Investment Policy (BF-2, Rev. 3)CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
DEPARTMENT:
SUBJECT:
REVISION:
APPROVED BY:
PURPOSE
Finance
Investment Policy
POLICY NUMBER: BF-2 Rev 3
SUPERSEDES: BF-2 Rev 2
(April 3, 2018)
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/17/24
The purpose of this policy is to set forth the investment objectives and parameters for the management
of public funds of the City of Delray Beach , Florida (hereinafter "City"). These policies are designed to
ensure the prudent management of public funds , the availability of operating and capital funds when
needed, and an investment return competitive with comparable funds and financial market indices .
POLICY
In accordance with Section 218.415 , Florida Statutes, this investment policy applies to all cash and
investm ents held or controlled by the City with the exception of Pension Funds and funds related to the
issuanc e of debt where there are other existing policies or indentures in effect for such funds. Funds held
by state agencies (e .g., Department of Revenue) are not subject to the provisions of this policy .
A. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
1. Safety of Principal
The foremost objective of this investment program is the safety of the principal of those funds within
the portfolios . Investment transactions shall seek to keep capital losses at a min imum , whether they
are from securities defaults or erosion of market value . To attain this objective , diversification is
required in order that potential losses on individual securities do not exceed the income generated
from the remainder of the portfolio.
2. Maintenance of Liquidity
The portfolios shall be managed in such a manner that funds are available to meet reasonably
anticipated cash flow requirements in an orderly manner. Periodical cash flow analyses will be
completed in order to ensure that the portfolios are positioned to provide sufficient liquidity .
3. Individual investments , the structure of the investment portfolio and the overall investment program
shall be designed based on the City's anticipated liquidity needs . The City may use actively
managed and passive investment strategies to achieve this objective. On occasion , anticipated
liquidity needs may be deferred or accelerated. In this instance , investments may be sold at current
market prices , or deposits may be withdrawn , and proceeds may be utilized for expenditures or
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 2 of 37
reinvested w ith the primary objective of safety of principal wh ile also mainta ining appropriate levels
of liquidity .
4. Return on Investment
Investment portfolios shall be designed with the objective of attaining a marke t rate of return
throughout budgetary and economic cycles , taking into account the investment risk constra ints and
liquidity needs. Return on investment is of least importance compared to t he safety and liqu idity
objectives described above . The core of investments is limited to relatively low risk securities in
anticipation of earning a fair return relative to the risk being assumed . Changes in liquidity may
occur. In this instance, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), City Manager or the Investment Adv isor ,
if given discretion , may sell an investment at current market prices , or transfer funds from overn ight
investment vehicles, to provide liquidity or to be reinvested in accordance with the City 's overal l
investment objectives .
5. Compliance
The City's investment program shall mainta in compliance w ith the City's Investment Policy , t he Ci ty
Charter, Florida State Statutes , and any other regulations and laws governing the investmen t of
Florida public funds . This investment policy statement shall define authorized investments ,
establish maximum maturity limitations and minimum rating requirements . No investment sha ll be
made that is not compliant with this investment policy statement at the time of purchase un less
approved in writing by the City's CFO or City Manager, prior to the transact ion . If an invest men t
becomes non-compliant during the holding period , subsequent to the purchase date , the City's
CFO or City Manager has authority to establish parameters in which to hold or sell the affected
investments and make the decision to hold or dispose of the security at any time .
B. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
Authority to manage the investment program is granted to the CFO by the City Manager through powers
given by the City Commission per Article 4, Section 4.04 of the City Charter. Responsibility for the
operation of the investment program is hereby delegated to the CFO who shall carry out establ ished
written procedures and internal controls for the operation of the investment program consistent w ith this
investment policy. Procedures shall include reference to : procedures for the operation of the investment
portfolio , a system of internal accounting and administrative controls to regulate the activities of
employees , safekeeping, delivery versus payments , collateral/depository agreements , bank ing
services contracts . The City may employ an Investment Advisor to assist in managing some of t he
City's portfolios . Such Investment Advisor shall be registered under the Investment Advisors Ac t of
1940 .
C. STANDARDS OF PRUDENCE
The standard of prudence to be used by investment officials shall be the "Prudent Person" standard
and shall be applied in the context of managing the overall investment program . Investment officers
acting in accordance with written procedures and this investment policy and exercising due d iligence
shall be relieved of personal responsibility for an individual security's credit risk or market price
changes , provided deviations from expectation are reported to the City Manager in a timely fashion and
Investment Policy
BF -2
Page 3 of 37
the liquidity and the sale of securities are carried out in accordance with the terms of this pol icy . The
"Prudent Person " rule states the following:
Investments shall be made with judgment and care , under circumstances then prevailing ,
which persons of prudence , discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of their
own affairs , not for speculation , but for investment , considering the probable safety of their
capital as well as the probable income to be derived from the investment.
While the standard of prudence to be used by investment officials who are officers or employees is the
"Prudent Person" standard , any person or firm hired or retained to invest , monitor, or advise concerning
these assets shall be held to the higher standard of "Prudent Expert". The standard shall be that in
investing and re investing moneys and in acquiring , retaining , managing , and dispos ing of investments
of these funds , the Investment Advisor shall exercise : the judgment, care , skill , prudence , and d ili gence
under the circumstances then prevailing , which persons of prudence , d iscretion , and intelligence , acting
in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of like
character and with like aims by diversifying the investments of the funds , so as to minim ize the risk ,
considering the probable income as well as the probable safety of their cap ital.
D. ETHICS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
1. Employees involved in the investment process shall refra in from persona l business act ivity that
could conflic t w ith proper execution of the investment program , or which cou ld impair their abil ity to
make impartial investment decisions . Also , employees involved in the investment process shall
disclose to the City Manager and the Mayor any material financial interests in financ ial inst itut ions
that conduct business w ith the City , and they shall further disclose any material persona l
financial/investment posit ions that could be related to the performance of the City's investment
program .
2. Investment Decisions : In accordance with Section 218.415 , Florida Statutes , the governing body or
the respective principal officer of the City of Delray Beach will make dec isions based solely on
pecuniary factors and may not subordinate the interests of its beneficiaries to other object ives ,
including sacrificing investment return or undertaking add it ional investment risk to promote any
nonpecuniary factor . As per Section 218.415 , Florida Statutes , the term "pecuniary factor" means
a factor that is expected to have a material effect on the risk or returns of an investment based on
appropriate investment horizons consistent with applicable investment object ives and funding policy
of the City of Delray Beach . The term does not include the consideration of the furtherance of any
social , political , or ideolog ical interests .
E. INTERNAL CONTROLS AND INVESTMENT PROCEDURES
The CFO shall establish a system of internal controls and operational procedures that are in wr iting
and made a part of the City 's operational procedures. The internal controls should be designed to
prevent losses of funds , wh ich might arise from fraud , employee error, and misrepresentation by th ird
parties , or imprudent actions by employees . The written procedures shall include reference to
safekeeping , repurchase agreements, the separation of transaction author ity from account ing and
Investment Policy
BF -2
Page 4 of 37
recordkeeping , wire transfer agreements , banking service contracts and collateralization . No person
may engage in an investment transaction except as authorized under the terms of th is policy .
Independent auditors as a normal part of the annual financial audit to the City shall conduct a rev iew of
the system of internal controls to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
F. CONTINUING EDUCATION
The CFO or designee that acts on behalf of the CFO and other appropriate staff shall annually complete
8 hours of continuing education in subjects or courses of study related to investment practices and
products in accordance with Florida Statute 218.415 .
G. AUTHORIZED INVESTMENT INSTITUTIONS AND DEALERS
1. Authorized City staff and Investment Advisors shall only purchase securities from financial
institutions, which are qualified as public depositories by the CFO of the State of Florida ; institutions
designated as "Primary Securities Dealers" by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York , direct
issuers of commercial paper and bankers' acceptances or approved non-primary securities dealers.
2. The Investment Advisor shall utilize and maintain its own list of approved non-primary securities
dealers . For authorized City staff, all approved non-primary securities dealers that qualify under
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15C3-1 (uniform net capital rule) must provide the
following information prior to executing investment trades with the City:
a . Annual financial statement , as well as most recent quarterly statement.
b . Regulatory history , through either the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for dealer banks ,
or the FINRA for securities firms .
c. Statement of any pending lawsuits materially affecting the firm's business .
3. Authorized City staff and Investment Advisors shall only enter into repurchase agreements with
financial institutions that are state qualified public depositories and primary securities dealers as
designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
H. MATURITY AND LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENTS
1. The CFO or designee shall determine the approximate amount of funds required to meet the
day-to-day expenditure needs of the City estimated from historical cash flows and forecasts
based on reasonable expectations of revenues and expenditures. In order to have an available
source of funds to meet unexpected cash requirements , a minimum of three months operat ing
expenses will be invested in appropriate short term securities , i.e. fully-collateralized repurchase
agreements , interest in time deposits , savings accounts or money market funds, local
government investment pools and intergovernmental pools .. The balance of the City's funds will
be available for investment according to the guidelines incorporated within this policy .
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 5 of 37
2. The City may establish multiple investment strategies within the investment program that seek
to preserve principle , provide liquidity and enhance income through a dynamic approach based
on cash flows , established risk parameters and current and market information . The City may
employ or restrict one or more of the following duration-based investment portfolios as part of
the overall investment program.
a. Overnight Investment Portfolio
Designed to provide overnight liquidity within investment vehicles that provide daily liquidity
for immediate cash flows needs . The aggregate amount invested within this investment
strategy shall meet the minimum requirement of three months of operating expenses but
may be higher if determined to be optimal.
b. Enhanced Cash Portfolio
Structured to provide ongoing liquidity during the City's Fiscal Year and to also diversify the
City's overall investment program. The Enhanced Cash portfolio will have a maximum
maturity of three (3) years and a duration target between 0.75 years and 1.25 years, but not
to exceed 1.25 years .
c. Core Portfolio
Core Portfolios are investments strategies for financial assets designated for longer term
investment horizons. Investments within the Core Portfolio(s) follow the same investment
objectives and priority of safety first , and have a longer duration than the City's Overnight
and Enhanced Cash strategies. Securities within this portfolio follow the maturity and asset
allocation limitations established Section XII of this investment policy. Core Portfolio
benchmarks shall be similar to the designated duration targets and may include the Bank of
America Merrill Lynch 1-5 Year US Corporate & Government Index for total return
performance for actively managed portfolios .
3. Investments of bond reserves , construction funds , and other non-operating funds ("core funds")
shall have a term appropriate to the need for funds and in accordance with debt covenants , but
in no event shall exceed five (5) years , and the weighted average maturity will be limited to a
period equal to or less than three years .
4. The maturities of the underlying securities of a repurchase agreement will follow the
requirements of the Master Repurchase Agreement.
I. RISK AND DIVERSIFICATION
Assets held shall be diversified to control risks resulting from over concentration of assets in a
specific maturity, issuer, instruments, dealer, or bank through which these instruments are bought
and sold . The CFO shall determine diversification strategies within the established guidelines .
J. COMPETITIVE SELECTION OF INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 6 of 37
1. After the CFO or designee that acts on behalf of the CFO , and/or the Investment Advisor, has
determined the approximate maturity date based on cash flow needs and market conditions and
has analyzed and selected one or more optimal types of investments , a minimum of three (3)
qualified banks and/or approved broker/dealers must be contacted and asked to provide
bids/offers on securities. Bids will be held in confidence until the bid best deemed to meet the
investment objectives is determined and selected.
2. However, if obtaining bids/offers are not feasible and appropriate, securities may be purchased
utilizing the comparison to current market price method on an exception basis . Acceptable current
market price providers include , but are not limited to:
a . Tradeweb
b. IDC {International Data Corporation)
c. Bloomberg Information Systems .
d. Wall Street Journal or a comparable nationally recognized financial publication providing daily
market pricing.
3. Daily market pricing when available will be provided by the City's custodian or their correspondent
institutions
4. The CFO or designee that acts on behalf of the CFO or the Investment Advisor shall utilize the
competitive bid process to select the securities to be purchased or sold . Selection by comparison
to a current market price, as indicated above, shall only be utilized when, in judgment of the CFO
or designee that acts on behalf of the CFO, or the Investment Advisor, competitive bidding would
inhibit the selection process .
5. Examples of when this method may be used include :
a. When time constraints due to unusual circumstances preclude the use of the competitive
bidding process;
b. When no active market exists for the issue being traded due to the age or depth of the issue ;
c. When a security is unique to a single dealer, for example , a private placement; and,
d. When the transaction involves new issues or issues in the "when issued" market
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 7 of 37
6 . Overnight sweep repurchase agreements will not be bid but may be placed with the City's
depository bank relating to the demand account for which the repurchase agreement was
purchased .
K. AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS AND PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
Investments shall be made subject to the cash flow needs and such cash flows are subject to revisions
as market conditions and the City's needs change . However, when the invested funds are needed in
whole or in part for the purpose originally intended or for more optimal investments , the CFO or
designee that acts on behalf of the CFO may sell the investment at the then-prevailing market price
and place the proceeds into the proper account at the City's custodian .
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 8 of 37
Authorized Investment-Sector
Type
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Florida PRIME Fund
Florida Trust Day to Day Fund
United States Government
Securities
United States Government
~gencies
Federal Instrumentalities (United
States Government Sponsored
Enterprises "GSE")*
Interest Bearing Time Deposit,
Certificates of Deposit, or
Savings Accounts -Qualified
Public Depositories Only
Repurchase Agreements**
Commercial Paper****
Bankers' Acceptances
State and/or Local Government
Taxable and/or Tax-Exempt
Debt
Registered Investment
Companies (Mutual Funds)
lntergovernment al (Local
Government) Investment Pools
Florida Trust Short Term Bond
Fund
Minimum Rating
Requirement
N/A
AAAm
AAAm
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A-lorP-1
A-lorP-1
AA3 or AA-
AAAf
AAAm
AAA
Maturity Limits Maximum Individual
Allocation Issuer Limit
NA 100% N/A
NA 25% N/A
NA 25% N/A
5 Years 100% N/A
5 Years 80% 50%
5 Years 80% 40%
5 Years 80% 40%
90 Days 25% 10%
270 Days 40% 10%
180Days 25% 10%
3 Years 20% 5%
N/A 25% 10%
N/A 45% 25%
N/A 25% NA
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 9 of 37
Corporate Notes* * * *
~sset-Backed Securities
(ABS)****
Mortgage Backed Securities
'MBS"*
Supranationals (where U.S. is a
shareholder and voting member)
A3 or A-5 Years 40% 5%
Double "A" category 5 Years 20% 5%
by any two
NRSROs***
N/A 5 Years 20% 5%
N/A 5 Years 25% 10%
*The combined maximum amount of available funds invested in Federal Instrumentalities and mortgage-backed
securities will not exceed eighty percent {80 %).
Securities authorized for collateral are negotiable direct obligations of the United States Government , Government
Agencies , and Federal Instrumentalities with maturities under five (5) years and must have a market value for the
principal and accrued interest of 102 percent of the value and for the term of the repurchase agreement.
***National Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO).
****The maximum amount of corporate investments w il l not exceed forty percent (40 %). Therefore , the combinat ion
of Section (I) Commercial Paper and Section (m) Corporate Notes shall not exceed forty percent (40%).
The following are the investment requirements and allocation limits on security types, issuers , and
maturities as established by the City . The CFO or designee that acts on behalf of the CFO shall
have the option to further restrict investment percentages from time to time based on market
conditions , risk, and diversification investment strategies. The percentage allocat ions requirements
for investment types and issuers are calculated based on the original cost of each investment.
Investments not listed in this policy are prohibited .
If an investment that is held in a portfolio is downgraded below the limitations listed below , the
investment advisor shall notify the City and provide a recommendation to the City regarding whether
to hold or sell the security . The primary motivation for this recommendation will be based on the
best interest of the City's financial needs. Should the investment advisor recommend to decide to
hold an investment that has been downgraded below the limitations listed below , and with the City's
approval, they will report on that investment with a brief explanation of their decision within 45 days
of the downgrade.
A. The Florida PRIME
1. Investment Authorization
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 10 of 37
The CFO may invest in the Florida PRIME. Any investment with the Florida PRIME
will be evaluated with the same criteria as Money Market Mutual Funds , detailed in
section J.
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of twenty-five (25%) of available funds may be invested in the Florida
PRIME .
3. Rating Requirements
The Florida PRIME shall be rated 11AAAm" by Standard & Poor's or the
equivalent by another rating agency .
4 . Due Diligence Requirements
A thorough investigation of the Florida PRIME is required prior to investing, and on
a continual basis. There shall be a questionnaire developed by the Investment
Advisor that will contain a list of due diligence considerations that deal with the major
aspects of any investment pool/fund. A current prospectus or equ iv alen t
documentation , including an Investment Policy , Financial Statements , and Portfolio
Holdings must be obtained.
B. United States Government Securities
1. Purchase Authorization
The CFO may invest in negotiable direct obligations , or obligations the princ ipal and
interest of which are unconditionally guaranteed by the United States Governmen t.
Such securities will include , but not be limited to the following :
Cash Management Bills
Treasury Securities-State and Local Government Series ("SLGS") Treasury Bills
Treasury Notes
Treasury Bonds
Treasury Strips
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 100% of available funds may be invested in the United Stat es
Government Securities .
3. Maturity Limitations
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 11 of 37
The maximum length to maturity of any direct investment in the United States
Government Securities is five (5) years from the date of purchase.
C. United States Government Agencies
1. Purchase Authorization
The CFO may invest in bonds, debentures , notes or callables issued or guaranteed by
United States Government agencies , provided such obligations are backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States Government. Such securities will include , but not be limited
to the following :
Government National Mortgage Association
Direct obligations and mortgage pass through securities
United States Export -Import Bank
-Direct obligations or fully guaranteed certificates of beneficial ownership
Farmer Home Administration •
-Certificates of beneficial ownership
Federal Financing Bank
-Discount notes, notes and bonds
Federal Housing Administration Debentures
General Services Administration
United States Maritime Administration Guaranteed
-Title XI Financing
New Communities Debentures
-United States Government guaranteed debentures
United States Public Housing Notes and Bonds
-United States Government guaranteed public housing notes and bonds
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
-Project notes and local authority bonds
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 80% of available funds may be invested in United States Government
agencies .
3. Limits on Individual Issuers
A maximum of 50% of available funds may be invested in individual United States
Government agencies.
4 . Maturity Limitations
The maximum length to maturity for an investment in any United States Government
agency security is five (5) years from the date of purchase .
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 12 of 37
D. Federal Instrumentalities (United States Government sponsored agencies)
1. Purchase Authorization
The CFO may invest in bonds, debentures, notes or callables issued or guaranteed
by United States Government sponsored agencies (Federal Instrumentalities) which
are non-full faith and credit agencies limited to the following:
Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB)
Federal Home Loan Bank or its district banks (FHLB)
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie-Macs) including Federal
-Home Loan Mortgage Corporation participation certificates
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 80% of available funds may be invested in Federal Instrumentalities .
3. Limits on Individual Issuers
A maximum of 40% of available funds may be invested in any one issuer.
4. Maturity Limitations
The maximum length to maturity for an investment in any Federal Instrumentality
security is five (5) years from the date of purchase .
E. Interest Bearing Time Deposit or Saving Accounts
1. Purchase Authorization
The CFO may invest in non-negotiable interest bearing time certificates of deposit
or savings accounts in banks organized under the laws of this state and/or in national
banks organized under the laws of the United States and doing business and
situated in the State of Florida, provided that any such deposits are secured by the
Florida Security for Public Deposits Act, Chapter 280, Florida Statutes . Additionally ,
the bank shall not be listed with any recognized credit watch information service.
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 80% of available funds may be invested in non-negotiable interest
bearing time certificates of deposit.
3. Limits on Individual Issuers
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 13 of 37
A maximum of 40% of available funds may be deposited with any one issuer .
4. Maturity Limitations
The maximum maturity on any certificate shall be no greater than five (5) years from
the date of purchase.
F. Repurchase Agreements
1. Purchase Authorization
a . The CFO may invest in repurchase agreements composed of only those
investments based on the requirements set forth by the City's Master
Repurchase Agreement. All firms are required to sign the Master Repurchase
Agreement prior to the execution of a repurchase agreement transaction.
b. A third party custodian with whom the City has a current custodial agreement
shall hold the collateral for all repurchase agreements with a term longer than
one (1) business day . A clearly marked receipt that shows evidence of
ownership must be supplied to the CFO and retained .
c. Securities authorized for collateral are negotiable direct obligations of the
United States Government, Government Agencies , and Federal
Instrumentalities with maturities under five (S) years and must have a market
value for the principal and accrued interest of 102 percent of the value and
for the term of the repurchase agreement. Immaterial short-term deviations
from 102 percent requirement are permissible only upon the approval of the
CFO.
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 25% of available funds may be invested in repurchase agreements
exclud ing one (1) business day agreements and overnight sweep agreements .
3 . Limits on Individual Issuers
A maximum of 10% of available funds may be invested with any one institution.
4. Limits on Maturities
The maximum length to maturity of any repurchase agreement is 90 days from the
date of purchase.
G. Commercial Paper
1. Purchase Authorization
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 14 of 37
The CFO may invest in commercial paper of any United States company that is
rated, at the time of purchase, "Prime-1" by Moody's and "A-1" by Standard & Poor's
(prime commercial paper). If the commercial paper is backed by a letter of credit
("LOC''), the long-term debt of the LOC provider must be rated "A" or better by at
least two nationally recognized rating agencies .
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 40% of available funds may be directly invested in prime commercial
paper .
3. Limits on Individual Issuers
A maximum of 10% of available funds may be invested with any one issuer.
4. Maturity Limitations
The maximum length to maturity for prime commercial paper shall be 270 days from
the date of purchase.
H Bankers' Acceptances
1. Purchase Authorization
The CFO may invest in Bankers' Acceptances issued by a domestic bank or a
federally chartered domestic office of a foreign bank, which is eligible for purchase
by the Federal Reserve System , at the time of purchase , the short-term paper is
rated, at a minimum, "P-1" by Moody's Investors Services and "A-1" Standard &
Poor's .
2 . Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 25% of available funds may be directly invested in Bankers'
Acceptances
3. Limits on Individual Issuers
A maximum of 10% of available funds may be invested with any one issuer .
4. Maturity Limitations
The maximum length to maturity for Bankers' Acceptances shall be 180 days from
the date of purchase.
I. State and/or Local Government Taxable and/or Tax-Exempt Debt
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 15 of 37
1. Purchase Authorization
The CFO may invest in state and/or local government taxable and/or tax-exempt
debt, general obligation and/or revenue bonds , rated at least a minimum "Aa"
category by Moody's and a minimum long term debt rating of "AA" category by
Standard & Poor's for long-term debt (without regard to gradation), or rated at least
"VMIG2" by Moody's or "A-2" by Standard & Poor's for short-term debt.
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 20% of available funds may be invested in taxable and tax-exempt
debts.
3. Limits on Individual Issuers
A maximum of 5% of available funds may be invested with any one issuer.
4 . Maturity Limitations for Fixed Income Securities
A max imum length to maturity for an investment in any state or local government
debt security is three (3) years from the date of purchase .
5. Maturity Limitations for Variable Rate Demand Obl igations
A maximum length to maturity for an investment in any state or local government
debt security is the shorter of put or tender date , where the put or tender does not
expire for the life of the security , or final maturity.
J. Registered Investment Companies (Mutual Funds)
1. Investment Authorization
The CFO may invest in shares in open-end , no-load provided such funds are
registered under the Federal Investment Company Act of 1940 and operated in
accordance with 17 C .F.R. § 270 .2a-7 . In addition, the CFO may invest in other types
of mutual funds provided such funds are registered under the Federal Investment
Company Act of 1940 , invested exclusively in the securities specifically permitted
under this investment policy , and are similarly diversified.
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 25% of available funds may be invested in mutual funds .
3. Limits of Individual Issuers
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 16 of 37
A maximum of 10% of available funds may be invested with any one non-SEC Rule
2a-7 investment mutual fund .
4. Rating Requirements
The mutual funds shall be rated "AAAf by Standard & Poor's or the equivalent by
another rating agency.
5. Due Diligence Requirements
A thorough review of any investment mutual fund is required prior to investing , and
on a continual basis . There shall be a questionnaire developed by the CFO that will
contain a list of questions that covers the major aspects of any investment pool/fu nd .
K. Intergovernmental Investment Pools
1. Investment Authorization
The CFO may invest in intergovernmental (local government) investment pools that
are authorized pursuant to the Florida Inter-local Cooperation Act, as prov ided in
Section 163.01 , Florida Statutes and prov ided that said funds contain no derivatives .
A thorough investigation of any intergovernmental investment pool is required prior
to investing, and on an annual basis . Attachment Bis a questionnaire that contains
a list of questions , to be answered prior to investing , that cover the major aspects of
any investment pool/fund . A current prospectus shall be obtained .
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 45% of available funds may be invested in intergovernmental
investment pools.
3. Rating Requirements
The investment pool shall be rated "AAAm" by Standard & Poor's or the equivalent
by another rating agency
4. Due Diligence Requirements
A thorough review of any investment pool/fund is required prior to investing, and on
a continual basis. There shall be a questionnaire developed by the CFO that will
contain a list of questions that covers the major aspects of any investment pool /fund.
L. Corporate Notes
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 17 of 37
1. Purchase Authorization
The CFO may invest in corporate notes issued by corporations organized and
operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United
States that have a long term debt rating , at the time of purchase , at a minimum "A3"
category by Moody's and a minimum long term debt rating of "A" category by
Standard & Poor's (without regard to gradation).
2 . Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 40% of available funds may be directly invested in corporate notes .
3. Limits on Individual Issuers
A maximum of 5% of available funds may be invested with any one issuer.
4. Maturity Limitations
The maximum length to maturity for corporate notes shall be 5 years from the date
of purchase .
M. Asset-Backed Securities (ABS)
1. Purchase Authorization
The Financial Services Director may invest in asset-backed securities (ABS) which
are bonds or notes backed by financial assets .
2 . Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 20% of available funds may be invested in ABS .
3. Limits of Individual Issuers
A maximum of 5% of available funds may be invested with any one ABS .
4. Maturity Limitations
A maximum length to maturity for an investment in any ABS is five (5) years from
the date of purchase.
The maturity of asset-backed securities shall be considered the date corresponding
to its average life. This date reflects the point at which an investor will have received
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 18 of 37
back half of the original principal (face) amount. The average life may be different
from the stated legal maturity included in a security's description .
5. Rating Requirements
ABS shall be Double-A (AA) rated or better by Standard & Poor's , or the equivalent
by another rating agency.
N. Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS)
1. Purchase Authorization
The CFO may invest in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) which are based on
mortgages that are guaranteed by a government agency or GSE for paymen t of
principal and a guarantee of timely payment.
2 . Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 20% of available funds may be invested in MBS .
3. Limits of Individual Issuers
A maximum of 5% of available funds may be invested with any one MBS .
4. Maturity Limitations
A maximum length to maturity for an investment in any MBS is five (5) years from
the date of purchase.
The maturity of mortgage securities shall be considered the date correspond ing to
its average life. This date reflects the average number of years that each dollar of
unpaid principal due on the MBS remains outstanding. The average life may be
different from the stated legal maturity included in a security's description .
0. Supra nationals
1. Purchase Authorization
The CFO may invest in U.S. dollar denominated debt obligations of
Supranationals which are multilateral organizations of governments where U.S.
is a shareholder and voting member that have a long term debt rating of' AAA"
category , or a short term debt rating of A-1 or higher, by any two NRSROs at the
time of purchase. Such supranational securities will include , but not be limited to :
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 19 of 37
International Finance Corporation
Inter-American Development Bank
2. Portfolio Composition
A maximum of 25% of available funds may be invested in supranational organization
securities .
3. Limits on Individual Issuers
A maximum of 10% of available funds may be invested in any one supranational
organization.
4. Maturity Lim itations
The max imum length to maturity for an investment in any supranational organization
security is five (S) years from the date of purchase .
L. DERIVATIVES AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Investments in any derivat ive products or the use of reverse repurchase agreements are not
permissible. A "derivat ive" is defined as a financial instrument the value of which depends on , or is
derived from , the value of one or more underlying assets or indices.or asset values .
M. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
1. In order to assist in the evaluation of the portfolio's performance , the C ity will use performance
benchmarks for short-term and long-term portfolios . The use of benchmarks will allow the City to
measure its returns aga inst other investors in the same markets .
2. For the short-term portfolio (less than 12 months maturity), consistent with the City's circumstances
and risk tolerances , the investment performance objective shall be to earn a total rate of return
approximately equal to the City's chosen benchmark index . The City will ut ilize the S&P Rated GIP
Index or an index that is similar.
3. Investment performance of funds designated as core funds and other non-operating funds that have
a long-term (greater than 12 months maturity) investment horizon will be compared to an index
comprised of U. S. Treasury or Government securities. The appropriate index will have a duration
and asset mix that approximates the portfolios and will be utilized as a benchmark to be compared
to the portfolio 's total rate of return . The City will utilize the Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year U.S. Treasury
Index or an Index that is similar to the composition and duration of the portfol io.
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 20 of 37
4. Investment advisors will report performance on both book value and total rate of return basis and
compare results to the above-stated benchmarks .
N. REPORTING
The CFO shall provide the City Manager with quarterly investment reports. Schedules in the quarterly
report shall include the following:
1. A listing of individual securities held at the end of the reporting period
2. Percentage of available funds represented by each investment type
3. Coupon , discount or earning rate
4 . Average life or duration and final maturity of all investments
5. Par value, amortized book value and market value
On an annual basis, the CFO shall provide to the City Manager a written report on all invested funds.The
annual report shall provide all, but not limited to, the following : a complete list of all invested funds ,
name or type of security in which the funds are invested, the amount invested, the maturity date , income
earned , the book value, the market value and the yield on each investment.
The annual report will show performance on both a book value and total rate of return basis and will
compare the results to the above-stated performance benchmarks . All investments shall be reported at
fair value per GASB standards . Investment reports shall be available to the public .
0. THIRD-PARTY CUSTODIAL AGREEMENTS
1. Securities , with the exception of certificates of deposits, shall be held with a third party custodian ;
and all securities purchased by, and all collateral obtained by; the City shall be properly designated
as an asset of the City. The securities must be held in an account separate and apart from the
assets of the financial institution . A third party custodian is defined as any bank depository chartered
by the Federal Government, the State of Florida, or any other state or territory of the United States
which has a branch or principal place of business in the State of Florida as defined in Section
658 .12, Florida Statutes, or by a national association organized and existing under the laws of the
United States which is authorized to accept and execute trusts and which is doing business in the
State of Florida . Certificates of deposits will be placed in the provider's safekeeping department for
the term of the deposit.
2. The custodian shall accept transaction instructions only from those persons who have been duly
authorized by the CFO and which authorization has been provided , in writing, to the custodian . Only
a duly authorized person shall be permitted to in whole or in part withdraw securities from the
custodian .
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 21 of 37
3. The custodian shall provide the CFO with safekeeping receipts that provide detailed information on
the securities held by the custodian . Security transactions between a broker/dealer and the
custodian involving the purchase or sale of securities by transfer of money or securities must be
made on a "delivery vs . payment" basis , if applicable , to ensure that the custodian will have the
security or money, as appropriate , in hand at the conclusion of the transaction . Securities held as
collateral shall be held free and clear of any liens .
P. INVESTMENT POLICY ADOPTION
The investment policy shall be adopted by a City ordinance. The CFO shall review the policy annually
and the City Commission shall approve any modification made thereto .
APPROVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF DELRAY BEACH ON MAY 5, 2024.
Investment Policy
BF -2
Page 22 of 37
Attachment A
Glossary of Cash and Investment Management Terms
Accrued Interest. Interest earned but which has not yet been paid or received.
Agency. See "Federal Agency Securities."
Ask Price. Price at which a broker/dealer offers to sell a security to an investor, also known as "offered
price."
Asset Backed Securities (ABS). A fixed-income security backed by notes or receivables against assets
other than real estate . Generally issued by special purpose companies that "own" the assets and issue the
ABS . Examples include securities backed by auto loans, credit card receivables, home equity loans,
manufactured housing loans , farm equipment loans and aircraft leases .
Average Life. The average length of time that an issue of serial bonds and/or term bonds with a mandatory
sinking fund feature is expected to be outstanding .
Bankers' Acceptance (BA's). A draft or bill of exchange drawn upon and accepted by a bank . Frequently
used to finance shipping of international goods. Used as a short-term credit instrument, bankers'
acceptances are traded at a discount from face value as a money market instrument in the secondary
market on the basis of the credit quality of the guaranteeing bank .
Basis Point. One hundredth of one percent, or 0.01 %. Thus 1 % equals 100 basis points .
Bearer Security . A security whose ownership is determined by the holder of the physical security.
Typically , there is no registration on the issuer's books . Title to bearer securities is transferred by delivery
of the physical security or certificate . Also known as "physical securities ."
Benchmark Bills : In November 1999, FNMA introduced its Benchmark Bills program , a short-term debt
securities issuance program to supplement its existing discount note program . The program includes a
schedule of larger, weekly issues in three-and six-month maturities and biweekly issues in one-year for
Benchmark Bills . Each issue is brought to market via a Dutch (single price) auction. FNMA conducts a
weekly auction for each Benchmark Bill maturity and accepts both competitive and non-competitiv e bids
through a web based auction system . This program is in addition to the variety of other discount note
maturities, with rates posted on a daily basis , which FNMA offers . FNMA's Benchmark Bills are unsecured
general obligations that are issued in book-entry form through the Federal Reserve Banks . There are no
periodic payments of interest on Benchmark Bills , which are sold at a discount from the principal amount
and payable at par at maturity. Issues under the Benchmark program constitute the same credit stand ing
as other FNMA discount notes; they simply add organization and liquidity to the short-term Agency discount
note market.
Benchmark Notes/Bonds: Benchmark Notes and Bonds are a series of FNMA "bullet" maturities (non-
callable) issued according to a pre-announced calendar. Under its Benchmark Notes/Bonds program , 2, 3,
5, 10 and 30-year maturities are issued each quarter. Each Benchmark Notes new issue has a minimum
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 23 of 37
size of $4 billion , 30-year new issues having a minimum size of $1 billion, with re-openings based on
investor demand to further enhance liquidity . The amount of non-callable issuance has allowed FNMA to
build a yield curve in Benchmark Notes and Bonds in maturities ranging from 2 to 30 years . The liquidity
emanating from these large size issues has facilitated favorable financing opportunities through the
development of a liquid overnight and term repo market. Issues under the Benchmark program constitute
the same credit standing as other FNMA issues ; they simply add organization and liquidity to the
intermediate-and long-term Agency market.
Benchmark. A market index used as a comparative basis for measuring the performance of an investment
portfolio. A performance benchmark should represent a close correlation to investment guidelines , risk
tolerance and duration of the actual portfolio's investments.
Bid Price. Price at which a broker/dealer offers to purchase a security from an investor .
Bond Market Association (BMA). The bond market trade association representing the largest securities
markets in the world. In addition to publishing a Master Repurchase Agreement , widely accepted as the
industry standard document for Repurchase Agreements , the BMA also recommends bond market
closures and early closes due to holidays .
Bond. Financial obligation for which the issuer promises to pay the bondholder (the purchaser or owner of
the bond) a specified stream of future cash flows , including periodic interest payments and a principal
repayment.
Book Entry Securities. Securities that are recorded in a customer's account electronically through one of
the financial markets electronic delivery and custody systems , such as the Fed Securities wire , OTC and
PTC (as opposed to bearer or physical securities). The trend is toward a certificate-free society in order to
cut down on paperwork and to diminish investors' concerns about the certificates themselves . The vast
majority of securities are now book entry securities .
Book Value. The value at which a debt security is reflected on the holder's records at any point in time .
Book value is also called "amortized cost" as it represents the original cost of an investment adjusted for
amortization of premium or accretion of discount. Also called "carrying value." Book value can vary over
time as an investment approaches maturity and differs from "market value" in that it is not affected by
changes in market interest rates.
Broker/Dealer. A person or firm transacting securities business with customers . A "broker" acts as an
agent between buyers and sellers , and receives a commission for these services . A "dealer" buys and sells
financial assets from its own portfolio . A dealer takes risk by owning inventory of securities, whereas a
broker merely matches up buyers and sellers . See also "Primary Dealer."
Bullet Notes/Bonds. Notes or bonds that have a single maturity date and are non-callable .
Call Date. Date at which a call option may be or is exercised .
Call Option . The right , but not the obligation , of an issuer of a security to redeem a security at a specified
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 24 of 37
value and at a specified date or dates prior to its stated maturity date. Most fixed-income calls are a par
but can be at any previously established price. Securities issued with a call provision typically carry a higher
yield than similar securities issued without a call feature. There are three primary types of call options (1)
European -one-time calls, (2) Bermudan -periodically on a predetermined schedule (quarterly , semi-
annual , annual), and (3) American -continuously callable at any time on or after the call date . There is
usually a notice period of at least 5 business days prior to a call date .
Callable Bonds/Notes. Securities, which contain an imbedded call option giving the issuer, the right to
redeem the securities prior to maturity at a predetermined price and time.
Certificate of Deposit (CD). Bank obligation issued by a financial institution generally offering a fixed rate
of return (coupon) for a specified period of time (maturity). Can be as long as 10 years to maturity, but most
CDs purchased by public agencies are one year and under.
Collateral. Investment securities or other property that a borrower pledges to secure repayment of a loan ,
secure deposits of public monies, or provide security for a repurchase agreement.
Collateralization. Process by which a borrower pledges securities, property , or other deposits for securing
the repayment of a loan and/or security.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (CMO). A security that pools together mortgages and separates them
into short , medium , and long-term positions (called tranches). Tranches are set up to pay different rates of
interest depending upon their maturity. Interest payments are usually paid monthly. In "plain vanilla" CMOs ,
principal is not paid on a tranche until all shorter tranches have been paid off. This system provides interest
and principal in a more predictable manner. A single pool of mortgages can be carved up into numerous
tranches each with its own payment and risk characteristics.
Commercial Paper. Short term unsecured promissory note issued by a company or financial institution .
Issued at a discount and matures for par or face value . Usually, a maximum maturity of 270 days, and
given a short-term debt rating by one or more NRSROs.
Convexity. A measure of a bond's price sensitivity to changing interest rates . A high convexity indicates
greater sensitivity of a bond's price to interest rate changes .
Corporate Note. A debt instrument issued by a corporation with a maturity of greater than one year and
less than ten years .
Counterparty. The other party in a two party financial transaction. "Counterparty risk" refers to the risk that
the other party, to a transaction, will fail in its related obligations . For example , the bank or broker/dealer in
a repurchase agreement.
Coupon Rate. Annual rate of interest on a debt security , expressed as a percentage of the bond's face
value.
Current Yield. Annual rate of return on a bond based on its price. Calculated as (coupon rate/ price) but
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 25 of 37
does not accurately reflect a bond's true yield level.
Custody. Safekeep ing services offered by a bank , financial institution or trust company , referred to as the
"custodian." Service normally includes the holding and reporting of the customer's securities , the collection
and disbursement of income , securities settlement and market values.
Dealer. A dealer, as opposed to a broker, acts as a principal in all transactions , buying and selling for his
own account.
Delivery Versus Payment (DVP). Settlement procedure in which securities are delivered versus payment
of cash , but only after cash has been received . Most security transactions , including those through the Fed
Securities Wire system and OTC , are done DVP as a protection for both the buyer and seller of securities
Depository Trust Company (OTC). A firm through which members can use a computer to arrange for
securities to be delivered to other members without physical delivery of certificates . A member of the
Federal Reserve System and owned mostly by the New York Stock Exchange , the Depository Trust
Company uses computerized debit and credit entries. Most corporate securities, commercial paper , CDs
and BAs clear through OTC.
Derivatives . For hedging purposes , common derivatives are options , futures, swaps and swaptions. All
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations ("CMOs") are derivatives. (1) Financial instruments whose return
profile is linked to, or derived from , the movement of one or more underlying index or security , and may
include a leveraging factor, or (2) financial contracts based upon notional amounts whose value is derived
from an underlying index or security (interest rates , foreign exchange rates , equities or commodities).
Derivative Security. Financial instrument created from , or whose value depends upon , one or more
underlying assets or indexes of asset values.
Designated Bond. FFCB's regularly issued , liquid , non-callable securities that generally have a 2 or 3 year
original maturity. New issues of Designated Bonds are $1 billion or larger. Re-openings of existing
Designated Bond issues are generally a minimum of $100 million . Designated Bonds are offered through
a syndicate of two to six dealers . Twice each month the Funding Corporation announces its intention to
issue a new Designated Bond , reopen an existing issue, or to not issue or reopen a Designated Bond .
Issues under the Designated Bond program constitute the same credit standing as other FFCB issues ;
they simply add organization and liquidity to the intermediate-and long-term Agency market.
Discount Notes . Unsecured general obligations issued by Federal Agencies at a discount. Discount notes
mature at par and can range in maturity from overnight to one year. Very large primary (new issue) and
secondary markets .
Discount Rate. Rate charged by the system of Federal Reserve Banks on overnight loans to member
banks . Changes to this rate are administered by the Federal Reserve and closely mirror changes to the
"fed funds rate."
Discount Securities . Non-interest bearing money market instruments that are issued at discount and
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 26 of 37
redeemed at maturity for full face value . Examples include: U.S . Treasury Bills , Federal Agency Discount
Notes , Bankers' Acceptances and Commercial Paper .
Discount. The amount by which a bond or other financial instrument sells below its face value . See also
"Premium."
Diversification. Dividing investment funds among a variety of security types , maturities , industries and
issuers offering potentially independent returns .
Dollar Price. A bond's cost expressed as a percentage of its face value. For example , a bond quoted at a
dollar price of 95 ½, would have a principal cost of $955 per $1 ,000 of face value .
Duff & Phelps. One of several NRSROs that provide credit ratings on corporate and bank debt issues.
Duration . The weighted average maturity of a security's or portfolio's cash flows , where the present values
of the cash flows serve as the weights . The greater the duration of a security/portfolio, the greater its
percentage price volatility with respect to changes in interest rates . Used as a measure of risk and a key
tool for managing a portfolio versus a benchmark and for hedging risk. There are also different kinds of
duration used for different purposes (e .g. MacAuley Duration , Modified Duration).
Fannie Mae. See "Federal National Mortgage Association ."
Fed Money Wire . A computerized communications system that connects the Federal Reserve System with
its member banks , certain U. S. Treasury offices , and the Washington D.C. office of the Commodity Credit
Corporation. The Fed Money Wire is the book entry system used to transfer cash balances between banks
for themselves and for customer accounts .
Fed Securities Wire. A computerized communications system that facilitates book entry transfer of
securities between banks, brokers and customer accounts , used primarily for settlement of U.S. Treasury
and Federal Agency securities .
Fed. See "Federal Reserve System."
Federal Agency Security. A debt instrument issued by one of the Federal Agencies . Federal Agencies
are considered second in credit quality and liquidity only to U.S . Treasuries .
Federal Agency. Government sponsored/owned entity created by the U.S. Congress , generally for th e
purpose of acting as a financial intermediary by borrowing in the marketplace and directing proceeds to
specific areas of the economy considered to otherwise have restricted access to credit markets . The largest
Federal Agencies are GNMA , FNMA, FHLMC , FHLB , FFCB, SLMA , and TVA.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Federal agency that insures deposits at commerci al
banks , currently to a limit of $250,000 per depositor per bank .
Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB). One of the large Federal Agencies. A government sponso red
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 27 of 37
enterprise (GSE) system that is a network of cooperatively-owned lending institutions that provides credit
services to farmers, agricultural cooperatives and rural utilities . The FFCBs act as financial intermediaries
that borrow money in the capital markets and use the proceeds to make loans and provide other assistance
to farmers and farm-affiliated businesses. Consists of the consolidated operations of the Banks for
Cooperatives , Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and Federal Land Banks. Frequent issuer of discount
notes, agency notes and callable agency securities. FFCB debt is not an obligation of, nor is it guaranteed
by the U.S. government, although it is considered to have minimal credit risk due to its importance to the
U.S. financial system and agricultural industry. Also issues notes under its "designated note" program .
Federal Funds (Fed Funds). Funds placed in Federal Reserve Banks by depository institutions in excess
of current reserve requirements , and frequently loaned or borrowed on an overnight basis between
depository institutions.
Federal Funds Rate (Fed Funds Rate). The interest rate charged by a depository institution lending
Federal Funds to another depository institution . The Federal Reserve influences this rate by establishing a
"target" Fed Funds rate associated with the Fed's management of monetary policy.
Federal Home Loan Bank System {FIILB). One of the large Federal Agencies . A government sponsored
enterprise (GSE) system , consisting of wholesale banks (currently twelve district banks) owned by their
member banks , which provides correspondent banking services and credit to various financial institutions ,
financed by the issuance of securities . The principal purpose of the FHLB is to add liquidity to the mortgage
markets. Although FHLB does not directly fund mortgages, it provides a stable supply of credit to thrift
institutions that make new mortgage loans . FHLB debt is not an obligation of, nor is it guaranteed by the
U.S. government , although it is considered to have minimal credit risk due to its importance to the U.S .
financial system and housing market. Frequent issuer of discount notes, agency notes and callable agency
securities . Also issues notes under its "global note" and "TAP" programs .
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or "Freddie Mac"). One of the large Federal
Agencies. A government sponsored public corporation (GSE) that provides stability and assistance to the
secondary market for home mortgages by purchasing first mortgages and participation interests financed
by the sale of debt and guaranteed mortgage backed securities . FHLMC debt is not an obligation of, nor is
it guaranteed by the U.S. government, although it is considered to have minimal credit risk due to its
importance to the U.S . financial system and housing market. Frequent issuer of discount notes , agency
notes , callable agency securities and MBS . Also issues notes under its "reference note" program .
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or "Fannie Mae"). One of the large Federa l Agencies .
A government sponsored public corporation (GSE) that provides liquidity to the residential mortgage market
by purchasing mortgage loans from lenders , financed by the issuance of debt securities and MBS (pools
of mortgages packaged together as a security). FNMA debt is not an obligation of, nor is it guaranteed by
the U.S. government, although it is considered to have minimal credit risk due to its importance to the U.S.
financial system and housing market. Frequent issuer of discount notes , agency notes, callable agency
securities and MBS. Also issues notes under its "benchmark note" program .
Federal Reserve Bank. One of the 12 distinct banks of the Federal Reserve System .
Investment Pol icy
BF-2
Page 28 of 37
Federal Reserve System (the Fed). The independent central bank system of the United States that
establishes and conducts the nation's monetary policy. This is accomplished in three major ways: (1) raising
or lowering bank reserve requirements, (2) raising or lowering the target Fed Funds Rate and Discount
Rate , and (3) in open market operations by buying and selling government securities. The Federal Reserve
System is made up of twelve Federal Reserve District Banks, their branches , and many national and state
banks throughout the nation . It is headed by the seven member Board of Governors known as the "Federal
Reserve Board" and headed by its Chairman.
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc (FINRA). is a private corporation that acts as a se lf-
regulatory organization (SRO). FINRA is the successor to the National Association of Securities Dealers ,
Inc . (NASO). Though sometimes mistaken for a government agency, it is a non-governmental organization
that performs financial regulation of member brokerage firms and exchange markets . The government also
has a regulatory arm for investments , the Securities and Exchange Commission .
Fiscal Agent/Paying Agent. A bank or trust company that acts , under a trust agreement with a corporation
or municipality, in the capacity of general treasurer . The agent performs such duties as making coupon
payments, paying rents , redeeming bonds, and handling taxes relating to the issuance of bonds.
Fitch Investors Service, Inc . One of several NRSROs that provide credit ratings on corporate and
municipal debt issues .
Floating Rate Security (FRN or "floater"). A bond with an interest rate that is adjusted accord ing to
changes in an interest rate or index. Differs from variable-rate debt in that the changes to the rate take
place immediately when the index changes , rather than on a predetermined schedule. See also "Variable
Rate Security ."
Freddie Mac . See "Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation".
Ginnie Mae . See "Government National Mortgage Association".
Global Notes: Notes designed to qualify for immediate trading in both the domestic U.S. capital market
and in foreign markets around the globe. Usually, large issues that are sold to investors worldwide and
therefore have excellent liquidity. Despite their global sales, global notes sold in the U.S . are typically
denominated in U.S . dollars.
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA or "Ginnie Mae"). One of the large Federal
Agencies. Government-owned Federal Agency that acquires, packages , and resells mortgages and
mortgage purchase commitments in the form of mortgage-backed securities . Largest issuer of mortgage
pass-through securities. GNMA debt is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (one
of the few agencies that are actually full faith and credit of the U.S.).
Government Securities . An obligation of the U.S. government, backed by the full faith and credit of the
government. These securities are regarded as the highest quality of investment securities available in the
U.S . securities market. See "Treasury Bills , Notes, Bonds, and SLGS ."
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 29 of 37
Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE). Privately owned entity subject to federal regulation and
supervision , created by the U.S. Congress to reduce the cost of capital for certain borrowing sectors of the
economy such as students , farmers , and homeowners. GSEs carry the implicit backing of the U.S.
Government, but they are not direct obligations of the U.S. Government. For this reason, these securit ies
will offer a yield premium over U.S. Treasuries . Some consider GSEs to be stealth recipients of corporate
welfare . Examples of GSEs include: FHLB , FHLMC , FNMA and SLMA.
Government Sponsored Enterprise Security . A security issued by a Government Sponsored Enterprise .
Considered Federal Agency Securities .
Gradation. A modification to the credit ratings with additions of either a"+/-" by Standard & Poor's or a
number 1-3 by Moody's .
Index . A compilation of statistical data that tracks changes in the economy or in financial markets.
Interest-Only (10) STRIP. A security based solely on the interest payments from the bond . After the
principal has been repaid , interest payments stop and the value of the security falls to nothing . Therefore ,
IOs are considered risky investments . Usually associated with mortgage-backed securities.
Internal Controls. An internal control structure ensures that the assets of the entity are protected from
loss , theft , or misuse. The internal control structure is designed to provide reasonable assurance that these
objectives are met. The concept of reasonable assurance recognizes that 1) the cost of a control should
not exceed the benefits likely to be derived and 2) the valuation of costs and benefits requires estimates
and judgments by management. Internal controls should address the following points :
1. Control of collusion -Collusion is a situation where two or more employees are working in
conjunction to defraud their employer .
2. Separation of transaction authority from accounting and record keeping -By
separating the person who authorizes or performs the transaction from the people who
record or otherwise account for the transaction , a separation of duties is achieved .
3. Custodial safekeeping -Securities purchased from any bank or dealer including
appropriate collateral (as defined by state law) shall be placed with an independent third
party for custodial safekeeping .
4 . Avoidance of physical delivery securities -Book-entry securities are much easier to
transfer and account for since actual delivery of a document never takes place . Delivered
securities must be properly safeguarded against loss or destruction. The potential for fraud
and loss increases with physically delivered securities .
5. Clear delegation of authority to subordinate staff members -Subordinate staff members
must have a clear understanding of their authority and responsibilities to avoid improper
actions. Clear delegation of authority also preserves the internal control structure that is
contingent on the various staff positions and their respective responsibilities .
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 30 of 37
6. Written confirmation of transactions for investments and wire transfers -Due to the
potential for error and improprieties arising from telephone and electronic transactions , all
transactions should be supported by written communications and approved by the
appropriate person. Written communications may be via fax if on letterhead and if the
safekeeping institution has a list of authorized signatures .
7. Development of a wire transfer agreement with the lead bank and third-party
custodian -The designated official should ensure that an agreement will be entered into
and will address the following points: controls, security provisions, and responsibilities of
each party making and receiving wire transfers.
Inverse Floater. A floating rate security structured in such a way that it reacts inversely to the direction of
interest rates. Considered risky as their value moves in the opposite direction of normal fixed-income
investments and whose interest rate can fall to zero.
Investment Advisor. A company that provides professional advice managing portfolios, investment
recommendations and/or research in exchange for a management fee.
Investment Adviser Act of 1940. Federal legislation that sets the standards by which investment
companies, such as mutual funds, are regulated in the areas of advertising, promotion, performance
reporting requirements, and securities valuations.
Investment Grade. Bonds considered suitable for preservation of invested capital; bonds rated a minimum
of Baa3 by Moody's, BBB-by Standard & Poor's, or BBB-by Fitch. Although "BBB" rated bonds are
considered investment grade, most public agencies cannot invest in securities rated below "A."
Liquidity. Relative ease of converting an asset into cash without significant loss of value. Also, a relative
measure of cash and near-cash items in a portfolio of assets. Also, a term describing the marketability of
a money market security correlating to the narrowness of the spread between the bids and ask prices .
Local Government Investment Poo l (LGIP). An investment by local governments in which their money
is pooled as a method for managing local funds, (i.e., Florida State Board of Administration's Florida Prime
Fund).
Long-Term Core Investment Program. Funds that are not needed within a one year period.
Market Value. The fair market value of a security or commodity. The price at which a willing buyer and
seller would pay for a security.
Mark-to-market. Adjusting the value of an asset to its market value, reflecting in the process unrealized
gains or losses.
Master Repurchase Agreement. A widely accepted standard agreement form published by the Bond
Market Association (BMA) that is used to govern and document Repurchase Agreements and protect the
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 31 of 37
interest of parties in a repo transaction .
Maturity Date. Date on which principal payment of a financial obligation is to be paid .
Medium Term Notes (MTN 's). Used frequently to refer to corporate notes of medium maturity (5-years
and under). Technically , any debt security issued by a corporate or depository institution with a maturity
from 1 to 10 years and issued under an MTN shelf registration . Usually issued in smaller issues with varying
coupons and maturities and underwritten by a variety of broker/dealers (as opposed to large corporate
deals issued and underwritten all at once in large size and with a fixed coupon and maturity).
Money Market. The market in which short-term debt instruments (bills, commercial paper , bankers'
acceptance, etc .) are issued and traded.
Money Market Mutual Fund (MMF). A type of mutual fund that invests solely in money market instruments ,
such as : U.S. Treasury bills , commercial paper, bankers' acceptances , and repurchase agreements.
Money market mutual funds are registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
are subject "rule 2a-7" which significantly limits average maturity and credit quality of holdings. MMF's are
managed to maintain a stable net asset value (NAV) of$1 .00. Many MMFs carry ratings by a NRSRO.
Moody's Investors Service . One of several NRSROs that provide credit ratings on corporate and
municipal debt issues.
Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS). Mortgage-backed securities represent an ownership interest in a
pool of mortgage loans made by financial institutions, such as savings and loans, commercial banks , or
mortgage companies, to finance the borrower's purchase of a home or other real estate . The majority of
MBS are issued and/or guaranteed by GNMA , FNMA and FHLMC. There are a variety ofMBS structures ,
some of which can be very risky and complicated. All MBS have reinvestment risk as actual principal and
interest payments are dependent on the payment of the underlying mortgages which can be prepaid by
mortgage holders to refinance and lower rates or simply because the underlying property was sold.
Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. A pool of residential mortgage loans with the monthly interest and
principal distributed to investors on a pro-rata basis. Largest issuer is GNMA.
Municipal Note/Bond. A debt instrument issued by a state or local government unit or public agency. The
vast majority of municipals are exempt from state and federal income tax , although some non-qualified
issues are taxable.
Mutual Fund. Portfolio of securities professionally managed by a registered investment company that
issues shares to investors . Many different types of mutual funds exist (bond, equity, money fund); all except
money market funds operate on a variable net asset value (NAV).
Negotiable Certificate of Deposit (Negotiable CD). Large denomination CDs ($100 ,000 and larger) that
are issu ed in bearer form and can be traded in the secondary market.
Net Asset Value. The market value of one share of an investment company , such as a mutual fund. This
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 32 of 37
figure is calculated by totaling a fund's assets which includes securities, cash , and any accrued earnings ,
subtracting this from the fund's liabilities and dividing this total by the number of shares outstanding. This
is calculated once a day based on the closing price for each security in the fund's portfolio. (See below .)
[(Total assets) -(Liabilities)]/(Number of shares outstanding)
NRSRO . A "Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization ." A designated rating organization that
the SEC has deemed a strong national presence in the U.S. NRSROs provide credit ratings on corporate
and bank debt issues. Only ratings of a NRSRO may be used for the regulatory purposes of rating . Includes
Moody's , S&P , Fitch and Duff & Phelps.
Offered Price. See also "Ask Price."
Open Market Operations . Federal Reserve monetary policy tactic entailing the purchase or sale of
government securities in the open market by the Federal Reserve System from and to primary dealers in
order to influence the money supply , credit conditions , and interest rates .
Par Value. Face value , stated value or maturity value of a security.
Physical Delivery . Delivery of readily available underlying assets at contract maturity.
Portfolio. Collection of securities and investments held by an investor.
Premium. The amount by which a bond or other financial instrument sells above its face value . See also
"Discount."
Primary Dealer. Any of a group of designated government securities dealers designated by to the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York. Primary dealers can buy and sell government securities directly with the Fed .
Primary dealers also submit daily reports of market activity and security positions held to the Fed and are
subject to its informal oversight. Primary dealers are considered the largest players in the U.S. Treasury
securities market.
Prime Paper. Commercial paper of high quality. Highest rated paper is A-1 +/ A-1 by S&P and P-1 by
Moody's .
Principal. Face value of a financial instrument on which interest accrues. May be less than par value if
some principal has been repaid or retired . For a transaction, principal is par value times price and includ es
any premium or discount.
Prudent Investor Standard . Standard that requires that when investing, reinvesting , purchas ing,
acquiring , exchanging , selling, or managing public funds, a trustee shall act with care , skill , prudence , and
diligence under the circumstances then prevailing , including, but not limited to, the general economic
conditions and the anticipated needs of the agency, that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and
familiarity with those matters would use in the conduct of funds of a like character and with like aims, to
safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the agency. More stringent than the "prudent
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 33 of 37
person" standard as it implies a level of knowledge commensurate with the responsibility at hand.
Qualified Publ ic Depository -Per Florida Statute 280, means any bank , saving bank or savings
association that:
1. Is organized and exists under the laws of the United States , the laws of this state or any
other state or territory of the United States;
2. Has its principal place of business in this stat e or has a branch office in this state which is
authorized under the laws of this state or of the United States to receive deposits in this
state .
3. Has deposit insurance under the provision of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act , as
amended , 12 U.S.C . ss.1811 seq .
4. Meets all requirements of F.S . 280
5. Has been designed by the Treasurer as a qualified public depository .
Range No t e . A type of structured note that accrues interest daily at a set coupon rate that is tied to an
index . Most range notes have two coupon levels ; a higher accrual rate for the period the index is within a
designated range , the lower accrual rate for the period that the index falls outs ide the designated range .
This lower rate may be zero and may result in zero earnings.
Rate of Return . Amount of income received from an investment, expressed as a percentage of the amount
invested.
Real ized Gai ns (L osses). The difference between the sale price of an investment and its book value.
Gains/losses are "realized" when the security is actually sold , as compared to "unrealized" gains/losses
which are based on current market value. See "Unrealized Gains (Losses)."
Referen ce Bill s : FHLMC 's short-term debt program created to supplement its existing discount note
program by offering issues from one month through one year , auctioned on a weekly or on an alternating
four-week basis (depending upon maturity) offered in sizeable volumes ($1 billion and up) on a cycle of
regular , standardized issuance. Globally sponsored and distributed , Reference Bill issues are intended to
encourage active trading and market-making and facilitate the development of a term repo market. The
program was designed to offer predictable supply , pricing transparency and liquidity, thereby providing
alternatives to U.S . Treasury bills. FHLMC's Reference Bills are unsecured general corporate obligations.
This program supplements the corporation's existing discount note program. Issues under the Reference
program constitute the same credit standing as other FHLMC discount notes ; they simply add organization
and liquidity to the short-term Agency discount note market.
Re fe re nce Not es: FHLMC's intermediate-term debt program with issuances of 2 , 3, 5, 10 and 30-year
maturities . Initial issuances range from $2 -$6 billion with re-openings ranging $1 -$4 billion.
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 34 of 37
The notes are high-quality bullet structures securities that pay interest semiannually . Issues under the
Reference program constitute the same credit standing as other FHLMC notes ; they simply add
organization and liquidity to the intermediate-and long-term Agency market.
Repurchase Agreement (Repo). A short-term investment vehicle where an investor agrees to buy
securities from a counterparty and simultaneously agrees to resell the securities back to the counterparty
at an agreed upon time and for an agreed upon price . The difference between the purchase price and the
sale price represents interest earned on the agreement. In effect, it represents a collateralized loan to the
investor, where the securities are the collateral. Can be DVP, where securities are delivered to the
investor's custodial bank, or "tri-party" where the securities are delivered to a third party intermediary . Any
type of security can be used as "collateral," but only some types provide the investor with special
bankruptcy protection under the law. Repos should be undertaken only when an appropriate BMA approved
master repurchase agreement is in place.
Reverse Repurchase Agreement (Reverse Repo). A repo from the point of view of the original seller of
securities . Used by dealers to finance their inventory of securities by essentially borrow ing at short-term
rates. Can also be used to leverage a portfolio and in this sense, can be considered risky if used improperly .
Safekeeping. Service offered for a fee , usually by financial institutions , for the holding of securities and
other valuables. Safekeeping is a component of custody services .
Secondary Market. Markets for the purchase and sale of any previously issued financial instrument.
Securities Lending. An arrangement between and investor and a custody bank that allows the custody
bank to "loan" the investors investment holdings , reinvest the proceeds in permitted investments , and
shares any profits with the investor. Should be governed by a securities lending agreement. Can increase
the risk of a portfolio in that the investor takes on the default risk on the reinvestment at the discretion of
the custodian.
Sinking Fund. A separate accumulation of cash or investments (including earnings on investments) in a
fund in accordance with the terms of a trust agreement or indenture , funded by periodic deposits by the
issuer ( or other entity responsible for debt service), for the purpose of assuring timely availability of moneys
for payment of debt service . Usually used in connection with term bonds .
Spread. The difference between the price of a security and similar maturity U.S. Treasury investments ,
expressed in percentage terms or basis points . A spread can also be the absolute difference in yield
between two securities. The securities can be in different markets or within the same securities market
between different credits, sectors, or other relevant factors .
Standard & Poor's. One of several NRSROs that provide credit ratings on corporate and municipal debt
issues .
STRIPS (Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities). Acronym applied to U.S.
Treasury securities that have had their coupons and principal repayments separated into individual zero-
coupon Treasury securities. The same technique and "strips" description can be applied to non-Treasury
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 35 of 37
securities (e.g. FNMA strips).
Structured Notes. Notes that have imbedded into their structure options such as step-up coupons or
derivative-based returns .
Swap. Trading one asset for another.
TAP Notes: Federal Agency notes issued under the FHLB TAP program. Launched in 6/99 as a refinement
to the FHLB bullet bond auction process . In a break from the FHLB's traditional practice of bringing
numerous small issues to market with similar maturities, the TAP Issue Program uses the four most
common maturities and reopens them up regularly through a competitive auction. These maturities (2 , 3,
5 and 10 year) will remain open for the calendar quarter, after which they will be closed and a new series
of TAP issues will be opened to replace them. This reduces the number of separate bullet bonds issued,
but generates enhanced awareness and liquidity in the marketplace through increased issue size and
secondary market volume .
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). One of the large Federal Agencies. A wholly owned corporation of
the United States government that was established in 1933 to develop the resources of the Tennessee
Valley region in order to strengthen the regional and national economy and the national defense. Power
operations are separated from non-power operations. TVA securities represent obligations of TVA , payable
solely from TV A's net power proceeds , and are neither obligations of nor guaranteed by the United States .
TVA is currently authorized to issue debt up to $30 billion. Under this author ization , TVA may also obtain
advances from the U.S . Treasury of up to $150 million . Frequent issuer of discount notes , agency notes
and callable agency securities.
Total Return . Investment performance measured over a period of time that includes coupon interest,
interest on interest, and both realized and unrealized gains or losses. Total return includes, therefore , any
market value appreciation/depreciation on investments held at period end .
Treasuries. Collect ive term used to describe debt instruments backed by the U.S. Government and issued
through the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Includes Treasury bills, Treasury notes , and Treasury bonds .
Also, a benchmark term used as a basis by which the yields of non-Treasury securities are compa red (e.g .,
"trading at 50 basis points over Treasuries").
Treasury Bills (T-Bills). Short-term direct obligations of the United States Government issued with an
original term of one year or less . Treasury bills are sold at a discount from face value and do not pay interest
before maturity. The difference between the purchase price of the bill and the maturity value is the interest
earned on the bill. Currently , the U.S. Treasury issues 4-week, 13-week and 26-week T-Bills
Treasury Bonds . Long-term interest-bearing debt securities backed by the U.S. Government and issued
with maturities often years and longer by the U.S . Department of the Treasury . The Treasury stopped
issuing Treasury Bonds in August 2001 .
Treasury Notes. Intermediate interest-bearing debt securities backed by the U.S. Government and issued
with maturities ranging from one to ten years by the U.S. Department of the Treasury . The Treasury
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 36 of 37
currently issues 2-year, 5-year and 10-year Treasury Notes .
Trustee. A bank designated by an issuer of securities as the custodian of funds and official representative
of bondholders. Trustees are appointed to insure compliance with the bond documents and to represent
bondholders in enforcing their contract with the issuer.
Uniform Net Capital Rule. SEC regulation 15C3-1 that outlines the minimum net capital ratio (ratio of
indebtedness to net liquid capital) of member firms and non-member broker/dealers .
Unrealized Gains (Losses). The difference between the market value of an investment and its book value.
Gains/losses are "realized" when the security is actually sold , as compared to "unrealized" ga ins /l osses
which are based on current market value . See also "Realized Gains (Losses)."
Variable-Rate Security. A bond that bears interest at a rate that varies over time based on a specified
schedule of adjustment (e.g ., daily, weekly , monthly, semi-annually or annually). See also "Floating Rate
Note."
Weighted Average Maturity (or just "Average Maturity"). The average maturity of all securit ies and
investments of a portfolio, determined by multiplying the par or principal value of each security or
investment by its maturity (days or years), summing the products , and dividing the sum by the total principal
value of the portfolio . A simple measure of risk of a fixed-income portfolio .
Weighted Average Maturity to Call. The average maturity of all securities and investments of a portfolio,
adjusted to substitute the first call date per security for maturity date for those securiti es with call provisions .
Yield Curve . A graphic depiction of yields on like securities in relation to remaining maturities spread over
a timeline . The traditional yield curve depicts yields on U.S. Treasuries , although yield curves exist for
Federal Agencies and various credit quality corporates as well. Yield curves can be positively sloped
(normal) where longer-term investments have higher yields, or "inverted" (uncommon) where longer-term
investments have lower yields than shorter ones .
Yield to Call (YTC). Same as "Yield to Maturity," except the return is measured to the first call date rather
than the maturity date . Yield to call can be significantly higher or lower than a security's yield to maturity.
Yield to Maturity (YTM). Calculated return on an investment, assuming all cash flows from the security
are reinvested at the same original yield. Can be higher or lower than the coupon rate depending on market
rates and whether the security was purchased at a premium or discount. There are different convent ions
for calculating YTM for various types of securities .
Yield. There are numerous methods of yield determination. In this glossary , see also "Current Yield ," "Yield
Curve ," "Yield to Call" and "Yield to Maturity."
Investment Policy
BF-2
Page 37 of 37
Attachment B
Investment Pool/Fund Questionnaire
1. A description of eligible investment securities , and a written statement of investment policy
and objectives .
2 . A description of interest calculations and how it is distributed , and how gains and losses are
treated.
3. A description of how the securities are safeguarded (including the settlement processes),
and how often the securities are priced, and the program audited .
4. A description of who may invest in the program , how often , what size deposit and withdrawal
are allowed.
5. A schedule for rece iving statements and portfolio listings .
6. Are reserves , retained earnings , etc . utilized by the pool/fund?
7. A fee schedule , and when and how is it assessed .
8 . Is the pool/fund eligible for bond proceeds and /or will it accept such proceeds?