(a) The expertise and market reputation of the custodian, and once a safe custody financial instrument has been lodged by the firm with the custodian, the custodian's performance of its services to the investment firm licensee;

(b) The arrangements for holding and safeguarding financial instruments;

(c) An appropriate legal opinion as to the protection of custody assets in the event of insolvency of the custodian;

(d) Current industry standard reports;

(e) Whether the custodian is regulated and by whom;

(f) The capital or financial resources of the custodian;

(g) The credit rating of the custodian; and

(h) Any other activities undertaken by the custodian and, if relevant, any affiliated company.