The Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998 (FSSA) is a key piece of legislation protecting the Australian financial sector from monopolisation or unfair competition. The threshold for foreign and domestic acquirers under the FSSA is 20 percent. The ability to exceed this threshold is solely at the discretion of the treasurer, who has the power to allow for greater ownership stakes or to instruct individuals of the necessity to diminish their stake. For foreign clients, the treasurer will be advised by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). The role of the Board is to examine proposed investments in Australia that are subject to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 and supporting legislation and covered by the policy.