FINANCIAL SERVICES GUIDANCE NOTES
Compliance with the Financial Services Council’s ("FSC") Guidance Notes is voluntary but strongly encouraged. The Guidance Notes provide a guide to what is considered to be
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Our current Guidance Notes appear immediately below this panel. Any Guidance Notes that have been repealed can be found here.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 1
pdf GLOBAL INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The purpose of this Guidance Note is to assist Financial Services Council members in following the global standard for the presentation of historical investment manager performance through
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 5
pdf INDUSTRY TERMS & DEFINITIONS
The main objective of standardising industry terminology is to enable investors to have a clearer understanding of
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 10
pdf BROKERAGE ARRANGEMENTS (PREVIOUSLY CALLED SOFT DOLLAR DEALING)
The main features of this Guidance Note are: to specify the principles to be adopted in relation to Investment Brokerage arrangements; to provide guidance in the interpretation and application of those principles; and to specify the basis for disclosure of Investment Manager Brokerage Arrangements.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 11
pdf GROUP INSURANCE TAKEOVER TERMS
The main features of this Guidance Note are: to provide guidance to Financial Services Council members when
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 24
pdf AML/CTF & FATCA FORMS (FSC/FAAA)
26 May 2017: This Guidance Note was updated in May 2017.
The Guidance Note is also accompanied by 13 forms (Schedules) designed to assist in managing customer identification obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act and certain customer
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CUSTOMER ID FORMS
Schedule 1: Individuals & Sole Traders
Schedule 2: Australian Companies
Schedule 3: Foreign Companies
Schedule 4: Australian Regulated Trusts
Schedule 5: Unregulated Australian Trusts & Foreign Trusts
Schedule 6: Partnerships & Partners
Schedule 7: Associations
Schedule 8: Registered co-operatives
Schedule 9: Government bodies
Schedule 10: Verifying Officer
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US TAX STATUS DECLARATION FORMS
Schedule 11: US Tax Status Declaration Form – Individuals
Schedule 12: Tax Status Declaration Form - Individuals
Schedule 13: Foreign Tax Status Declaration Form – Entities
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FSC Full and Supporting Members (free):
- FSC Full and Supporting Members can folder click here to log in and download free copies of the 13 forms. For more information, please contact Sharon Sherry of the FSC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0423 576 999.
Associate Members (preferential pricing)
- FSC Associate Members can purchase the AML forms for a 50% discount off the non-member price by contacting Sharon Sherry of the FSC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0423 576 999.
Non-Members (licence):
- Non-members may use,
adopt or access the forms under licence. For information on the licence terms and licence fee, please contact FSC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Copyright in the forms is owned by the FSC and the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA). The FSC and FAAA permit non-members to use the forms upon payment of the applicable licence fee.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 25
pdf PRODUCT PERFORMANCE: CALCULATION OF AFTER-TAX RETURNS
The main features of this Guidance Note are to specify the principles to be adopted when calculating After-tax returns; facilitate accurate comparisons amongst Products; provide guidance in the interpretation and application of those principles; and to standardise the practices, procedures and terminology relating to the calculation of After-tax returns.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 26
pdf ASSET VALUATION AND UNIT PRICING/CREDITING RATES FOR INFREQUENTLY VALUED ASSETS
The purpose of this Guidance Note is to specify the principles for asset valuation in the calculation of unit prices when transactions may take place in Schemes which are substantially invested in infrequently valued assets; to provide guidance in the interpretation and application of those principles and to standardise the practices and procedures relating to the pricing of interests in such Schemes.
The latest version of this Guidance Note incorporates changes to accommodate the introduction of FSC Standard 8A: Crediting Rates, which are now incorporated in Guidance Note 49.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 29
pdf STANDARD RISK MEASURE GUIDANCE PAPER FOR TRUSTEES
The purpose of the Standard Risk Measure Guidance Paper is to provide guidance to superannuation funds on the calculation and disclosure of superannuation investment risk to fund members. The Guidance Paper has been jointly developed by the FSC and ASFA and its adoption is strongly recommended by APRA and ASIC.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 30
pdf ESG REPORTING GUIDE FOR AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES
In February 2016, the FSC and ACSI launched the second ESG Reporting Guide for Australian Companies (2015). The Guide highlights the minimum information and reasonable data requirements that are needed for our member organisations to successfully price, analyse and manage Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment risks.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 31
pdf PROVISIONING FOR DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
This Guidance Note was prepared by the FSC Unit Pricing Working Group. This Guidance Note is to be used by Scheme Operators when formulating and applying a policy for the treatment of Deferred Tax Assets (DTA). This Guidance Note will have
The latest version of this Guidance Note incorporates changes to accommodate the introduction of FSC Standard 8A: Crediting Rates, which are now incorporated in Guidance Note 49.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 32
pdf HIV/AIDS UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES
The main purpose of this Guidance Note is to provide background and guidance for FSC Members relating to underwriting in respect of insurance applicants with HIV/AIDS or insurance applicants who engage in activities which can represent a significantly above-average risk of leading to a subsequent infection.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 33
pdf BEST PRACTICE FOR GROUP INSURANCE DATA
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 34
To provide industry participants with guidance in relation to the requirements for calculating and disclosing fees and costs in product disclosure statements and periodic statements.
UPDATE: January 2018
In December 2017, the IWG released its first iteration of Guidance on RG 97. Please click here for further information and to access the Guidance.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 35
pdf MONEY MARKET FUNDS NAMING CONVENTION
This Guidance Note sets out features of two types of money market funds to demonstrate which funds are permitted to use the words ‘money market’, ‘cash’, ‘liquid’, ‘ready assets’ or similar terms, in their name.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 37
pdf TEMPLATE OPERATIONAL DUE DILIGENCE QUESTIONNAIRE (current to 31 October 2020)
This Guidance Note provides a
Download the pdf FSC/AIST FAQs .
pdf TEMPLATE OPERATIONAL DUE DILIGENCE QUESTIONNAIRE (effective from 1 November 2020)
GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 38
pdf IMPROVING GENDER BALANCE WITHIN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TEAMS
This Guidance Note is designed to assist Investment Management Members to improve the representation of women in investment management teams over time. It includes the Women in Investment Management Charter to assist members in establishing gender balance with their organisations.
GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 39 (from 16 March 2021)
pdf EQUITY TRUSTS - QUOTATION OF DIVIDEND IMPUTATION CREDITS
This Guidance Note was formally Standard 2. Its main features are to indicate to
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 40 (from 27 July 2021)
RESPONDING TO THE MODERN SLAVERY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
This Guidance Note is designed to assist FSC fund management members in responding to requirements to report modern slavery risk in their operations and supply chains, and actions taken to mitigate risks as per the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth).
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 41 (from 15 September 2021)
pdf DEVELOPING A VULNERABLE MEMBER POLICY
This Guidance Note was jointly developed by the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustee (AIST), Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) and the FSC to provide guidance on dealing with vulnerable customers. It is relevant to all FSC superannuation members.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 43 (from 1 January 2022)
pdf ADVICE FEE CONSENT REQUIREMENTS
This Guidance Note is designed to assist members in complying with two legislative instruments which relate to the consent to deduct advice fees which took effect on 1 July 2021. Last updated in September 2022.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 44 (from 3 August 2022)
CLIMATE RISK DISCLOSURE IN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
This Guidance Note is relevant to FSC investment management members seeking to assess their investment portfolios for emissions, achieve and disclose net zero in their investment portfolios, disclose climate friendly features, and report on climate risk to their portfolios and business.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 45 (from 25 July 2022)
DIVERSITY, PROXY VOTING AND ESG IN SUPERANNUATION
This Guidance Note is relevant to FSC Members broadly. However, it is of particular relevance for FSC Members who are trustees holding a licence to operate a registrable superannuation entity (RSE) under the provisions of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 and Regulations (collectively, SIS). Its purpose is to promote industry practices of trustees of superannuation entities for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk management, proxy voting record and trustee board diversity.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 46 (from 12 September 2022)
INVESTMENT OPTION PERFORMANCE – CALCULATION OF RETURNS
This Guidance Note applies to FSC Members generally and in particular Members who are Operators of a Scheme where investment returns are to be calculated and disclosed. GN46 provides voluntary guidance that replaces former FSC Standard 6 Investment Option Performance - Calculation of Returns.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 47 (from 12 September 2022)
PRESENTATION OF PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND VISUAL PROMOTIONS
This Guidance Note is applicable to FSC members who are providers of Financial Products and Services. Where there is a conflict between applicable legislation, regulations, rules and regulator policy and the constitution of a scheme and the principles in this Guidance Note, the principles in this Guidance Note should be applied as far as is practicable. GN47 provides voluntary guidance that replaces former FSC Standard 10 Presentation of Past Performance Information and Visual Promotions.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 48 (from 30 November 2022)
This Guidance Note sets out the recommended principles to be adopted in the calculation of Scheme prices, transaction cost factors, arbitrage opportunities, backdating, the frequency of pricing, rounding adjustments and process documentation. These principles should be applied by the Operator of a Scheme (“Scheme Operator”) (whether offered for public subscription or otherwise) in determining the price at which transactions in Scheme interests by Investors may take place except:
- where the Scheme interests are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange;
- where the Scheme Operator has obtained, in relation to the prices at which transactions by Investors in interests in a particular Scheme take place, an exemption from, or been granted relief under, the applicable legislation; and
- where the prices at which interests in a Scheme are transacted do not affect the interests of other Investors (other than as provided by law).
[Note: this Guidance note is based upon, and replaces, Standard 8 (that had the same title) and incorporates the same principles as in that Standard, but as recommendations rather than requirements.]
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 49 (from 30 November 2022)
This Guidance Note sets out the recommended principles to be followed in determining the Crediting Rate to be applied to Scheme Interests of Investors. These principles should be applied by the Operator of a Scheme (“Scheme Operator”) (whether offered for public subscription or otherwise) except:
- where the Investor’s Interest is subject to a Capital Guarantee;
- where the Investor’s Interest is subject to a defined benefit or outcome;
- where the Scheme Interests are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange;
- where the Scheme Operator has obtained, in relation to a particular Scheme, an exemption from, or been granted relief under, the applicable legislation (including ASIC relief); and
- where the Interests of other Investors are not affected (other than as provided by law).
[Note: this Guidance note is based upon, and replaces, Standard 8A (that had the same title) and incorporates the same principles as in that Standard but as recommendations rather than requirements.]
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 50 (from 30 November 2022)
VALUATION OF SCHEME ASSETS & LIABILITIES
This Guidance Note sets out the principles to be adopted in the valuation of Scheme assets and liabilities, independence, market values, the existence of properly regulated markets and valuation frequency, as well as providing guidance in the interpretation and application of those principles.
These principles should be applied by the Scheme Operator in relation to the valuation of Scheme Assets and Liabilities for:
- the purpose of calculation of the Net Asset Value. The Net Asset Value of a Scheme is then used to determine Scheme Prices in accordance with FSC Guidance Note No. 48 'Scheme Prices' and calculation of crediting rates in accordance with FSC Guidance Note No. 49 ‘Crediting Rates’; and
- the purpose of valuation of non-cash Assets accepted by the Scheme in consideration for an issue of Interests in the Scheme.
This Guidance Note may not apply where the Scheme Operator has obtained an exemption from, or been granted relief under, the applicable legislation in relation to the valuation of Scheme Assets and Liabilities
[Note: this Guidance note is based upon, and replaces, Standard 9 (that had the same title) and incorporates the same principles as in that Standard but as recommendations rather than requirements.]
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 51 (from 30 November 2022)
ERRORS IN PRICING / CREDITING RATES WHEN DETERMINING SCHEME INTERESTS - CORRECTION AND COMPENSATION
This Guidance Note sets out minimum recommended practices when incorrect prices have been calculated and transacted upon and for determining when compensation is required that arises as a result of incorrect unit prices. These principles should be applied by the Operator of a Scheme (“Scheme Operator”) (whether offered for public subscription or otherwise) in relation to the Scheme. Although the recommendations in this Guidance Note are not mandatory, they represent sound industry practice. As the topic of errors addressed in this Guidance Note is a sensitive area in the financial service industry, it is emphasised that following such practice should minimise the possibility of non-compliance with the requirements of legislation and FSC Standards, as applicable, including FSC Standard No. 1 Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.
[Note: this Guidance note is based upon, and replaces, Standard 17 (that had the same title) and incorporates the same principles as in that Standard but as recommendations rather than requirements.]
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.Repealed Guidance Notes appear below for historical purposes.
GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 2
FINANCIAL SERVICES COUNCIL BLUE BOOK – CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: A GUIDE FOR FUND MANAGERS AND CORPORATIONS (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 28 March 2018.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 3
FINANCIAL REPORTING (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed due to the harmonisation and adoption of international accounting standards by the AASB.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 4
INCORRECT PRICING OF SCHEME UNITS (REPEALED)
This Guidance
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 6
MORTGAGE TRUSTS DISCLOSURE (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 6 August 2017.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 7
PERSONAL TRADING (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 28 March 2018.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 8
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 28 March 2018.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 9
REPORTING TO SUPERANNUATION SCHEMES BY SERVICE PROVIDERS (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 22 May 2018.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 12
EXECUTIVE EQUITY PLAN (PREVIOUSLY CALLED EXECUTIVE SHARE & OPTIONS SCHEME GUIDELINES (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 6 August 2017.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 13
EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP PLAN (PREVIOUSLY CALLED EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEME) (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 6 August 2017.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 14
CLAIMS GUIDELINES (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 21 June 2019.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 15
UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 21 June 2019.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 16
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT DISCLOSURE (REPEALED)
Please refer to ASIC Guidelines on socially responsible investment disclosure released 17 December 2003.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 17
swimEC FUND NOMINATION FORM (REPEALED)
This Guidance
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 18
MANAGEMENT EXPENSE RATIO (REPEALED)
REPEALED - Guidance Note has been replaced by the Government’s Enhanced Fee Disclosure Measures (Corporations Amendment Regulations 2005), including an ‘indirect cost ratio’.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 19
ONGOING FEE MEASURE (REPEALED)
REPEALED – Guidance Note has been replaced by the Government’s Enhanced Fee Disclosure Measures (Corporations Amendment Regulations 2005), including further guidance regarding periodic statements.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 20
ASIC FEE TEMPLATE (REPEALED)
REPEALED - The Financial Services Council Board has repealed Financial Services Council Standard No. 12 - ASIC Fee Template in response to the Government introducing the Enhanced Fee Disclosure Measures (Corporations Amendment Regulations 2005) from 1 July 2005 for super products and 1 July 2006 for managed investment products.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 21
CALCULATORS – BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 5 December 2018.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 22
IT FRAUD & SECURITY GUIDELINES (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 24 July 2018.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 23
FINANCIAL SERVICES COUNCIL MAJOR DISASTER PLAN (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 24 July 2018.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 27
INCOME STREAM REPORTING SCHEDULES (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 22 May 2018.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 28
VARIED REDEMPTION ARRANGEMENTS (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 24 July 2018.
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PERSONAL INVESTMENT TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE STANDARD (
This has been repealed effective 20 March 2017.
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GUIDANCE NOTE CIRCULAR
NON-BINDING SHAREHOLDER VOTES ON REMUNERATION REPORTS (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 6 August 2017.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 36
LIFE INSURANCE INDUSTRY DATA COLLECTION POLICY (REPEALED)
REPEALED - This Guidance Note has been repealed effective 31 August 2019. Refer to FSC Standard No. 25 Life Insurance Industry Data Collection Policy.
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GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 42
CLAIMS HANDLING STANDARDS FOR SUPERANNUATION FUNDS (REPEALED)
This Guidance Note was jointly developed by the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustee (AIST), Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) and the FSC to provide guidance on claims handling within superannuation funds. It is relevant to all FSC superannuation members.
This Guidance Note was repealed effective 30 November 2022 and has been replaced by FSC Standard 28 Claims Handing for Superannuation Funds.
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