SEC Form SC 13D filed by Blackrock MuniAssets Fund, Inc.
$MUA
Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service
Finance
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 13D
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. n/a )*
BLACKROCK MUNIASSETS FUND, INC.
(Name of Issuer)
VARIABLE RATE DEMAND PREFERRED SHARES
(Title of Class of Securities)
09254J201
(CUSIP Number)
Bank of America Corporation
Bank of America Corporate Center
100 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28255
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
| December 15, 2021 |
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(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)
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If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(e), 13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g),
check the following box ☐.
*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information
which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of
that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 09254J201
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1
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NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
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Bank of America Corporation 56-0906609
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2
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CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
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(a)
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☐
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(b)
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☒
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3
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SEC USE ONLY
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4
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SOURCE OF FUNDS (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
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WC
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5
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CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(D) OR 2(E)
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☒
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6
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CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
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Delaware
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NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
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7
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SOLE VOTING POWER
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0
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8
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SHARED VOTING POWER
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1,750
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9
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SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
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0
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10
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SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
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1,750
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11
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AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
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1,750
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12
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CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
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☐
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13
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PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
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100%
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14
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TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
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HC
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SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 09254J201
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1
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NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
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Banc of America Preferred Funding Corporation 75-2939570
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2
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CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
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(a)
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☐
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(b)
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☒
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3
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SEC USE ONLY
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4
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SOURCE OF FUNDS (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
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WC
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5
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CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(D) OR 2(E)
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☐
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6
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CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
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Delaware
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NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
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7
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SOLE VOTING POWER
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0
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SHARED VOTING POWER
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1,750
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9
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SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
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0
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10
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SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
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1,750
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11
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AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
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1,750
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12
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CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
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☐
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13
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PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
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100%
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14
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TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
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CO
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| Item 1 |
Security and Issuer
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This Statement on Schedule 13D (this “Statement”) relates to the purchase of 1,750 variable rate demand preferred shares (CUSIP No. 09254J201) (“VRDP Shares”) of BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc. (the “Issuer” or the “Company”). This Statement is being filed by the Reporting
Persons (as defined below) as a result of the purchase of VRDP Shares by BAPFC (as defined below). The Issuer’s principal executive offices are located at 100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19808.
| Item 2 |
Identity and Background
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(a) This Statement is being filed on behalf of each of the following persons (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”):
| i. |
Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”)
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| ii. |
Banc of America Preferred Funding Corporation (“BAPFC”)
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This Statement relates to the VRDP Shares that were purchased for the account of BAPFC.
(b) The address of the principal business office of BAC is:
Bank of America Corporate Center
100 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28255
The address of the principal business office of BAPFC is:
214 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28255
(c) BAC and its subsidiaries provide diversified global financial services and products. The principal business of BAPFC is to make investments and provide loans to clients.
Information concerning each executive officer, director and controlling person (the “Listed Persons”) of the Reporting Persons is listed on Schedule I attached hereto, and is
incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Reporting Persons, all of the Listed Persons are citizens of the United States, other than as otherwise specified on Schedule I hereto.
(d) Other than as set forth on Schedule II, during the last five years, none of the Reporting Persons, and to the best knowledge of the Reporting Persons, none of the Listed Persons, have been
convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or was a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as a result of which such person was or is subject to a
judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
| Item 3 |
Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration
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The aggregate amount of funds used by the Reporting Persons to purchase the securities reported herein was approximately $175,000,000. The source of funds was the working capital of the Reporting
Persons.
The Reporting Persons declare that neither the filing of this Statement nor anything herein shall be construed as an admission that such person is, for the purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange
Act or any other purpose, (i) acting (or has agreed or is agreeing to act together with any other person) as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or other group for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities of the
Company or otherwise with respect to the Company or any securities of the Company or (ii) a member of any group with respect to the Company or any securities of the Company.
| Item 4 |
Purpose of the Transaction
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(a) BAPFC has purchased the VRDP Shares for investment purposes. BAPFC acquired the VRDP Shares in a secondary market transaction for a purchase price of $175,000,000.
The Reporting Persons have not acquired the subject securities with any purpose, or with the effect of, changing or influencing control of the issuer, or in connection with or as a participant in
any transaction having that purpose or effect.
| Item 5 |
Interest in Securities of the Issuer
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(a) - (b) The responses of the Reporting Persons to Rows (7) through (11) of the cover pages of this Statement are incorporated herein by reference.
(c) The responses of the Reporting Persons in Item 3 and Item 4 are incorporated herein by reference.
(d) No other person is known by the Reporting Persons to have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, VRDP Shares that may be
deemed to be beneficially owned by the Reporting Persons.
(e) Not applicable.
| Item 6 |
Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer
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The responses of the Reporting Persons to Item 4 are incorporated herein by reference. With respect to the VRDP Shares owned by BAPFC, on December 15, 2021, BAPFC assigned certain preferred class voting rights on
the VRDP Shares to a voting trust (the “Voting Trust”) created pursuant to the Voting Trust Agreement, dated December 15, 2021 among BAPFC, Newport Trust Company, as voting trustee (the “Voting Trustee”) and voting consultant (the “Voting Consultant”). Voting and consent rights on the VRDP Shares not assigned to the Voting Trust have been retained by
BAPFC. The Voting Trust provides that with respect to voting or consent matters relating to the voting rights assigned to the Voting Trust, the Voting Consultant analyzes such voting or consent matters and makes a recommendation to the Voting
Trustee on voting or consenting. The Voting Trustee is obligated to follow any such recommendations of the Voting Consultant when providing a vote or consent.
The VRDP Shares will have the benefit of a liquidity purchase obligation at the times and in the manner specified in the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2021, between The Bank of New York
Mellon (“BNY”) and Bank of America, N.A., as liquidity provider (“BANA”). Certain agreements between the Issuer and BANA as liquidity provider are documented in the
VRDP Shares Fee Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2021, between the Issuer and BANA. Certain agreements between the Issuer and BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofA”), as remarketing agent for the VRDP Shares are
documented in the VRDP Shares Remarking Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2021, between the Issuer and BofA.
| Item 7 |
Material to be Filed as Exhibits
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Exhibit
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Description of Exhibit
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99.1
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Joint Filing Agreement
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99.2
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Limited Power of Attorney
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99.3
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Voting Trust Agreement dated December 15, 2021
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99.4
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VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement dated December 15, 2021
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99.5
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VRDP Shares Fee Agreement dated December 15, 2021
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99.6
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VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement dated December 15, 2021
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SIGNATURES
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
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Date: December 23, 2021
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BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
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By:
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/s/ Michael Jentis |
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Name: Michael Jentis
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Title: Attorney-in-fact
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BANC OF AMERICA PREFERRED FUNDING CORPORATION
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By:
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/s/ Michael Jentis |
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Name: Michael Jentis
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Title: Authorized Signatory
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LIST OF EXHIBITS
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Exhibit
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Description of Exhibit
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Joint Filing Agreement
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Limited Power of Attorney
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Voting Trust Agreement dated December 15, 2021
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VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement dated December 15, 2021
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VRDP Shares Fee Agreement dated December 15, 2021
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VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement dated December 15, 2021
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SCHEDULE I
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
REPORTING PERSONS
The following sets forth the name and present principal occupation of each executive officer and director of Bank of America Corporation. The business address of each of the executive officers and directors of Bank
of America Corporation is Bank of America Corporate Center, 100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255.
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Name
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Position with Bank of
America Corporation
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Principal Occupation
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Brian T. Moynihan
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Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
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Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Bank of America Corporation
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Holly O’Neill
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President, Retail Banking
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President, Retail Banking of Bank of America Corporation
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Aditya Bhasin
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Chief Technology and Information Officer
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Chief Technology and Information Officer of Bank of America Corporation
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Sheri Bronstein
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Chief Human Resources Officer
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Chief Human Resources Officer of Bank of America Corporation
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Alastair Borthwick
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Chief Financial Officer
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Chief Financial Officer of Bank of America Corporation
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Geoffrey Greener
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Chief Risk Officer
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Chief Risk Officer of Bank of America Corporation
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Kathleen A. Knox
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President, Private Bank
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President, Private Bank of Bank of America Corporation
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Lauren Anne Mogensen
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Global General Counsel
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Global General Counsel of Bank of America Corporation
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Thomas K. Montag
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Chief Operating Officer
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Chief Operating Officer of Bank of America Corporation
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Anne Finucane
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Vice Chairman
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Vice Chairman of Bank of America Corporation
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Andrew M. Sieg
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President, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
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President, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
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Andrea B. Smith
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Chief Administrative Officer
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Chief Administrative Officer of Bank of America Corporation
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Sharon L. Allen
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Director
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Former Chairman of Deloitte LLP
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Susan S. Bies
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Director
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Former Member, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
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Lionel L. Nowell, III
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Lead Independent Director
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Former Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo Inc.
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Frank P. Bramble, Sr.
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Director
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Former Executive Vice Chairman, MBNA Corporation
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Pierre de Weck1
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Director
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Former Chairman and Global Head of Private Wealth Management, Deutsche Bank AG
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Arnold W. Donald
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Director
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President and Chief Executive Officer, Carnival Corporation & Carnival plc
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Linda P. Hudson
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Director
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Former Executive Officer, The Cardea Group, LLC and Former President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.
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Monica C. Lozano
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Director
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Chief Executive Officer, College Futures Foundation and Former Chairman, US Hispanic Media Inc.
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Thomas J. May
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Director
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Former Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Eversource Energy
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Lionel L. Nowell, III
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Director
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Former Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo Inc.
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Denise L. Ramos
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Director
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Former Chief Executive Officer and President of ITT Inc.
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Clayton S. Rose
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Director
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President of Bowdoin College
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Michael D. White
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Director
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Lead Director of Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Former Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of DIRECTV
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Thomas D. Woods2
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Director
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Former Vice Chairman and Senior Executive Vice President of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Former Chairman, Hydro One Limited
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R. David Yost
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Director
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Former Chief Executive Officer of AmerisourceBergen Corp.
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Maria T. Zuber
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Director
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Vice President for Research and E.A., Griswold Professor of Geophysics, MIT
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1 Mr. de Weck is a citizen of Switzerland.
2 Mr. Woods is a citizen of Canada.
The following sets forth the name and present principal occupation of each executive officer and director of Banc of America Preferred Funding Corporation. The business address of each of the executive officers and
directors of Banc of America Preferred Funding Corporation is 214 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255.
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Name
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Position with Banc of
America Preferred
Funding Corporation
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Principal Occupation
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John J. Lawlor
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Director and President
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Managing Director, Municipal Markets and Public Sector Banking Executive of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Bank of America, National Association
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Edward H. Curland
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Director and Managing Director
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Managing Director, Municipal Markets Executive for Trading of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Bank of America, National Association
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James Duffy
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Managing Director
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Director; MBAM BFO, The CFO Group of Bank of America, National Association
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Michael I. Jentis
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Managing Director
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Managing Director, Head of Sales – Public Finance of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Bank of America, National Association
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Mona Payton
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Managing Director
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Managing Director, Municipal Markets Executive for Short-Term Trading of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Bank of America, National Association
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Edward J. Sisk
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Director and Managing Director
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Managing Director, Public Finance Executive of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Bank of America, National Association
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John B. Sprung
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Director
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Corporate Director
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David A. Stephens
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Director and Managing Director
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Managing Director, Executive for Public Finance and Public Sector Credit Products of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Bank of America, National Association
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SCHEDULE II
LITIGATION SCHEDULE
New York Attorney General Investor Protection Bureau Masking Settlement 3/22/2018
On March 22, 2018, the Attorney General of the State of New York Investor Protection Bureau (“NYAG”) alleged that Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
(“MLPF&S”) (1) concealed from its institutional clients that orders were routed to and executed by “electronic liquidity providers,” (2) misstated the composition of orders and trades in its dark pool, and (3) did not accurately describe its
use of a proprietary “venue ranking” analysis, in violation of the Martin Act and Executive Law § 63(12). In connection with the agreement, BAC and MLPF&S agreed (1) not to engage, or attempt to engage, in conduct in violation of any
applicable laws, including but not limited to the Martin Act and Executive Law § 63(12); (2) to pay a penalty in the amount of $42,000,000; and (3) provide the NYAG a summary of the review of its electronic trading policies and procedures.
NOTE: In addition, Bank of America Corporation and certain of its affiliates, including MLPF&S and BANA,
have been involved in a number of civil proceedings and regulatory actions which concern matters arising in connection with the conduct of its business. Certain of such proceedings have resulted in findings of violations of federal or state
securities laws. Such proceedings are reported and summarized in the MLPF&S Form BD as filed with the SEC, which descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference.