the use of our reports dated February 28, 2024, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, incorporated herein by reference, and to the reference to our firm under the headings “Experts” in the prospectuses.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
October 17, 2024
Exhibit 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORPORATION
Know all men by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints J. Kevin McCarthy and Jean Weng, and each of them severally (for so long as each such individual is an employee of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation or an affiliate of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation), such person’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and revocation, for such person and in such person’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, (1) to sign one or more Registration Statements pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the registration of securities (including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units, and warrants) issued by The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, and any and all amendments (including pre-effective and post-effective amendments) thereto, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; (2) to sign and file any and all documents and instruments required by state securities or blue sky laws in connection with the registration of any or all of the securities covered by the above Registration Statements; and (3) to sign any documents in connection with related filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or the Investment Company Act of 1940 and any filings related to applications for listing of the securities on any stock exchanges, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with any of the above, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents and each of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
This power of attorney shall be effective as of October 17, 2024 and shall continue in full force and effect until revoked by the undersigned in a writing filed with the secretary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation.
| /s/ Linda Z. Cook Linda Z. Cook, Director |
/s/ Sandra E. O’Connor Sandra E. O’Connor, Director | |||
| /s/ Joseph J. Echevarria Joseph J. Echevarria, Director |
/s/ Elizabeth E. Robinson Elizabeth E. Robinson, Director | |||
| /s/ M. Amy Gilliland M. Amy Gilliland, Director |
/s/ Rakefet Russak-Aminoach Rakefet Russak-Aminoach, Director | |||
| /s/ Jeffrey A. Goldstein Jeffrey A. Goldstein, Director |
/s/ Robin Vince Robin Vince, Director | |||
| /s/ K. Guru Gowrappan K. Guru Gowrappan, Director |
/s/ Alfred W. Zollar Alfred W. Zollar, Director | |||
| /s/ Ralph Izzo Ralph Izzo, Director |
||||
Exhibit 25.1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE
PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS
(formerly BANKERS TRUST COMPANY)
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
| NEW YORK | 13-4941247 | |
| (Jurisdiction of Incorporation or | (I.R.S. Employer | |
| organization if not a U.S. national bank) | Identification no.) | |
| 1 COLUMBUS CIRCLE | ||
| NEW YORK, NEW YORK | 10019 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
1 Columbus Circle
New York, New York 10019
(212) 250 – 2500
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
| DELAWARE | 13-2614959 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
| incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | |
| 240 GREENWICH STREET | ||
| NEW YORK, NEW YORK | 10286 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) | |
DEBT SECURITIES
(Title of the Indenture securities)
| Item 1. | General Information. |
Furnish the following information as to the trustee.
| (a) | Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject. |
| Name |
Address | |
| Federal Reserve Bank (2nd District) | New York, NY | |
| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation | Washington, D.C. | |
| New York State Banking Department | Albany, NY |
| (b) | Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers. |
Yes.
| Item 2. | Affiliations with Obligor. |
If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation.
NA
| Item 3.-15. | Not Applicable |
| Item 16. | List of Exhibits. |
| Exhibit 1 - | Restated Organization Certificate of Bankers Trust Company dated August 31, 1998; Certificate of Amendment of the Organization Certificate of Bankers Trust Company dated September 25, 1998; Certificate of Amendment of the Organization Certificate of Bankers Trust Company dated December 18, 1998;Certificate of Amendment of the Organization Certificate of Bankers Trust Company dated September 3, 1999; and Certificate of Amendment of the Organization Certificate of Bankers Trust Company dated March 14, 2002, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 filed with Form T-1 Statement, Registration No. 333-201810. | |
| Exhibit 2 - | Certificate of Authority to commence business, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 filed with Form T-1 Statement, Registration No. 333-201810. | |
| Exhibit 3 - | Authorization of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 filed with Form T-1 Statement, Registration No. 333-201810. | |
| Exhibit 4 - | A copy of existing By-Laws of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, dated March 2, 2023 (see attached). | |
| Exhibit 5 - | Not applicable. | |
| Exhibit 6 - | Consent of Bankers Trust Company required by Section 321(b) of the Act, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6 filed with Form T-1 Statement, Registration No. 333-201810. | |
| Exhibit 7 - | A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority. | |
| Exhibit 8 - | Not Applicable. | |
| Exhibit 9 - | Not Applicable. | |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on this 2nd day of October , 2024.
| DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS | ||
| By: | /s/ Irina Golovashchuk | |
| Name: Irina Golovashchuk | ||
| Title: Vice President | ||
Exhibit 4
AMENDED AND RESTATED
BY-LAWS
OF
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1.01. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the stockholders of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Company”) shall be held in the City of New York within the State of New York within the first four months of the Company’s fiscal year, on such date and at such time and place as the board of directors of the Company (“Board of Directors” or “Board”) may designate in the call or in a waiver of notice thereof, for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
Section 1.02. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Company may be called by the Board of Directors or by the President, and shall be called by the President or by the Secretary upon the written request of the holders of record of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares of stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, at such times. If for a period of thirteen months after the last annual meeting, there is a failure to elect a sufficient number of directors to conduct the business of the Company, the Board of Directors shall call a special meeting for the election of directors within two weeks after the expiration of such period; otherwise, holders of record of ten percent (10%) of the shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote in an election of directors may, in writing, demand the call of a special meeting at the office of the Company for the election of directors, specifying the date and month thereof, but not less than two nor more than three months from the date of such call. At any such special meeting called on demand of stockholders, the stockholders attending, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote in an election of directors shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing directors, but not for the transaction of any other business.
Section 1.03. Notice of Meetings. Notice of the time, place and purpose of every meeting of stockholders shall be delivered personally or mailed not less than 10 nor more than 50 days before the date of such meeting (or any other action) to each stockholder of record entitled to vote, at his post office address appearing upon the records of the Company or at such other address as shall be furnished in writing by him to the Secretary of the Company for such purpose. Such further notice shall be given as may be required by law or by these By-Laws. Any meeting may be held without notice if all stockholders entitled to vote are present in person or by proxy, or if notice is waived in writing, either before or after the meeting, by those not present.
Section 1.04. Quorum. The holders of record of at least a majority of the shares of the stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, shall, except as otherwise provided by law, by the Company’s Organization Certificate or by these By-Laws, constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders; if there be no such quorum, the holders of a majority of such shares so present or represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall have been obtained.
Section 1.05. Organization of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board or, if he is not present, by the President or, if he is not present, by a chairman to be chosen at the meeting. The Secretary of the Company, or in his absence an Assistant Secretary, shall act as secretary of the meeting, if present.
- 1 -
Section 1.06. Voting. At each meeting of stockholders, except as otherwise provided by statute, the Company’s Organization Certificate or these By-Laws, every holder of record of stock entitled to vote shall be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each share of such stock standing in his name on the records of the Company. Elections of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast thereat and, except as otherwise provided by statute, the Company’s Organization Certificate or these By-Laws, all other action shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast at such meeting.
At all elections of directors, the voting shall be by ballot or in such other manner as may be determined by the stockholders present in person or by proxy entitled to vote at such election.
Section 1.07. Action by Consent. Except as may otherwise be provided in the Company’s Organization Certificate, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if, prior to such action, a written consent or consents thereto, setting forth such action, is signed by all the holders of record of shares of the stock of the Company, issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.
ARTICLE II
DIRECTORS
Section 2.01. Chairman of the Board. Following the election of the Board of Directors at each annual meeting, the elected Board shall appoint one of its members as Chairman. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders, and he shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as from time to time may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Section 2.02. Lead Independent Director. Following the election of the Board of Directors at each annual meeting, the elected Board may appoint one of its independent members as its Lead Independent Director. When the Chairman of the Board is not present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, the Lead Independent Director, if there be one, shall preside.
Section 2.03. Director Emeritus. The Board of Directors may from time to time elect one or more Directors Emeritus. Each Director Emeritus shall be elected for a term expiring on the date of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors following the next annual meeting. No Director Emeritus shall be considered a “director” for purposes of these By-Laws or for any other purpose.
Section 2.04. Powers, Number, Quorum, Term, Vacancies, Removal. The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Company and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Company’s Organization Certificate or by these By-Laws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
The number of directors may be changed by a resolution passed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors or by a vote of the holders of record of at least a majority of the shares of stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, but at all times the Board of Directors must consist of not less than seven nor more than thirty directors. No more than one-third of the directors shall be active officers or employees of the Company. At least one-half of the directors must be citizens of the United States at the time of their election and during their continuance in office.
- 2 -
Except as otherwise required by law, rule or regulation, or by the Company’s Organization Certificate, at all meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, a majority of the entire Board of Directors or a majority of the directors constituting such committee, as the case may be, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors or committee members present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors, or such committee, as applicable. Any one or more members of the Board may participate in a meeting of the Board by means of a conference telephone or video, or other similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting. Whether or not a quorum shall be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time; notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to the directors who were not present at the time of the adjournment, but if the time and place of the adjourned meeting are announced, no additional notice shall be required to be given to the directors present at the time of adjournment.
Directors shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors shall have been elected and shall have qualified. Director vacancies not exceeding one-third of the whole number of the Board of Directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, and the directors so elected shall hold office for the balance of the unexpired term.
Any one or more of the directors of the Company may be removed either with or without cause at any time by a vote of the holders of record of at least a majority of the shares of stock of the Company, issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, and thereupon the term of the director or directors who shall have been so removed shall forthwith terminate and there shall be a vacancy or vacancies in the Board of Directors, to be filled by a vote of the stockholders as provided in these By-Laws.
Section 2.05. Meetings, Notice. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place either within or without the State of New York, as may from time to time be fixed by resolution of the Board, or as may be specified in the call or in a waiver of notice thereof. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee shall be held as often as may be required under applicable law, and special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of two directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President, by oral, telegraphic or written notice duly served on or sent or mailed to each director not less than two days before such meeting. Any meeting may be held without notice, if all directors are present, or if notice is waived in writing, either before or after the meeting, by those not present.
Section 2.06. Compensation. The Board of Directors may determine, from time to time, the amount of compensation, which shall be paid to its members. The Board of Directors shall also have power, in its discretion, to allow a fixed sum and expenses for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board, or of any committee of the Board. The Board of Directors shall also have power, in its discretion, to provide for and pay to directors rendering services to the Company not ordinarily rendered by directors, as such, special compensation appropriate to the value of such services, as determined by the Board from time to time.
ARTICLE III
COMMITTEES
Section 3.01. Executive Committee. There shall be an Executive Committee of the Board who shall be appointed annually by resolution adopted by the majority of the entire Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at meetings of the Executive Committee. In his absence, the Chief Executive Officer or, in his absence, the President or any Co-President or, in their absence, such other member of the Executive Committee as the Executive Committee from time to time may designate shall preside at such meetings.
- 3 -
Section 3.02. Audit and Fiduciary Committee. There shall be an Audit and Fiduciary Committee appointed annually by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors which shall consist of such number of independent directors, as may from time to time be fixed by the Audit and Fiduciary Committee charter adopted by the Board of Directors.
Section 3.03. Other Committees. The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint any other Committees as may seem necessary, and from time to time to suspend or continue the powers and duties of such Committees. Each Committee appointed pursuant to this Article shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Section 3.04. Limitations. No committee shall have the authority as to the following matters: (i) the submission to stockholders of any action that needs stockholders’ authorization under New York Banking Law; (ii) the filling of vacancies in the Board of Directors or in any such committee; (iii) the fixing of compensation of the directors for serving on the Board of Directors or on any committee; (iv) the amendment or repeal of these By-Laws, or the adoption of new by-laws;
(v) the amendment or repeal of any resolution of the Board of Directors which by its terms shall not be so amendable or repealable; or (vi) the taking of action which is expressly required by any provision of New York Banking Law to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors or by a specified proportion of the directors.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 4.01. Titles and Election. The officers of the Company, who shall be chosen by the Board of Directors within twenty-five days after each annual meeting of stockholders, shall be a President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary, and a General Auditor. The Board of Directors from time to time may elect one or more Managing Directors, Directors, Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary, and may define their powers and duties. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Secretary.
Section 4.02. Terms of Office. Each officer shall hold office for the term for which he is elected or appointed, and until his successor has been elected or appointed and qualified.
Section 4.03. Removal. Any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, at any time, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors.
Section 4.04. Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or to the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 4.05. Vacancies. If the office of any officer or agent becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or otherwise, the Board of Directors may choose a successor, who shall hold office for the unexpired term in respect of which such vacancy occurred.
- 4 -
Section 4.06. President. The President shall have general authority to exercise all the powers necessary for the President of the Company. In the absence of the Chairman and the Lead Independent Director, the President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders. The President shall have the power to execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts, agreements and instruments of the Company, and he shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be incident to the office of the president of a corporation and as from time to time may otherwise be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Section 4.07. Chief Executive Officer. Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Chief Executive Officer shall exercise the powers and perform the duties usual to the chief executive officer and, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall have general management and control of the affairs and business of the Company; he shall appoint and discharge employees and agents of the Company (other than officers elected by the Board of Directors); he shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect; he shall have the power to execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts, agreements and instruments of the Company, and he shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be incident to the office of the chief executive officer of a corporation and as from time to time may otherwise be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Section 4.08. Chief Risk Officer. The Chief Risk Officer shall have the responsibility for the risk management and monitoring of the Company. The Chief Risk Officer shall have the power to execute bonds, notes, mortgages and other contracts, agreements and instruments of the Company, and he shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be incident to his office and as from time to time may otherwise be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Section 4.09. Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall have the responsibility for reporting to the Board of Directors on the financial condition of the Company, preparing and submitting all financial reports required by applicable law, and preparing annual financial statements of the Company and coordinating with qualified third party auditors to ensure such financial statements are audited in accordance with applicable law.
Section 4.10. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Company and shall deposit all moneys, and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Company, in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. He shall disburse the funds of the Company as may be ordered by the Board, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the directors whenever they may require it an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Company.
Section 4.11. Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all sessions of the Board of Directors and all meetings of the stockholders and record all votes and the minutes of proceedings in records or books to be kept for that purpose. He shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be incident to the office of the secretary of a corporation and as from time to time may otherwise be prescribed by the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall have and be the custodian of the stock records and all other books, records and papers of the Company (other than financial) and shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law are properly kept and filed.
- 5 -
Section 4.12. General Auditor. The General Auditor shall be responsible, through the Audit and Fiduciary Committee, to the Board of Directors for the determination of the program of the internal audit function and the evaluation of the adequacy of the system of internal controls. Subject to the Board of Directors, the General Auditor shall have and may exercise all the powers and shall perform all the duties usual to such office and shall have such other powers as may be prescribed or assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors or vested in him by law or by these By-Laws. He shall perform such other duties and shall make such investigations, examinations and reports as may be prescribed or required by the Audit and Fiduciary Committee. The General Auditor shall have unrestricted access to all records and premises of the Company and shall delegate such authority to his subordinates. He shall have the duty to report to the Audit and Fiduciary Committee on all matters concerning the internal audit program and the adequacy of the system of internal controls of the Company which he deems advisable or which the Audit and Fiduciary Committee may request.
Section 4.13. Managing Directors, Directors and Vice Presidents. If chosen, the Managing Directors, Directors and Vice Presidents, in the order of their seniority, shall, in the absence or disability of the President, exercise all of the powers and duties of the President. Such Managing Directors, Directors and Vice Presidents shall have the power to execute bonds, notes, mortgages and other contracts, agreements and instruments of the Company, and they shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be incident to their respective offices and as from time to time may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President.
Section 4.14. Duties of Officers may be Delegated. In case of the absence or disability of any officer of the Company, or for any other reason that the Board may deem sufficient, the Board may delegate, for the time being, the powers or duties, or any of them, of such officer to any other officer.
ARTICLE V
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND OTHERS
Section 5.01. Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Company. Subject to the other provisions of this Article V, and subject to applicable law, the Company shall indemnify any person made or threatened to be made a party to an action or proceeding (other than one by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor), whether civil or criminal, including an action by or in the right of any other corporation of any type or kind, domestic or foreign, or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, which any director or officer of the Company served in any capacity at the request of the Company, by reason of the fact that such person, his or her testator or intestate, was a director or officer of the Company, or served such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise in any capacity, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees actually and necessarily incurred as a result of such action or proceeding, or any appeal therein, if such director or officer acted, in good faith, for a purpose which such person reasonably believed to be in, or, in the case of service for any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, not opposed to, the best interests of the Company, and had no reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.
Section 5.02. Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. Subject to the other provisions of this Article V, and subject to applicable law, the Company shall indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person, his or her testator or intestate, is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director or officer of any other corporation of any type or kind, domestic or foreign, of any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise,
- 6 -
against amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and necessarily incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, or in connection with an appeal therein, if such director or officer acted, in good faith, for a purpose which he reasonably believed to be in, or, in the case of service for any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, not opposed to, the best interests of the Company, except that no indemnification under this Section 5.02 shall be made in respect of (a) a threatened action, or a pending action which is settled or otherwise disposed of, or (b) any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action was brought, or, if no action was brought, any court of competent jurisdiction, determines upon application that, in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such portion of the settlement amount and expenses as the court deems proper.
Section 5.03. Authorization of Indemnification. Any indemnification under this Article V (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Company only if authorized in the specific case (i) by the Board acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding upon a finding that the director or officer has met the standard of conduct set forth in Section 5.01 or Section 5.02, as the case may be; or (ii) if a quorum is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, (x) by the Board upon the opinion in writing of independent legal counsel that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 5.01 or Section 5.02, as the case may be, has been met by such director or officer; or (y) by the stockholders upon a finding that the director or officer has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 5.01 or Section 5.02, as the case may be. A person who has been successful on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of a civil or criminal action or proceeding of the character described in Sections 5.01 or 5.02, shall be entitled to indemnification as authorized in such section.
Section 5.04. Good Faith Defined. For purposes of any determination under Section 5.03, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, or to have had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful, if such person’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Company or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Company or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Company or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Company or another enterprise. The provisions of this Section 5.04 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 5.01 or Section 5.02, as the case may be.
Section 5.05. Serving an Employee Benefit Plan on behalf of the Company. For the purpose of this Article V, the Company shall be deemed to have requested a person to serve an employee benefit plan where the performance by such person of his duties to the Company also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, such person to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall be considered fines; and action taken or omitted by a person with respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of such person’s duties for a purpose reasonably believed by such person to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose which is not opposed to the best interests of the Company.
- 7 -
Section 5.06. Indemnification upon Application to a Court. Notwithstanding the failure of the Company to provide indemnification and despite any contrary resolution of the Board or stockholders under Section 5.03, or in the event that no determination has been made within ninety days after receipt of the Company of a written claim therefor, upon application to a court by a director or officer, indemnification shall be awarded by a court to the extent authorized in Section 5.01 or Section 5.02. Such application shall be upon notice to the Company. Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 5.03 nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that the director or officer seeking indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct.
Section 5.07. Expenses Payable in Advance. Subject to the other provisions of this Article V, and subject to applicable law, expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action or proceeding may be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount (i) if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized in this Article V, (ii) where indemnification is granted, to the extent expenses so advanced by the Company or allowed by a court exceed the indemnification to which such person is entitled and (iii) upon such other terms and conditions, if any, as the Company deems appropriate. Any such advancement of expenses shall be made in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (i) by the Board acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding, or (ii) if a quorum is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, if a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, (x) by the Board upon the opinion in writing of independent legal counsel or (y) by the stockholders and, with respect to former directors and officers, by any person or persons having the authority to act on the matter on behalf of the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to revoke at any time any approval previously granted in respect of any such request for the advancement of expenses or to, in its sole and absolute discretion, impose limits or conditions in respect of any such approval.
Section 5.08. Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification and advancement of expenses granted pursuant to, or provided by, this Article V shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which a director or officer seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled whether contained in the Company’s Organization Certificate, these By-Laws or, when authorized by the Organization Certificate or these By-Laws, (i) a resolution of stockholders, (ii) a resolution of directors, or (iii) an agreement providing for such indemnification, provided that no indemnification may be made to or on behalf of any director or officer if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or officer establishes that his acts were committed in bad faith or were the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and were material to the cause of action so adjudicated, or that he personally gained in fact a financial profit or other advantage to which he was not legally entitled. Nothing contained in this Article V shall affect any rights to indemnification to which corporate personnel other than directors and officers may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
Section 5.09. Insurance. Subject to the other provisions of this Article V, the Company may purchase and maintain insurance (in a single contract or supplement thereto, but not in a retrospective rated contract): (i) to indemnify the Company for any obligation which it incurs as a result of the indemnification of directors and officers under the provisions of this Article V, (ii) to indemnify directors and officers in instances in which they may be indemnified by the Company under the provisions of this Article V and applicable law, and (iii) to indemnify directors and officers in instances in which they may not otherwise be indemnified by the Company under the provisions of this Article V, provided the contract of insurance covering such directors and officers provides, in a manner acceptable to the New York Superintendent of Financial Services, for a retention amount and for co-insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such insurance shall be subject to the provisions of, and the Company shall comply with the requirements set forth in, Section 7023 of the New York State Banking Law.
- 8 -
Section 5.10. Limitations on Indemnification and Insurance. All indemnification and insurance provisions contained in this Article V are subject to any limitations and prohibitions under applicable law, including but not limited to Section 7022 (with respect to indemnification, advancement or allowance) and Section 7023 (with respect to insurance) of the New York State Banking Law and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (with respect to administrative proceedings or civil actions initiated by any federal banking agency). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article V to the contrary, no indemnification, advancement or allowance shall be made (i) to or on behalf of any director or officer if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or officer establishes that his acts were committed in bad faith or were the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and were material to the cause of action so adjudicated, or that he personally gained in fact a financial profit or other advantage to which he was not legally entitled, or (ii) in any circumstance where it appears (a) that the indemnification would be inconsistent with a provision of the Company’s Organization Certificate, these By-Laws, a resolution of the Board or of the stockholders, an agreement or other proper corporate action, in effect at the time of the accrual of the alleged cause of action asserted in the threatened or pending action or proceeding in which the expenses were incurred or other amounts were paid, which prohibits or otherwise limits indemnification; or (b) if there has been a settlement approved by the court, that the indemnification would be inconsistent with any condition with respect to indemnification expressly imposed by the court in approving the settlement.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article V to the contrary, but subject to any requirements of applicable law, (i) except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 5.06), the Company shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer (or his testators intestate) or advance expenses in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors of the Company, (ii) with respect to indemnification or advancement of expenses relating to attorneys’ fees under this Article V, counsel for the present or former director or officer must be reasonably acceptable to the Company (and the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, establish a panel of approved law firms for such purpose, out of which the present or former director or officer could be required to select an approved law firm to represent him), (iii) indemnification in respect of amounts paid in settlement shall be subject to the prior consent of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld), (iv) any and all obligations of the Corporation under this Article V shall be subject to applicable law, (v) in no event shall any payments pursuant to this Article V be made if duplicative of any indemnification or advancement of expenses or other reimbursement available to the applicable director or officer (other than for coverage maintained by such person in his individual capacity), and (vi) no indemnification or advancement of expenses shall be provided under these By-Laws to any person in respect of any expenses, judgments, fines or amounts paid in settlement to the extent incurred by such person in his capacity or position with another entity (including, without limitation, an entity that is a stockholder of the Company or any of the branches or affiliates of such stockholder), except as expressly provided in these By-Laws in respect of such person’s capacity and position as a director or officer of the Company or such person is a director or officer of the Company serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
Section 5.11. Indemnification of Other Persons. The Company may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses (whether pursuant to an adoption of a policy or otherwise) to employees and agents of the Company (whether similar to those conferred in this Article V upon directors and officers of the Company or on other terms and conditions authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors), as well as to employees of direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company and to other persons (or categories of persons) approved from time to time by the Board of Directors.
- 9 -
Section 5.12. Repeal. Any repeal or modification of this Article V shall not adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE VI
CAPITAL STOCK
Section 6.01. Certificates. The interest of each stockholder of the Company shall be evidenced by certificates for shares of stock in such form as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe. The certificates of stock shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board or the President or a Managing Director or a Director or a Vice President and by the Secretary, or the Treasurer, or an Assistant Secretary, or an Assistant Treasurer, sealed with the seal of the Company or a facsimile thereof, and countersigned and registered in such manner, if any, as the Board of Directors may by resolution prescribe. Where any such certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent other than the Company or its employee, or registered by a registrar other than the Company or its employee, the signature of any such officer may be a facsimile signature. In case any officer or officers who shall have signed, or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used on, any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the Company, whether because of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or otherwise, before such certificate or certificates shall have been delivered by the Company, such certificate or certificates may nevertheless be adopted by the Company and be issued and delivered as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or certificates or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer or officers of the Company.
Section 6.02. Transfer. The shares of stock of the Company shall be transferred only upon the books of the Company by the holder thereof in person or by his attorney, upon surrender for cancellation of certificates for the same number of shares, with an assignment and power of transfer endorsed thereon or attached thereto, duly executed, with such proof of the authenticity of the signature as the Company or its agents may reasonably require.
Section 6.03. Record Dates. The Board of Directors may fix in advance a date, not less than 10 nor more than 50 days preceding the date of any meeting of stockholders, or the date for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the distribution or allotment of any rights, or the date when any change, conversion or exchange of capital stock shall go into effect, as a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any such meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any such dividend, or to receive any distribution or allotment of such rights, or to exercise the rights in respect of any such change, conversion or exchange of capital stock, and in such case only such stockholders as shall be stockholders of record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to such notice of, and to vote at, such meeting, or to receive payment of such dividend, or to receive such distribution or allotment or rights or to exercise such rights, as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any stock on the books of the Company after any such record date fixed as aforesaid.
Section 6.04. Lost Certificates. In the event that any certificate of stock is lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated, the Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of a new certificate of the same tenor and for the same number of shares in lieu thereof. The Board may in its discretion, before the issuance of such new certificate, require the owner of the lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated certificate or the legal representative of the owner to make an affidavit or affirmation setting forth such facts as to the loss, destruction or mutilation as it deems necessary and to give the Company a bond in such reasonable sum as it directs to indemnify the Company.
- 10 -
ARTICLE VII
CHECKS, NOTES, ETC.
Section 7.01. Checks, Notes, Etc. All checks and drafts on the Company’s bank accounts and all bills of exchange and promissory notes, and all acceptances, obligations and other instruments for the payment of money, may be signed by the President or any Managing Director or any Director or any Vice President and may also be signed by such other officer or officers, agent or agents, as shall be thereunto authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 8.01. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Company shall be from January 1 to December 31, unless changed by the Board of Directors.
Section 8.02. Books. There shall be kept at such office of the Company as the Board of Directors shall determine, within or without the State of New York, correct books and records of account of all its business and transactions, minutes of the proceedings of its stockholders, Board of Directors and committees, and the stock book, containing the names and addresses of the stockholders, the number of shares held by them, respectively, and the dates when they respectively became the owners of record thereof, and in which the transfer of stock shall be registered, and such other books and records as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
Section 8.03. Voting of Stock. Unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Board of Directors, all stock owned by the Company, other than stock of the Company, shall be voted, in person or by proxy, by the President or any Managing Director or any Director or any Vice President of the Company on behalf of the Company.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
Section 9.01. Amendments. The vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote shall be necessary at any meeting of stockholders to amend or repeal these By-Laws or to adopt new by-laws. These By-Laws may also be amended or repealed, or new by-laws adopted, at any meeting of the Board of Directors by the vote of at least a majority of the entire Board, provided that any by-law adopted by the Board may be amended or repealed by the stockholders in the manner set forth above.
Any proposal to amend or repeal these By-Laws or to adopt new by-laws shall be stated in the notice of the meeting of the Board of Directors or the stockholders or in the waiver of notice thereof, as the case may be, unless all of the directors or the holders of record of all of the shares of stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote are present at such meeting.
- 11 -
Exhibit 7
Consolidated Report of Condition for Insured Banks
and Savings Associations for June 30, 2024
All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the quarter.
Schedule RC—Balance Sheet
| Dollar Amounts in Thousands |
RCON | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. |
Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A): |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| a. | Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin (1) |
|
0081 | 23,000 | 1.a. | |||||||||||||||||||
| b. | Interest-bearing balances (2) | 0071 | 15,273,000 | 1.b. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. |
Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| a. | Held-to-maturity securities (from Schedule RC-B, column A) (3) |
|
JJ34 | 0 | 2.a. | |||||||||||||||||||
| b. | Available-for-sale debt securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D) |
|
1773 | 376,000 | 2.b. | |||||||||||||||||||
| c. | Equity securities with readily determinable fair values not held for trading (4) |
|
JA22 | 0 | 2.c. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 3. |
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell: |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| a. | Federal funds sold |
|
B987 | 0 | 3.a. | |||||||||||||||||||
| b. | Securities purchased under agreements to resell (5, 6) |
|
B989 | 5,921,000 | 3.b. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 4. |
Loans and lease financing receivables (from Schedule RC-C): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| a. | Loans and leases held for sale |
|
5369 | 0 | 4.a. | |||||||||||||||||||
| b. | Loans and leases held for investment | B528 | 16,614,000 | 4.b. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| c. | LESS: Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | 3123 | 26,000 | 4.c. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| d. | Loans and leases held for investment, net of allowance (item 4.b minus 4.c) |
|
B529 | 16,588,000 | 4.d. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 5. |
Trading assets (from Schedule RC-D) |
|
3545 | 0 | 5. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6. |
Premises and fixed assets (including right-of-use assets) |
|
2145 | 0 | 6. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7. |
Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) |
|
2150 | 4,000 | 7. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8. |
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies |
|
2130 | 0 | 8. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9. |
Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures | 3656 | 0 | 9. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. |
Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) |
|
2143 | 1,000 | 10. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11. |
Other assets (from Schedule RC-F) (6) |
|
2160 | 2,405,000 | 11. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12. |
Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) |
|
2170 | 40,591,000 | 12. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13. |
Deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| a. | In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C from Schedule RC-E) |
|
2200 | 27,997,000 | 13.a. | |||||||||||||||||||
| (1) Noninterest-bearing (7) | 6631 | 10,665,000 | 13.a.(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (2) Interest-bearing | 6636 | 17,332,000 | 13.a.(2) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| b. | Not applicable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14. |
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase: |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| a. | Federal funds purchased (8) | B993 | 0 | 14.a. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| b. | Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (9) |
|
B995 | 0 | 14.b. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 15. |
Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D) |
|
3548 | 0 | 15. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 16. |
Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness) (from Schedule RC-M) |
|
3190 | 0 | 16. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 17. |
and 18. Not applicable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19. |
Subordinated notes and debentures (10) |
|
3200 | 0 | 19. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1. | Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits. |
| 2. | Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading. |
| 3. | Institutions should report in item 2.a amounts net of any applicable allowance for credit losses, and item 2.a should equal Schedule RC-B, item 8, column A, less Schedule RI-B, Part II, item 7, column B. |
| 4. | Item 2.c is to be completed by all institutions. See the instructions for this item and the Glossary entry for “Securities Activities” for further detail on accounting for investments in equity securities. |
| 5. | Includes all securities resale agreements, regardless of maturity. |
| 6. | Institutions should report in items 3.b and 11 amounts net of any applicable allowance for credit losses. |
| 7. | Includes noninterest-bearing demand, time, and savings deposits. |
| 8. | Report overnight Federal Home Loan Bank advances in Schedule RC, item 16, “Other borrowed money.” |
| 9. | Includes all securities repurchase agreements, regardless of maturity. |
| 10. | Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus. |
Schedule RC—Continued
| Dollar Amounts in Thousands |
RCON | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities—continued |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20. |
Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) |
|
2930 | 2,708,000 | 20. | |||||||||||||||||
| 21. |
Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) |
|
2948 | 30,705,000 | 21. | |||||||||||||||||
| 22. |
Not applicable |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Capital |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank Equity Capital |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| 23. |
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus |
|
3838 | 0 | 23. | |||||||||||||||||
| 24. |
Common stock |
|
3230 | 2,127,000 | 24. | |||||||||||||||||
| 25. |
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) |
|
3839 | 935,000 | 25. | |||||||||||||||||
| 26. |
a. | Retained earnings |
|
3632 | 6,860,000 | 26.a. | ||||||||||||||||
| b. | Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) |
|
B530 | (36,000 | ) | 26.b. | ||||||||||||||||
| c. | Other equity capital components (2) |
|
A130 | 0 | 26.c. | |||||||||||||||||
| 27. |
a. | Total bank equity capital (sum of items 23 through 26.c) |
|
3210 | 9,886,000 | 27.a. | ||||||||||||||||
| b. | Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries |
|
3000 | 0 | 27.b. | |||||||||||||||||
| 28. |
Total equity capital (sum of items 27.a and 27.b) |
|
G105 | 9,886,000 | 28. | |||||||||||||||||
| 29. |
Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28) |
|
3300 | 40,591,000 | 29. | |||||||||||||||||
| Memoranda |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| To be reported with the March Report of Condition. | RCON | Number | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. |
Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external auditors as of any date during 2023 |
|
6724 | NA | M.1. | |||||||||||||||||
| 1a = | An integrated audit of the reporting institution’s financial statements and its internal control over financial reporting conducted in accordance with the standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) by an independent public accountant that submits a report on the institution |
| 1b = | An audit of the reporting institution’s financial statements only conducted in accordance with the auditing standards of the AICPA or the PCAOB by an independent public accountant that submits a report on the institution |
| 2a = | An integrated audit of the reporting institution’s parent holding company’s consolidated financial statements and its internal control over financial reporting conducted in accordance with the standards of the AICPA or the PCAOB by an independent public accountant that submits a report on the consolidated holding company (but not on the institution separately) |
| 2b = | An audit of the reporting institution’s parent holding company’s consolidated financial statements only conducted in accordance with the auditing standards of the AICPA or the PCAOB by an independent public accountant that submits a report on the consolidated holding company (but not on the institution separately) |
| 3 = | This number is not to be used |
| 4 = | Directors’ examination of the bank conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by state-chartering authority) |
| 5 = | Directors’ examination of the bank performed by other external auditors (may be required by state-chartering authority) |
| 6 = | Review of the bank’s financial statements by external auditors |
| 7 = | Compilation of the bank’s financial statements by external auditors |
| 8 = | Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work) |
| 9 = | No external audit work |
| To be reported with the March Report of Condition. | RCON | Date | ||||||||||||||
| 2. |
Bank’s fiscal year-end date (report the date in MMDD format) |
8678 | NA | M.2. | ||||||||||||
| 1. | Includes, but is not limited to, net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, accumulated net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, and accumulated defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan adjustments. |
| 2. | Includes treasury stock and unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares. |
Exhibit 25.2
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
| ☐ | Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) |
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
16-1486454
(I.R.S. employer identification no.)
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19890-0001
(Address of principal executive offices)
Kyle Barry
Senior Vice President
Wilmington Trust Company
285 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 839-6909
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORPORATION
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
| DELAWARE | 13-2614959 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
240 GREENWICH STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10286
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
DEBT SECURITIES
(Title of the Indenture securities)
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.
Furnish the following information as to the trustee:
| (a) | Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject. |
Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.
| (b) | Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers. |
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each affiliation:
Based upon an examination of the books and records of the trustee and information available to the trustee, the obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee.
ITEM 3 – 15. Not Applicable
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS.
Listed below are all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of Eligibility and Qualification.
| 1. | A copy of the Charter for Wilmington Trust, National Association. |
| 2. | The authority of Wilmington Trust, National Association to commence business was granted under the Charter for Wilmington Trust, National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 above. |
| 3. | The authorization to exercise corporate trust powers was granted under the Charter for Wilmington Trust, National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 above. |
| 4. | A copy of the existing By-Laws of Trustee, as now in effect, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of this Form T-1. |
| 5. | Not applicable. |
| 6. | The consent of Wilmington Trust, National Association as required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, attached hereto as Exhibit 6 of this Form T-1. |
| 7. | Current Report of the Condition of Wilmington Trust, National Association, published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, attached hereto as Exhibit 7 of this Form T-1. |
| 8. | Not applicable. |
| 9. | Not applicable. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of New York and State of New York on the 17th day of October, 2024.
| WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | ||
| By: | /s/ Arlene Thelwell | |
| Name: | Arlene Thelwell | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
EXHIBIT 1
CHARTER OF WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
For the purpose of organizing an association to perform any lawful activities of national banks, the undersigned do enter into the following articles of association:
FIRST. The title of this association shall be Wilmington Trust, National Association.
SECOND. The main office of the association shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware. The general business of the association shall be conducted at its main office and its branches.
THIRD. The board of directors of this association shall consist of not less than five nor more than twenty-five persons, unless the OCC has exempted the bank from the 25-member limit. The exact number is to be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors or by resolution of a majority of the shareholders at any annual or special meeting thereof. Each director shall own common or preferred stock of the association or of a holding company owning the association, with an aggregate par, fair market or equity value $1,000. Determination of these values may be based as of either (i) the date of purchase or (ii) the date the person became a director, whichever value is greater. Any combination of common or preferred stock of the association or holding company may be used.
Any vacancy in the board of directors may be filled by action of a majority of the remaining directors between meetings of shareholders. The board of directors may not increase the number of directors between meetings of shareholders to a number which:
| 1) | exceeds by more than two the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 15 or less; or |
| 2) | exceeds by more than four the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 16 or more, but in no event shall the number of directors exceed 25, unless the OCC has exempted the bank from the 25-member limit. |
Directors shall be elected for terms of one year and until their successors are elected and qualified. Terms of directors, including directors selected to fill vacancies, shall expire at the next regular meeting of shareholders at which directors are elected, unless the directors resign or are removed from office. Despite the expiration of a director’s term, the director shall continue to serve until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until there is a decrease in the number of directors and his or her position is eliminated.
Honorary or advisory members of the board of directors, without voting power or power of final decision in matters concerning the business of the association, may be appointed by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors, or by resolution of shareholders at any annual or special meeting. Honorary or advisory directors shall not be counted to determine the number of directors of the association or the presence of a quorum in connection with any board action, and shall not be required to own qualifying shares.
FOURTH. There shall be an annual meeting of the shareholders to elect directors and transact whatever other business may be brought before the meeting. It shall be held at the main office or any other convenient place the board of directors may designate, on the day of each year specified therefor in the bylaws, or, if that day falls on a legal holiday in the state in which the association is located, on the next following banking day. If no election is held on the day fixed, or in the event of a legal holiday on the following banking day, an election may be held on any subsequent day within 60 days of the day fixed, to be
designated by the board of directors, or, if the directors fail to fix the day, by shareholders representing two-thirds of the shares issued and outstanding. In all cases at least 10 days advance notice of the time, place and purpose of a shareholders’ meeting shall be given to the shareholders by first class mail, unless the OCC determines that an emergency circumstance exists. The sole shareholder of the bank is permitted to waive notice of the shareholders’ meeting.
In all elections of directors, the number of votes each common shareholder may cast will be determined by multiplying the number of shares such shareholder owns by the number of directors to be elected. Those votes may be cumulated and cast for a single candidate or may be distributed among two or more candidates in the manner selected by the shareholder. If, after the first ballot, subsequent ballots are necessary to elect directors, a shareholder may not vote shares that he or she has already fully cumulated and voted in favor of a successful candidate. On all other questions, each common shareholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by him or her.
Nominations for election to the board of directors may be made by the board of directors or by any stockholder of any outstanding class of capital stock of the association entitled to vote for election of directors. Nominations other than those made by or on behalf of the existing management shall be made in writing and be delivered or mailed to the president of the association not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days notice of the meeting is given to shareholders, such nominations shall be mailed or delivered to the president of the association not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the day on which the notice of meeting was mailed. Such notification shall contain the following information to the extent known to the notifying shareholder:
| 1) | The name and address of each proposed nominee. |
| 2) | The principal occupation of each proposed nominee. |
| 3) | The total number of shares of capital stock of the association that will be voted for each proposed nominee. |
| 4) | The name and residence address of the notifying shareholder. |
| 5) | The number of shares of capital stock of the association owned by the notifying shareholder. |
Nominations not made in accordance herewith may, in his/her discretion, be disregarded by the chairperson of the meeting, and the vote tellers may disregard all votes cast for each such nominee. No bylaw may unreasonably restrict the nomination of directors by shareholders.
A director may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the board of directors, its chairperson, or to the association, which resignation shall be effective when the notice is delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date.
A director may be removed by shareholders at a meeting called to remove the director, when notice of the meeting stating that the purpose or one of the purposes is to remove the director is provided, if there is a failure to fulfill one of the affirmative requirements for qualification, or for cause; provided, however, that a director may not be removed if the number of votes sufficient to elect the director under cumulative voting is voted against the director’s removal.
FIFTH. The authorized amount of capital stock of this association shall be ten thousand shares of common stock of the par value of one hundred dollars ($100) each; but said capital stock may be increased or decreased from time to time, according to the provisions of the laws of the United States.
No holder of shares of the capital stock of any class of the association shall have any preemptive or preferential right of subscription to any shares of any class of stock of the association, whether now or hereafter authorized, or to any obligations convertible into stock of the association, issued, or sold, nor any right of subscription to any thereof other than such, if any, as the board of directors, in its discretion, may from time to time determine and at such price as the board of directors may from time to time fix. Preemptive rights also must be approved by a vote of holders of two-thirds of the bank’s outstanding voting shares. Unless otherwise specified in these articles of association or required by law, (1) all matters requiring shareholder action, including amendments to the articles of association, must be approved by shareholders owning a majority voting interest in the outstanding voting stock, and (2) each shareholder shall be entitled to one vote per share.
Unless otherwise specified in these articles of association or required by law, all shares of voting stock shall be voted together as a class, on any matters requiring shareholder approval. If a proposed amendment would affect two or more classes or series in the same or a substantially similar way, all the classes or series so affected must vote together as a single voting group on the proposed amendment.
Shares of one class or series may be issued as a dividend for shares of the same class or series on a pro rata basis and without consideration. Shares of one class or series may be issued as share dividends for a different class or series of stock if approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the class or series to be issued, unless there are no outstanding shares of the class or series to be issued. Unless otherwise provided by the board of directors, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to a share dividend shall be the date authorized by the board of directors for the share dividend.
Unless otherwise provided in the bylaws, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting is the close of business on the day before the first notice is mailed or otherwise sent to the shareholders, provided that in no event may a record date be more than 70 days before the meeting.
If a shareholder is entitled to fractional shares pursuant to a stock dividend, consolidation or merger, reverse stock split or otherwise, the association may: (a) issue fractional shares; (b) in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares, issue script or warrants entitling the holder to receive a full share upon surrendering enough script or warrants to equal a full share; (c) if there is an established and active market in the association’s stock, make reasonable arrangements to provide the shareholder with an opportunity to realize a fair price through sale of the fraction, or purchase of the additional fraction required for a full share; (d) remit the cash equivalent of the fraction to the shareholder; or (e) sell full shares representing all the fractions at public auction or to the highest bidder after having solicited and received sealed bids from at least three licensed stock brokers; and distribute the proceeds pro rata to shareholders who otherwise would be entitled to the fractional shares. The holder of a fractional share is entitled to exercise the rights for shareholder, including the right to vote, to receive dividends, and to participate in the assets of the association upon liquidation, in proportion to the fractional interest. The holder of script or warrants is not entitled to any of these rights unless the script or warrants explicitly provide for such rights. The script or warrants may be subject to such additional conditions as: (1) that the script or warrants will become void if not exchanged for full shares before a specified date; and (2) that the shares for which the script or warrants are exchangeable may be sold at the option of the association and the proceeds paid to scriptholders.
The association, at any time and from time to time, may authorize and issue debt obligations, whether or not subordinated, without the approval of the shareholders. Obligations classified as debt, whether or not subordinated, which may be issued by the association without the approval of shareholders, do not carry voting rights on any issue, including an increase or decrease in the aggregate number of the securities, or the exchange or reclassification of all or part of securities into securities of another class or series.
SIXTH. The board of directors shall appoint one of its members president of this association, and one of its members chairperson of the board and shall have the power to appoint one or more vice presidents, a secretary who shall keep minutes of the directors’ and shareholders’ meetings and be responsible for authenticating the records of the association, and such other officers and employees as may be required to transact the business of this association.
A duly appointed officer may appoint one or more officers or assistant officers if authorized by the board of directors in accordance with the bylaws.
The board of directors shall have the power to:
| 1) | Define the duties of the officers, employees, and agents of the association. |
| 2) | Delegate the performance of its duties, but not the responsibility for its duties, to the officers, employees, and agents of the association. |
| 3) | Fix the compensation and enter into employment contracts with its officers and employees upon reasonable terms and conditions consistent with applicable law. |
| 4) | Dismiss officers and employees. |
| 5) | Require bonds from officers and employees and to fix the penalty thereof. |
| 6) | Ratify written policies authorized by the association’s management or committees of the board. |
| 7) | Regulate the manner in which any increase or decrease of the capital of the association shall be made, provided that nothing herein shall restrict the power of shareholders to increase or decrease the capital of the association in accordance with law, and nothing shall raise or lower from two-thirds the percentage required for shareholder approval to increase or reduce the capital. |
| 8) | Manage and administer the business and affairs of the association. |
| 9) | Adopt initial bylaws, not inconsistent with law or the articles of association, for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the association. |
| 10) | Amend or repeal bylaws, except to the extent that the articles of association reserve this power in whole or in part to shareholders. |
| 11) | Make contracts. |
| 12) | Generally perform all acts that are legal for a board of directors to perform. |
SEVENTH. The board of directors shall have the power to change the location of the main office to any other place within the limits of Wilmington, Delaware, without the approval of the shareholders, or with a vote of shareholders owning two-thirds of the stock of such association for a relocation outside such limits and upon receipt of a certificate of approval from the Comptroller of the Currency, to any other location within or outside the limits of Wilmington Delaware, but not more than 30 miles beyond such limits. The board of directors shall have the power to establish or change the location of any branch or branches of the association to any other location permitted under applicable law, without approval of shareholders, subject to approval by the Comptroller of the Currency.
EIGHTH. The corporate existence of this association shall continue until termination according to the laws of the United States.
NINTH. The board of directors of this association, or any one or more shareholders owning, in the aggregate, not less than 50 percent of the stock of this association, may call a special meeting of shareholders at any time. Unless otherwise provided by the bylaws or the laws of the United States, a notice of the time, place, and purpose of every annual and special meeting of the shareholders shall be given at least 10 days prior to the meeting by first-class mail, unless the OCC determines that an emergency circumstance exists. If the association is a wholly-owned subsidiary, the sole shareholder may waive notice of the shareholders’ meeting. Unless otherwise provided by the bylaws or these articles, any action requiring approval of shareholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting.
TENTH. For purposes of this Article Tenth, the term “institution-affiliated party” shall mean any institution-affiliated party of the association as such term is defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(u).
Any institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may be indemnified or reimbursed by the association for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed actions or proceedings and appeals therein, whether civil, criminal, governmental, administrative or investigative, in accordance with and to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such law now or hereafter exists; provided, however, that when an administrative proceeding or action instituted by a federal banking agency results in a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association, then the association shall require the repayment of all legal fees and expenses advanced pursuant to the next succeeding paragraph and may not indemnify such institution-affiliated parties (or their heirs, executors or administrators) for expenses, including expenses for legal fees, penalties or other payments incurred. The association shall provide indemnification in connection with an action or proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) only if such action or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the board of directors.
Expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding under 12 U.S.C. 164 or 1818 may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) a determination by the board of directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding that the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) has a reasonable basis for prevailing on the merits, (b) a determination that the indemnified individual (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) will have the financial capacity to reimburse the bank in the event he or she does not prevail, (c) a determination that the payment of expenses and fees by the association will not adversely affect the safety and soundness of the association, and (d) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event of a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association. In all other instances, expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding as to which indemnification may be given under these articles of association may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by or on behalf of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event that such institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) is ultimately found not to be entitled to indemnification as authorized by these articles of association and (b) approval by the board of directors acting by a quorum
consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding or, if such a quorum is not obtainable, then approval by stockholders. To the extent permitted by law, the board of directors or, if applicable, the stockholders, shall not be required to find that the institution-affiliated party has met the applicable standard of conduct provided by law for indemnification in connection with such action or proceeding.
In the event that a majority of the members of the board of directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the remaining members of the board may authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the remaining members of the board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Article Tenth have been met. If independent legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the remaining members of the board of directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.
In the event that all of the members of the board of directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the board shall authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Article Tenth have been met. If legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the board of directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.
To the extent permitted under applicable law, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association (a) shall be available with respect to events occurring prior to the adoption of these articles of association, (b) shall continue to exist after any restrictive amendment of these articles of association with respect to events occurring prior to such amendment, (c) may be interpreted on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time of the occurrence of the event or events giving rise to the action or proceeding, or on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time such rights are claimed, and (d) are in the nature of contract rights which may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction as if the association and the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) for whom such rights are sought were parties to a separate written agreement.
The rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association shall not, to the extent permitted under applicable law, be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any such institution affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may now or hereafter be otherwise entitled whether contained in these articles of association, the bylaws, a resolution of stockholders, a resolution of the board of directors, or an agreement providing such indemnification, the creation of such other rights being hereby expressly authorized. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights, pursuant to statute or otherwise, of any such institution-affiliated party (or of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in any such action or proceeding to have assessed or allowed in his or her favor, against the association or otherwise, his or her costs and expenses incurred therein or in connection therewith or any part thereof.
If this Article Tenth or any part hereof shall be held unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder of this Article Tenth shall remain fully enforceable.
The association may, upon affirmative vote of a majority of its board of directors, purchase insurance to indemnify its institution-affiliated parties to the extent that such indemnification is allowed in these articles of association; provided, however, that no such insurance shall include coverage to pay or reimburse any institution-affiliated party for the cost of any judgment or civil money penalty assessed against such person in an administrative proceeding or civil action commenced by any federal banking agency. Such insurance may, but need not, be for the benefit of all institution-affiliated parties.
ELEVENTH. These articles of association may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of this association, unless the vote of the holders of a greater amount of stock is required by law, and in that case by the vote of the holders of such greater amount. The association’s board of directors may propose one or more amendments to the articles of association for submission to the shareholders.
EXHIBIT 4
BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
(Effective as of March 7, 2024)
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE I
Meetings of Shareholders
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated by the chair of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief operating officer, the secretary, or the Board of Directors for the purpose of the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, except such date shall not be a legal holiday in Delaware. Notice of the meeting shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 10 days and no more than 60 days prior to the date thereof, addressed to each shareholder at his or her address appearing on the books of the association. If, for any cause, an election of directors is not made on that date, an election may be held on any subsequent day within 60 days of the date fixed, to be designated by the Board of Directors, or, if the directors fail to fix the date, by shareholders representing two-thirds of the shares. In these circumstances, at least 10 days’ notice must be given by first class mail to shareholders.
Section 2. Special Meetings. The chair of the Board of Directors, the president, the chief executive officer, the secretary, or the Board of Directors may call a special meeting of the shareholders. A special meeting shall be called to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of shareholders upon the written request of shareholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at the meeting. Every such special meeting, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be called by mailing, postage prepaid, not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting, to each shareholder at the address appearing on the books of the association a notice stating the purpose of the meeting.
The Board of Directors may fix a record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice and to vote at any meeting, in reasonable proximity to the date of giving notice to the shareholders of such meeting. The record date for determining shareholders entitled to demand a special meeting is the date the first shareholder signs a demand for the meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is to be held.
Section 3. Adjournment. If an annual or special shareholders’ meeting is adjourned to a different date, time, or place, notice need not be given of the new date, time or place, if the new date, time or place is announced at the meeting before adjournment, unless any additional items of business are to be considered, or the association becomes aware of an intervening event materially affecting any matter to be voted on more than 10 days prior to the date to which the meeting is adjourned. If a new record date for the adjourned meeting is fixed, however, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given to persons who are shareholders as of the new record date. If, however, the meeting to elect the directors is adjourned before the election takes place, at least ten days’ notice of the new election must be given to the shareholders by first-class mail.
- 1 -
Section 4. Nominations of Directors. Nominations for election to the Board of Directors may be made by the Board of Directors or by any shareholder of any outstanding class of capital stock of the association entitled to vote for the election of directors. Nominations, other than those made by or on behalf of the existing management of the association, shall be made in writing and shall be delivered or mailed to the president of the association, not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days’ notice of the meeting is given to shareholders, such nomination shall be mailed or delivered to the president of the association not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the day on which the notice of meeting was mailed. Such notification shall contain the following information to the extent known to the notifying shareholder:
| (1) | The name and address of each proposed nominee; |
| (2) | The principal occupation of each proposed nominee; |
| (3) | The total number of shares of capital stock of the association that will be voted for each proposed nominee; |
| (4) | The name and residence of the notifying shareholder; and |
| (5) | The number of shares of capital stock of the association owned by the notifying shareholder |
Nominations not made in accordance herewith may, in his/her discretion, be disregarded by the chair of the meeting, and upon his/her instructions, all votes cast for each such nominee may be disregarded.
Section 5. Proxies. Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the shareholders by proxies duly authorized in writing, but no officer or employee of this association shall act as proxy. A director or an attorney of the association may act as proxy for shareholders voting if they are not also employed as an officer of the association. Proxies shall be valid only for one meeting, to be specified therein, and any adjournments of such meeting. Proxies shall be dated and filed with the records of the meeting. Proxies with facsimile signatures may be used and unexecuted proxies may be counted upon receipt of a written confirmation from the shareholder. Proxies meeting the above requirements submitted at any time during a meeting shall be accepted.
Section 6. Quorum. A majority of the outstanding capital stock, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders, unless otherwise provided by law, but less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further notice. A majority of the votes cast shall decide every question or matter submitted to the shareholders at any meeting, unless otherwise provided by law or by the articles of association. If a meeting for the election of directors is not held on the fixed date, at least 10 days’ notice must be given by first-class mail to the shareholders.
- 2 -
ARTICLE II
Directors
Section 1. Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have the power to manage and administer the business and affairs of the association. Except as expressly limited by law, all corporate powers of the association shall be vested in and may be exercised by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Number. The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than five nor more than twenty-five members, unless the OCC has exempted the association from the 25-member limit. The exact number within such minimum and maximum limits is to be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the full Board of Directors or by resolution of a majority of the shareholders at any meeting thereof. The Board of Directors may not increase the number of directors between meetings of shareholders to a number which: (a) exceeds by more than 2 the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 15 or less; or (b) exceeds by more than 4 the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 16 or more, but in no event shall the number of directors exceed 25, unless the OCC has exempted the association from the 25-member limit.
Section 3. Qualifications. Each director must be a citizen of the United States and must own in his or her own right either shares of the capital stock of the association or a company that controls the association that has not less than an aggregate par value of $1,000, an aggregate shareholders’ equity of $1,000, or an aggregate fair market value of $1,000. The value of the common or preferred stock held by a director is valued as of the date purchased or the date on which the individual became a director, whichever is greater.
Section 4. Organization Meeting. After each annual meeting of shareholders at which directors shall have been elected, the Board of Directors shall meet as soon as practicable for the purpose of organization and the transaction of other business. Such first regular meeting shall be held at any place as may be designated by the chair, the president or the Board of Directors for such first regular meeting or, in default of such designation, where the immediately preceding meeting of shareholders was held.
Section 5. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held on such dates and at such places as may be designated from time to time by the chair. No notice of regular meetings shall be necessary.
Section 6. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the chair, the chief executive officer, the president or by a majority of the then- acting directors by vote at a meeting or in writing, or by a majority of the members of the executive committee, if one is constituted, by vote at a meeting or in writing. A special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held on such date and at any place as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. In the absence of such designation, such meeting shall be held at such place as may be designated in the call. Each member of the Board of Directors shall be given notice stating the date, time and place, by letter, electronic delivery or in person, of each special meeting not less than one day before the meeting. Such notice need not specify the purpose for which the meeting is called, unless required by the Articles of Association or the bylaws.
- 3 -
Section 7. Quorum. A majority of the entire Board then in office shall constitute a quorum at any meeting, except when otherwise provided by law or these Bylaws, but a lesser number may adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further notice. If the number of directors present at the meeting is reduced below the number that would constitute a quorum, no business may be transacted, except selecting directors to fill vacancies in conformance with Article II, Section 11. If a quorum is present, the board of directors may take action through the vote of a majority of the directors who are in attendance. No director may vote by proxy.
Section 8. Attendance by Electronic, Telephonic or Similar Means. Any one or more members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in a regular or special meeting of such board or committee by, or conduct the meeting through the use of, conference telephone or other communications equipment by which all directors or committee members participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting. Participation in a meeting by these means constitutes presence in person at a meeting.
Section 9. Procedures. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of the Board of Directors may be determined by the person presiding at the meeting.
Section 10. Removal of Directors. Any director may be removed for cause at any meeting of shareholders, notice of which shall have referred to the proposed action, by vote of the shareholders. Any director may be removed without cause at any meeting of shareholders, notice of which shall have referred to the proposed action, by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the association entitled to vote. Any director may be removed for cause at any meeting of the directors, notice of which shall have referred to the proposed action, by vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.
Section 11. Vacancies. When any vacancy occurs among the directors, a majority of the remaining members of the Board of Directors may appoint a director to fill such vacancy until the next election at any regular meeting of the Board of Directors, or at a special meeting called for that purpose at which a quorum is present, or if the directors remaining in office constitute fewer than a quorum of the Board of Directors, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the directors remaining in office, or by shareholders at a special meeting called for that purpose in conformance with Section 2 of Article I. A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date (by reason of a resignation effective at a later date) may be filled before the vacancy occurs but the new director may not take office until the vacancy occurs.
Section 12. Consent of Directors without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all members of the Board. The action may be evidenced by one or more written consents signed by each director before or after such action, describing the action taken, and included in the minutes or filed with the corporate records. A director’s consent to action taken without a meeting may be in electronic form and delivered by electronic means.
- 4 -
Section 13. Ratification. The board of directors may ratify and make binding on the association any action or inaction by the association or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the shareholders could have originally authorized the matter and as permitted by law. Moreover, any action or inaction questioned in any shareholders’ derivative proceeding or any other proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or shareholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the shareholders, and if so ratified, shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned action or inaction had been originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the shareholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned action or inaction.
ARTICLE III
Committees
Section 1. Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee, which shall have and may exercise, during the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, all the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business, properties and affairs of the association except as prohibited by law, the Articles of Association or these Bylaws. All acts done and powers conferred by the Executive Committee shall be deemed to be and may be certified as being, done or conferred under authority of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Trust Audit Committee. Unless delegated pursuant to Section 5 of this Article III, there shall be a Trust Audit Committee composed of not less than 2 directors, appointed by the Board of Directors, which shall, at least once during each calendar year make suitable audits of the association’s fiduciary activities or cause suitable audits to be made by auditors responsible only to the Board, and at such time shall ascertain whether fiduciary powers have been administered according to law, Part 9 of the Regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency, and sound fiduciary principles. Such committee: (1) must not include any officers of the association or an affiliate who participate significantly in the administration of the association’s fiduciary activities; and (2) must consist of a majority of members who are not also members of any committee to which the Board of Directors has delegated power to manage and control the fiduciary activities of the bank.
Section 3. Examining Committee. Unless delegated pursuant to Section 5 of this Article III, there shall be an examining committee composed of not less than 2 directors, exclusive of any active officers, appointed by the board of directors annually or more often. The duty of that committee shall be to examine at least once during each calendar year and within 15 months of the last examination the affairs of the association or cause suitable examinations to be made by auditors responsible only to the board of directors and to report the result of such examination in writing to the board of directors at the next regular meeting thereafter. Such report shall state whether the association is in a sound condition, and whether adequate internal controls and procedures are being maintained and shall recommend to the board of directors such changes in the manner of conducting the affairs of the association as shall be deemed advisable.
- 5 -
Section 4. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may from time to time by resolution adopted by affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, appoint other committees of the Board of Directors which shall have such powers and duties as the Board of Directors may properly determine. No such other committee of the Board of Directors shall be composed of fewer than three (3) directors. The Board of Directors may also appoint one or more directors as alternative members of a committee. All acts done and powers conferred by the Board of Directors on committees of the Board of Directors shall be deemed to be and may be certified as being, done or conferred under that authority of the Board of Directors.
Section 5. Delegation of Responsibility and Authority. The responsibility, authority and constitution of any committee under this Article III may, if authorized by law, be given over to a duly constituted committee of the association’s parent corporation by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV
Officers and Employees
Section 1. Officers. The Board of Directors shall annually, at the Annual Reorganization Meeting of the Board of Directors following the annual meeting of shareholders, appoint or elect a chair of the Board, a chief executive officer, a president, one (1) or more senior executive vice presidents, a corporate secretary, a treasurer, a chief auditor, and such other officers as it may determine, each to hold office until the next Annual Reorganization meeting.
The officers below the level of senior executive vice president may be elected as follows: the head of the Human Resources Department of M&T Bank, or his or her designee, may appoint officers up to and including (without limitation as to title or number) one (1) or more executive vice presidents, senior vice presidents, vice presidents, assistant vice presidents, assistant secretaries, assistant treasurers, and assistant auditors, and any other officer positions as they deem necessary and appropriate, except the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president, any “Executive Officer” of the association for the purposes of Regulation O (codified at 12 C.F.R. §215.2(e)(1)), and any “Senior Executive Officer” within the meaning of 12 C.F.R.
§5.51(c)(4) may only be appointed by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Chair of the Board. The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members to be the chair of the Board to serve at its pleasure. Such person shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The chair of the Board shall supervise the carrying out of the policies adopted or approved by the Board of Directors; shall have general executive powers, as well as the specific powers conferred by these Bylaws; and shall also have and may exercise such further powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon or assigned by the Board of Directors.
- 6 -
Section 3. President. The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members to be the president of the association. The president shall be a member of the Board of Directors. In the absence of the chair, the president shall preside at any meeting of the Board of Directors. The president shall have general executive powers and shall have and may exercise any and all other powers and duties pertaining by law, regulation, or practice to the office of president, or imposed by these Bylaws. The president shall also have and may exercise such further powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred or assigned by the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Vice President. The Board of Directors may appoint one or more vice presidents. Each vice president shall have such powers and duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors. One vice president shall be designated by the Board of Directors, in the absence of the president, to perform all the duties of the president.
Section 5. Secretary. The Board of Directors shall appoint a secretary or other designated officer who shall be secretary of the Board of Directors and of the association and who shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings. The secretary shall attend to the giving of all notices required by these Bylaws; shall be custodian of the corporate seal, records, documents and papers of the association; shall provide for the keeping of proper records of all transactions of the association; shall have and may exercise any and all other powers and duties pertaining by law, regulation or practice, or imposed by these bylaws; and shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time, by the Board of Directors.
Section 6. Other Officers. The Board of Directors may appoint one or more assistant vice presidents, one or more trust officers, one or more officers, one or more assistant secretaries, one or more assistant treasurers, one or more managers and assistant managers of branches and such other officers and attorneys in fact as from time to time may appear to the Board of Directors to be required or desirable to transact the business of the association. Such officers shall respectively exercise such powers and perform such duties as pertain to their several offices, or as may be conferred upon or assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the chair of the Board, or the president. The Board of Directors may authorize an officer to appoint one or more officers or assistant officers.
Section 7. Resignation. An officer may resign at any time by delivering notice to the association. A resignation is effective when the notice is given unless the notice specifies a later effective date.
ARTICLE V
Stock and Stock Certificates
Section 1. Transfers. Shares of stock shall be transferable on the books of the association, and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock shall be recorded. Every person becoming a shareholder by such transfer shall in proportion to such shareholder’s shares, succeed to all rights of the prior holder of such shares. The Board of Directors may impose conditions upon the transfer of the stock reasonably calculated to simplify the work of the association with respect to stock transfers, voting at shareholder meetings and related matters and to protect it against fraudulent transfers.
- 7 -
Section 2. Stock Certificates. Certificates of stock shall bear the signature of the president (which may be engraved, printed or impressed) and shall be signed manually, by facsimile process, or electronic means by the secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer, or any other officer appointed by the Board of Directors for that purpose, to be known as an authorized officer, and the seal of the association shall be engraved thereon. Each certificate shall recite on its face that the stock represented thereby is transferable only upon the books of the association properly endorsed and otherwise comply with the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 52 and 12 C.F.R. §7.2016(b).
Section 3. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In case any certificate representing shares shall be lost, stolen or destroyed, the Board of Directors, in its discretion, or any officer or officers thereunder duly authorized by the Board of Directors, may authorize the issue of a substitute certificate or substitute shares in uncertificated form in the place of the certificate so lost, stolen or destroyed.
Section 4. Fixing of Record Date. The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose. Such date, in any case, shall be the close of business on the day before the first notice is mailed or otherwise sent to the shareholders, provided that in no event may a record date be more than 10 days before the meeting.
ARTICLE VII
Corporate Seal
Section 1. Seal. The seal of the association shall be in such form as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The president, the treasurer, the secretary or any assistant treasurer or assistant secretary, or other officer thereunto designated by the Board of Directors shall have authority to affix the corporate seal to any document requiring such seal and to attest the same. The seal on any corporate obligation for the payment of money may be facsimile.
ARTICLE VIII
Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the association shall be the calendar year.
Section 2. Execution of Instruments. All agreements, indentures, mortgages, deeds, conveyances, transfers, certificates, declarations, receipts, discharges, releases, satisfactions, settlements, petitions, schedules, accounts, affidavits, bonds, undertakings, proxies and other instruments or documents may be signed, executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered or accepted on behalf of the association by any officer elected or appointed pursuant to Article IV of these Bylaws. Any such instruments may also be executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered or accepted on behalf of the association in such other manner and by such other officers as the Board of Directors may from time to time direct. The provisions of this Section 2 are supplementary to any other provision of these Bylaws.
- 8 -
Section 3. Records. The Articles of Association, the Bylaws and the proceedings of all meetings of the shareholders, the Board of Directors, and standing committees of the Board of Directors shall be recorded in appropriate minute books provided for that purpose. The minutes of each meeting shall be signed by the secretary, treasurer or other officer appointed to act as secretary of the meeting.
Section 4. Corporate Governance Procedures. To the extent not inconsistent with federal banking statutes and regulations, or safe and sound banking practices, the association may follow the Delaware General Corporation Law, Del. Code Ann. tit. 8 (1991, as amended 1994, and as amended thereafter) with respect to matters of corporate governance procedures.
Section 5. Indemnification. For purposes of this Section 5 of Article VIII, the term “institution-affiliated party” shall mean any institution-affiliated party of the association as such term is defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(u).
Any institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may be indemnified or reimbursed by the association for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed actions or proceedings and appeals therein, whether civil, criminal, governmental, administrative or investigative, in accordance with and to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such law now or hereafter exists; provided, however, that when an administrative proceeding or action instituted by a federal banking agency results in a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association, then the association shall require the repayment of all legal fees and expenses advanced pursuant to the next succeeding paragraph and may not indemnify such institution-affiliated parties (or their heirs, executors or administrators) for expenses, including expenses for legal fees, penalties or other payments incurred. The association shall provide indemnification in connection with an action or proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) only if such action or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.
Expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding under 12 U.S.C. 164 or 1818 may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) a determination by the Board of Directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding that the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) has a reasonable basis for prevailing on the merits, (b) a determination that the indemnified individual (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) will have the financial capacity to reimburse the association in the event he or she does not prevail, (c) a determination that the payment of expenses and fees by the association will not adversely affect the safety and soundness of the association, and (d) receipt of an undertaking by
- 9 -
or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event of a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association. In all other instances, expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding as to which indemnification may be given under the Articles of Association may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by or on behalf of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event that such institution- affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) is ultimately found not to be entitled to indemnification as authorized by these Bylaws and (b) approval by the Board of Directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding or, if such a quorum is not obtainable, then approval by shareholders. To the extent permitted by law, the Board of Directors or, if applicable, the shareholders, shall not be required to find that the institution-affiliated party has met the applicable standard of conduct provided by law for indemnification in connection with such action or proceeding.
In the event that a majority of the members of the Board of Directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the remaining members of the Board may authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the remaining members of the Board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Section 5 of Article VIII have been met. If independent legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the remaining members of the Board of Directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.
In the event that all of the members of the Board of Directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the Board shall authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the Board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Section 5 of Article VIII have been met. If legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the Board of Directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.
To the extent permitted under applicable law, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in the Articles of Association (a) shall be available with respect to events occurring prior to the adoption of these Bylaws, (b) shall continue to exist after any restrictive amendment of these Bylaws with respect to events occurring prior to such amendment, (c) may be interpreted on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time of the occurrence of the event or events giving rise to the action or proceeding, or on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time such rights are claimed, and (d) are in the nature of contract rights which may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction as if the association and the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) for whom such rights are sought were parties to a separate written agreement.
- 10 -
The rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these Bylaws shall not, to the extent permitted under applicable law, be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any such institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may now or hereafter be otherwise entitled whether contained in the association’s Articles of Association, these Bylaws, a resolution of shareholders, a resolution of the Board of Directors, or an agreement providing such indemnification, the creation of such other rights being hereby expressly authorized. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these Bylaws shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights, pursuant to statute or otherwise, of any such institution-affiliated party (or of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in any such action or proceeding to have assessed or allowed in his or her favor, against the association or otherwise, his or her costs and expenses incurred therein or in connection therewith or any part thereof.
If this Section 5 of Article VIII or any part hereof shall be held unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder of this Section 5 of Article VIII shall remain fully enforceable.
The association may, upon affirmative vote of a majority of its Board of Directors, purchase insurance to indemnify its institution-affiliated parties to the extent that such indemnification is allowed in these Bylaws; provided, however, that no such insurance shall include coverage for a final order assessing civil money penalties against such persons by a bank regulatory agency. Such insurance may, but need not, be for the benefit of all institution- affiliated parties.
ARTICLE IX
Inspection and Amendments
Section 1. Inspection. A copy of the bylaws of the association, with all amendments, shall at all times be kept in a convenient place at the main office of the association, and shall be open for inspection to all shareholders during banking hours.
Section 2. Amendments. The Board of Directors shall have the power, at any regular or special meeting thereof, to amend, alter or repeal the bylaws of the association, or to make and adopt new bylaws. These Bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by the shareholders of the association to the extent and as permitted in the Articles of Association or applicable law.
EXHIBIT 6
Section 321(b) Consent
Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, Wilmington Trust, National Association hereby consents that reports of examinations by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.
| WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | ||||||
| Dated: October 17, 2024 | By: | /s/ Arlene Thelwell | ||||
| Name: Arlene Thelwell | ||||||
| Title: Vice President | ||||||
EXHIBIT 7
R E P O R T O F C O N D I T I O N
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
As of the close of business on June 30, 2024
| ASSETS | Thousands of Dollars | |||
| Cash and balances due from depository institutions: |
561,395 | |||
| Securities: |
5,762 | |||
| Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreement to resell: |
0 | |||
| Loans and leases held for sale: |
0 | |||
| Loans and leases net of unearned income, allowance: |
38,657 | |||
| Premises and fixed asset |
34,699 | |||
| Other real estate owned: |
368 | |||
| Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies: |
0 | |||
| Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures: |
0 | |||
| Intangible assets: |
0 | |||
| Other assets: |
57,926 | |||
| Total Assets: |
698,807 | |||
| LIABILITIES | Thousands of Dollars | |||
| Deposits |
5,851 | |||
| Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase |
0 | |||
| Other borrowed money: |
0 | |||
| Other Liabilities: |
86,637 | |||
| Total Liabilities |
92,488 | |||
| EQUITY CAPITAL | Thousands of Dollars | |||
| Common Stock |
1,000 | |||
| Surplus |
350,045 | |||
| Retained Earnings |
255,523 | |||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income |
(249 | ) | ||
| Total Equity Capital |
606,319 | |||
| Total Liabilities and Equity Capital |
698,807 | |||