Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration No. 333-200089

 

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia

$5,235,000

Capped Buffered Enhanced Participation Notes, Series A

Linked to the MSCI EAFE® Index Due March 22, 2018

 

The notes will not bear interest.  The amount that you will be paid on your notes at maturity (March 22, 2018) is based on the performance of the MSCI EAFE® Index (the reference asset) as measured from the trade date (April 19, 2016) to and including the valuation date (March 19, 2018). If the final level on the valuation date is greater than the initial level of 1,712.19, the return on your notes will be positive, subject to the maximum payment amount of $1,188.25 for each $1,000 principal amount of your notes. If the final level declines by up to 15.00% from the initial level, you will receive the principal amount of your notes. If the final level declines by more than 15.00% from the initial level, the return on your notes will be negative. Any payment on your notes is subject to the creditworthiness of The Bank of Nova Scotia.

 

To determine your payment at maturity, we will first calculate the percentage increase or decrease in the final level from the initial level (the percentage change). At maturity, for each $1,000 principal amount of your notes:

 

·     if the final level is greater than the initial level (the percentage change is positive), you will receive an amount in cash equal to the sum of (i) $1,000 plus (ii) the product of (a) $1,000 times (b) the percentage change times (c) 1.5, subject to the maximum payment amount;

 

·     if the final level is equal to the initial level or less than the initial level, but not by more than 15.00% (the percentage change is zero or negative, but equal to or greater than -15.00%) you will receive an amount in cash equal to $1,000; or

 

·     if the final level is less than the initial level by more than 15.00% (the percentage change is negative and is less than –15.00%), you will receive an amount in cash equal to the sum of (i) $1,000 plus (ii) the product of (a) $1,000 times (b) approximately 117.65% times (c) the sum of the percentage change plus 15.00%.

 

Following the determination of the initial level, the amount you will be paid on your notes at maturity will not be affected by the closing level of the reference asset on any day other than the valuation date. In addition, no payments on your notes will be made prior to maturity.

 

Investment in the notes involves certain risks.  You should refer to “Additional Risks” in this pricing supplement and “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” beginning on page PS-5 of the accompanying product prospectus supplement and “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-2 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and on page 6 of the accompanying prospectus.

 

The estimated value of your notes at the time the terms of your notes were set on the trade date was $970.00 per $1,000 principal amount, which is less than the original issue price of your notes. For a discussion of the estimated value and the price at which at which Goldman, Sachs & Co. would initially buy or sell your notes, if it makes a market in the notes (which it is not obligated to do), see “Additional Information Regarding Estimated Value of the Notes” on page P-2 of this pricing supplement.

 

 

 

Per Note

 

Total

 

Original Issue Price

 

100.00%

 

$5,235,000

 

Underwriting commissions

 

1.75%

 

$91,612.50

 

Proceeds to The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

98.25%

 

$5,143,387.50

 

 

NEITHER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE NOTES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PRICING SUPPLEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS, ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR ACCOMPANYING PRODUCT PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

THE NOTES ARE NOT INSURED BY THE CANADA DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION PURSUANT TO THE CANADA DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION ACT OR THE U.S. FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY OF CANADA, THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Dealer

 

 

 

Pricing Supplement No. 3 dated  April 19, 2016

 



 

 

The Capped Buffered Enhanced Participation Notes, Series A Linked to the MSCI EAFE® Index Due March 22, 2018 (the “notes”) offered hereunder are unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of The Bank of Nova Scotia (the “Bank”) and are subject to investment risks including possible loss of the principal amount invested due to the negative performance of the reference asset and the credit risk of The Bank of Nova Scotia. As used in this pricing supplement, the “Bank,” “we,” “us” or “our” refers to The Bank of Nova Scotia. The notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or automated quotation system.

 

The return on your notes will relate to the price return of the reference asset and will not include a total return or dividend component. The notes are derivative products based on the performance of the reference asset.  The notes do not constitute a direct investment in any of the shares, units or other securities represented by the reference asset. By acquiring notes, you will not have a direct economic or other interest in, claim or entitlement to, or any legal or beneficial ownership of any such share, unit or security and will not have any rights as a shareholder, unitholder or other security holder of any of the issuers including, without limitation, any voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions.

 

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., our affiliate, will purchase the notes from us for distribution to other registered broker dealers or will offer the notes directly to investors. Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or any of its affiliates or agents may use this pricing supplement in market-making transactions in notes after their initial sale.  Unless we, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents selling such notes to you informs you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this pricing supplement is being used in a market-making transaction.  See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in this pricing supplement and “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” on page PS-31 of the accompanying product prospectus supplement.

 

The original issue price, commissions and proceeds to the Bank listed above relate to the notes we issue initially. We may decide to sell additional notes after the date of this pricing supplement, at original issue prices and with commissions and proceeds to the Bank that differ from the amounts set forth above. The return (whether positive or negative) on your investment in the notes will depend in part on the original issue price you pay for such notes.

 

Additional Information Regarding Estimated Value of the Notes

 

The estimated value of your notes at the time the terms of your notes were set on the trade date was $970.00 per $1,000 principal amount, which is less than the original issue price of your notes.  The pricing models used to determine the estimated value consider certain variables, including principally our credit spreads, interest rates (forecasted, current and historical rates), volatility, price-sensitivity analysis and the time to maturity of the notes.  The difference between the estimated value of your notes and the original issue price is a result of certain factors, including principally the underwriting discount and commissions, the expenses incurred in creating, documenting and marketing the notes, and an estimate of the difference between the amounts we pay to Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“GS&Co.”) and the amounts GS&Co. pay to us in connection with your notes. We pay to GS&Co. amounts based on what we would pay to holders of a non-structured note with a similar maturity. In return for such payment, GS&Co. pays to us the amount we owe under the notes.

 

The price at which GS&Co. will make a market in the notes (if it makes a market, which it is not obligated to do), and the value of your notes shown on your account statement, will be based on pricing models and variables similar to those used in determining the estimated value on the trade date. The value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted; however, the price (not including GS&Co.’s customary bid and ask spreads) at which GS&Co. would initially buy or sell notes (if it makes a market, which it is not obligated to do) and the value that GS&Co. will initially use for account statements and otherwise is equal to approximately $990.00 per $1,000 principal amount, which exceeds the estimated value of your notes on the trade date.  The amount of the excess will decline on a straight line basis over the period from the trade date through August 19, 2016.

 

We urge you to read the “Additional Risks” beginning on page P-16 of this pricing supplement.

 

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Summary

 

The information in this “Summary” section is qualified by the more detailed information set forth in this pricing supplement, the accompanying prospectus, accompanying prospectus supplement, and accompanying product prospectus supplement, each filed with the SEC. See “Additional Terms of Your Notes” in this pricing supplement.

 

Issuer:

The Bank of Nova Scotia (the “Bank”)

 

 

CUSIP/ISIN:

CUSIP 064159GT7  / ISIN US064159GT71

 

 

Type of Notes:

Capped Buffered Enhanced Participation Notes, Series A

 

 

Reference Asset:

The MSCI EAFE® Index (Bloomberg Ticker: MXEA)

 

 

Minimum Investment and Denominations:

$1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof

 

 

Principal Amount:

$1,000 per note; $5,235,000 in the aggregate for all the offered notes; the aggregate principal amount of the offered notes may be increased if the Bank, at its sole option, decides to sell an additional amount of the offered notes on a date subsequent to the date of this pricing supplement.

 

 

Original Issue Price:

100% of the principal amount of each note

 

 

Currency:

U.S. dollars

 

 

 

 

Trade Date:

April 19, 2016

 

 

Original Issue Date:

April 26, 2016

 

We expect that delivery of the notes will be made against payment therefor on or about the 5th business day following the date of pricing of the notes (this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+5”). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise.  Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes on the trade date will be required, by virtue of the fact that each note initially will settle in 5 business days (T+5), to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

 

 

Maturity Date:

March 22, 2018, subject to adjustment as described in more detail under “General Terms of the Notes—Maturity Date” on page PS-17 in the accompanying product prospectus supplement.

 

 

Principal at Risk:

You may lose all or a substantial portion of your initial investment at maturity if there is a percentage decrease from the initial level to the final level of more than 15%.

 

 

Purchase at amount other than principal amount:

The amount we will pay you on the maturity date for your notes will not be adjusted based on the original issue price you pay for your notes, so if you acquire notes at a premium (or discount) to principal amount and hold them to the maturity date, it could affect your investment in a number of ways. The return on your investment in such notes will be lower (or higher) than it would have been had you purchased the notes at principal amount.  Additionally, the maximum payment amount would be triggered at a

 

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lower (or higher) percentage return than indicated below, relative to your initial investment. See “Additional Risks—If you purchase your notes at a premium to principal amount, the return on your investment will be lower than the return on notes purchased at principal amount and the impact of certain key terms of the notes will be negatively affected” on page P-20 of this pricing supplement.

 

 

Fees and Expenses:

As part of the distribution of the notes, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or one of our affiliates will sell notes to GS&Co. at a discount reflecting commissions of $17.50 per $1,000 principal amount of notes. The commissions per $1,000 principal amount are comprised of $2.50 of fees and $15.00 of selling commission.  See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in this pricing supplement.

 

The price at which you purchase the notes includes costs that the Bank or its affiliates expect to incur and profits that the Bank or its affiliates expect to realize in connection with hedging activities related to the notes, as set forth below under “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)”. These costs and profits will likely reduce the secondary market price, if any secondary market develops, for the notes.  As a result, you may experience an immediate and substantial decline in the market value of your notes on the trade date. See “Additional Risks—Hedging activities by the Bank and GS&Co. may negatively impact investors in the notes and cause our respective interests and those of our clients and counterparties to be contrary to those of investors in the notes” in this pricing supplement.

 

 

Payment at Maturity:

The payment at maturity will be based on the performance of the reference asset and will be calculated as follows:

 

 

 

·     If the final level is greater than the initial level, then the payment at maturity will equal:

 

o     The lesser of (a) the principal amount + (principal amount x percentage change x participation rate) and (b) the maximum payment amount

 

 

 

·     If the final level is greater than or equal to the buffer level, but less than or equal to the initial level, then the payment at maturity will equal the principal amount

 

·     If the final level is less than the buffer level, then the payment at maturity will equal:

 

o     principal amount + [principal amount x buffer rate x (percentage change + buffer percentage)]

 

In this case you will suffer a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the buffer rate multiplied by the negative percentage change in excess of the buffer percentage. Accordingly, you could lose up to 100% of your initial investment.

 

 

Closing Level:

As used herein, the “closing level” of the reference asset on any date will be determined based upon the closing level published on the Bloomberg page “MXEA<Index>” or any successor page on Bloomberg or any successor service, as applicable, on such date.

 

 

Initial Level:

1,712.19, which was the closing level of the reference asset on the trade date.

 

 

Final Level:

The closing level of the reference asset on the valuation date. In certain special circumstances, the final level will be determined by the calculation agent, in its

 

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discretion, and such determinations will, under certain circumstances, be confirmed by an independent calculation expert.  See “General Terms of the Notes—Unavailability of the Level of the Reference Asset on a Valuation Date” and “General Terms of the Notes—Market Disruption Events” beginning on page PS-18 and “Appointment of Independent Calculation Experts” beginning on page PS-22, in the accompanying product prospectus supplement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change:

The percentage change, expressed as a percentage, with respect to the payment at maturity, is calculated as follows:

 

final level – initial level

initial level

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the percentage change may be a negative value.

 

 

Participation Rate:

150.00%

 

 

Buffer Level:

85.00% of the initial level

 

 

Buffer Percentage:

15.00%

 

 

Buffer Rate:

The quotient of the initial level divided by the buffer level, which equals approximately 117.65%

 

 

 

Maximum Payment Amount:

$1,188.25, which equals principal amount x 118.825%. The maximum payment amount sets a cap on appreciation of the reference asset of 12.55%.

 

 

Valuation Date:

March 19, 2018

 

The valuation date could be delayed by the occurrence of a market disruption event. See “General Terms of the Notes—Market Disruption Events” beginning on page PS-19 in the accompanying product prospectus supplement.

 

 

Form of Notes:

Book-entry

 

 

Calculation Agent:

Scotia Capital Inc., an affiliate of the Bank

 

 

Status:

The notes will constitute direct, unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of the Bank ranking pari passu with all other direct, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Bank from time to time outstanding (except as otherwise prescribed by law).  Holders will not have the benefit of any insurance under the provisions of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Act or under any other deposit insurance regime of any jurisdiction.

 

 

Tax Redemption:

The Bank (or its successor) may redeem the notes, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price determined by the calculation agent in a manner reasonably calculated to preserve your and our relative economic position, if it is determined that changes in tax laws or their interpretation will result in the Bank (or its successor) becoming obligated to pay additional amounts with respect to the notes. See “Tax Redemption”

 

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below.

 

 

Listing:

The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or quotation system.

 

 

Use of Proceeds:

General corporate purposes

 

 

Clearance and Settlement:

Depository Trust Company

 

 

Business Day:

New York and Toronto

 

 

Terms Incorporated:

All of the terms appearing above the item under the caption “General Terms of the Notes” beginning on page PS-14 in the accompanying product prospectus supplement, as modified by this pricing supplement.

 

INVESTING IN THE NOTES INVOLVES SIGNIFICANT RISKS. YOU MAY LOSE ALL OR A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF YOUR INVESTMENT. ANY PAYMENT ON THE NOTES, INCLUDING ANY REPAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL, IS SUBJECT TO THE CREDITWORTHINESS OF THE BANK. IF THE BANK WERE TO DEFAULT ON ITS PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE ANY AMOUNTS OWED TO YOU UNDER THE NOTES AND YOU COULD LOSE YOUR ENTIRE INVESTMENT.

 

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ADDITIONAL TERMS OF YOUR NOTES

 

You should read this pricing supplement together with the prospectus dated December 1, 2014, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated December 1, 2014 and the product prospectus supplement (Equity Linked Index Notes, Series A) dated July 9, 2015, relating to our Senior Note Program, Series A, of which these notes are a part. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this pricing supplement will have the meanings given to them in the product prospectus supplement. In the event of any conflict, this pricing supplement will control.  The notes may vary from the terms described in the accompanying prospectus, accompanying prospectus supplement and accompanying product prospectus supplement in several important ways.  You should read this pricing supplement carefully, including the documents incorporated by reference herein.

 

This pricing supplement, together with the documents listed below, contains the terms of the notes and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, brochures or other educational materials of ours. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” in the accompanying product prospectus supplement, as the notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the notes. You may access these documents on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if that address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website.

 

Prospectus dated December 1, 2014:

 

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000089109214008992/e61582_424b3.htm

 

Prospectus Supplement dated December 1, 2014:

 

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000089109214008993/e61583-424b3.htm

 

Product Prospectus Supplement (Equity Linked Index Notes, Series A) dated July 9, 2015:

 

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000089109215006204/e65075-424b5.htm

 

INVESTOR SUITABILITY

 

The notes may be suitable for you if:

 

·

You fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the notes, including the risk of losing all or a substantial portion of your initial investment.

 

 

·

You can tolerate a loss of up to 100% of your initial investment and are willing to make an investment that may have an accelerated downside risk greater than the downside market risk of an investment in the reference asset or in the reference asset constituent stocks, subject to the buffer percentage.

 

 

·

You believe that the level of the reference asset will appreciate over the term of the notes and that the appreciation is unlikely to exceed the cap on appreciation within the maximum payment amount.

 

 

·

You are willing to hold the notes to maturity, a term of approximately 23 months, and accept that there may be little or no secondary market for the notes.

 

 

·

You understand and accept that your potential return is limited to the maximum payment amount.

 

 

·

You can tolerate fluctuations in the price of the notes prior to maturity that may be similar to or exceed the downside fluctuations in the level of the reference asset.

 

 

·

You do not seek current income from your investment.

 

 

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·

You are willing to assume the credit risk of the Bank for all payments under the notes, and understand that if the Bank defaults on its obligations you may not receive any amounts due to you including any repayment of principal.

 

 

The notes may not be suitable for you if:

 

 

·

You do not fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the notes, including the risk of losing all or a substantial portion of your initial investment.

 

 

·

You require an investment designed to guarantee a full return of principal at maturity.

 

 

·

You cannot tolerate a loss of all or a substantial portion of your initial investment and are not willing to make an investment that may have an accelerated downside risk greater than downside market risk of an investment in the reference asset or in the reference asset constituent stocks, subject to the buffer percentage.

 

 

·

You believe that the level of the reference asset will decline during the term of the notes and the final level will likely be less than the buffer level, or you believe the level of the reference asset will appreciate over the term of the notes and that the appreciation is likely to equal or exceed the cap on appreciation within the maximum payment amount.

 

 

·

You seek an investment that has unlimited return potential without a cap on appreciation.

 

 

·

You cannot tolerate fluctuations in the price of the notes prior to maturity that may be similar to or exceed the downside fluctuations in the level of the reference asset.

 

 

·

You seek current income from your investment or prefer to receive dividends paid on the stocks included in the reference asset.

 

 

·

You are unable or unwilling to hold the notes to maturity, a term of approximately 23 months, or you seek an investment for which there will be a secondary market.

 

 

·

You are not willing to assume the credit risk of the Bank for all payments under the notes.

 

The investor suitability considerations identified above are not exhaustive. Whether or not the notes are a suitable investment for you will depend on your individual circumstances and you should reach an investment decision only after you and your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors have carefully considered the suitability of an investment in the notes in light of your particular circumstances. You should also review ‘‘Additional Risks’’ in this pricing supplement and the ‘‘Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes’’ beginning on page PS-5 of the accompanying product prospectus supplement and “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-2 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and “Risk Factors” on page 6 of the accompanying prospectus for risks related to an investment in the notes.

 

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EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION

 

If the notes have become immediately due and payable following an event of default (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to the notes, the calculation agent will determine the default amount as described below.

 

Default Amount

 

The default amount for your notes on any day (except as provided in the last sentence under “Default Quotation Period” below) will be an amount, in the specified currency for the principal of your notes, equal to the cost of having a qualified financial institution, of the kind and selected as described below, expressly assume all our payment and other obligations with respect to your notes as of that day and as if no default or acceleration had occurred, or to undertake other obligations providing substantially equivalent economic value to you with respect to your notes. That cost will equal:

 

·            the lowest amount that a qualified financial institution would charge to effect this assumption or undertaking, plus

 

·            the reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by the trustees of your notes in preparing any documentation necessary for this assumption or undertaking.

 

During the default quotation period for your notes, described below, the trustees and/or the Bank may request a qualified financial institution to provide a quotation of the amount it would charge to effect this assumption or undertaking. If either party obtains a quotation, it must notify the other party in writing of the quotation. The amount referred to in the first bullet point above will equal the lowest or, if there is only one, the only quotation obtained, and as to which notice is so given, during the default quotation period. With respect to any quotation, however, the party not obtaining the quotation may object, on reasonable and significant grounds, to the assumption or undertaking by the qualified financial institution providing the quotation and notify the other party in writing of those grounds within two business days after the last day of the default quotation period, in which case that quotation will be disregarded in determining the default amount.

 

Default Quotation Period

 

The default quotation period is the period beginning on the day the default amount first becomes due (the “due day”) and ending on the third business day after that day, unless:

 

·            no quotation of the kind referred to above is obtained, or

 

·            every quotation of that kind obtained is objected to within five business days after the due day as described above.

 

If either of these two events occurs, the default quotation period will continue until the third business day after the first business day on which prompt notice of an objection is given as described above. If that quotation is objected to as described above within five business days after that first business day, however, the default quotation period will continue as described in the prior sentence and this sentence.

 

Qualified Financial Institutions

 

For the purpose of determining the default amount at any time, a qualified financial institution must be a financial institution organized under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States of America, Europe or Japan, which at that time has outstanding debt obligations with a stated maturity of one year or less from the date of issue and that is, or whose securities are, rated either:

 

·            A-1 or higher by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, or any successor, or any other comparable rating then used by that rating agency, or

 

·            P-1 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or any successor, or any other comparable rating then used by that rating agency.

 

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If the notes have become immediately due and payable following an event of default, you will not be entitled to any additional payments with respect to the notes.  For more information, see “Description of the Debt Securities We May Offer—Events of Default” beginning on page 21 of the accompanying prospectus.

 

TAX REDEMPTION

 

The Bank (or its successor) may redeem the notes, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price determined by the calculation agent in a manner reasonably calculated to preserve your and our relative economic position, upon the giving of a notice as described below, if:

 

·                  as a result of any change (including any announced prospective change) in or amendment to the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of Canada (or the jurisdiction of organization of the successor to the Bank) or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein affecting taxation, or any change in official position regarding the application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings (including a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction), which change or amendment is announced or becomes effective on or after the trade date (or, in the case of a successor to the Bank, after the date of succession), and which in the written opinion to the Bank (or its successor) of legal counsel of recognized standing has resulted or will result (assuming, in the case of any announced prospective change, that such announced change will become effective as of the date specified in such announcement and in the form announced) in the Bank (or its successor) becoming obligated to pay, on the next succeeding date on which a payment is due, additional amounts with respect to the notes; or

 

·                  on or after the trade date (or, in the case of a successor to the Bank, after the date of succession), any action has been taken by any taxing authority of, or any decision has been rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction in, Canada (or the jurisdiction of organization of the successor to the Bank) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, including any of those actions specified in the paragraph immediately above, whether or not such action was taken or decision was rendered with respect to the Bank (or its successor), or any change, amendment, application or interpretation shall be officially proposed, which, in any such case, in the written opinion to the Bank (or its successor) of legal counsel of recognized standing, will result (assuming, that such change, amendment or action is applied to the notes by the taxing authority and that, in the case of any announced prospective change, that such announced change will become effective as of the date specified in such announcement and in the form announced) in the Bank (or its successor) becoming obligated to pay, on the next succeeding date on which a payment is due, additional amounts with respect to the notes;

 

and, in any such case, the Bank (or its successor), in its business judgment, determines that such obligation cannot be avoided by the use of reasonable measures available to it (or its successor).

 

The redemption price will be determined by the calculation agent, in its discretion, and such determination will, under certain circumstances, be confirmed by an independent calculation expert. See “Appointment of Independent Calculation Experts” on page PS-22, in the accompanying product prospectus supplement.

 

In the event the Bank elects to redeem the notes pursuant to the provisions set forth in the preceding paragraph, it shall deliver to the trustees a certificate, signed by an authorized officer, stating that the Bank is entitled to redeem such notes pursuant to their terms in whole only.

 

The Bank will give notice of intention to redeem such notes to holders of the notes not more than 45 nor less than 30 days prior to the date fixed for redemption specifying, among other things, the date fixed for redemption, and on or promptly after the redemption date, it will give notice of the redemption price.

 

Other than as described above, the notes are not redeemable prior to their maturity.

 

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HYPOTHETICAL PAYMENTS AT MATURITY ON THE NOTES

 

The examples set out below are included for illustration purposes only. They should not be taken as an indication or prediction of future investment results and merely are intended to illustrate the impact that the various hypothetical reference asset levels on the valuation date could have on the payment at maturity assuming all other variables remain constant.

 

The examples below are based on a range of final levels that are entirely hypothetical; the level of the reference asset on any day throughout the life of the notes, including the final level on the valuation date, cannot be predicted. The reference asset has been highly volatile in the past, meaning that the level of the reference asset has changed considerably in relatively short periods, and its performance cannot be predicted for any future period.

 

The information in the following examples reflects hypothetical rates of return on the offered notes assuming that they are purchased on the original issue date at the principal amount and held to the maturity date. If you sell your notes in a secondary market prior to the maturity date, your return will depend upon the market value of your notes at the time of sale, which may be affected by a number of factors that are not reflected in the table below, such as interest rates, the volatility of the reference asset and our creditworthiness. In addition, the estimated value of your notes at the time the terms of your notes were set on the trade date (as determined by reference to pricing models used by us) is less than the original public offering price of your notes. For more information on the estimated value of your notes, see “Additional Risks—The estimated value of your notes at the time the terms of your notes are set on the trade date is less than the original issue price of your notes” on page P-16 of this pricing supplement. The information in the table and the examples also reflect the key terms and assumptions in the box below.

 

Key Terms and Assumptions

Principal amount

$1,000

Participation rate

150.00%

Maximum payment amount

$1,188.25

Buffer level

85.00% of the initial level

Buffer percentage

15.00%

Buffer rate

approximately 117.65%

Neither a market disruption event nor a non-trading day occurs on the originally scheduled valuation date

 

No change in or affecting any of the reference asset constituent stocks or the method by which the sponsor calculates the reference asset

 

Notes purchased on the original issue date at the principal amount and held to the maturity date

 

The actual performance of the reference asset over the life of your notes, as well as the amount payable at maturity, if any, may bear little relation to the hypothetical examples shown below or to the historical levels of the reference asset shown elsewhere in this pricing supplement. For information about the historical levels of the reference asset, see “Information Regarding the Reference Asset—Historical Information” below. Before investing in the offered notes, you should consult publicly available information to determine the levels of the reference asset between the date of this pricing supplement and the date of your purchase of the offered notes.

 

Also, the hypothetical examples shown below do not take into account the effects of applicable taxes. Because of the U.S. tax treatment applicable to your notes, tax liabilities could affect the after-tax rate of return on your notes to a comparatively greater extent than the after-tax return on the reference asset constituent stocks.

 

The levels in the left column of the table below represent hypothetical final levels and are expressed as percentages of the initial level. The amounts in the right column represent the hypothetical payment at maturity, based on the corresponding hypothetical final level, and are expressed as percentages of the principal amount of a note (rounded to the nearest one-thousandth of a percent). Thus, a hypothetical payment at maturity of 100.000% means that the value of the cash payment that we would deliver for each $1,000 of the outstanding principal amount of the offered notes on the maturity date would

 

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equal 100.000% of the principal amount of a note, based on the corresponding hypothetical final level and the assumptions noted above.

 

Hypothetical Final Level

 

(as Percentage of Initial Level)

 

 

Hypothetical Payment at Maturity

 

 

(as Percentage of Principal Amount)

 

150.000%

 

118.825%

140.000%

 

118.825%

130.000%

 

118.825%

120.000%

 

118.825%

112.550%

 

118.825%

109.000%

 

113.500%

106.000%

 

109.000%

103.000%

 

104.500%

100.000%

 

100.000%

96.000%

 

100.000%

92.000%

 

100.000%

88.000%

 

100.000%

85.000%

 

100.000%

75.000%

 

88.235%

50.000%

 

58.824%

25.000%

 

29.412%

0.000%

 

0.000%

 

 

If, for example, the final level were determined to be 25.000% of the initial level, the payment at maturity that we would deliver on your notes at maturity would be approximately 29.412% of the principal amount of your notes, as shown in the table above. As a result, if you purchased your notes on the issue date at the principal amount and held them to the maturity date, you would lose approximately 70.588% of your investment (if you purchased your notes at a premium to principal amount you would lose a correspondingly higher percentage of your investment). If the final level were determined to be 0.000% of the initial level, you would lose 100.000% of your investment in the notes.  In addition, if the final level were determined to be 150.000% of the initial level, the payment at maturity that we would deliver on your notes at maturity would be capped at the maximum payment amount, or 118.825% of each $1,000 principal amount of your notes, as shown in the table above.  As a result, if you held your notes to the maturity date, you would not benefit from any increase in the final level of greater than 112.550% of the initial level.

 

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The following chart shows a graphical illustration of the hypothetical payment at maturity that we would pay on your notes on the maturity date, if the final level were any of the hypothetical levels shown on the horizontal axis. The hypothetical payments at maturity in the chart are expressed as percentages of the principal amount of your notes and the hypothetical final levels are expressed as percentages of the initial level. The chart shows that any hypothetical final level of less than 85.00% (the section left of the 85.00% marker on the horizontal axis) would result in a hypothetical payment at maturity of less than 100.00% of the principal amount of your notes (the section below the 100.00% marker on the vertical axis) and, accordingly, in a loss of principal to the holder of the notes. The chart also shows that any hypothetical final level of greater than or equal to 112.55% (the section right of the 112.55% marker on the horizontal axis) would result in a capped return on your investment.

 

 

 

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The following examples illustrate the calculation of the payment at maturity based on the key terms and assumptions above. The amounts below have been rounded for ease of analysis.

 

Example 1—

Calculation of the payment at maturity where the percentage change is positive.

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change:

5.00%

 

 

 

 

Payment at Maturity:

$1,000.00 + ($1,000.00 x 150.00% x 5.00%) = $1,000.00 + $75.00 = $1,075.00

 

 

 

 

On a $1,000.00 investment, a 5.00% percentage change results in a payment at maturity of $1,075.00.

 

 

Example 2—

Calculation of the payment at maturity where the percentage change is positive and the payment at maturity is subject to the maximum payment amount.

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change:

50.00%

 

 

 

 

Payment at Maturity:

$1,000.00 + ($1,000.00 x 150.00% x 50.00%) = $1,000.00 + $750.00 = $1,750.00. However, the maximum payment amount is $1,188.25 and the payment at maturity would be $1,188.25.

 

 

 

 

On a $1,000.00 investment, a 50.00% percentage change results in a payment at maturity of $1,188.25.

 

 

Example 3—

Calculation of the payment at maturity where the percentage change is negative but is equal to or greater than -15.00%.

 

 

 

Percentage Change:

-5.00%

 

 

 

 

Payment at Maturity:

$1,000.00 (at maturity, if the percentage change is negative BUT the decrease is not more than the buffer percentage, then the payment at maturity will equal the principal amount).

 

 

 

 

On a $1,000.00 investment, a -5.00% percentage change results in a payment at maturity of $1,000.00.

 

 

Example 4—

Calculation of the payment at maturity where the percentage change is negative and is less than -15.00%.

 

 

 

Percentage Change:

-50.00%

 

 

 

 

Payment at Maturity:

$1,000.00 + [$1,000.00 x 117.65% x (-50.00% + 15.00%)] = $1,000.00 - $411.76 = $588.24

 

 

 

 

On a $1,000.00 investment, a -50.00% percentage change results in a payment at maturity of $588.24.

 

Accordingly, if the percentage change is less than the -15.00%, the Bank will pay you less than the full principal amount, resulting in a percentage loss on your investment that is equal to the buffer rate multiplied by the negative percentage change in excess of the buffer percentage. You may lose up to 100% of your principal amount.

 

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Any payment on the notes, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of the Bank.  If the Bank were to default on its payment obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the notes and you could lose your entire investment.

 

The payments at maturity shown above are entirely hypothetical; they are based on levels of the reference asset that may not be achieved on the valuation date and on assumptions that may prove to be erroneous. The actual market value of your notes on the maturity date or at any other time, including any time you may wish to sell your notes, may bear little relation to the hypothetical payment at maturity shown above, and these amounts should not be viewed as an indication of the financial return on an investment in the offered notes. The hypothetical amounts on notes held to the maturity date in the examples above assume you purchased your notes at their principal amount and have not been adjusted to reflect the actual public offering price you pay for your notes. The return on your investment (whether positive or negative) in your notes will be affected by the amount you pay for your notes. If you purchase your notes for a price other than the principal amount, the return on your investment will differ from, and may be significantly lower than, the hypothetical returns suggested by the above examples. Please read “Additional Risks—The price at which the notes may be sold prior to maturity will depend on a number of factors and may be substantially less than the amount for which they were originally purchased” beginning on page P-20 of this pricing supplement.

 

Payments on the notes are economically equivalent to the amounts that would be paid on a combination of other instruments. For example, payments on the notes are economically equivalent to a combination of an interest-bearing bond bought by the holder and one or more options entered into between the holder and us (with one or more implicit option premiums paid over time). The discussion in this paragraph does not modify or affect the terms of the notes or the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the notes, as described elsewhere in this pricing supplement.

 

 

We cannot predict the actual final level or what the market value of your notes will be on any particular trading day, nor can we predict the relationship between the level of the reference asset and the market value of your notes at any time prior to the maturity date. The actual amount that you will receive, if any, at maturity and the rate of return on the offered notes will depend on the actual final level to be determined by the calculation agent as described above. Moreover, the assumptions on which the hypothetical returns are based may turn out to be inaccurate. Consequently, the amount of cash to be paid in respect of your notes, if any, on the maturity date may be very different from the information reflected in the table and chart above.

 

 

 

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ADDITIONAL RISKS

 

An investment in the notes involves significant risks.  In addition to the following risks included in this pricing supplement, we urge you to read “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” beginning on page PS-5 of the accompanying product prospectus supplement and “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-2 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and page 6 of the accompanying prospectus.

 

You should understand the risks of investing in the notes and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisors, of the suitability of the notes in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in this pricing supplement and the accompanying prospectus, accompanying prospectus supplement and accompanying product prospectus supplement.

 

The estimated value of your notes at the time the terms of your notes are set on the trade date is less than the original issue price of your notes

 

The original issue price for your notes exceeded the estimated value of your notes at the time the terms of your notes were set on the trade date. This estimated value is set forth under “Additional Information Regarding Estimated Value of the Notes” on page P-2 of this pricing supplement. As discussed in such section, the pricing models that are used to determine the estimated value of your notes consider our credit spreads. After the trade date, the estimated value will be affected by changes in market conditions, our creditworthiness and other relevant factors as further described under “Additional Information Regarding Estimated Value of the Notes” on page P-2 of this pricing supplement.

 

The value of the notes shown in your GS&Co. account statements and the price at which GS&Co. would buy or sell your notes (if GS&Co. makes a market, which it is not obligated to do) will be based on the estimated value of your notes

 

The price at which GS&Co. would initially buy or sell your notes (if GS&Co. makes a market, which it is not obligated to do), and the value that GS&Co. will initially use for account statements and otherwise, exceeds the estimated value of your notes as determined by reference to GS&Co.’s pricing models and taking into account the Bank’s credit spreads.  As agreed by GS&Co., the amount of this excess will decline on a straight line basis over the period from the date hereof through the applicable date set forth above under “Additional Information Regarding Estimated Value of the Notes” on page P-2 of this pricing supplement. Thereafter, if GS&Co. buys or sells your notes, it will do so at prices that reflect the estimated value at that time determined by reference to pricing models and taking into account variables similar to those used in determining the estimated value on the trade date. The price at which GS&Co. will buy or sell your notes at any time also will reflect its then current bid and ask spread for similar sized trades of structured notes.

 

In estimating the value of your notes at the time the terms of your notes were set on the trade date, as disclosed under “Additional Information Regarding Estimated Value of the Notes” on page P-2 of this pricing supplement, the pricing models consider certain variables, including principally the Bank’s credit spreads, interest rates (forecasted, current and historical rates), volatility, price-sensitivity analysis and the time to maturity of the notes. These pricing models rely in part on certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. As a result, the actual value you would receive if you sold your notes in the secondary market, if any, to others may differ, perhaps materially, from the estimated value of your notes determined by reference to GS&Co.’s models due to, among other things, any differences in pricing models or assumptions used by others.

 

In addition to the factors discussed above, the value and quoted price of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted. If GS&Co. makes a market in the notes, the price quoted by GS&Co. would reflect any changes in market conditions and other relevant factors, including any deterioration in the Bank’s creditworthiness or perceived creditworthiness. These changes may adversely affect the value of your notes, including the price you may receive for your notes in any market making transaction. To the extent that GS&Co. makes a market in the notes, the quoted price will reflect the estimated value determined at that time using pricing models and variables similar to those used in determining the estimated value on the trade date, plus or minus its then current bid and ask spread for similar sized trades of structured notes (and subject to the declining excess amount described above).

 

Furthermore, if you sell your notes, you will likely be charged a commission for secondary market transactions, or the price will likely reflect a dealer discount. This commission or discount will further reduce the proceeds you would receive for your notes in a secondary market sale.

 

There is no assurance that GS&Co. or any other party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price and, in this regard, GS&Co. is not obligated to make a market in the notes. See “—The notes lack liquidity” below.

 

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The temporary price at which GS&Co. may initially buy the notes in the secondary market may not be indicative of future prices of your notes

 

Assuming that all relevant factors remain constant after the trade date, the price at which GS&Co. may initially buy or sell the notes in the secondary market (if GS&Co. makes a market in the notes, which it is not obligated to do) may exceed our estimated value of the notes on the trade date, as well as the secondary market value of the notes, for a temporary period after the initial issue date of the notes. The price at which GS&Co. may initially buy or sell the notes in the secondary market may not be indicative of future prices of your notes.

 

Risk of loss at maturity

 

You may lose your entire investment in the notes. Any payment on the notes at maturity depends on the percentage change of the reference asset.  The Bank will only repay you the full principal amount of your notes if the percentage change is equal to or greater than –15.00%.  If the percentage change is less than –15.00%, you will have a loss for each $1,000 principal amount of your notes equal to the product of the buffer rate times the sum of the percentage change plus the buffer percentage times $1,000. Accordingly, you may lose your entire investment in the notes if the percentage decline from the initial level to the final level is greater than 15.00%.

 

The downside market exposure to the reference asset is buffered only at maturity

 

You should be willing to hold your notes to maturity. If you are able to sell your notes prior to maturity in the secondary market, you may have to sell them at a loss relative to your initial investment even if the level of the reference asset at such time is equal to or greater than the buffer level.

 

Your potential payment at maturity is limited by the maximum payment amount

 

The payment at maturity will not exceed the maximum payment amount. Therefore, if the appreciation of the level of the reference asset exceeds the cap on appreciation in the maximum payment amount, the notes will provide less opportunity to participate in the appreciation of the reference asset than an investment in a security linked to the level of the reference asset providing full participation in the appreciation. Accordingly, the return on the notes may be less than the return would be if you made an investment in a security directly linked to the positive performance of the reference asset.

 

The notes are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk

 

The MSCI EAFE® Index invests in securities that are traded and quoted in foreign currencies on non-U.S. markets. The prices of the constituent country indices are converted into U.S. dollars for purposes of calculating the value of the MSCI EAFE® Index. As a result, holders of the notes will be exposed to currency exchange rate risk with respect to each of the currencies represented in the index. The values of the currencies of the countries in which the MSCI EAFE® Index may invest may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or economic developments. An investor’s net exposure will depend on the extent to which the relevant non-U.S. currencies strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar and the relative weight of each non-U.S. security in the portfolio of the MSCI EAFE® Index. If, taking into account such weighting, the U.S. dollar strengthens against the relevant non-U.S. currencies, the value of securities in which the MSCI EAFE® Index invests will be adversely affected and the value of the notes may decrease.

 

It has been reported that the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority and regulators from other countries are in the process of investigating the potential manipulation of published currency exchange rates.  If such manipulation has occurred or is continuing, certain published exchange rates may have been, or may be in the future, artificially lower (or higher) than they would otherwise have been.  Any such manipulation could have an adverse impact on any payments on, and the value of, your notes and the trading market for your notes.  In addition, we cannot predict whether any changes or reforms affecting the determination or publication of exchange rates or the supervision of currency trading will be implemented in connection with these investigations.  Any such changes or reforms could also adversely impact your notes.

 

The notes differ from conventional debt instruments

 

The notes are not conventional notes or debt instruments. The notes do not provide you with interest payments prior to maturity as a conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt security with the same maturity would. The return that you will receive on the notes, which could be negative, may be less than the return you could earn on other investments.  Even if your return is positive, your return may be less than the return you would earn if you bought a conventional senior interest bearing debt security of the Bank.

 

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No interest

 

The notes will not bear interest and, accordingly, you will not receive any interest payments on the notes.

 

Your investment is subject to the credit risk of The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

The notes are senior unsecured debt obligations of the Bank, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. As further described in the accompanying prospectus, accompanying prospectus supplement and accompanying product prospectus supplement, the notes will rank on par with all of the other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations of the Bank, except such obligations as may be preferred by operation of law.  Any payment to be made on the notes, including the payment at maturity, depends on the ability of the Bank to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of the Bank may affect the market value of the notes and, in the event the Bank were to default on its obligations, you may not receive the amounts owed to you under the terms of the notes. If you sell the notes prior to maturity, you may receive substantially less than the principal amount of your notes.

 

There are potential conflicts of interest between you and the calculation agent

 

Scotia Capital, Inc., the calculation agent, is one of our affiliates.  In performing its duties, the economic interests of the calculation agent are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the notes.  The calculation agent is under no obligation to consider your interests as a holder of the notes in taking any actions that might affect the level of the reference asset and the value of the notes.

 

Investors should investigate the reference asset constituent stocks as if investing directly

 

Investors should conduct their own diligence of the reference asset constituent stocks as an investor would if it were directly investing in the reference asset constituent stocks.  Neither we nor any of our affiliates have participated in the preparation of any publicly available information or made any “due diligence” investigation or inquiry with respect to the reference asset or the reference asset constituent stocks.  Furthermore, we cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the original issue date have been properly disclosed.  Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure or failure to disclose material future events concerning the reference asset constituent stocks could affect any payment at maturity.  Investors should not conclude that the sale by the Issuer of the notes is any form of investment recommendation by the Issuer or any of its affiliates to invest in the reference asset constituent stocks.

 

The notes are subject to market risk

 

The return on the notes is directly linked to the performance of the reference asset and indirectly linked to the performance of the reference asset constituent stocks, and the extent to which the percentage change is positive or negative. The levels of the reference asset can rise or fall sharply due to factors specific to the reference asset constituent stocks, as well as general market factors, such as general market volatility and levels, interest rates and economic and political conditions.

 

The participation rate applies only at maturity

 

You should be willing to hold your notes to maturity. If you are able to sell your notes prior to maturity in the secondary market, the price you receive will likely not reflect the full economic value of the participation rate or the notes themselves, and the return you realize may be less than the percentage change multiplied by the participation rate even if such return is positive and less than the maximum payment amount. You may receive the full benefit of the participation rate only if you hold your notes to maturity.

 

The payment at maturity is not linked to the level of the reference asset at any time other than the valuation date (except in the case of tax redemptions)

 

The payment at maturity will be based on the final level.  Therefore, for example, if the closing level of the reference asset declined substantially as of the valuation date compared to the trade date, the payment at maturity may be significantly less than it would otherwise have been had the payment at maturity been linked to the closing levels of the reference asset prior to the valuation date.  Although the actual level of the reference asset at maturity or at other times during the term of the notes may be higher than the final level, you will not benefit from the closing levels of the reference asset at any time other than the valuation date (except in the case of tax redemptions as described further on page P-10).

 

If the levels of the reference asset or the reference asset constituent stocks change, the market value of your notes may not change in the same manner

 

Your notes may trade quite differently from the performance of the reference asset or the reference asset constituent stocks.  Changes in the levels of the reference asset or the reference asset constituent stocks may not result in a comparable change

 

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in the market value of your notes.  We discuss some of the reasons for this disparity under “—The price at which the notes may be sold prior to maturity will depend on a number of factors and may be substantially less than the amount for which they were originally purchased” below.

 

Holding the notes is not the same as holding the reference asset constituent stocks

 

Holding the notes is not the same as holding the reference asset constituent stocks. As a holder of the notes, you will not be entitled to the voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or other rights that holders of the reference asset constituent stocks would enjoy. Further, the return on your notes may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the reference asset constituent stocks. For instance, you will not benefit from any positive percentage change in excess of an amount that, when multiplied by the participation rate, exceeds the maximum payment amount.

 

There is no assurance that the investment view implicit in the notes will be successful

 

It is impossible to predict with certainty whether and the extent to which the level of the reference asset will rise or fall. There can be no assurance that the level of the reference asset will rise above the initial level or that the percentage decline from the initial level to the final level will not be greater than the buffer percentage. The final level may be influenced by complex and interrelated political, economic, financial and other factors that affect the level of the reference asset constituent stocks. You should be willing to accept the risks of the price performance of equity securities in general and the reference asset constituent stocks in particular, foreign exchange markets in general and the risk of losing some or all of your initial investment.

 

Furthermore, we cannot give you any assurance that the future performance of the reference asset or the reference asset constituent stocks will result in your receiving an amount greater than or equal to the principal amount of your notes.  Certain periods of historical performance of the reference asset or the reference asset constituent stocks would have resulted in you receiving less than the principal amount of your notes if you had owned notes with terms similar to these notes in the past.  See “Information Regarding The Reference Asset” in this pricing supplement for further information regarding the historical performance of the reference asset.

 

There is no assurance as to the performance of the reference asset; past performance of the reference asset constituent stocks should not be taken as an indication of the future performance of the reference asset constituent stocks

 

The notes are linked to the level of the reference asset, which is speculative and involves a high degree of riskNone of the Issuer, the calculation agent or GS&Co., or any affiliate of the issuer, the calculation agent or GS&Co. gives any assurance as to the performance of the reference assetInvestors should not conclude that the sale by the issuer of the notes is an investment recommendation by it or by any of the other entities mentioned above to invest in securities linked to the performance of the reference assetInvestors should consult with their own financial advisors as to whether an investment in the notes is appropriate for themPast performance of the reference asset constituent stocks comprising the reference asset should not be taken as a guarantee or assurance of the future performance of the reference asset constituent stocks comprising the reference asset, and it is impossible to predict whether the level of the reference asset will rise or fall during the term of the notes.

 

The reference asset reflects price return only and not total return

 

The return on your notes is based on the performance of the reference asset, which reflects the changes in the market prices of the reference asset constituent stocks. It is not, however, linked to a ‘‘total return’’ index or strategy, which, in addition to reflecting those price returns, would also reflect dividends paid on the reference asset constituent stocks. The return on your notes will not include such a total return feature or dividend component.

 

We may sell an additional aggregate principal amount of the notes at a different issue price

 

We may decide to sell an additional aggregate principal amount of the notes subsequent to the date of this pricing supplement. The issue price of the notes in the subsequent sale may differ substantially (higher or lower) from the original issue price you paid as provided on the cover of this pricing supplement.

 

Changes affecting the reference asset could have an adverse effect on the value of the notes

 

The policies of MSCI Inc., the sponsor of the reference asset (the ‘‘sponsor’’), concerning additions, deletions and substitutions of the reference asset constituent stocks and the manner in which the sponsor takes account of certain changes affecting those reference asset constituent stocks may adversely affect the level of the reference asset. The

 

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policies of the sponsor with respect to the calculation of the reference asset could also adversely affect the level of the reference asset. The sponsor may discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of the reference asset. Any such actions could have a material adverse effect on the value of the notes.

 

The Bank cannot control actions by the sponsor and the sponsor has no obligation to consider your interests

 

The Bank and its affiliates are not affiliated with the sponsor and have no ability to control or predict its actions, including any errors in or discontinuation of public disclosure regarding methods or policies relating to the calculation of the reference asset. The sponsor is not involved in the notes offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your interest as an owner of the notes in taking any actions that might negatively affect the market value of your notes.

 

The notes are subject to non-U.S. securities market risk

 

The reference asset constituent stocks that comprise the MSCI EAFE® Index are issued by non-U.S. companies in non-U.S. securities markets. An investment in securities linked directly or indirectly to the value of securities issued by non-U.S. companies involves particular risks. Generally, non-U.S. securities markets may be more volatile than U.S. securities markets, and market developments may affect non-U.S. markets differently from U.S. securities markets. Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize these non-U.S. markets, as well as cross shareholdings in non-U.S. companies, may affect trading prices and volumes in those markets. There is generally less publicly available information about non-U.S. companies than about those U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC, and non-U.S. companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies. Securities prices in non-U.S. countries are subject to political, economic, financial and social factors that may be unique to the particular country. These factors, which could negatively affect the non-U.S. securities markets, include the possibility of recent or future changes in the non-U.S. government’s economic and fiscal policies, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or other non-U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to non-U.S. companies or investments in non-U.S. equity securities. Moreover, certain aspects of a particular non-U.S. economy may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in important respects, such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency. Finally, it will likely be more costly and difficult to enforce the laws or regulations of a non-U.S. country or exchange. All of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the value of the notes.

 

In addition, some of the reference asset constituent stocks are companies located within the Eurozone. The Eurozone is and has been undergoing severe financial stress, and the political, legal and regulatory ramifications are impossible to predict. Changes within the Eurozone could have a material adverse effect on the performance of the reference asset and, consequently, on the value of the notes.

 

If you purchase your notes at a premium to principal amount, the return on your investment will be lower than the return on notes purchased at principal amount and the impact of certain key terms of the notes will be negatively affected

 

The payment at maturity will not be adjusted based on the public offering price you pay for the notes. If you purchase notes at a price that differs from the principal amount of the notes, then the return on your investment in such notes held to the maturity date will differ from, and may be substantially less than, the return on notes purchased at principal amount. If you purchase your notes at a premium to principal amount and hold them to the maturity date, the return on your investment in the notes will be lower than it would have been had you purchased the notes at principal amount or a discount to principal amount. In addition, the impact of the maximum payment amount and the buffer level on the return on your investment will depend upon the price you pay for your notes relative to principal amount. For example, if you purchase your notes at a premium to principal amount, the maximum payment amount will only permit a lower positive return in your investment in the notes than would have been the case for notes purchased at principal amount or a discount to principal amount. Similarly, the buffer level, while still providing some protection for the return on the notes, will allow a greater percentage decrease in your investment in the notes than would have been the case for notes purchased at principal amount or a discount to principal amount.

 

The price at which the notes may be sold prior to maturity will depend on a number of factors and may be substantially less than the amount for which they were originally purchased

 

The price at which the notes may be sold prior to maturity will depend on a number of factors. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to: (i) actual or anticipated changes in the level of the reference asset over the full term of the notes, (ii) volatility of the level of the reference asset and the market’s perception of future volatility of the level of the reference asset, (iii) changes in interest rates generally, (iv) any actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads and (v) time remaining to maturity. In particular, because the provisions of the notes relating to the payment at maturity and the

 

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maximum payment amount behave like options, the value of the notes will vary in ways which are non-linear and may not be intuitive.

 

Depending on the actual or anticipated level of the reference asset and other relevant factors, the market value of the notes may decrease and you may receive substantially less than 100% of the issue price if you sell your notes prior to maturity.

 

See “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes—The Market Value of Your Notes May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors” beginning on page PS-6 of the accompanying product prospectus supplement.

 

The notes lack liquidity

 

The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system.  Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the notes.  Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., any other affiliates of The Bank of Nova Scotia and GS&Co. may, but are not obligated to, make a market in the notes.  Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the notes easily.  Because we do not expect that other broker-dealers will participate significantly in the secondary market for the notes, the price at which you may be able to trade your notes is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and GS&Co. are willing to purchase the notes from you.  If at any time Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and GS&Co. were not to make a market in the notes, it is likely that there would be no secondary market for the notes.  Accordingly, you should be willing to hold your notes to maturity.

 

Hedging activities by the Bank and GS&Co. may negatively impact investors in the notes and cause our respective interests and those of our clients and counterparties to be contrary to those of investors in the notes

 

The Bank, GS&Co. or one or more of their respective affiliates has hedged or expects to hedge the obligations under the notes by purchasing futures and/or other instruments linked to the reference asset.  The Bank, GS&Co. or one or more of their respective affiliates also expects to adjust the hedge by, among other things, purchasing or selling any of the foregoing, and perhaps other instruments linked to the reference asset and/or one or more of the reference asset constituent stocks, at any time and from time to time, and to unwind the hedge by selling any of the foregoing on or before the valuation date.

 

The Bank, GS&Co. or one or more of their respective affiliates may also enter into, adjust and unwind hedging transactions relating to other basket- or index-linked notes whose returns are linked to changes in the level or price of the reference asset or the reference asset constituent stocks.  Any of these hedging activities may adversely affect the level of the reference asset—directly or indirectly by affecting the price of the reference asset constituent stocks—and therefore the market value of the notes and the amount you will receive, if any, on the notes. Because the dealer from which you purchase notes is to conduct hedging activities for us in connection with the notes, that dealer may profit in connection with such hedging activities and such profit, if any, will be in addition to the compensation that the dealer receives for the sale of the notes to you. You should be aware that the potential to earn fees in connection with hedging activities may create a further incentive for the dealer to sell the notes to you in addition to the compensation they would receive for the sale of the notes.  In addition, you should expect that these transactions will cause the Bank, GS&Co. or their respective affiliates, or our respective clients or counterparties, to have economic interests and incentives that do not align with, and that may be directly contrary to, those of an investor in the notes.  The Bank, GS&Co. or their respective affiliates will have no obligation to take, refrain from taking or cease taking any action with respect to these transactions based on the potential effect on an investor in the notes, and may receive substantial returns with respect to these hedging activities while the value of the notes may decline.

 

The Bank, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., GS&Co. and their respective affiliates regularly provide services to, or otherwise have business relationships with, a broad client base, which has included and may include us and the issuers of the reference asset constituent stocks and the market activities by the Bank, GS&Co. or their respective affiliates for our own account or for our clients could negatively impact investors in the notes

 

We, GS&Co. and our respective affiliates regularly provide a wide range of financial services, including financial advisory, investment advisory and transactional services to a substantial and diversified client base.  As such, we each may act as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, investment advisor, market maker, trader, prime broker or lender.  In those and other capacities, we, GS&Co. and/or our respective affiliates purchase, sell or hold a broad array of investments, actively trade securities (including the notes or other securities that we have issued), the reference asset constituent stocks, derivatives, loans, credit default swaps, indices, baskets and other financial instruments and products for our own accounts or for the accounts of our customers, and we will have other direct or indirect interests, in those securities and in other markets that may be not be consistent with your interests and may adversely affect the level of the reference asset and/or the value of the notes.  You should assume that we or they will, at present or in the future, provide such services or otherwise engage in transactions with, among others, us and the issuers of the reference asset constituent stocks, or

 

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transact in securities or instruments or with parties that are directly or indirectly related to these entities.  These services could include making loans to or equity investments in those companies, providing financial advisory or other investment banking services, or issuing research reports.  Any of these financial market activities may, individually or in the aggregate, have an adverse effect on the level of the reference asset and the market for your notes, and you should expect that our interests and those GS&Co. and/or our respective affiliates, clients or counterparties, will at times be adverse to those of investors in the notes.

 

You should expect that we, GS&Co., and our respective affiliates, in providing these services, engaging in such transactions, or acting for our own accounts, may take actions that have direct or indirect effects on the notes or other securities that we may issue, the reference asset constituent stocks or other securities or instruments similar to or linked to the foregoing, and that such actions could be adverse to the interests of investors in the notes.  In addition, in connection with these activities, certain personnel within us, GS&Co. or our respective affiliates may have access to confidential material non-public information about these parties that would not be disclosed to investors in the notes.

 

We, GS&Co. and our respective affiliates regularly offer a wide array of securities, financial instruments and other products into the marketplace, including existing or new products that are similar to the notes or other securities that we may issue, the reference asset constituent stocks or other securities or instruments similar to or linked to the foregoing.  Investors in the notes should expect that the Bank, GS&Co. and our respective affiliates offer securities, financial instruments, and other products that may compete with the notes for liquidity or otherwise.

 

Other investors in the notes may not have the same interests as you

 

The interests of other investors may, in some circumstances, be adverse to your interests.  Other investors may make requests or recommendations to us or GS&Co. regarding the establishment of transactions on terms that are adverse to your interests, and investors in the notes are not required to take into account the interests of any other investor in exercising remedies, voting or other rights in their capacity as noteholders. Further, other investors may enter into market transactions with respect to the notes, assets that are the same or similar to the notes, assets referenced by the notes (such as stocks or stock indices) or other similar assets or securities which may adversely impact the market for or value of your notes.  For example, an investor could take a short position (directly or indirectly through derivative transactions) in respect of securities similar to your notes or in respect of the reference asset.

 

The calculation agent can postpone the valuation date for the notes if a market disruption event with respect to the reference asset occurs

 

If the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, that, on a day that would otherwise be the valuation date, a market disruption event with respect to the reference asset has occurred or is continuing for the reference asset, the valuation date will be postponed until the first following trading day on which no market disruption event occurs or is continuing, although the valuation date will not be postponed by more than seven scheduled trading days.  Moreover, if the valuation date is postponed to the last possible day, but a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on that day, that day will nevertheless be the valuation date, and the calculation agent will determine the applicable final level that must be used to determine the payment at maturity.  Under certain circumstances, the determinations of the calculation agent will be confirmed by an independent expert. See “General Terms of the Notes—Unavailability of the Level of the Reference Asset on a Valuation Date” beginning on page PS-18 and “General Terms of the Notes—Market Disruption Events” beginning on page PS-19 and “Appointment of Independent Calculation Experts” on page PS-22, in the accompanying product prospectus supplement.

 

There is no affiliation between any constituent stock issuers or the reference asset sponsor and us or GS&Co.

 

The Bank, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., GS&Co. and their respective affiliates may currently, or from time to time in the future, engage in business with the issuers of the reference asset constituent stocks.  Neither we nor any of our affiliates have participated in the preparation of any publicly available information or made any “due diligence” investigation or inquiry with respect to the reference asset or the reference asset constituent stocks. Before investing in the notes you should make your own investigation into the reference asset and the issuers of the reference asset constituent stocks.  See the section below entitled “Information Regarding the Reference Asset” in this pricing supplement for additional information about the reference asset.

 

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Uncertain tax treatment

 

Significant aspects of the tax treatment of the notes are uncertain. You should consult your tax advisor about your own tax situation. See “Certain Canadian Income Tax Consequences” and “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in this pricing supplement.

 

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INFORMATION REGARDING THE REFERENCE ASSET

 

The reference asset is the MSCI EAFE® Index (Bloomberg ticker “MXEA”). All information contained in this pricing supplement regarding the reference asset, including, without limitation, its makeup, method of calculation, and changes in its components, have been derived from publicly available sources. Additional information on the reference asset is available on the MSCI website: www.msci.com. We are not incorporating by reference the website or any material included on that website in this pricing supplement. In this pricing supplement, unless the context requires otherwise, references to the reference asset will include any successor index to the reference asset and references to MSCI will include any successor thereto. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by MSCI. MSCI has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the reference asset.

 

Description of the Reference Asset

 

The MSCI EAFE Index is a stock index calculated, published and disseminated daily by MSCI Inc., which we refer to as “MSCI”, through numerous data vendors, on the MSCI website and in real time on Bloomberg Financial Markets and Reuters Limited.

 

The MSCI EAFE Index is a free float adjusted market capitalization index and is part of the MSCI Global Investable Market Indices, the methodology of which is described below. The index is considered a “standard” index, which means it consists of all eligible large capitalization and mid-capitalization stocks, as determined by MSCI, in the relevant market. Additional information about the MSCI Global Investable Market Indices is available on the following website: https://www.msci.com/index-methodology. Daily closing price information for the MSCI EAFE Index is available on the following website: http://www.mscibarra.com/products/indices/international_equity_indices/performance.html. We are not incorporating by reference these websites or any material they include in this pricing supplement.

 

The MSCI EAFE Index is intended to provide performance benchmarks for the developed equity markets in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The constituent stocks of the MSCI EAFE Index are derived from the constituent stocks in the 21 MSCI standard single country indices for the developed market countries listed above. The MSCI EAFE Index has a base date of December 31, 1969.

 

Index Stock Weighting by Country

 

as of April 12, 2016

 

Country:

 

Percentage (%)*

Australia

 

7.02%

Austria

 

0.18%

Belgium

 

1.45%

Denmark

 

2.00%

Finland

 

0.99%

France

 

9.97%

Germany

 

9.01%

Hong Kong

 

3.32%

Ireland

 

0.50%

Israel

 

0.72%

Italy

 

2.09%

Japan

 

22.65%

Netherlands

 

3.08%

New Zealand

 

0.17%

Norway

 

0.58%

Portugal

 

0.17%

Singapore

 

1.36%

Spain

 

3.11%

Sweden

 

2.98%

Switzerland

 

9.20%

United Kingdom

 

19.47%

 

*Information provided by MSCI. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

 

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MSCI divides the companies included in the MSCI EAFE Index into ten Global Industry Classification Sectors: Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Energy, Financials, Health Care, Industrials, Information Technology, Materials, Telecommunication Services and Utilities.

 

Index Stock Weighting by Sector

 

as of April 12, 2016

 

Sector**

 

Percentage (%)*

Consumer Discretionary

 

12.89%

Consumer Staples

 

12.66%

Energy

 

4.76%

Financials

 

23.51%

Health Care

 

11.86%

Industrials

 

13.26%

Information Technology

 

5.24%

Materials

 

6.80%

Telecommunication Services

 

5.14%

Utilities

 

3.88%

 

*Information provided by MSCI.  Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

 

**Sector designations are determined by the index sponsor using criteria it has selected or developed.  Index sponsors may use very different standards for determining sector designations.  In addition, many companies operate in a number of sectors, but are listed in only one sector and the basis on which that sector is selected may also differ.  As a result, sector comparisons between indices with different index sponsors may reflect differences in methodology as well as actual differences in the sector composition of the indices.

 

Construction of the MSCI Indices

 

MSCI undertakes an index construction process, which involves: (i) defining the equity universe; (ii) determining the market investable equity universe for each market; (iii) determining market capitalization size segments for each market; (iv) applying index continuity rules for the standard index; (v) creating style segments within each size segment within each market; and (vi) classifying securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard. The index construction methodology differs in some cases depending on whether the relevant market is considered a developed market or an emerging market. The MSCI EAFE Index and the MSCI Singapore Free Index are developed market indices, and the MSCI Taiwan Index and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index are emerging markets indices. All of the MSCI Indices are standard indices, meaning that only securities that would qualify for inclusion in a large cap index or a mid cap index will be included as described below.

 

Defining the Equity Universe

 

(i)         Identifying Eligible Equity Securities: The equity universe initially looks at securities listed in any of the countries in the MSCI global index series, which will be classified as either “developed markets” or “emerging markets”. All listed equity securities, including real estate investment trusts and certain income trusts in Canada are eligible for inclusion in the equity universe. Limited partnerships, limited liability companies and business trusts, which are listed in the U.S. and are not structured to be taxed as limited partnerships, are likewise eligible for inclusion in the equity universe. Conversely, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, equity derivatives and most investment trusts are not eligible for inclusion in the equity universe.  Preferred shares that exhibit characteristics of equity securities are eligible.

 

(ii)         Country Classification of Eligible Securities: Each company and its securities (i.e., share classes) are classified in one and only one country, which allows for a distinctive sorting of each company by its respective country.

 

Determining the Market Investable Equity Universes

 

A market investable equity universe for a market is derived by (i) identifying eligible listings for each security in the equity universe; and (ii) applying investability screens to individual companies and securities in the equity universe that are classified in that market. A market is generally equivalent to a single country. The global investable equity universe is the aggregation of all market investable equity universes.

(i)         Identifying Eligible Listings: A security may have a listing in the country where it is classified (a “local listing”) and/or in a different country (a “foreign listing). A security may be represented by either a local listing or a foreign

 

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listing (including a depositary receipt) in the global investable equity universe.  A security may be represented by a foreign listing only if the security is classified in a country that meets the foreign listing materiality requirement (as described below), and the security’s foreign listing is traded on an eligible stock exchange of a developed market country if the security is classified in a developed market country or, if the security is classified in an emerging market country, an eligible stock exchange of a developed market country or an emerging market country.

 

In order for a country to meet the foreign listing materiality requirement, MSCI determines all securities represented by a foreign listing that would be included in the country’s MSCI Country Investable Market Index if foreign listings were eligible from that country. The aggregate free-float adjusted market capitalization for all such securities should represent at least (i) 5% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization of the relevant MSCI Country Investable Market Index and (ii) 0.05% of the free-float adjusted market capitalization of the MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index. If a country does not meet the foreign listing materiality requirement, then securities in that country may not be represented by a foreign listing in the global investable equity universe.

 

(ii) Applying Investability Screens: The investability screens used to determine the investable equity universe in each market are:

 

(a)        Equity Universe Minimum Size Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the company level. In order to be included in a market investable equity universe, a company must have the required minimum full market capitalization. The equity universe minimum size requirement applies to companies in all markets and is derived as follows:

 

·     First, the companies in the developed market equity universe are sorted in descending order of full market capitalization and the cumulative coverage of the free float-adjusted market capitalization of the developed market equity universe is calculated for each company. Each company’s free float-adjusted market capitalization is represented by the aggregation of the free float-adjusted market capitalization of the securities of that company in the equity universe.

 

·     Second, when the cumulative free float-adjusted market capitalization coverage of 99% of the sorted equity universe is achieved, by adding each company’s free float-adjusted market capitalization in descending order, the full market capitalization of the company that reaches the 99% threshold defines the equity universe minimum size requirement.

 

·     The rank of this company by descending order of full market capitalization within the developed market equity universe is noted, and will be used in determining the equity universe minimum size requirement at the next rebalance.

 

As of November 2015, the equity universe minimum size requirement was set at US$203,000,000. Companies with a full market capitalization below this level are not included in any market investable equity universe. The equity universe minimum size requirement is reviewed and, if necessary, revised at each semi-annual index review, described below.

 

(b)        Equity Universe Minimum Free Float-Adjusted Market Capitalization Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a security must have a free float-adjusted market capitalization equal to or higher than 50% of the equity universe minimum size requirement.

 

(c)        Minimum Liquidity Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a security must have at least one eligible listing that has adequate liquidity as measured by its 12-month and 3-month annualized traded value ratio (“ATVR”) and 3-month frequency of trading. The ATVR attempts to mitigate the impact of extreme daily trading volumes and takes into account the free float-adjusted market capitalization of securities. A minimum liquidity level of 20% of the 3-month ATVR and 90% of 3-month frequency of trading over the last 4 consecutive quarters, as well as 20% of the 12-month ATVR, are required for inclusion of a security in a market investable equity universe of a developed

 

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market. A minimum liquidity level of 15% of the 3-month ATVR and 80% of 3-month frequency of trading over the last 4 consecutive quarters, as well as 15% of the 12-month ATVR, are required for inclusion of a security in a market investable equity universe of an emerging market.

 

Only one listing per security may be included in the market investable equity universe. In instances where a security has two or more eligible listings that meet the above liquidity requirements, then the following priority rules are used to determine which listing will be used for potential inclusion of the security in the market investable equity universe:

 

(1) Local listing

 

(2) Foreign listing in the same geographical region (MSCI classifies markets into three main geographical regions: EMEA, Asia Pacific and Americas.  If the security has several listings in the same geographical region, then the listing with the highest 3-month ATVR will be used).

 

(3) Foreign listing in a different geographical region (if the security has several listings in a different geographical region, then the listing with the highest 3-month ATVR will be used).

 

Foreign listed companies added at the November 2015 semi-annual index review will be added at half of their free float-adjusted market capitalization, and the remaining free float-adjusted market capitalization will be added at the May 2016 semi-annual index review.

 

Due to liquidity concerns relating to securities trading at very high stock prices, a security that is currently not a constituent of a MSCI Global Investable Markets Index that is trading at a stock price above US$10,000 will fail the liquidity screening and will not be included in any market investable equity universe.

 

(d)        Global Minimum Foreign Inclusion Factor Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To determine the free float of a security, MSCI considers the proportion of shares of such security available for purchase in the public equity markets by international investors. In practice, limitations on the investment opportunities for international investors include: strategic stakes in a company held by private or public shareholders whose investment objective indicates that the shares held are not likely to be available in the market; limits on the proportion of a security’s share capital authorized for purchase by non-domestic investors; or other foreign investment restrictions which materially limit the ability of foreign investors to freely invest in a particular equity market, sector or security.

 

MSCI will then derive a “foreign inclusion factor” for the company that reflects the proportion of shares outstanding that is available for purchase in the public equity markets by international investors. MSCI will then “float-adjust” the weight of each constituent company in an index by the company’s foreign inclusion factor.

 

Once the free float factor has been determined for a security, the security’s total market capitalization is then adjusted by such free float factor, resulting in the free float-adjusted market capitalization figure for the security.

 

(e)        Minimum Length of Trading Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. For an initial public offering to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, the new issue must have started trading at least three months before the implementation of a semi-annual index review. This requirement is applicable to small new issues in all markets. Large initial public offerings are not subject to the minimum length of trading requirement and may be included in a market investable equity universe and a standard index, such as the MSCI EAFE Index, outside of a quarterly or semi-annual index review.

 

(f)         Minimum Foreign Room Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. For a security that is subject to a foreign ownership limit to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, the proportion of shares still available to foreign investors relative to the maximum allowed (referred to as “foreign room”) must be at least 15%.

 

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Defining Market Capitalization Size Segments for Each Market

 

Once a market investable equity universe is defined, it is segmented into the following size-based indices:

 

·                  Investable Market Index (Large Cap + Mid Cap + Small Cap)

 

·                  Standard Index (Large Cap + Mid Cap)

 

·                  Large Cap Index

 

·                  Mid Cap Index

 

·                  Small Cap Index

 

Creating the size segment indices in each market involves the following steps: (i) defining the market coverage target range for each size segment; (ii) determining the global minimum size range for each size segment; (iii) determining the market size segment cutoffs and associated segment number of companies; (iv) assigning companies to the size segments; and (v) applying final size-segment investability requirements. For developed market indices, the market coverage for a standard index is 85%. As of November 2015, the global minimum size range for a developed market standard index is a full market capitalization of USD 2.52 billion to USD 5.80 billion.

 

Index Continuity Rules for Standard Indices

 

In order to achieve index continuity, as well as provide some basic level of diversification within a market index, notwithstanding the effect of other index construction rules, a minimum number of five constituents will be maintained for a developed market standard index and a minimum number of three constituents will be maintained for an emerging market standard index, and involves the following steps:

 

·     If after the application of the index construction methodology, a developed market standard index contains fewer than five securities or an emerging market standard index contains fewer than three securities, then the largest securities by free float-adjusted market capitalization are added to the index in order to reach the minimum number of required constituents.

 

·     At subsequent index reviews, if the minimum number of securities described above is not met, then after the market investable equity universe is identified, the securities are ranked by free float-adjusted market capitalization, however, in order to increase stability the free float-adjusted market capitalization of the existing index constituents (prior to review) is multiplied by 1.50, and securities are added until the desired minimum number of securities is reached.

 

“Constituent index” means any of the component country indices comprising the MSCI EAFE Index.

 

Creating Style Indices within Each Size Segment

 

All securities in the investable equity universe are classified into value or growth segments. The classification of a security into the value or growth segment is used by MSCI to construct additional indices.

 

Classifying Securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard

 

All securities in the global investable equity universe are assigned to the industry that best describes their business activities. The GICS classification of each security is used by MSCI to construct additional indices.

 

Calculation Methodology for the MSCI EAFE Index

 

Price Return Methodology

 

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The performance of the MSCI EAFE Index is a free float weighted average of the U.S. dollar values of their component securities.

 

Prices used to calculate the component securities are the official exchange closing prices or prices accepted as such in the relevant market. In the case of a market closure, or if a security does not trade on a specific day or a during a specific period, MSCI carries forward the previous day’s price (or latest available closing price). In the event of a market outage resulting in any component security price to be unavailable, MSCI will generally use the last reported price for such component security for the purpose of performance calculation unless MSCI determines that another price is more appropriate based on the circumstances. Closing prices are converted into U.S. dollars, as applicable, using the closing spot exchange rates calculated by WM/Reuters at 4:00 P.M. London Time.

 

 

Maintenance of the MSCI EAFE Index

 

In order to maintain the representativeness of the MSCI EAFE Index, structural changes to the index as a whole may be made by adding or deleting component securities. Currently, such changes in the MSCI EAFE Index may generally only be made on four dates throughout the year: after the close of the last business day of each February, May, August and November.

 

Each country index is maintained with the objective of reflecting, on a timely basis, the evolution of the underlying equity markets. In maintaining each component country index, emphasis is also placed on its continuity, continuous investability of constituents and replicability of the index and on index stability and minimizing turnover.

 

MSCI classifies index maintenance in three broad categories. The first consists of ongoing event related changes, such as mergers and acquisitions, which are generally implemented in the country indices in which they occur. The second category consists of quarterly index reviews, aimed at promptly reflecting other significant market events. The third category consists of semi-annual index reviews that systematically re-assess the various dimensions of the equity universe.

 

Ongoing event-related changes to the country indices are the result of mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, bankruptcies, reorganizations and other similar corporate events. They can also result from capital reorganizations in the form of rights issues, stock bonus issues, public placements and other similar corporate actions that take place on a continuing basis. MSCI will remove from the index as soon as practicable securities of companies that file for bankruptcy or other protection from their creditors, that are suspended and for which a return to normal business activity and trading is unlikely in the near future, or that fail stock exchange listing requirements with a delisting announcement. Securities may also be considered for early deletion in other significant cases, such as decreases in free float and foreign ownership limits, or when a constituent company acquires or merges with a non-constituent company or spins-off another company. In practice, when a constituent company is involved in a corporate event which results in a significant decrease in the company’s free float-adjusted market capitalization or the company decreases its foreign inclusion factor to below 0.15, the securities of that constituent company are considered for early deletion from the indices simultaneously with the event unless, in either case, it is a standard index constituent with a minimum free float-adjusted market capitalization is not at least two-thirds of one-half of the standard index interim size segment cut-off. Share conversions may also give rise to an early deletion. All changes resulting from corporate events are announced prior to their implementation, provided all necessary information on the event is available.

 

MSCI’s quarterly index review process is designed to ensure that the country indices continue to be an accurate reflection of evolving equity markets. This goal is achieved by timely reflecting significant market driven changes that were not captured in each index at the time of their actual occurrence and that should not wait until the semi-annual index review due to their importance. These quarterly index reviews may result in additions and deletions of component securities from a country index (or a security being removed from one country listing and represented by a different country listing) and changes in “foreign inclusion factors” and in number of shares. Additions and deletions to component securities may result from: the addition of large companies that did not meet the minimum size criterion for inclusion at the time of their initial public offering or secondary offering; the replacement of companies which are no longer suitable industry representatives; the deletion of securities whose overall free float has fallen to less than 15% and that do not meet specified

 

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criteria; the deletion of securities that have become very small or illiquid; and the addition or deletion of securities as a result of other market events. Significant changes in free float estimates and corresponding changes in the foreign inclusion factor for component securities may result from: large market transactions involving strategic shareholders that are publicly announced; secondary offerings that, given lack of sufficient notice or small size (less than 5% of the company’s outstanding shares) were not reflected immediately; increases in foreign ownership limits; decreases in foreign ownership limits which did not require foreign investors to immediately sell shares in the market; corrections resulting from the reclassification of shareholders from strategic to non-strategic, and vice versa, and/or updates to the number of shares outstanding; updates to foreign inclusion factors following the public disclosure of new shareholder structures for companies involved in mergers, acquisitions or spin-offs, where different from MSCI’s pro forma free float estimate at the time of the event; conversions of exchangeable bonds and other similar securities into already existing share types; the end of lock-up periods or expiration of loyalty incentives for non-strategic shareholders; and changes in the foreign inclusion factor as a result of other events of similar nature. Small changes in the number of shares resulting from, for example, exercise of options or warrants, conversion of convertible bonds or other instruments or share buybacks, are generally updated at the quarterly index review rather than at the time of the change. The results of the quarterly index reviews are announced at least two weeks in advance of their effective implementation dates as of the close of the last business day of February and August. MSCI has noted that consistency is a factor in maintaining each component country index.

 

MSCI’s semi-annual index review is designed to systematically reassess the component securities of the index. During each semi-annual index review, the universe of component securities is updated and the global minimum size range for the index is recalculated, which is based on the full market capitalization and the cumulative free float-adjusted market capitalization coverage of each security that is eligible to be included in the index. The following index maintenance activities, among others, are undertaken during each semi-annual index review: the list of countries in which securities may be represented by foreign listings is reviewed; the component securities are updated by identifying new equity securities that were not part of the index at the time of the previous quarterly index review; the minimum size requirement for the index is updated and new companies are evaluated relative to the new minimum size requirement; existing component securities that do not meet the minimum liquidity requirements of the index may be removed (or, with respect to any such security that has other listings, a determination is made as to whether any such listing can be used to represent the security in the market investable universe); and changes in “foreign inclusion factors” are implemented. During a semi-annual index review, component securities may be added or deleted from a country index for a range of reasons, including the reasons discussed with respect to component securities changes during quarterly index reviews as discussed above. Foreign listings may become eligible to represent securities only from the countries that met the foreign listing materiality requirement during the previous semi-annual index review (this requirement is applied only to countries that do not yet include foreign listed securities). Once a country meets the foreign listing materiality requirement at a given semi-annual index review, foreign listings will remain eligible for such country even if the foreign listing materiality requirements are not met in the future.

 

The results of the semi-annual index reviews are announced at least two weeks in advance of their effective implementation date as of the close of the last business day of May and November.

 

Index maintenance also includes monitoring and completing adjustments for share changes, stock splits, stock dividends, and stock price adjustments due to company restructurings or spin-offs.

 

These guidelines and the policies implementing the guidelines are the responsibility of, and, ultimately, subject to adjustment by, MSCI.

 

License Agreement with MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”).

 

The MSCI indices are the exclusive property of MSCI. MSCI and the MSCI index names are service mark(s) of MSCI or its affiliates and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by The Bank of Nova Scotia. Notes referred to herein are not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by MSCI, and MSCI bears no liability with respect to any such notes. No purchaser, seller or holder of notes, or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark or service mark to sponsor, endorse, market or promote notes without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCI’s permission is required. Under no circumstances may any person or entity claim any affiliation with MSCI without the prior written permission of MSCI.

 

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THE NOTES ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY MSCI INC. (“MSCI”), ANY AFFILIATE OF MSCI OR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX.  THE MSCI INDICES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MSCI.  MSCI AND THE MSCI INDEX NAMES ARE SERVICE MARK(S) OF MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES AND ARE LICENSED FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES BY THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE SUBLICENSED TO THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA (COLLECTIVELY, THE “LICENSEE”). NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF THE NOTES OR ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN FINANCIAL SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE NOTES PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ANY MSCI INDEX TO TRACK CORRESPONDING STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE.  MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES ARE THE LICENSORS OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND OF THE MSCI INDICES WHICH ARE DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY MSCI WITHOUT REGARD TO THE NOTES OR THE ISSUER OR OWNER OF THE NOTES.  NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE NOTES INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE MSCI INDICES.  NEITHER MSCI, ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OR HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE NOTES TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE NOTES ARE REDEEMABLE FOR CASH.  NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, THE MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO THE OWNERS OF THE NOTES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR OFFERING OF THE NOTES.

 

ALTHOUGH MSCI SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF THE MSCI INDICES FROM SOURCES WHICH MSCI CONSIDERS RELIABLE, NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX WARRANTS OR GUARANTEES THE ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN.  NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, LICENSEE’S CUSTOMERS OR COUNTERPARTIES, ISSUER OF THE NOTES, OWNERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED HEREUNDER OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FURTHER, NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, AND MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AND ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO ANY MSCI INDEX AND ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

 

Historical Information

 

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low closing levels for the reference asset, based on daily closing levels. The closing level of the reference asset on April 19, 2016 was 1,712.19. Past performance of the reference asset is not indicative of the future performance of the reference asset.

Quarter Begin

Quarter End

Quarterly High

Quarterly Low

Quarterly Close

1/3/2011

3/31/2011

1,758.97

1,597.15

1,702.55

4/1/2011

6/30/2011

1,809.61

1,628.03

1,708.08

 

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7/1/2011

9/30/2011

1,727.43

1,331.35

1,373.33

10/3/2011

12/30/2011

1,560.85

1,310.15

1,412.55

1/3/2012

3/30/2012

1,586.11

1,405.10

1,553.46

4/2/2012

6/29/2012

1,570.08

1,308.01

1,423.38

7/2/2012

9/28/2012

1,569.91

1,363.52

1,510.76

10/1/2012

12/31/2012

1,618.92

1,467.33

1,604.00

1/2/2013

3/28/2013

1,713.66

1,624.48

1,674.30

4/1/2013

6/28/2013

1,781.84

1,598.66

1,638.94

7/1/2013

9/30/2013

1,844.39

1,645.23

1,818.23

10/1/2013

12/31/2013

1,915.60

1,790.27

1,915.60

1/2/2014

3/31/2014

1,940.23

1,796.86

1,915.69

4/1/2014

6/30/2014

1,992.69

1,882.24

1,972.12

7/1/2014

9/30/2014

1,995.49

1,846.08

1,846.08

10/1/2014

12/31/2014

1,848.79

1,714.64

1,774.89

1/2/2015

3/31/2015

1,900.90

1,697.01

1,849.34

4/1/2015

6/30/2015

1,949.49

1,842.46

1,842.46

7/1/2015

9/30/2015

1,894.42

1,609.50

1,644.40

10/1/2015

12/31/2015

1,779.25

1,654.98

1,716.28

1/4/2016

3/31/2016

1,671.89

1,492.43

1,652.04

4/1/2016*

4/19/2016*

1,712.19

1,595.94

1,712.19

 

*                   As of April 19, 2016, available information for the second calendar quarter of 2016 includes data for the period from April 1, 2016 through April 19, 2016. Accordingly, the ‘‘Quarterly High,’’ ‘‘Quarterly Low’’ and ‘‘Quarterly Close’’ data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the second calendar quarter of 2016.

 

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The graph below illustrates the performance of the reference asset from January 2, 2006 through April 19, 2016. Past performance of the reference asset is not indicative of the future performance of the reference asset.

 

 

We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the reference asset in the tables and graph above from Bloomberg.

 

We have not undertaken an independent review or due diligence of the information. The historical performance of the reference asset should not be taken as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the final level of the reference asset. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the reference asset will result in any positive return on your initial investment.

 

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SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

 

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or one of our affiliates have agreed to purchase the notes at the principal amount and, as part of the distribution of the notes, have agreed to sell the notes to GS&Co. at a discount reflecting commissions of $17.50 per $1,000 principal amount of notes. The commissions per $1,000 principal amount are comprised of $2.50 of fees and $15.00 of selling commission. In accordance with the terms of a distributor accession letter, GS&Co. has been appointed as a distribution agent under the distribution agreement and may purchase notes from The Bank of Nova Scotia or its affiliates.

 

In addition, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., GS&Co. and their respective affiliates or agents may use the product prospectus supplement to which this pricing supplement relates in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the notes. While Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and GS&Co. may make markets in the notes, they are under no obligation to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice. See the sections titled “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and accompanying product prospectus supplement.

 

The price at which you purchase the notes includes costs that the Bank or its affiliates expect to incur and profits that the Bank or its affiliates expect to realize in connection with hedging activities related to the notes, as set forth above. These costs and profits will likely reduce the secondary market price, if any secondary market develops, for the notes.  As a result, you may experience an immediate and substantial decline in the market value of your notes on the issue date.

 

Conflicts of interest

 

Each of Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc. is an affiliate of the Bank and, as such, has a ‘‘conflict of interest’’ in this offering within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121. In addition, the Bank will receive the gross proceeds from the initial public offering of the notes, thus creating an additional conflict of interest within the meaning of Rule 5121. Consequently, the offering is being conducted in compliance with the provisions of Rule 5121. Neither Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. nor Scotia Capital Inc. is permitted to sell notes in this offering to an account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of the account holder.

 

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., GS&Co., and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities,  which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities.  Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., GS&Co., and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for the Bank, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

 

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., GS&Co., and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the Bank.  Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., GS&Co., and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

Additionally, because the dealer from which you purchase notes is to conduct hedging activities for us in connection with the notes, that dealer may profit in connection with such hedging activities and such profit, if any, will be in addition to the compensation that the dealer receives for the sale of the notes to you. You should be aware that the potential to earn fees in connection with hedging activities may create a further incentive for the dealer to sell the notes to you in addition to the compensation they would receive for the sale of the notes.

 

CERTAIN CANADIAN INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

See “Certain Income Tax Consequences—Certain Canadian Income Tax Considerations” at page S-24 of the Prospectus Supplement dated December 1, 2014.

 

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

 

The following is a general description of certain U.S. federal tax considerations relating to the notes. Prospective purchasers of the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences under the tax laws of the country of which they are resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the tax laws of the United States of acquiring, holding and disposing of the notes and receiving payments under the notes. This summary is based upon the law as in effect on the date of this pricing supplement and is subject to any change in law that may take effect after such date.

 

This discussion applies to you only if you are the original investor in the notes and you hold your notes as capital assets for tax purposes. This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

·                  a dealer in securities or currencies,

·                  a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities holdings,

·                  a financial institution or a bank,

·                  a regulated investment company or a real estate investment trust or a common trust fund,

·                  a life insurance company,

·                  a tax-exempt organization or an investor holding the notes in a tax-advantaged account (such as an “Individual Retirement Account” or “Roth IRA”),

·                  a person that owns notes as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction, or who has entered into a “constructive sale” with respect to a note for tax purposes,

·                  a U.S. holder (as defined below) whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar, or

·                  a trader in securities who elects to apply a mark-to-market method of tax accounting.

 

This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations under the Code, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

 

This discussion, other than the section entitled “Non-U.S. Holders” below, is applicable to you only if you are a U.S. holder. You are a U.S. holder if you are a beneficial owner of a note and you are: (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a domestic corporation, (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

 

If a partnership holds the notes, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the notes should consult its tax advisor with regard to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in the notes.

 

In addition, we will not attempt to ascertain whether any issuer of a reference asset constituent stock would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code.  If any such entity were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply to a U.S. holder upon the sale, exchange or retirement of a note.  You should refer to information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the equivalent governmental authority by such entities and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if any such entity is or becomes a PFIC.

 

No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how the notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes are uncertain. Accordingly, we urge you to consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of your investment in the notes (and of having agreed to the required tax treatment of your notes described below) and as to the application of state, local or other tax laws to your investment in your notes and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the notes, the Bank and you agree, in the absence of a statutory, regulatory, administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary, to characterize your notes as pre-paid derivative contracts with respect to the reference asset.

 

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If your notes are so treated, you should generally recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you hold your notes for more than one year (and otherwise, short-term capital gain or loss) upon the sale, exchange, redemption or maturity of your notes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you receive at such time and the amount you paid for your notes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

In the opinion of our counsel, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, it would be reasonable to treat your notes in the manner described above. However, because there is no authority that specifically addresses the tax treatment of the notes, it is possible that your notes could alternatively be treated for tax purposes as a single contingent payment debt instrument, or pursuant to some other characterization, such that the timing and character of your income from the notes could differ materially from the treatment described above.

 

Possible Change in Law. In 2007, the IRS released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the notes. According to the notice, the IRS and the Treasury Department are actively considering whether a holder of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis, and they are seeking taxpayer comments on the subject. It is not possible to determine what guidance they will ultimately issue, if any. It is possible, however, that under such guidance, holders of the notes will ultimately be required to accrue income currently and this could be applied on a retroactive basis. The IRS and the Treasury Department are also considering other relevant issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether foreign holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, and whether the special “constructive ownership rules” of Section 1260 of the Code should be applied to such instruments.

 

In 2007, legislation was introduced in Congress that, if it had been enacted, would have required holders of notes purchased after the bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of the notes despite the fact that there will be no interest payments over the term of the notes. It is not possible to predict whether a similar or identical bill will be enacted in the future, or whether any such bill would affect the tax treatment of your notes.

 

The House Ways and Means Committee has released in draft form certain proposed legislation relating to financial instruments. If enacted, the effect of this legislation generally would be to require instruments such as the notes to be marked to market on an annual basis with all gains and losses to be treated as ordinary, subject to certain exceptions.

 

It is impossible to predict what any such legislation or administrative or regulatory guidance might provide, and whether the effective date of any legislation or guidance will affect notes that were issued before the date that such legislation or guidance is issued. You are urged to consult your tax advisor as to the possibility that any legislative or administrative action may adversely affect the tax treatment of your notes.

 

Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income.  U.S. holders that are individuals or estates and certain trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” or “undistributed net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust, which may include any income or gain with respect to the notes, to the extent of their net investment income or undistributed net investment income (as the case may be) that, when added to their other modified adjusted gross income, exceeds $200,000 for an unmarried individual, $250,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return (or a surviving spouse), $125,000 for a married individual filing a separate return, or the dollar amount at which the highest tax bracket begins for an estate or trust (which, in 2016, is $12,400). The 3.8% Medicare tax is determined in a different manner than the regular income tax. U.S. holders should consult their advisors with respect to the 3.8% Medicare tax.

 

Specified Foreign Financial Assets. U.S. holders who are individuals may be subject to reporting obligations with respect to their notes if they do not hold their notes in an account maintained by a financial institution and the aggregate value of their notes and certain other “specified foreign financial assets” exceeds $50,000.  Certain penalties can apply if a U.S. holder is required to disclose its notes and fails to do so.

 

Treasury Regulations Requiring Disclosure of Reportable Transactions. Treasury regulations require United States taxpayers to report certain transactions (“Reportable Transactions”) on IRS Form 8886. An investment in the notes or a sale of the notes should generally not be treated as a Reportable Transaction under current law, but it is possible that future legislation, regulations or administrative rulings could cause your investment in the notes or a sale of the notes to be treated as a Reportable Transaction. You should consult with your tax advisor regarding any tax filing and reporting obligations that may apply in connection with acquiring, owning and disposing of notes.

 

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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. The proceeds received from a sale, exchange, redemption or maturity of the notes will be subject to information reporting unless you are an “exempt recipient” and may also be subject to backup withholding at the rate specified in the Code if you fail to provide certain identifying information (such as an accurate taxpayer number, if you are a U.S. holder) or meet certain other conditions.

 

Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not additional taxes and may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.

 

Non-U.S. Holders. This section applies only if you are a non-U.S. holder. For these purposes, you are a non-U.S. holder if you are the beneficial owner of the notes and are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

·                  a non-resident alien individual;

·                  a foreign corporation; or

·                  an estate or trust that, in either case, is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis on income or gain from the notes.

 

If you are a non-U.S. holder, you should generally not be subject to United States withholding tax with respect to payments on your notes or to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements with respect to payments on your notes if you comply with certain certification and identification requirements as to your foreign status including providing us (and/or the applicable withholding agent) a properly executed and fully completed applicable IRS Form W-8. Gain from the sale, exchange or redemption of the notes or settlement at maturity generally will not be subject to U.S. tax unless such gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by you in the United States or unless you are a non-resident alien individual and are present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of such sale, exchange or settlement and certain other conditions are satisfied.

 

As discussed above, alternative characterizations of the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes are possible. Should an alternative characterization of the notes cause payments with respect to the notes to become subject to withholding tax, we will withhold tax at the applicable statutory rate and we will not make payments of any additional amounts. Both U.S. and non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction (including that of the Bank and the issuers of any reference asset constituent stocks).

 

 

VALIDITY OF THE NOTES

 

 

In the opinion of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, as special counsel to the issuer, when the notes offered by this pricing supplement have been executed and issued by the issuer and authenticated by the trustee pursuant to the indenture and delivered, paid for and sold as contemplated herein, the notes will be valid and binding obligations of the issuer, enforceable against the issuer in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium, receivership or other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).  This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the State of New York. Insofar as this opinion involves matters governed by Canadian law, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP has assumed, without independent inquiry or investigation, the validity of the matters opined on by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Canadian legal counsel for the issuer, in its opinion expressed below.  In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the indenture and, with respect to the notes, authentication of the notes and the genuineness of signatures and certain factual matters, all as stated in the opinion of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP dated February 11, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 6-K on February 11, 2016.

 

In the opinion of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, the issue and sale of the notes has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Bank in conformity with the Indenture, and when the notes have been duly executed, authenticated and issued in accordance with the Indenture, the notes will be validly issued and, to the extent validity of the notes is a matter governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario or Québec, or the laws of Canada applicable therein, will be valid obligations of the Bank, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws of general application affecting creditors’ rights,

 

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equitable principles, and subject to limitations as to the currency in which judgments in Canada may be rendered, as prescribed by the Currency Act (Canada). This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable thereto. In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the Trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture and the genuineness of signatures and certain factual matters, all as stated in the letter of such counsel dated November 10, 2014, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.2 to the Bank’s Form F-3 filed with the SEC on November 10, 2014.

 

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