UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): August 31, 2015

H&R BLOCK, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 
 	 	 	 	 	
Missouri	 	1-6089	 	44-0607856	
(State
of Incorporation)	 	(Commission
File Number)	 	(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)	
One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(816) 854-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
 
¨	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)	
 
¨	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)	
 
¨	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))	
 
x	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))	

 

Item 1.01.	Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.	
On August 31, 2015, H&R Block, Inc., a Missouri corporation (the “Company”), completed its previously announced sale of certain assets and liabilities, including all of the deposit liabilities, of its subsidiary, H&R Block Bank, a federal savings bank (“HRB Bank”), to BofI Federal Bank, a federal savings bank (“BofI”), pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated August 5, 2015 (the “P&A Agreement”), by and among HRB Bank, Block Financial LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and sole shareholder of HRB Bank (“Block Financial”), and BofI (the “P&A Transaction”).
In connection with the closing of the P&A Transaction: (i) Emerald Financial Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“EFS”), and BofI entered into the Program Management Agreement, dated August 31, 2015 (the “PMA”); (ii) the Company, EFS, HRB Participant I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and BofI entered into the Emerald Receivables Participation Agreement, dated August 31, 2015 (the “RPA”); and (iii) the Company and BofI entered into the Guaranty Agreement, dated August 31, 2015 (the “Guaranty Agreement”). A description of the terms of the PMA, RPA and Guaranty Agreement is set forth under Item 1.01 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 10, 2014, as supplemented by the description of the revised terms of the PMA set forth under Item 1.01 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 5, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing description of the PMA, RPA and Guaranty Agreement (including the description incorporated herein by reference) does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the PMA, RPA and Guaranty Agreement, as executed by the parties thereto, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 1.02.	Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.	
On September 1, 2015, in connection with the closing of the P&A Transaction, HRB Bank terminated the Advances, Pledge and Security Agreement, dated April 17, 2006 (the “Security Agreement”), between HRB Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“FHLB”). HRB Bank originally entered into the Security Agreement in connection with becoming a member of FHLB, which serves as a reserve or central bank for, and makes loans or advances to, its members. Because it will cease to exist following the P&A Transaction, HRB Bank no longer needs to be a member of FHLB and, therefore, terminated the Security Agreement. HRB Bank did not incur any penalties or fees in connection with the termination.
 
Item 2.01.	Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.	
On August 31, 2015, the Company completed the previously announced sale of certain assets and liabilities, including all of the deposit liabilities, of HRB Bank to BofI pursuant to the P&A Agreement. At the time of the closing of the P&A Transaction, HRB Bank made a one-time cash payment to BofI of approximately $419 million, which is approximately equal to the carrying value of the liabilities (including all deposit liabilities) assumed by BofI.
 
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The information contained in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is hereby incorporated into this Item 2.01 by reference.
 
Item 2.02.	Results of Operations and Financial Condition.	
On September 1, 2015, the Company issued a press release regarding the Company’s results of operations and financial condition for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2015. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
Item 7.01	Regulation FD Disclosure	
On September 1, 2015, the Company issued a press release announcing certain matters described in Items 1.01, 2.01 and 8.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, and further announced that the Company will hold a conference call for analysts, institutional investors, and shareholders at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on September 1, 2015. During the conference call, the Company will discuss developments regarding the P&A Transaction, the Company’s capital structure plans, and related matters, along with a discussion of fiscal 2016 first quarter results, future outlook and a general business update as previously announced. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 8.01.	Other Events.	
On September 1, 2015, the Company disclosed the information set forth below.
Share Repurchase Program
Consistent with its long-standing philosophy on shareholder returns, the Company announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a new $3.5 billion share repurchase program, effective through June 2019. The Company currently intends to repurchase its shares over time through a combination of the tender offer referred to below and open market purchases, and may also repurchase shares through private transactions, exchange offers, additional tender offers or other means. The Company intends to fund this program through available cash, borrowings and incremental debt as described below, and funds from ongoing business operations.
Near-Term Capital Structure Changes
As part of the new capital structure described above, the Company intends to take near-term action to take on borrowings and incremental debt and repurchase shares of its common stock through a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer, which will be contingent upon, among other customary items, the Company replacing its existing Committed Line of Credit with a new credit facility.
 
3

“Modified Dutch Auction” Tender Offer
Under the new share repurchase program, the Company announced today that it plans to launch a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase up to $1.5 billion of its common stock, at a price per share of not less than $32.25 and not greater than $37.00. The tender offer will be contingent upon, among other customary items, the successful closing of a new Committed Line of Credit, as described below, and satisfaction of other customary conditions. Additional details regarding the pricing and other terms will be provided upon formal commencement of the tender offer.
As of August 31, 2015, H&R Block had approximately 276.4 million shares outstanding. The Company intends to use a combination of available cash, borrowings and incremental debt to fund the tender offer and related expenses.
New Committed Line of Credit
H&R Block also announced today that it intends to replace its existing five-year $1.5 billion Committed Line of Credit. The new CLOC facility amount and terms will be determined based on market conditions at the time of closing of the new CLOC. As described above, the tender offer will be contingent upon, among other customary items, the successful closing of the new CLOC and as such, the Company intends to complete the new CLOC prior to the completion of the tender offer. It is also the Company’s intention to utilize the new CLOC to fund its future seasonal working capital needs rather than issuing commercial paper.
Incremental Debt
H&R Block also intends to incur incremental debt through other debt issuances as part of the capital structure changes announced today. The amount and composition of the incremental debt will be dependent on market conditions and capital allocation considerations at the time the debt is incurred. The Company intends to use the incremental debt to fund stock repurchases under the share repurchase program announced today.
Information Regarding the Planned Tender Offer
This description is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell any shares of the Company’s common stock. The planned tender offer described in this Item 8.01 has not yet commenced, and there can be no assurances that the Company will commence the tender offer on the terms described in this Item 8.01 or at all. If the Company commences the tender offer, the tender offer will be made solely by an Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal, as they may be amended or supplemented.  Shareholders and investors are urged to read the Company’s Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO, which is expected to be filed with the SEC in connection with the tender offer and will include as exhibits an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other offer materials, as well as any amendments or supplements to the Schedule TO when they become available, because they will contain important information.  If the Company
 
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commences the tender offer, it will file each of the documents referenced in this paragraph with the SEC, and, when available, investors may obtain them for free from the SEC at its website (www.sec.gov) or from the Company’s information agent in connection with the tender offer.
Note
The Company’s announcement of its share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of its shares of common stock. The Company will determine when, if and how to proceed with any repurchase transactions under the program, as well as the amount of any such repurchase transactions, based upon, among other things, the results of the tender offer and the Company’s evaluation of its liquidity and capital needs (including for strategic and other opportunities), its business, results of operations, and financial position and prospects, its credit ratings, general financial, economic and market conditions, prevailing market prices for the Company’s shares of common stock, corporate, regulatory and legal requirements, and other conditions and factors deemed relevant by the Company’s management and Board of Directors from time to time. The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. There can be no assurance as to the actual volume of share repurchases in any given period or over the term of the program, if any, or as to the manner or terms of any such repurchases. There can also be no assurance that the Company will operate its business at an indicated leverage ratio or that it will maintain investment grade ratings metrics (as a result of factors within or outside the Company’s control). In addition, the Company’s ability to enter into the new CLOC is dependent on, among other things, market conditions and the agreement of the lenders, the Company’s ability to borrow under any new CLOC is dependent on the Company’s performance and ability to satisfy the borrowing conditions thereunder, and the Company’s ability to take on incremental debt is dependent on, among other things, market conditions, the Company’s performance, and satisfaction of other customary financing conditions. The Company’s failure to maintain investment grade ratings metrics or obtain incremental debt financing as contemplated could adversely impact the Company and its ability to implement the stock repurchase program as currently contemplated. The information in this Item 8.01 does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
 
Item 9.01.	Financial Statements and Exhibits.	
 
(b)	Pro forma financial information.	
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information of the Company, which reflects the disposition described in Item 2.01, is filed as Exhibit 99.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is provided for informational purposes. The Company does not believe such pro forma financial information is required or that it has disposed of a business.
 
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(d)	Exhibits	

Exhibit
Number	  	Description	
 	 	
10.1	  	Program Management Agreement, by and between Emerald Financial Services, LLC and BofI Federal Bank	
 	 	
10.2	  	Emerald Advance Receivables Participation Agreement, by and among Emerald Financial Services, LLC, BofI Federal Bank, HRB Participant I, LLC and H&R Block, Inc.	
 	 	
10.3	  	Guaranty Agreement, by and between H&R Block, Inc. and BofI Federal Bank	
 	 	
99.1	  	Press Release Issued September 1, 2015	
 	 	
99.2	  	Press Release Issued September 1, 2015	
 	 	
99.3	  	Pro Forma Financial Information	
 
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 	 	 	 	H&R BLOCK, INC.	
 	 	 	 	
Date: September 1, 2015	 	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Scott W. Andreasen	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Scott W. Andreasen	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Vice President and Secretary	
 
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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number	  	Description	
 	 	
10.1	  	Program Management Agreement, by and between Emerald Financial Services, LLC and BofI Federal Bank	
 	 	
10.2	  	Emerald Advance Receivables Participation Agreement, by and among Emerald Financial Services, LLC, BofI Federal Bank, HRB Participant I, LLC and H&R Block, Inc.	
 	 	
10.3	  	Guaranty Agreement, by and between H&R Block, Inc. and BofI Federal Bank	
 	 	
99.1	  	Press Release Issued September 1, 2015	
 	 	
99.2	  	Press Release Issued September 1, 2015	
 	 	
99.3	  	Pro Forma Financial Information	
 
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Exhibit 10.1
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
By and Between
EMERALD FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC,
and
BofI FEDERAL BANK

Dated as of
August 31, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 	 	 	  	Page	 	
 	 	
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS; ORDER OF PRECEDENCE; RULES OF INTERPRETATION	  	 	2	  	
 	 	 	
1.1	 	Definitions	  	 	2	  	
1.2	 	Order of Precedence	  	 	14	  	
1.3	 	Rules of Interpretation	  	 	14	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 2 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION	  	 	15	  	
 	 	 	
2.1	 	Establishment of the Program	  	 	15	  	
2.2	 	Financial Products	  	 	16	  	
2.3	 	Bank Obligations	  	 	16	  	
2.4	 	EFS Obligations	  	 	17	  	
2.5	 	Program Economics	  	 	19	  	
2.6	 	Distributors	  	 	19	  	
2.7	 	Franchisees	  	 	19	  	
2.8	 	Website Supporting the Program	  	 	20	  	
2.9	 	Promotion of Program; Program Marketing Plan	  	 	20	  	
2.10	 	Back-Up Account Originator	  	 	21	  	
2.11	 	Program Eligibility Policy	  	 	21	  	
2.12	 	Servicing Responsibilities	  	 	21	  	
2.13	 	Service Level Agreements	  	 	22	  	
2.14	 	Expenses	  	 	22	  	
2.15	 	Settlement Statements	  	 	22	  	
2.16	 	Nevada Office	  	 	22	  	
2.17	 	Program Infrastructure	  	 	22	  	
2.18	 	Annual Program Fee	  	 	23	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 3 PROGRAM SUPPORT	  	 	24	  	
 	 	 	
3.1	 	Communications; Dispute Resolution	  	 	24	  	
3.2	 	Dispute Resolution	  	 	25	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 4 DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY; REGULATORY COORDINATION; COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS; BANK OVERSIGHT; BANK COMPLIANCE PROGRAM	  	 	26	  	
 	 	 	
4.1	 	Decision-Making Authority	  	 	26	  	
4.2	 	Regulatory Coordination	  	 	27	  	
4.3	 	Compliance Obligations	  	 	27	  	
4.4	 	Bank Oversight	  	 	28	  	
4.5	 	Bank Compliance Program	  	 	28	  	
 
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ARTICLE 5 EXCLUSIVITY; NEW PRODUCTS; CHANGES TO EXISTING PRODUCTS AND PROGRAM	  	 	29	  	
 	 	 	
5.1	 	Bank’s Right to Offer Financial Products to Others	  	 	29	  	
5.2	 	EFS to Offer Only Financial Products of Bank	  	 	29	  	
5.3	 	EFS Right to Suspend Offering of Financial Product	  	 	30	  	
5.4	 	Enhancements to Financial Products	  	 	30	  	
5.5	 	Changes to Program During Tax Season	  	 	30	  	
5.6	 	New Products	  	 	31	  	
5.7	 	Staffing Plan	  	 	31	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 6 ACCOUNT DOCUMENTATION; MARKETING; CROSS MARKETING	  	 	31	  	
 	 	 	
6.1	 	Account Documentation, Marketing Materials and Servicing Materials	  	 	31	  	
6.2	 	Cross Marketing	  	 	32	  	
6.3	 	Customers of Bank	  	 	33	  	
6.4	 	Cross Marketing of IRAs	  	 	33	  	
6.5	 	Cross Marketing of Mortgage Products	  	 	35	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 7 OUTSOURCING RESTRICTIONS; SERVICE PROVIDERS	  	 	36	  	
 	 	 	
7.1	 	Outsourcing Restrictions	  	 	36	  	
7.2	 	Service Providers	  	 	37	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 8 AUDIT RIGHTS; REPORTING	  	 	38	  	
 	 	 	
8.1	 	Bank Audit Rights and Obligations	  	 	38	  	
8.2	 	EFS Audit Rights and Obligations	  	 	39	  	
8.3	 	Audits by Regulatory Authorities	  	 	41	  	
8.4	 	Reporting	  	 	41	  	
8.5	 	SEC Reporting and Public Announcements	  	 	42	  	
8.6	 	OCC 2013-29	  	 	43	  	
8.7	 	OCC Oversight	  	 	43	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 9 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; LICENSE TO USE MARKS; OWNERSHIP RIGHTS	  	 	43	  	
 	 	 	
9.1	 	Licensing Agreements	  	 	43	  	
9.2	 	Ownership and Licenses of Intellectual Property	  	 	43	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 10 REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS	  	 	44	  	
 	 	 	
10.1	 	EFS’s Representations, Warranties and Covenants	  	 	44	  	
10.2	 	Bank’s Representations, Warranties and Covenants	  	 	46	  	
10.3	 	Mutual Covenants	  	 	48	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 11 CONFIDENTIALITY	  	 	48	  	
 	 	 	
11.1	 	Confidential Information	  	 	48	  	
11.2	 	Limits on Use and Disclosure	  	 	49	  	
11.3	 	Regulatory Requests	  	 	50	  	
11.4	 	Disposition of Confidential Information	  	 	50	  	
11.5	 	Unauthorized Use or Disclosure	  	 	50	  	
 
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ARTICLE 12 PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY	  	 	51	  	
 	 	 	
12.1	 	Privacy	  	 	51	  	
12.2	 	Data Security	  	 	52	  	
12.3	 	Collection, Ownership and Use of Program Customer Data	  	 	53	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 13 EVENTS OF DEFAULT	  	 	54	  	
 	 	 	
13.1	 	EFS Event of Default	  	 	54	  	
13.2	 	Bank Event of Default	  	 	54	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 14 TERM AND TERMINATION	  	 	55	  	
 	 	 	
14.1	 	Term	  	 	55	  	
14.2	 	Mutual Termination Rights	  	 	56	  	
14.3	 	Additional Termination Rights of EFS	  	 	56	  	
14.4	 	Cross Termination of Product Schedules	  	 	57	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 15 RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION	  	 	57	  	
 	 	 	
15.1	 	EFS Purchase Options	  	 	57	  	
15.2	 	Evaluation Data	  	 	58	  	
15.3	 	Determination of Purchase Price	  	 	58	  	
15.4	 	Purchase Mechanics	  	 	59	  	
15.5	 	Duties After Termination or Expiration	  	 	59	  	
15.6	 	Wind-Down by Bank	  	 	60	  	
15.7	 	Communication with Accountholders	  	 	61	  	
15.8	 	Applicability	  	 	61	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 16 INDEMNIFICATION; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY	  	 	61	  	
 	 	 	
16.1	 	Indemnification of Bank by EFS	  	 	61	  	
16.2	 	Indemnification of EFS by Bank	  	 	62	  	
16.3	 	Notice	  	 	63	  	
16.4	 	Right to Defend Claims; Coordination of Defense	  	 	63	  	
16.5	 	Settlement of Claims	  	 	64	  	
16.6	 	Subrogation	  	 	64	  	
16.7	 	Indemnification Payments	  	 	65	  	
16.8	 	Apportionment of Costs	  	 	65	  	
16.9	 	Limitation of Liability	  	 	65	  	
 	 	
ARTICLE 17 MISCELLANEOUS	  	 	65	  	
 	 	 	
17.1	 	Assignment	  	 	65	  	
17.2	 	Entire Agreement; Amendments	  	 	65	  	
17.3	 	No Third-Party Beneficiaries	  	 	66	  	
17.4	 	Non-Waiver of Default	  	 	66	  	
 
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17.5	 	Severability	  	 	66	  	
17.6	 	Further Assurances	  	 	66	  	
17.7	 	Notices	  	 	67	  	
17.8	 	Force Majeure	  	 	68	  	
17.9	 	Interpretation	  	 	68	  	
17.10	 	Exhibits and Schedules	  	 	68	  	
17.11	 	No Agency	  	 	68	  	
17.12	 	Relationship of Parties	  	 	69	  	
17.13	 	Governing Law	  	 	69	  	
17.14	 	Consent to Jurisdiction	  	 	69	  	
17.15	 	Waiver of Trial by Jury	  	 	69	  	
17.16	 	Cumulative Remedies; Waivers	  	 	69	  	
17.17	 	Binding Agreement	  	 	70	  	
17.18	 	Survival	  	 	70	  	
17.19	 	Multiple Counterparts and Facsimile Signatures	  	 	70	  	
 	 	
Signature Page	  	 	S-1	  	

List of Schedules
 	
Schedule 2.1(a):	  	Financial Products By Territory	
Schedule 2.4(f):	  	EFS Audit Plan	
Schedule 3.1(a)(i):	  	Initial Designated Executives	
Schedule 3.1(b)(i):	  	Initial Senior Program Managers	
Schedule 7.1:	  	List of Internationally Outsourced Service Providers	
Schedule 7.2(a):	  	Material Third Party Service Providers	
Schedule 15.3:	  	Calculation of Fair Value of Emerald Advance Participation Interests	
Schedule 15.6	  	Specified Parties	

List of Product Schedules
 	
Schedule A:	  	Prepaid Products Product Schedule	
Schedule B:	  	Refund Transfer Product Schedule	
Schedule C:	  	Emerald Advance Product Schedule	
Schedule D:	  	Credit Card Product Schedule	
Schedule E:	  	Deposit Products Schedule	
Schedule F:	  	Service Level Agreements	
 
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PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 31, 2015 is made by and between  EMERALD FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC , a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware (“ EFS ”), and  BofI FEDERAL BANK , a federal savings bank (“ Bank ”). EFS and Bank are at times hereinafter referred to as the “ Parties ” and each individually as a “ Party .”
RECITALS:
A. Bank has purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities related to accounts (“Purchased Accounts ”) held by H&R Block Bank (“ HRB Bank ”) under an Amended and Restated Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated August 5, 2015 (“ Purchase Agreement ”).
B. HRB Tax Group, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“HRB Tax Group”), and certain of its subsidiaries are in the business of providing (or making available through Franchisees) tax preparation and related products and services to consumer customers (including customers of Franchisees) (“ Company Customers ”) throughout the Program Territory.
C. HRB Tax Group and EFS are indirect subsidiaries of H&R Block, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“Block, Inc. ”; and together with all its subsidiaries, the “ Company ”).
D. In conjunction with other products and services offered by the HRB Tax Group and its subsidiaries, HRB Bank developed and offered a prepaid card program and companion financial products and services to Company Customers (collectively, the “ HRB Bank Financial Products ”).
E. Concurrent with closing under the Purchase Agreement (the “Closing”), HRB Bank will no longer offer the HRB Bank Financial Products.
F. Bank has developed, and shall continue to develop, various prepaid card programs, under which it issues reloadable and non–reloadable prepaid cards, as well as a series of card–related products and services in conjunction therewith, including products and services similar to the HRB Bank Financial Products.
G. It is the intention of the Parties that upon Closing, the BINs, ICA numbers and customer relationships related to the HRB Bank Financial Products be transferred by HRB Bank to Bank, and that Bank thereafter offer to Company Customers Financial Products upon terms and conditions that are the same or substantially similar to those applicable to the HRB Financial Products, as well as such future Bank sponsored and EFS marketed products and services as the Parties may from time to time mutually agree (collectively, the “ Program ”).
H. Bank now desires to engage EFS, and EFS desires to be engaged, to serve as program manager and provide program management and processing services in connection with the Program subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT
ACCORDINGLY, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the Parties herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS; ORDER OF PRECEDENCE; RULES OF INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below; provided, however, that with respect to any capitalized term specifically defined in any Product Schedule, such term shall have the meaning set forth in such Product Schedule:
“Account” means (a) each loan account, deposit account and prepaid account originated by Bank for a Company Customer associated with any Financial Products offered in connection with the Program, and (b) each Purchased Account.
“Account Documentation” means, with respect to an Account, the applications, Accountholder agreements, disclosures, privacy notices, change of terms notices, including any and all amendments or modifications thereto, however and wherever stored or kept, and any other written information relating to such Account’s terms and conditions.
“Accountholder” means any Person who holds or has held an Account.
“Accountholder Data” means all Personally Identifiable Information regarding an Accountholder received by or on behalf of Bank or by EFS in connection with a Financial Product, or obtained by or on behalf of Bank or EFS in connection with an Account but shall not include Company Customer Data.
“Accounts Receivable” means any and all amounts owing from time to time by an Accountholder on an Account, whether billed or unbilled, including any unpaid balances for purchases, accrued finance charges, late fees and any other charges and fees assessed on an Account.
“Acquiring IP Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a) (Ownership of Intellectual Property).
“Affected Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.2(b) (Data Security).
“Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, (a) owns or controls another Person, (b) is owned or controlled by another Person, or (c) is under common control or ownership with another Person, and “ownership” means the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of more than 30% of the equity securities of a Person, or, in the case of a Person that is not a corporation, more than 30% of the voting and/or equity interest of such Person.
 
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“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Applicable Law” means any and all laws, treaties, rules, regulations, regulatory guidance and determinations of a Regulatory Authority, mandatory written direction from a Regulatory Authority, and orders opinions and interpretations of any Regulatory Authority, including under the Bank Secrecy Act, UDAAP, laws relating to anti-money laundering (including customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence necessary to meet “know your customer” requirements), identity theft, fraud schemes, and predatory, unfair or deceptive acts, any and all sanctions or regulations enforced by OFAC, and statutes or regulations of any state relating to gift cards, money transmission or unclaimed property, that are applicable to the Program, or otherwise applicable to any of the Parties, or any Distributor or Franchisee.
“Applicant” means any Person who has submitted an application to Bank for a Financial Product.
“Applicant Data” means all Personally Identifiable Information regarding an Applicant received by or on behalf of Bank (including by EFS as servicer) in connection with such Applicant’s application for a Financial Product, but shall not include Company Customer Data or Bank Customer Data.
“Assumed Accounts Purchase Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 (EFS Purchase Options).
“Assumed Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 (EFS Purchase Options).
“Back-Up Account Originator” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10 (Back-Up Account Originator).
“Back-Up Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10 (Back-Up Account Originator).
“Bank” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Bank Corrective Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(b) (Bank Audit Rights and Obligations).
“Bank Customer” means any individual who has or had a banking relationship with Bank that was not originated through the Program or acquired under the Purchase Agreement.
“Bank Customer Data” means data relating to Bank Customers, other than Program Customer Data.
“Bank Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.2 (Bank Event of Default).
“Bank Indemnified Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1 (Indemnification of Bank by EFS).
 
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“Bank Licensed Marks” means the trademarks, trade names, service marks, logos and other proprietary designations of Bank licensed to certain subsidiaries of Block, Inc. by Bank under the Block Licensing Agreement.
“Bank Licensing Agreement” means the Trademark Licensing Agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit L to the Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which HRB Innovations is granting a license to Bank.
“Bank Matters” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) (Bank Matters).
“Bank Rules” means the policies, procedures, operating rules and regulations of Bank, as amended from time to time by Bank in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, and incorporated into the Operating Procedures or Product Schedules.
“Bank Senior Program Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(i) (Program Managers).
“Bank Service Provider” means a third-party service provider (including an Affiliate of Bank or a Material Bank Service Provider) used by Bank in connection with the performance of Bank’s obligations under this Agreement, other than EFS or an EFS Service Provider.
“BIN” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.5(b) (ABA Routing Number; BIN; ICA).
“Block, Inc.” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Block Licensing Agreement” means the Trademark Licensing Agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit M to the Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Bank is granting a license to certain subsidiaries of Block, Inc.
“Business Day” means any day, except a Saturday, Sunday or a federal legal holiday.
“Claim” means any claim, demand, suit, legal action, regulatory action, administrative action, arbitration or proceeding, including those brought in connection with allegations of misrepresentations, breach of warranty, breach of contract, violation of Applicable Law, unfair or deceptive acts or practices, or otherwise seeking to recover Indemnified Losses.
“Closing” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Code” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(a) (Cross Marketing).
“Company” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Company Applicable Law” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(b) (Compliance Obligations).
“Company Customer” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
 
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“Company Customer Data” means all Personally Identifiable Information regarding a Company Customer or tax return information (as defined in IRC § 7216) obtained in connection with the provision of Company products and services to such Company Customer.
“Company Distribution Agreement” means the Company Financial Products Distribution Agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit J to the Purchase Agreement.
“Company Licensed Marks” means the trademarks, trade names, service marks, logos and other proprietary designations of Company licensed to Bank under the Bank Licensing Agreement.
“Company Location” means a location that is using Company Licensed Marks in the Program Territory doing business with the public, including an electronic location (such as a Company Website), other direct access media within the Program Territory that is owned or operated by Company or any Franchisee Locations.
“Company Website” means that portion of the worldwide web internet sites operated by Company in support of the Program.
“Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(a) (Confidential Information).
“Conversion Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.5(a) (Continuation of Rights and Obligations under Agreement).
“Credit Card Product” means the H&R Block MasterCard Credit Card as described in Schedule D (Credit Card Product Schedule).
“Data Security Requirements” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.2(a) (Data Security).
“Deposit Products” means the individual retirement accounts as described in Schedule E (Deposit Product Schedule).
“Designated Executive” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)(i) (Designated Executives).
“Disclosing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2(b) (Limits on Use and Disclosure).
“Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a) (Dispute Resolution).
“Disputed Program Change Notification” means written notice (that has been delivered in compliance with Section 17.7  (Notices)) describing with particularity the Party’s basis for disputing a Program Change covered by such notice.
“Distributors” means HRB Tax Group, HRB Enterprises, HRB Eastern Enterprises and HRB Digital.
 
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“Durbin Regulatory Event” shall have occurred if, for any reason, the applicable Financial Products, as currently structured, do not qualify to receive the highest interchange fees permitted for federally insured depository institutions.
“Effective Date” means the Closing Date (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
“EFS” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“EFS Audit Parties” means EFS and any of its Affiliates that are specifically covered by the EFS Audit Plan.
“EFS Audit Plan” means an audit plan with respect to the Financial Products maintained by EFS and approved by Bank in the form set forth as  Schedule 2.4(f)  (EFS Audit Plan), except as otherwise from time to time agreed between the Parties in writing or required by Applicable Law, as determined by Bank in its reasonable discretion.
“EFS Corrective Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b) (Bank Audit Rights and Obligations).
“EFS Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1 (EFS Event of Default).
“EFS Indemnified Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.2 (Indemnification of EFS by Bank).
“EFS Matters” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b) (EFS Matters).
“EFS Purchase Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 (EFS Purchase Options).
“EFS Senior Program Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(i) (Program Managers).
“EFS Service Provider” means a third-party service provider (including an Affiliate of EFS but excluding Franchisees) used by EFS in connection with the performance of EFS’s obligations under this Agreement, including a Material EFS Service Provider. For the avoidance of doubt, a third-party service provider that enters into a tri-party agreement among itself, EFS and Bank is an EFS Service Provider.
“Emerald Advance” means an open-end line of credit offered by Bank under the Program whereby Company Customers may obtain credit as further described in  Schedule C  (Emerald Advance Product Schedule).
“Emerald Card” means a reloadable, general purpose debit card associated with a demand deposit account offered by Bank to Company Customers under the Program as further described in  Schedule A  (Prepaid Products Product Schedule).
“Event of Default” means any EFS Event of Default or Bank Event of Default.
 
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“Executive Officer” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(b) (Dispute Resolution).
“Exercise Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 (EFS Purchase Options).
“Final Wind-Down Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.6 (Wind-Down by Bank).
“Financial Products” means the Prepaid Products, Refund Transfer, Emerald Advance, Credit Card Product, and any New Product, in each case offered by Bank and distributed by EFS pursuant to this Agreement.
“FIS” means Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., and its Affiliates.
“Force Majeure Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 17.8(a) (Force Majeure).
“Franchisee” means a Person party to a Franchisee Distribution Agreement with Bank and EFS. No H&R Block franchisee that has not signed a Franchisee Distribution Agreement with Bank may participate in the Program or be considered a Franchisee under this Agreement.
“Franchisee Distribution Agreement” means the Franchisee Financial Products Distribution Agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit K to the Purchase Agreement.
“Franchisee Location” means any physical retail office open to the public for the preparation of Returns operated by any Franchisee.
“GLBA” means, collectively, Title V – Privacy of the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, P.L. 106–102 and implementing regulations promulgated thereunder, and the standards for safeguarding customer information set forth in 12 CFR Part 364 and 16 CFR Part 314, all as they may be amended, supplemented and/or interpreted in writing from time to time by any federal Regulatory Authority.
“HRB Bank” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“HRB Bank Financial Products” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“HRB Digital” means HRB Digital LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“HRB Eastern Enterprises” means H&R Block Eastern Enterprises, Inc., a Missouri corporation.
“HRB Enterprises” means H&R Block Enterprises LLC, a Missouri limited liability company.
“HRB Innovations” means HRB Innovations, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“HRB Tax Group” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
 
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“ICA” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.5(b) (ABA Routing Number; BIN; ICA).
“Indemnification Threshold Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.7(a) (Indemnification Payments).
“Indemnified Losses” means any and all losses, liabilities, costs and expenses of any kind, nature or description imposed or incurred in connection with this Agreement (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, reasonable out-of-pocket costs, interest and penalties), settlements, equitable relief, judgments, damages (including liquidated damages), claims (including counter and cross-claims, and allegations whether or not proven) demands, offsets, defenses, actions, investigations or proceedings by whomsoever asserted (including Regulatory Authorities).
“Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.3 (Notice).
“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.3 (Notice).
“Intellectual Property” means, on a worldwide basis, any and all: (i) rights associated with works of authorship, including copyrights, moral rights and mask-works; (ii) trademarks and service marks and the goodwill associated therewith; (iii) trade secret rights; (iv) patents, designs, algorithms and other industrial property rights; (v) other intellectual and industrial property rights of every kind and nature, however designated, whether arising by operation of law, contract, license or otherwise; and (vi) applications, registrations, renewals, extensions, continuations, divisions or reissues thereof now or hereafter in force (including any rights in any of the foregoing).
“IP Owner” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a) (Ownership of Intellectual Property).
“IRA Accounts” means traditional, rollover, and Roth individual retirement accounts from time to time offered by Bank.
“Knowledge” means, with respect to EFS the actual and imputed knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of the Chief Financial Officer of Block, Inc., President or most senior executive officer of EFS, CFO or most senior financial officer of EFS and COO or most senior operations officer of EFS, and with respect to Bank, the actual and imputed knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer and the chief operating officer of Bank.
“Marketing Deadline” means (a) with respect to Emerald Advance, September 15th of each Program Year, and (b) for all other Financial Products, October 15th of each Program Year.
“Marketing Materials” means all advertisements, brochures, applications, telemarketing scripts, point of purchase displays, packaging, television advertisements, radio advertisements, electronic web pages, electronic web links, and any other type of advertisement, solicitation material, or interactive media developed, launched or distributed for purposes of marketing or promoting the Program, including any and all amendments or modifications thereto, however stored or kept.
 
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“Marketing Templates” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) (Promotion of Program; Program Marketing Plan).
“Material Bank Service Provider” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a) (Service Providers).
“Material EFS Service Provider” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a) (Service Providers).
“Mortgage Products” means residential real estate secured loan products as from time to time offered by Bank.
“New Product” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(a) (New Products).
“New Product Offering Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(a) (New Products).
“No Interest Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 (EFS Purchase Options).
“Nominated Purchaser” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 (EFS Purchase Options).
“Non-Surviving Obligations” means the obligations of a Party set forth in this Agreement that do not continue following a Termination Date, which include the obligations under Sections 5.2 (EFS to Offer only Financial Products of Bank) and  6.2(a)  (Cross Marketing).
“Notified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.5 (SEC Reporting and Public Announcements).
“Notifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.5 (SEC Reporting and Public Announcements).
“OCC” means the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
“Operating Procedures” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a) (Servicing Responsibilities).
“Party” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Payment Network” means MasterCard, Visa and any other network, including reload networks, as selected by EFS and approved by Bank (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), facilitating financial transactions through the use of a credit, debit or prepaid product.
 
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“Payment Network Rules” means (i) the applicable bylaws, rules, bulletins, regulations, documentation and manuals promulgated or adopted by each of the Payment Networks, and (ii) any applicable rule or requirement of NACHA - The Electronic Payments Organization, in each case as such rules, manuals and other items may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
“Performance Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to a Party, any event, change, occurrence or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has or could be reasonably anticipated to have a material and adverse effect on such Party’s ability to perform its duties and obligations under the terms of this Agreement (including the Product Schedules).
“Person” means and includes any individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation, limited liability company, bank, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof.
“Personally Identifiable Information” means any information that alone, or in combination with other information, relates to a specific, identifiable individual or can be used to identify an individual, including any information defined as “nonpublic personal information” for purposes of GLBA.
“Pilot Program” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(b) (Back-Up Account Originator)
“Prepaid Products” means the Emerald Card, employee incentive cards and gift cards co-branded with Company’s name as offered by Bank under the Program, in each case as further described in  Schedule A  (Prepaid Products Product Schedule).
“Privacy Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1(b) (Privacy Notice).
“Processing Services” means any and all services necessary or convenient for operation of the Program, including the issuance of cards or the processing of transactions or settlements in accordance with applicable Payment Network Rules and Applicable Law. Such services shall include: set-up and maintenance of cardholder accounts, transaction authorization, processing, clearing and settlement, Payment Network access, cardholder dispute resolution, Payment Network compliance, regulatory compliance, security and fraud control, customer service, collections and activity reporting.
“Processor” means a third-party provider of some or all of the Processing Services, including any EFS Service Provider and any Bank Service Provider.
“Product Schedules” means the product schedules set forth in Schedule A (Prepaid Products), Schedule B (Refund Transfer),  Schedule C  (Emerald Advance),  Schedule D  (Credit Card Product), and Schedule E (Deposit Product).
“Program” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Program Change” means any change to the terms, pricing, conditions, underwriting or other characteristics of, or the Account Documentation, Marketing Materials, Servicing
 
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Materials or any other Program documentation or requirements for, any Financial Product, or any other aspect of the Program or the obligations of EFS or Bank under the Program, made after the date of this Agreement.
“Program Customer” means any Accountholder or any Applicant.
“Program Customer Data” means Accountholder Data and Applicant Data.
“Program Data Site” means a secure content management website containing the Operating Procedures and other documents agreed by the Parties for the Program as set forth in this Agreement.
“Program Eligibility Policy” means the policies, procedures, strategies, guidelines and implementation procedures for the establishment and maintenance of Financial Products and the extension of credit thereunder, if applicable, including all Account eligibility decisioning activities (including application decisioning criteria/procedures, score cutoff strategies, judgmental decisioning policies/procedures and screenings relating to anti-money laundering, Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC and customer identification programs) and Account management activities (including authorizations, line management, delinquency management, fraud monitoring and plastic reissue strategies).
“Program Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.18(a) (Annual Program Fee).
“Program Guidelines” means the policies, procedures and guidelines for the operation of the Program and the distribution of the Financial Products by the Distributors and the Franchisees.
“Program Marketing Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(e) (Promotion of Program; Program Marketing Plan).
“Program Material Adverse Effect” means any event, change, occurrence or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has or could be reasonably anticipated to have a material and adverse effect upon the financial or other performance of the Program as set forth on its pro forma financial statements as developed by the Parties.
“Program Territory” means the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and certain U.S. military bases outside the United States as identified in  Schedule 2.1(a)  (Financial Products by Territory).
“Program Year” means the twelve-month period commencing on July 1st of each calendar year (or as applicable, a shorter period for the first Program Year) and ending on June 30th of the following calendar year.
“Prospect Data” means all Personally Identifiable Information regarding a Prospective Customer used by the Parties in connection with determining whom to solicit for the Program.
 
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“Prospective Customer” means Company Customers and any other Persons selected by the Parties to receive Program offers.
“Purchase Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Purchase Option Exercise Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 (EFS Purchase Options).
“Purchase Option Expiration Date” means, with respect to any one or more Product Schedules or the entire Agreement, as applicable, the earliest date upon which one of the following occurs: (a) EFS issues a No Interest Notice, (b) the Purchase Option Exercise Period has expired without EFS issuing an Exercise Notice, (c) the time period for EFS or its designee to enter into a purchase agreement(s) for the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities has expired and EFS or its designee has not entered into such agreement(s) as set forth in  Section 15.4  (Purchase Mechanics), (d) the time period for EFS or its designee to consummate the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities under the purchase agreement(s) has expired and EFS or its designee has not consummated such purchase as set forth in  Section 15.4  (Purchase Mechanics), (e) the purchase and assumption agreement for the Purchased Assets and the Assumed Liabilities has been terminated by a Party as permitted pursuant to the terms thereof, or (f) EFS (or its permitted designee) otherwise ceases to have the option to purchase the Purchased Assets and assume the Assumed Liabilities.
“Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.3(a) (Determination of Purchase Price).
“Purchased Accounts” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Purchased Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 (EFS Purchase Options).
“Reasonable and Related Outside Counsel Transaction Expenses” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.5(c) (Conversion Costs).
“Receivables Participation Agreement” means the Emerald Advance Receivables Participation Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit I attached to the Purchase Agreement, governing the ongoing purchases of Emerald Advance Accounts Receivables and other unsecured Accounts Receivables by HRB Participant I, LLC from Bank, which purchases and sales of receivables are intended to be true sales for all purposes.
“Receiving Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2(b) (Limits on Use and Disclosure).
“Refund Transfer” means a banking service offered by Bank under the Program in which Program Customers receive income tax refunds under the Program in a limited-use deposit account via direct deposit from the U.S. Treasury, from which amounts authorized by Program Customers are deducted and as further described in  Schedule B  (Refund Transfer Product Schedule).
 
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“Regulatory Authority” means, as the context requires, any federal, state or local, domestic, foreign or supranational governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority, agency, court, tribunal, commission or other governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory entity with jurisdiction over a Party, any Distributor or any Franchisee.
“Regulatory Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2(b) (Limits on Use and Disclosure).
“Relevant Audit Portions” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(d) (EFS Audit Rights and Obligations).
“Returns” means the federal, state and local income tax returns prepared by Company or any of the Franchisees or by a Person using the Company Website.
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Security Breach” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.2(b) (Data Security).
“Senior Program Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(i) (Program Managers).
“Servicing Materials” means any correspondence, documents and reports relating to the customer servicing and collections for the Accounts, including any and all amendments or modifications thereto, however stored or kept.
“Settlement Account” means an account used for settlement of all transactions with respect to the Program.
“Settlement Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15 (Settlement Statements).
“Solvent” as to a Person, means (a) the present fair salable value of such Person’s assets is in excess of the total amount of its liabilities, (b) such Person is presently able generally to pay its debts as they become due, and (c) such Person does not have unreasonably small capital to carry on such Person’s business as theretofore operated and all business in which such Person is about to engage. The phrase “present fair salable value” of a Person’s assets is intended to mean that value which can be obtained if the assets are sold within a reasonable time in arms’-length transactions in an existing and not theoretical market.
“Specified Party” means those Persons listed in Schedule 15.6 (Block Specified Parties).
“Suspended Product” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3 (EFS Right to Suspend Offering of Financial Product).
“Tax Season” means the period from November 1st of a given year through April 30th of the following year.
“Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1 (Term).
 
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“Termination Date” means, as applicable, the date on which this Agreement or a Product Schedule terminates or expires in accordance with  Article 14  (Term and Termination).
“Third Party Guidance” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6 (OCC 2013-29).
“Transaction” means a card usage that is processed through a Payment Network and its members, or through a Processor, including a load or reload, a deposit, a purchase, a cash withdrawal, or a refund.
“UDAAP” means Sections 1031 and 1036 of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, 12 USC § 5536, and implementing regulations issued pursuant thereto, and Federal Reserve Regulation AA, which prohibit unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices.
“United States” means each of the fifty (50) states or commonwealths comprising the United States of America and the District of Columbia.
1.2 Order of Precedence. This Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits contain the base terms that govern the relationship between EFS and Bank. In the event any provision of any Schedules (including any Product Schedule) or Exhibits conflicts with a provision of this Agreement, the provision of this Agreement shall control, unless such provision of the Schedule (including any Product Schedule) or Exhibit expressly states that it supersedes a specifically-identified section of this Agreement. To the extent that there are any inconsistencies or conflicts arising between the provisions of this Agreement and any other agreements entered into between Bank and EFS, the provisions of this Agreement shall control unless otherwise expressly provided in such other agreements.
1.3 Rules of Interpretation. Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or the context otherwise requires, the following rules apply hereto:
(a) the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular;
(b) all references to the masculine gender include the feminine gender (and vice versa);
(c) “include,” “includes” and “including” are not limiting and are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;
(d) references to a particular agreement, instrument or document also refer to and include all renewals, extensions, modifications, amendments and restatements of such agreement, instrument or document;
(e) a reference in this Agreement to an Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit is to the Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit of or to this Agreement;
(f) a reference to an Article or Section in this Agreement refers to all sub-parts or sub-components of any such article or section, unless otherwise indicated;
 
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(g) words such as “hereunder,” “hereto,” “hereof,” and “herein,” and other words of like import refer to the whole of this Agreement and not to any particular section, subsection or clause hereof;
(h) a lower-case reference in this Agreement to a “party” or “parties” includes any Person;
(i) the headings and subheadings of the sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the agreements, terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement in any manner;
(j) a reference to “unreasonably withheld” means “unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned;”
(k) any approval, consent or notice required hereunder means “written approval,” “written consent” or “written notice,” as applicable; and
(l) any reference made in this Agreement to Applicable Law means such Applicable Law as may be amended from time to time, and to any successor Applicable Law relating to the same subject.
(m) Any provision in this Agreement that allows a Party to unilaterally exercise (i) reasonable discretion, (ii) a right of final approval, or (iii) similar decision-making authority, shall automatically include a requirement that, upon exercise of such unilateral right, and a written request by the other Party (signed by a person, and delivered to a person, in each case included in the definition of Knowledge), the Party exercising such unilateral right shall provide a written explanation of the basis for such Party’s exercise of such right.
ARTICLE 2
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
2.1 Establishment of the Program.
(a) Commencement of Program; Program Scope. Bank and EFS shall establish the Program within the Program Territory. Specifically, Bank and EFS shall offer Financial Products within the United States under the Program pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Product Schedules. Additionally, Bank and EFS shall offer such Financial Products to qualified consumers in the United States Territories of Puerto Rico, Guam and on certain U.S. military bases as further described in  Schedule 2.1(a)  (Financial Products by Territory) pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Product Schedules.
(b) Account Ownership. Bank shall be the sole owner of the Accounts under the Program. The Parties acknowledge (i) EFS’s participation interests as set forth in the Receivables Participation Agreement, and (ii) the EFS Purchase Option.
 
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2.2 Financial Products.
(a) Prepaid Products. A description of the Prepaid Products is set forth in Schedule A (Prepaid Products Product Schedule).
(b) Refund Transfer. A description of the Refund Transfer product is set forth in Schedule B (Refund Transfer Product Schedule).
(c) Emerald Advance. A description of Emerald Advance product is set forth in Schedule C (Emerald Advance Product Schedule).
(d) Credit Card Product. A description of the Credit Card Product is set forth in Schedule D (Credit Card Product Schedule).
(e) Deposit Product. A description of the Deposit Products is set forth in Schedule E (Deposit Products Schedule).
(f) New Products. Descriptions of New Products shall be set forth in new product schedules, as may be agreed by the Parties from time to time pursuant to  Section 5.6  (New Products).
2.3 Bank Obligations. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Bank shall perform the following tasks, and such other tasks as Bank and EFS shall mutually agree:
(a) exercise final decision-making authority with respect to whether Account Documentation, Marketing Materials and Servicing Materials comply with Applicable Law, as further described in  Section 6.1(c)  (Account Documentation, Marketing Materials and Servicing Materials);
(b) be willing and able to offer the Financial Products to the markets described in the Product Schedules in volumes no less than the greater of (i) the historical volumes set forth in the Product Schedules or (ii) the projected volumes for the current Tax Season as reasonably determined by the Parties; subject, however, in each case to compliance with Bank’s underwriting policies and standards for each Financial Product, and Bank’s overall risk management policies;
(c) subject at all times to its compliance obligations under Applicable Law, fulfill all of Bank’s obligations hereunder in accordance with the Operating Procedures and the applicable Product Schedules;
(d) maintain all appropriate books and records reflecting Accountholder Data with respect to the Program in accordance with the Operating Procedures;
(e) establish the Program Eligibility Policy in accordance with Section 2.11 (Program Eligibility Policy), including establishing credit criteria for the Emerald Advance and Credit Card Product;
 
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(f) review and process Financial Product applications in accordance with the Program Eligibility Policy and this Agreement;
(g) open and administer Accounts in connection with the Financial Products it provides to each Applicant whom Bank has approved for issuance of a Financial Product, including extending credit where applicable on Accounts;
(h) jointly prepare and update the Operating Procedures with EFS pursuant to Section 2.12(a) (Servicing Responsibilities);
(i) supervise, monitor and review the offering of Financial Products at Company Locations as set forth in Section 4.4  (Bank Oversight);
(j) design, establish and maintain a detailed compliance program as set forth in Section 4.5 (Bank Compliance Program);
(k) in its reasonable discretion and in consultation with EFS, develop appropriate training and informational support for Company Location personnel in support of the Program;
(l) jointly review with EFS, and, if approved by Bank, sign, the annual Program Marketing Plan for the marketing and promotion of the Program;
(m) review and, if Bank deems appropriate, approve the EFS Audit Plan and any changes thereto;
(n) comply with Applicable Law, the Operating Procedures and the Payment Network Rules applicable to Bank’s conduct of its activities with respect to the Program; and
(o) in consultation with EFS, use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and enhance the technical and operational systems required to support the Program in a manner that is competitive in the marketplace for financial products and services that are substantially similar to, or substantially competitive with, the Financial Products in the manner in which they are offered to Prospective Customers, all as determined by Bank in its reasonable discretion.
2.4 EFS Obligations. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, EFS shall be exclusively responsible for the day-to-day management of the Program and shall perform the following tasks and such other tasks as Bank and EFS shall mutually agree:
(a) subject to the oversight of and final approval by Bank as set forth in Section 6.1(b) (Account Documentation, Marketing Materials and Servicing Materials), develop and implement Account Documentation, Marketing Materials and Servicing Materials, and the Operating Procedures;
(b) develop, and jointly review with Bank, and after approval by Bank in Bank’s reasonable discretion, sign, the annual Program Marketing Plan for the marketing and promotion of the Program, and then implement the approved Program Marketing Plan in accordance with  Section 6.1(a)  (Account Documentation, Marketing Materials and Servicing Materials) and the Operating Procedures;
 
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(c) subject at all times to its compliance obligations under Applicable Law, fulfill all of EFS’s obligations hereunder in accordance with the Operating Procedures and the applicable Product Schedules, including distribution of all materials developed pursuant to  Section 2.4(a)  and  Section 2.4(b) ;
(d) maintain all appropriate books and records reflecting Account data with respect to the Program as set forth in the Product Schedules and in accordance with the Operating Procedures;
(e) provide servicing for the Financial Products and Accounts as set forth in the Product Schedules;
(f) maintain and comply in all material respects with the EFS Audit Plan, which is set forth in Schedule 2.4(f);
(g) comply with Applicable Law, Bank Rules and the Operating Procedures applicable to EFS’s conduct of its activities with respect to the Program and as from time to time instructed in writing by Bank, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion;
(h) comply with UDAAP for the operation of the Program, as applicable to the Program and/or as from time to time instructed in writing by Bank, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion;
(i) subject to Bank’s approval, which approval may be granted or withheld in Bank’s reasonable discretion, which shall be exercised in a prompt fashion, and to Bank’s continuing oversight, develop and provide appropriate training and informational support for Company Location personnel in support of the Program;
(j) in consultation with Bank, use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and enhance the technical and operational systems and equipment required to facilitate the distribution and offering of customer servicing for the Financial Products through Company Locations in a manner that is competitive in the marketplace for financial products and services that are substantially similar to, or substantially competitive with, the Financial Products in the manner in which they are offered to Prospective Customers, all as determined by EFS in its reasonable discretion;
(k) collect, verify and record all required customer identification information in accordance with the Operating Procedures;
(l) subject to Bank’s approval, which approval may be granted or withheld in Bank’s reasonable discretion, and Bank’s continuing oversight, implement the Program Guidelines to be followed by the Franchisees and the Distributors participating in the Program;
 
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(m) provide Bank with reports of its customer service activities in such frequency and format as mandated by the Operating Procedures, or as Bank may otherwise from time to time designate by written notice in the exercise of its reasonable discretion; and
(n) regularly notify Bank of all consumer or third party complaints received in connection with the Program, and promptly respond to, and resolve, such complaints as instructed by Bank in the exercise of its reasonable discretion. In addition, EFS shall cooperate with Bank in assessing and evaluating the frequency, nature or underlying causes for any consumer complaints, and preventing recurrence thereof.
2.5 Program Economics. The economics and accounting for the Program will be structured on a Product Schedule-by-Product Schedule basis as set forth in each Product Schedule.
2.6 Distributors. EFS and the Distributors will make available the Financial Products offered by Bank to Company Customers as set forth in the Product Schedules. Except as may otherwise be required by Applicable Law, as from time to time determined by Bank in its reasonable discretion, Bank shall make all Financial Products available in Company Locations (including the on-line, digital and DIY channels) owned or operated by the Distributors as provided in the Company Distribution Agreement. The Company Distribution Agreement shall establish the obligations and liabilities of each of Bank, EFS and the Distributors with respect to the other parties thereto. Any responsibilities of EFS with respect to the Distributors are as set forth in the Company Distribution Agreement.
2.7 Franchisees.
(a) Subject to Section 4.4 (Bank Oversight), and except as may otherwise be required by Applicable Law, as from time to time determined by Bank in its reasonable discretion, Bank shall make all Financial Products available to each Franchisee in the Program Territory as provided in the Franchisee Distribution Agreement executed by such Franchisee.
(b) Franchisees shall not be deemed third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement.
(c) Each Franchisee Distribution Agreement shall establish the obligations and liabilities of each of Bank, EFS and the Franchisee with respect to the other parties thereto. Any responsibilities of EFS with respect to Franchisees are as set forth in the respective Franchisee Distribution Agreements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except to the extent Bank is otherwise directed by a Regulatory Authority, or Bank’s legal counsel determines that such Franchisee’s continued distribution of Financial Products or involvement with the Program is not consistent with safe and sound banking practices and thus that immediate termination of such Franchisee or the taking of enforcement action under the Franchisee Distribution Agreement is required, Bank shall provide notice to EFS prior to (i) withdrawing any Financial Products from distribution to any Franchisee, or (ii) taking any enforcement actions against a Franchisee under the Franchisee Distribution Agreement.
 
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2.8 Website Supporting the Program. EFS shall be responsible for the establishment of Company Websites in support of and to service the Program, subject to Bank’s approval of content related to the Program or the Financial Products to the extent such content describes the Financial Products or is required by Applicable Law (other than Company Applicable Law), as determined by Bank in its reasonable discretion.
2.9 Promotion of Program; Program Marketing Plan.
(a) EFS shall market and support the Program, including complying with its obligations regarding promotion of the Program as set forth in the then-current Program Marketing Plan. EFS acknowledges that any use or distribution of Marketing Materials that may not be in strict compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements may pose regulatory, legal and reputational risks to Bank. In order to protect against any inadvertent noncompliance with said legal and regulatory requirements, Bank shall develop and make available to EFS by September 1 of each Program Year, pre-approved templates of the Marketing Materials (the “ Marketing Templates ”).
(b) Prior to distributing or using any Marketing Materials, EFS shall either:
(i) Ensure that the Marketing Materials conform with the then-current version of the Marketing Templates; or
(ii) Provide a copy of any Marketing Materials that may not conform with the Marketing Templates to Bank for its review and approval, which approval may be given or withheld in Bank’s sole discretion to be exercised in good faith.
(c) Promptly after receipt of any Marketing Materials proposed to be used by EFS, Bank shall give EFS written notice of (i) approval and authorization for implementation of the Marketing Materials as presented, (ii) approval and authorization for implementation of the Marketing Materials as revised by Bank, or (iii) rejection of the Marketing Materials.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall EFS, or any of its Affiliates, Franchisees, Distributors, officers, directors, employees, representatives or agents, use or distribute any Marketing Materials prior to meeting the requirements of either subpart (b)(i) or (b)(ii) of this  Section 2.9 . It is expressly understood that Bank’s review and approval of Marketing Materials shall be for Bank’s independent purposes, and shall not (i) constitute an assumption of risk on the part of Bank, (ii) give rise to any claim, action or cause of action by EFS against Bank, or (iii) release EFS from any liability with respect to such Marketing Materials.
(e) Subject to Sections 3.1(a) (Designated Executives) and 3.1(b) (Program Managers), EFS will propose, and Bank will (i) review a marketing plan for the upcoming year for the Program, including a marketing calendar for the next Tax Season, forecast of Program transactional volume, and seasonal check-ins (such annual plan, the “ Program Marketing Plan ”), and (ii) if Bank so determines in its reasonable discretion, approve the Program Marketing Plan by no later than September 15th of each Program Year.
 
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2.10 Back-Up Account Originator.
(a) Provided that it has given Bank at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice (the “Back-Up Notice ”) thereof, EFS may contract with another federally insured depository institution (the “ Back-Up Account Originator ”) at any time to make prior arrangements for the fulfillment of certain duties (i) after this Agreement or any Product Schedule is terminated or expires or (ii) in the event Bank is unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules. The Back-Up Notice shall identify the Back-Up Account Originator. EFS may provide the Back-Up Account Originator with access to the Program agreements and such other information as is reasonably necessary to assume Bank’s obligations under this Agreement and any of the Product Schedules, provided that such Back-Up Account Originator agrees to confidentiality, data security and privacy covenants in favor of Bank substantially similar to those set forth in Articles 11  and  12 .
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, during the Term, the Back-Up Account Originator and EFS may issue a limited number of Financial Products in one or more pilot programs (each a “ Pilot Program ”) to ensure that the backup system is operational, provided that such Pilot Programs shall not involve substantial promotional efforts, or more than the minimum number of customers reasonably necessary to test the backup system. Moreover, EFS shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that any Pilot Program does not serve to undermine the Program or impugn Bank or its reputation in any manner. In addition, any Pilot Program may be expanded to cover any volume of Financial Products necessary to achieve projected volumes desired by EFS and not agreed to by Bank pursuant to  Section 2.3(b)(ii)  (Bank Obligations).
2.11 Program Eligibility Policy. Bank shall, in its sole discretion but with such consultation with EFS as Bank reasonably deems appropriate, (a) establish the Program Eligibility Policy for each Financial Product and Account, and (b) provide prior written notice of any material change to the Program Eligibility Policy to EFS.
2.12 Servicing Responsibilities.
(a) The Parties agree to, in good faith, jointly develop and implement joint operating agreements that address the operating policies and procedures applicable to the Program (the “ Operating Procedures ”), provided, however, that in order to ensure full compliance with Applicable Law, Bank shall have a right of final approval with respect to the Operating Procedures. The Parties shall cooperate to review, update and modify the Operating Procedures on an ongoing basis as appropriate. The Parties agree that they shall continue to use such Operating Procedures in substantially the same form throughout the Term unless changes are otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties or are required by Applicable Law as determined by Bank in its reasonable discretion.
(b) Bank shall be responsible for monitoring and updating the Operating Procedures to comply with changes in Applicable Law that relate to Financial Products covered hereunder.
 
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2.13 Service Level Agreements. Except as otherwise provided in a Schedule applicable to any Financial Product, the applicable service level agreements for each of Bank and EFS shall be as described in  Schedule F  (Service Level Agreements).
2.14 Expenses. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules or otherwise agreed by the Parties, each Party shall be responsible for costs associated with its respective obligations under this Agreement.
2.15 Settlement Statements. No later than the fifteenth (15th) day of each month (if a Business Day, or if not, the next Business Day), EFS will provide to Bank one or more monthly settlement statements (each a “ Settlement Statement ”) setting forth:
(a) the total amounts for the month owed to or by EFS, Bank, any participant or other third party pursuant to each Product Schedule and the Receivables Participation Agreement, with line item specificity; and
(b) any other amounts owed to or by EFS, Bank, any participant or other third party, as explicitly provided for herein, in the Receivables Participation Agreement or as otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing, with line item specificity, which amounts may be netted.
Each Settlement Statement shall be prepared and delivered in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in the applicable Product Schedule.
2.16 Nevada Office. Bank will (i) maintain its Nevada Branch and will issue and book the Financial Products at the Nevada Branch, (ii) take all reasonable actions at the Nevada Branch necessary for Bank to export Nevada interest rates (and rely upon Nevada usury rates) on the Emerald Advance and other credit products, including the actions specified in the Emerald Advance Product Schedule, and (iii) provide that all Account Documentation is subject to and governed by U.S. federal and Nevada law.
2.17 Program Infrastructure. During the Term, EFS shall maintain, operate, or engage in, as the case may be, the following items in support of the Program:
(a) Compliance Management System. EFS will maintain a compliance risk management system, including appropriate and necessary internal controls designed to reasonably ensure that all EFS duties, obligations, and services provided pursuant to the Program, and the actions of any Distributors or Franchisees participating in the Program, will be in compliance with Applicable Law, and conform to the standards set forth in the Agreement. The Program will be substantially in its current form, modified as reasonably requested by Bank, to ensure compliance with Applicable Law.
(b) Quality Control. EFS shall maintain such systems and quality controls as may be necessary or as Bank may reasonably request to (i) enable Bank to adequately monitor the operations of the Program, (ii) react to fraud and promptly, when necessary, respond to and resolve consumer complaints and inquiries so that risk is managed and complaints are reasonably addressed and (iii) provide reports summarizing information as Bank may reasonably require.
 
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(c) Documentation Review and Approval. EFS shall ensure that any of Account Documentation, Marketing Materials, Program Eligibility Policy, Program Guidelines, and Program Documents (including any changes thereto) over which it has ownership and responsibility are in compliance with Applicable Law. EFS shall submit such Marketing Materials, Program Guidelines, and Program Documents to Bank for review and approval prior to use, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.
(d) Distributor Relationships. EFS shall maintain Bank approved Company Distribution Agreements with all Distributors, maintain appropriate records with respect to each and every Distributor performing under the Program, and provide reports to Bank with respect to such Distributors in a form and manner as the Bank may reasonably require.
(e) System Access. EFS shall provide Bank with access to all reports and such other data and information as Bank reasonably requests to facilitate settlement, balance and reconcile accounts, monitor for fraudulent financial transactions, and to comply with Bank Secrecy Act and OFAC obligations. Program Manager shall provide summaries in various forms as reasonably requested by Bank in order to monitor performance of EFS.
2.18 Annual Program Fee.
(a) May 31st Program Fee Payment. On May 31st of each year during the Term of this Agreement, EFS will pay to Bank a program fee (the “ Program Fee ”) of $7.5 million, in addition to fees otherwise due hereunder.
(b) Partial Program Fee Payment Provisions. During the Term of this Agreement with respect to any partial year between June 1st of a given year and May 31st of the following year:
(i) if termination of this Agreement occurs on or after June 1st, but prior to the start of the first full calendar month after the anniversary of the Effective Date, no partial Program Fee will be due; or
(ii) if termination of this Agreement occurs after the start of the first full calendar month after the anniversary of the Effective Date, but prior to the subsequent May 31st, then a partial Program Fee will be due. The partial portion of $7.5 million Program Fee will be an amount equal to $625,000 multiplied by the number of full calendar months between the anniversary of the Effective Date and the date of termination of this Agreement.
 
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ARTICLE 3
PROGRAM SUPPORT
3.1 Communications; Dispute Resolution.
(a) Designated Executives.
(i) Each Party shall designate one or more of its senior executives to serve as a high level point of contact to facilitate the efficient operation of the Program (each a “ Designated Executive ”). The initial Designated Executives are set forth in  Schedule 3.1(a)(i)  (Initial Designated Executives).
(ii) The Designated Executives shall communicate as needed to discuss the Program and address any issues that may arise in connection therewith.
(b) Program Managers.
(i) Each Designated Executive shall appoint a senior officer to facilitate the overall management of the Program under this Agreement (respectively, the “ Bank Senior Program Manager ” and “ EFS Senior Program Manager ”, and each, a “ Senior Program Manager ”). The names of the individuals initially designated as the EFS Senior Program Manager and Bank Senior Program Manager are set forth in  Schedule 3.1(b)(i)  (Initial Senior Program Managers). Each Senior Program Manager shall have sufficient knowledge and experience to effectively and efficiently perform his or her responsibilities. Each Party shall endeavor to provide stability and continuity in the Senior Program Manager positions.
(ii) The Senior Program Managers shall review all changes to terms and conditions of the Financial Products offered by Bank as part of the Program, including Bank pricing and Program Eligibility Policy, and to EFS’s manner of offering the Financial Products and administering the Program through the Distributors and Franchisees.
(c) Roles and Responsibilities of Senior Program Managers.
(i) The Senior Program Managers shall have the responsibility to coordinate, handle and make decisions regarding the day-to-day operations for the Program.
(ii) In the event of a situation that either Party determines in good faith to be an “emergency,” each of the Senior Program Managers shall have the responsibility to promptly notify the other Senior Program Manager and each shall promptly notify the appropriate officers within its respective organization of such emergency.
(d) The Parties shall work together in good faith to facilitate the implementation of the Program, conduct the Program in an efficient manner, provide for appropriate advance planning and such other coordination as shall be necessary or appropriate.
 
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3.2 Dispute Resolution.
(a) In the event of any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the making, construction, interpretation, performance, breach, termination, enforceability or validity thereof (hereinafter, a “ Dispute ”), the Party raising such Dispute shall provide written notice to the other Party promptly. The Parties shall cooperate and attempt in good faith to resolve any Dispute promptly by negotiating between Persons who have authority to settle the Dispute and who are at a higher level of management than the Persons with direct responsibility for administration and performance of the provisions or obligations of this Agreement that are the subject of the Dispute. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of a Party to promptly provide notice of a Dispute, does not waive any rights of such Party with respect to such Dispute (except to the extent of harm caused by the failure to give prompt notice).
(b) To the extent that Disputes remain unresolved within seven (7) Business Days of being raised, or such other date as agreed between the Chief Financial Officer of Block Inc. and the Chief Executive Officer of Bank, such Dispute shall immediately be referred to the Chief Financial Officer of Block Inc. and the Chief Executive Officer of Bank, or their respective designees (each, an “ Executive Officer ”), for their review and resolution.
(c) If and only after Executive Officers are unable to reach an agreement within seven (7) Business Days of such referral, the Parties may pursue their respective remedies or exercise their respective rights pursuant to the Program, this Agreement, any of the Product Schedules, any of the Financial Products, or the agreements and transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including a court action for appropriate remedies, including damages and injunctive relief.
(d) Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing in this Section 3.2 shall limit a Party’s right to give notice of termination or otherwise pursue its right to terminate this Agreement or any Product Schedule or pursue any other rights set forth in this Agreement or relevant Product Schedule.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to any Financial Product being offered during a Program Year or planned for an upcoming Tax Season, if a Dispute arises regarding a particular Financial Product with respect to the (i) terms and conditions of the then-current offering of such Financial Product, including such Financial Product’s features, Accountholder terms and conditions, functionality or availability compared to those of its prior offering or (ii) manner in which it is being offered or was most recently offered, then either Party may unilaterally elect to have the Dispute immediately escalated to the Executive Officers for review and resolution.
(f) The foregoing provisions of this Section 3.2 notwithstanding, each of Bank and EFS shall have the right to take any action that it is advised by outside counsel is required by
 
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Applicable Law, or refrain from taking any action that it reasonably determines or is advised by counsel is prohibited by Applicable Law, without first complying with the Dispute resolution procedures set forth herein.
ARTICLE 4
DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY; REGULATORY COORDINATION; COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS;
BANK OVERSIGHT; BANK COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
4.1 Decision-Making Authority.
(a) Bank Matters. Subject to Applicable Law and the provisions hereunder, Bank shall have decision-making authority with respect to the following matters:
(i) compliance with respect to Applicable Law (other than Company Applicable Law);
(ii) use of Bank Licensed Marks;
(iii) changes to Bank information technology and processing systems that would not be reasonably likely to have a Program Material Adverse Effect;
(iv) compliance with respect to bank-related regulatory matters, including changes required by Applicable Law;
(v) Bank capital expenditures;
(vi) management and retention of Bank personnel;
(vii) establishment of Program Eligibility Policy;
(viii) Financial Product descriptions and Account Documentation required by Applicable Law;
(collectively, the “Bank Matters”).
(b) EFS Matters. Except to the extent reserved to Bank in Section 4.1(a), subject to Applicable Law and the provisions hereunder, EFS shall have decision-making authority with respect to the following matters:
(i) compliance with respect to Company Applicable Law;
(ii) use of Company Licensed Marks;
(iii) changes to EFS information technology and processing systems that would not be reasonably likely to have a Program Material Adverse Effect;
(iv) compliance with respect to tax preparation-related matters, including changes required by Applicable Law;
(v) EFS capital expenditures;
 
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(vi) management and retention of EFS personnel;
(vii) execution of the Program Marketing Plan in Company Locations;
(viii) marketing design and development of the Program Marketing Plan;
(ix) distribution of Financial Products through Company Locations; and
(x) customer service for the Financial Products and Accounts arranged by EFS consistent with the Product Schedules.
(collectively, the “EFS Matters”).
4.2 Regulatory Coordination. The Parties shall cooperate in (i) analyzing and reacting to pending material Applicable Law changes and discussing regulatory developments affecting the Program, including any of the Financial Products or Accounts established thereunder, and (ii) subject to Applicable Law regarding the confidentiality of Bank supervisory matters, responding to Regulatory Authorities regarding regulatory-related requests to the Parties.
4.3 Compliance Obligations.
(a) Bank shall have final decision making authority with respect to any issues involving compliance of the Program or any aspect thereof with Applicable Law, Bank Rules and Payment Network Rules, including issues arising in connection with disclosure and compliance requirements for Financial Products and Accounts. Subject to the requirements of Section 4.2  (Regulatory Coordination), if Bank, as determined by Bank in its reasonable discretion, determines that certain changes to the Program are necessary solely to comply with Applicable Law and Payment Network Rules, the Parties shall work together in good faith with respect to any such changes prior to their implementation.
(b) Except to the extent that any such matters relate to compliance of the Program with Applicable Law as set forth in  Section 4.3(a) , EFS shall be solely responsible for decisions regarding compliance with Applicable Law related to EFS and Company operations, including (i) tax preparation and tax-related products and services (other than the Financial Products), and (ii) disclosure, licensing and compliance requirements of EFS and Company related to EFS and Company operations (“ Company Applicable Law ”).
(c) Each Party shall cooperate in a commercially reasonable manner with the other Party in support of and compliance with any Program policies implemented by such Party that are required by Applicable Law.
(d) Each Party shall offer Financial Products and maintain the Accounts in compliance with Applicable Law. In addition to the compliance obligations set forth in this Agreement, any of the Product Schedules or the Program Data Site, EFS shall advise Bank with respect to any Applicable Law with which EFS reasonably believes Bank must comply in connection with the Program, and Bank shall advise EFS with respect to any Applicable Law with which Bank reasonably believes EFS must comply in connection with the Program.
 
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4.4 Bank Oversight. The Parties acknowledge and agree that Bank has the right and the duty to supervise, monitor and review the provision of the Financial Products, Accounts and related services offered under the Program, including at Company Locations. Subject to at least three (3) days’ advance notice to EFS and Company Locations (other than with respect to Bank’s rights to use “mystery shoppers” pursuant to  Section 8.1(a)  (Bank Audit Rights and Obligations), for which advance notice shall not be required), Bank and its designated third-party representatives shall have access rights to Company Locations in order to supervise, monitor, review and audit the activities at such Company Locations to ensure that such activities comply with the Operating Procedures, and Applicable Law. EFS shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, take all actions reasonably necessary to remedy any non-compliance identified pursuant to Bank’s supervisory rights under this Section 4.4 , including causing such remedial actions to be taken at the applicable Company Locations.
4.5 Bank Compliance Program.
(a) Bank shall design, establish and maintain a detailed compliance program consistent with this Agreement, to ensure adequate monitoring, supervision and control over EFS and the Program activities that EFS performs for Bank and the Financial Products offered and Accounts maintained by Bank. The compliance program shall include, at a minimum, the following features:
(i) The compliance program shall be reviewed by Bank’s board of directors and senior management not less frequently than annually.
(ii) Bank shall designate a compliance officer responsible for the development, implementation and management of Bank’s compliance program. The compliance officer shall have responsibility for the oversight of EFS’s performance of customer servicing activities related to the Program, the Financial Products and Accounts offered by Bank.
(iii) Not less frequently than annually, Bank shall conduct a compliance risk assessment for the Program. Bank and EFS shall cooperate to develop a true and comprehensive depiction of actual risks in the Program.
(iv) Not less frequently than annually, the Bank compliance officer shall review the compliance program to determine if EFS is operating in accordance with Bank’s established policies and procedures regarding the activities relating to the Program, the Financial Products and Accounts offered by Bank.
(v) Bank shall conduct an annual internal or external audit review of the compliance program, which shall include a review and update of the training program and training materials.
 
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(vi) Bank shall require the compliance officer to provide annual written compliance and audit reports to Bank’s board of directors. Such reports shall include evidence of appropriate remedial actions taken (or to be taken) to address any identified deficiencies in the compliance program.
(vii) Bank shall develop and maintain a system for tracking and recording consumer complaints regarding the Program in a timely manner. The compliance officer shall provide an annual written report of consumer complaints regarding the Program, and the resolution of such complaints, to Bank’s board of directors.
(viii) Bank shall maintain a review process for all Account Documentation, Marketing Materials and Servicing Materials used in the Program.
(ix) Bank shall comply with any other requirements or conditions that a Regulatory Authority deems appropriate for Bank with regard to the Program.
(x) EFS may, with the consent of Bank (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), implement compliance standards and practices for the Program that supplement, but do not conflict, with those prescribed by Bank.
(xi) EFS may, with the consent of Bank (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), implement compliance standards and practices for the Program that implement legal stipulations, settlements and contractual agreements with third parties.
ARTICLE 5
EXCLUSIVITY; NEW PRODUCTS;
CHANGES TO EXISTING PRODUCTS AND PROGRAM
5.1 Bank’s Right to Offer Financial Products to Others. Except as set forth in Section 6.2(b) (Cross Marketing) and  Article 12  (Privacy and Data Security), nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to prohibit or limit Bank’s right to offer financial products and services that are similar to the Financial Products, with or through any Person.
5.2 EFS to Offer Only Financial Products of Bank.
(a) At Company Locations, EFS and its Affiliates will offer and distribute only Bank’s Financial Products, and will not offer or distribute financial products issued or originated by other insured depository institutions that are substantially similar to the Financial Products, except:
(i) as otherwise provided in this Agreement;
 
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(ii) for financial products issued or originated after the termination of this Agreement or, with respect to a particular financial product, after the termination of the Product Schedule for the substantially similar Bank Financial Product;
(iii) EFS and its Affiliates shall have the right to offer a “second look” program with a different set of eligibility criteria for selected Financial Products for which Bank has declined to offer based on those eligibility criteria; and
(iv) any entity that becomes an Affiliate of Company after the date of this Agreement may continue to offer financial products of another insured depository institution that are substantially similar to the Financial Products, if such Affiliate was offering such financial products prior to such Affiliate being acquired by, or otherwise becoming an Affiliate of, Company.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to prohibit or limit the rights of EFS and its Affiliates to offer or distribute any other financial product or service that is not substantially similar, in all respects, to a Financial Product.
5.3 EFS Right to Suspend Offering of Financial Product. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, EFS and its Affiliates shall have the right, in their sole discretion, to suspend the offering of one or more Financial Products (a “ Suspended Product ”) in one or more states (or other jurisdictions) without terminating the relevant Product Schedules or triggering a termination right under this Agreement; provided, however, that following any such suspension if EFS elects to resume offering any such Suspended Product during the Term, EFS shall offer such Suspended Product only through Bank.
5.4 Enhancements to Financial Products. Bank and EFS may agree upon enhancements or other changes to the Financial Products offered under the Program. The Parties shall periodically meet to discuss new features or functionalities to existing Financial Products under the Program. After approval by both Parties, the offering of such new features or functionalities to existing Financial Products shall be implemented by a written amendment of the relevant Product Schedule(s).
5.5 Changes to Program During Tax Season. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any Product Schedule:
(a) Unless otherwise permitted under this Agreement, any changes proposed for the Program shall require the prior consent of Bank and EFS. Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts in good faith to delay any changes to Financial Products until the conclusion of the Tax Season. Bank may not require that EFS make changes to or cease offering any Financial Product during a Tax Season, unless Bank has received a specific written directive from its primary federal regulator that changes to, or cessation of the offering of, a Financial Product are required, provided, however, that before requiring EFS to cease offering a Financial Product during the Tax Season, Bank shall make reasonable efforts to work with EFS to make changes to the Financial Product or the distribution of such product to address regulatory concerns.
(b) If there are any potential material changes to the Program of which Bank is aware or contemplates implementing, Bank shall promptly notify EFS of such potential material changes.
 
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5.6 New Products.
(a) EFS and Bank may agree to offer a new financial product or service by developing, negotiating and executing a plan to offer the new product (a “ New Product Offering Plan ”) and a new product schedule (when so finalized, a “ New Product ”). Upon execution of the new product schedule and the New Product Offering Plan, the New Product will become a Financial Product and the product schedule will become a Product Schedule, covered by the Program and subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to require (i) Bank to offer or distribute any proposed new product developed by EFS; (ii) Bank to offer or distribute through EFS and its Affiliates any proposed new product that Bank develops; (iii) EFS to give Bank a first look or right of first refusal on any proposed new product developed by EFS; or (iv) Bank to give EFS a first look or right of first refusal to distribute or service any proposed new product developed by Bank.
5.7 Staffing Plan. Bank shall develop and implement a Staffing Plan designed to ensure adequate support of the Program, including the compliance obligations associated therewith, which is acceptable to Bank’s regulators. Bank shall make each of Bank’s employees or independent contractors assigned to assist on matters relating to or in connection with the Program or this Agreement aware of the confidentiality provisions of  Section 11.2  (Limits on Use and Disclosure) (unless such contractors are subject to independent duties of confidentiality).
ARTICLE 6
ACCOUNT DOCUMENTATION; MARKETING; CROSS MARKETING
6.1 Account Documentation, Marketing Materials and Servicing Materials.
(a) EFS shall be responsible for implementing the Program Marketing Plan consistent with Company’s tax services marketing plan and the terms of this Agreement and will review the Program Marketing Plan, Marketing Materials and Marketing Template with Bank.
(b) EFS shall be responsible for developing, modifying, and implementing the Account Documentation, Marketing Materials, and Servicing Materials, subject to final approval by Bank, including approval with respect to any content (i) required by Applicable Law, or (ii) containing Bank Licensed Marks, unless use is in a format preapproved by Bank. Material changes to Account Documentation, Marketing Materials, and Servicing Materials by EFS shall require the prior approval of Bank, as soon as practicable and in no event later than five (5) Business Days after notice, and shall be paid for in their entirety by EFS. EFS shall administer
 
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Accounts in compliance with Account Documentation, Applicable Law, Bank Rules and Payment Network Rules, and clearly disclose in any cardholder agreement all fees to be paid by Accountholders and/or Applicants. All dormant Accounts will be processed in accordance with Applicable Law, including relevant escheat and abandonment statutes.
(c) Bank shall have final decision-making authority with respect to Account Documentation, Marketing Materials, Marketing Templates and Servicing Materials and shall have the right to require changes to those materials as required by Applicable Law or relating to any changes in Bank Licensed Marks. Bank has the right to set, and make changes to, the terms of the Financial Products, including interest rates and fees for the Financial Products. Any material changes to Account Documentation, Marketing Materials, Marketing Templates and Servicing Materials by Bank that (i) are not required by Applicable Law or (ii) do not relate to any changes in Bank Licensed Marks shall: (x) require the prior approval of EFS as soon as practicable and in no event later than five (5) Business Days after notice, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld and (y) be implemented by EFS within thirty (30) days of EFS approval. Notwithstanding Section 6.1(b), any material changes to Account Documentation, Marketing Materials, Marketing Templates and Servicing Materials made by Bank without the concurrence of EFS that (i) are not required by Applicable Law or (ii) which relate to changes in Bank Licensed Marks, shall be paid for in their entirety by Bank. Solely for purposes of the preceding sentence, “required by Applicable Law” means as reasonably determined by Bank upon advice of outside counsel.
6.2 Cross Marketing.
(a) Without obligating either Party, EFS and Bank agree to explore ways to cross-market their respective products to the other Party’s customers on terms satisfactory to each of the Parties, in their sole discretion, and appropriately documented. Any such marketing shall in all cases be subject to Applicable Law, including Sections 6713 and 7216 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “ Code ”) and GLBA, and also subject to the ownership and rights to customer data provisions of this Agreement under  Section 12.3  (Collection, Ownership and Use of Program Customer Data).
(b) Except as expressly authorized in this Agreement or otherwise agreed in writing by EFS:
(i) Bank shall not use Applicant Data, Prospect Data, Company Customer Data and/or Accountholder Data to do any of the following: (A) solicit Applicants, Prospective Customers or Program Customers for product or service offerings (including offerings by third parties); provided, however, that use of the same by Bank for fraud and BSA monitoring purposes is permitted hereunder; and provided, further, that to the extent permitted by Law, EFS is committed to work with Bank on analytics and modeling; or (B) use or disclose the names of Applicants, Prospective Customers or Program Customers, or any other information relating to the Accounts or to the Applicants, Prospective Customers or Program Customers; and
(ii) Bank shall not insert any Bank or any third-party’s offerings in statements provided to Program Customers or target Company Customers for Bank products and services (other than the Financial Products) or offerings by third parties. For the avoidance of doubt, any Applicant Data, Prospect Data, Company Customer Data and/or Accountholder Data that Bank obtains in connection with the Program may only be used for purposes of fulfilling its obligations and exercising its rights under this Agreement and the Program.
 
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(c) EFS may use Program Customer Data, and other information relating to Program Customers, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law and the Privacy Notice.
(d) Notwithstanding the restrictions set forth in Section 6.2(b) (Cross Marketing):
(i) Bank may make solicitations for goods and services to the public in its own name, and may use prospect lists it develops independently of the Program or that are provided by third parties, which may include the names of one (1) or more Program Customers; provided that Bank does not (A) target such solicitations to Program Customers or Company Customers, (B) other than as expressly authorized by this Agreement, use or permit a third-party to use any list of or information regarding Program Customers obtained by Bank pursuant to its activities related to the Program, or (C) refer to or otherwise use the name of Company or EFS in connection with such solicitation; and
(ii) Bank shall not be obligated to redact the names of Program Customers from general marketing lists it develops independently of the Program or acquires from third parties (e.g., subscription lists) that it uses for solicitations.
(iii) Bank shall be permitted to engage in business with any Person who contacts it independently of activities involving the Financial Products.
6.3 Customers of Bank. For all purposes hereof, Accountholders are, and for all intents and purposes shall be deemed to be, customers of Bank, having a direct relationship with Bank. Bank shall be free to contact Accountholders and potential Accountholders regarding matters specifically related to their existing Accounts, without notice to EFS, and at all times in compliance with this Agreement, including  Section 6.2(b)  (Cross Marketing),  Section 6.4  (Cross Marketing of IRAs),  Section 6.5 (Cross Marketing of Mortgage Products) and in  Article 12  (Privacy and Data Security).
6.4 Cross Marketing of IRAs.
(a) The Company and Bank agree to negotiate in good faith the terms upon which the Parties desire for Bank to offer, promote and market IRA Accounts to Prospective
 
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Customers through Company Locations. The Company will not offer any individual retirement accounts of other parties at Company Locations during the first 5 years of the Term of this Agreement. The offering of IRA Accounts to Prospective Customers by Bank shall not be subject to the restrictions set forth in  Section 6.2(b)  (Cross Marketing).
(b) In addition to the terms set forth herein, any IRA Account Product Schedule shall set forth the respective duties and obligations of Bank, EFS and Company with respect to such IRA Accounts, including, as applicable, features, marketing channels, functionality, competitiveness, pricing, economics, fees, and product specific regulatory compliance and indemnification. The Parties agree that the IRA Account Product Schedule shall, among other things, specify that:
(i) Bank will pay a fee of no more than ten dollars ($10.00) to the Company for each IRA Account opened and funded at Bank by a Prospective Customer (the intent of which is to drive volume, and thus a reasonable portion of such fee will be used by Company to pay field employees);
(ii) the Company will be responsible for, and pay for all costs related to incorporating the IRA Account offering into (A) the DIY offerings, (B) the in-office tax preparation software and customer interview, (C) the cost of training tax professionals with respect to offering Bank’s IRA Accounts, and (D) the costs to Company associated with account opening and funding process (including knowing your customer procedures).
(iii) the Company acting in good faith will control time, place and manner of presentation of the IRA Accounts in conformance with the terms of this  Section 6.4 ;
(iv) the Company will facilitate Bank required training of tax professionals on cross-marketing the IRA Account product;
(v) Bank will provide competitive rates and terms on the IRA Account;
(vi) Bank will cap its fees and charges for the IRA Account in an amount to be reasonably determined from time to time by agreement of the Parties;
(vii) Bank and Company shall negotiate in good faith on an IRA marketing plan including social media, placement of retargeting tracking pixels, tracking links, web articles and blogging, an outbound email campaign and banner advertisements on the Company’s website; provided, however, any advertising Bank desires to place on third party websites will be at Bank’s expense;
 
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(viii) Company shall allow placement of Bank’s promotional material in Company stores and make such materials available to Franchisee offices; and
(ix) Except for damages arising as a result of the grossly negligent, willful or fraudulent acts of the Company, Bank will fully indemnify the Company with respect to third party claims, including reasonable court costs and legal fees, incurred by the Company with respect to IRA Accounts.
The Parties acknowledge that this Section 6.4 does not contain all the terms that will need to be negotiated and remains subject to  Section 5.6  (New Products). However, as stated above, the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith.
(c) The Parties will cooperate to obtain all required regulatory approvals or non-objections to any new IRA Product Schedule agreed upon consistent with the approval conditions associated with the Purchase Agreement.
(d) Nothing in this Section 6.4 is intended or shall be construed to restrict, prohibit or curtail Company (i) from acquiring or being acquired by, any Person that offers, promotes or cross markets IRA Accounts or to limit the ongoing operations or growth of such entity; or (ii) from making general referrals or offering advice in connection with financial planning or similar advisory services.
(e) The Company shall allow placement of Bank’s promotional material for IRA Accounts in Company Locations and make such materials available to Franchisee Locations for the Tax Season starting November 1, 2015. The Parties shall cooperate to allow Bank to offer the IRA Accounts, as contemplated by  Section 6.4(b) , during the Tax Season starting November 1, 2016. The Company will include Bank IRA Account messaging for reasonable periodic rotation in the Company’s Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels, a link to Bank’s IRA Accounts on the Company’s customer facing webpages and the Company’s employee facing intranet site.
(f) For purposes of this Section 6.4, Company Locations only includes Franchisee Locations if the Franchisee has agreed to the offering of IRA Accounts in such Franchisee Location.
6.5 Cross Marketing of Mortgage Products.
(a) During the Term of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by Law and in a manner reasonably determined by Company after good faith negotiations by Company and Bank, the Company will permit cross-marketing of Bank’s Mortgage Products by:
(i) including Bank mortgage loan messaging for reasonable periodic rotation in the Company’s Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels;
 
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(ii) placing a link to Bank’s mortgage lending page and rotating banner advertisements on the Company’s customer facing webpages and the Company’s employee facing intranet site;
(iii) conducting trial outbound email campaigns;
(iv) placing Bank’s promotional material in Company stores and making such materials available to franchisee offices;
(v) permitting Bank to attend Company’s franchisee annual convention and host an exhibition booth;
(vi) allowing Bank to provide to Company web articles on mortgage products for educational purposes and tax concepts;
(vii) in no event shall Bank, with respect to this Section 6.5(a), be obligated to provide any consideration (including any closed loan fee, lead fee, or marketing fee) to Company, any Franchisee, or any employee or agent of either in connection with any lead or mortgage transaction sourced through the marketing activities contemplated by this  Section 6.5(a) . The Company acknowledges that marketing of Mortgage Products pursuant to this  Section 6.5(a)  is occurring solely as an accommodation and value add to Company Customers; and
(viii) Bank and Company agree to facilitate periodic executive and operational mortgage marketing program reviews to develop and refine the activities listed in  Section 6.5(a)(i)-(vii) .
(b) Subject to Section 5.6 (New Products), the Parties will explore additional means for the Bank to cross-market its Mortgage Products to Company Customers. The Parties will cooperate to obtain all required regulatory approvals or non-objections to any new Mortgage Products Product Schedule agreed upon consistent with the approval conditions associated with the Purchase Agreement.
(c) Except for damages arising as a result of the grossly negligent, willful or fraudulent act of the Company, Bank will fully indemnify the Company and EFS for cross-marketing Bank’s Mortgage Products.
ARTICLE 7
OUTSOURCING RESTRICTIONS; SERVICE PROVIDERS
7.1 Outsourcing Restrictions.
Neither Party shall, without the written consent of the other Party, outsource any servicing functions relating to the Accounts that would result in Program Customer Data being transmitted outside of the United States; provided, however, EFS shall be permitted to utilize the servicing functions of the service providers located outside the United States as set forth in  Schedule 7.1 (List of Internationally Outsourced Service Providers).
 
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7.2 Service Providers.
(a) The material third-party service providers for each of Bank and EFS (“Material Bank Service Providers ” and “ Material EFS Service Providers ,” respectively) are set forth in  Schedule 7.2(a)  (Material Third-Party Service Providers). Modification of the engagement by Bank of Material Bank Service Providers or EFS of Material EFS Service Providers, as applicable, for the Program shall be subject to the other Party’s prior notice and consultation rights; provided, however, neither Party shall change or add a Material Bank Service Provider or Material EFS Service Provider, as applicable, without prior written notice to and consultation with the other Party.
(b) The use by a Party of Bank Service Providers or EFS Service Providers, as applicable, to perform services related to this Program shall not relieve such Party of any of its obligations under this Agreement, and for the avoidance of doubt, such Bank Service Providers or EFS Service Providers, as applicable, shall be held to the same standards of care as would be applicable to such Party if it were to perform the service itself. The Party engaging any Bank Service Providers or EFS Service Providers, as applicable, will be responsible for all payments to such Bank Service Providers or EFS Service Providers, as applicable, and shall be responsible for (i) ensuring the performance or non-performance of such Bank Service Providers or EFS Service Providers, as applicable, as if such performance or nonperformance were that of such Party and (ii) requiring such Bank Service Providers or EFS Service Providers, as applicable, to obtain all necessary permits, licenses, authorizations and approvals of Regulatory Authorities. For the avoidance of doubt, any breach of the provisions of this Agreement by a service provider to a Party shall constitute a breach by such Party as if it had performed the outsourced services itself, and be subject to all provisions of this Agreement applicable to such breach, including the notice and cure provisions set forth in  Sections 13.1 (EFS Event of Default),  13.2  (Bank Event of Default) and  14.2(a)  (Mutual Termination Rights).
(c) Neither Party shall make material changes to the services provided under agreements with Material Bank Service Providers or Material EFS Service Providers in connection with the Program without prior written notice to and consultation with the other Party other than pricing changes for which Bank or EFS, as applicable, is responsible.
(d) Except as otherwise agreed in writing among Bank, EFS and any third-party service provider, each Party shall continue to manage all third-party relationships managed by such Party as of the Effective Date and deemed necessary and appropriate for such Party to perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement and the Product Schedules. EFS shall continue to be entitled to all incentives and benefits arising from servicing contracts with third parties, including its existing incentive agreement with MasterCard.
 
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ARTICLE 8
AUDIT RIGHTS; REPORTING
8.1 Bank Audit Rights and Obligations.
(a) In addition to the other rights set forth in this Agreement, subject to the confidentiality provisions set forth in Article 11  (Confidentiality), applicable privacy laws and other Applicable Law, the EFS Audit Parties and service providers for which EFS and Bank have agreed to enter into tri-party agreements shall, during normal business hours, in a manner designed to be least disruptive and no more than once per Program Year unless more frequent audits are required by any Regulatory Authority or are necessary to confirm that prior audit exceptions have been rectified: (i) permit Bank, its officers, employees, accountants, lawyers and consultants in such a manner as to minimize unreasonable interference with the EFS Audit Parties’ normal business operations, to, by any means reasonably acceptable to Bank, examine and audit operations and audit, inspect, copy and make copies of all of the data, records, files and books of account (including non-financial information) under the control of the EFS Audit Parties if such operations, data, records, files and books of account relate to any obligation of EFS under this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules, including any calculation required to be made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the Product Schedules, as applicable, and as required by Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules; and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate Bank’s exercise of such right granted in subparagraph (i) of this Section 8.1(a)  (including a good faith effort to obtain any consents that may be necessary or desirable to avoid a breach of any contractual obligations). In furtherance of and without limiting the foregoing, (x) the EFS Audit Parties shall permit Bank to use “mystery shoppers” at Company Locations to audit the offering of the Financial Products under the Program; (y) the EFS Audit Parties shall permit Bank to examine and audit operations and audit, inspect, copy and make copies of all of the data, records, files and books of account (including non-financial information) at Company Locations if such operations, data records, files and books of account relate to any obligation of EFS under this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules.
(b) To the extent an audit conducted pursuant to Section 8.1(a) reveals any error, deficiency or other failure to perform on the part of EFS, EFS will (i) as soon as reasonably possible following the date on which it becomes aware of such error, deficiency or other failure to perform and, in any event, no later than fifteen (15) Business Days following such date (unless a shorter timeframe is reasonably deemed necessary by Bank because of the critical nature of the error, deficiency or other failure or is required by a Regulatory Authority), deliver to Bank a written corrective plan (an “ EFS Corrective Plan ”) that, if followed, is designed to correct the error, deficiency or other failure to perform, (ii) following the approval of the EFS Corrective Plan by Bank, promptly execute the EFS Corrective Plan and (iii) permit Bank to conduct additional follow-up audits as Bank may deem reasonably necessary for Bank to audit EFS’s compliance with this provision, including the correction of EFS’s error, deficiency or other failure to perform. The EFS Audit Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver any document or instrument necessary for Bank to obtain such information from any Person maintaining records for the EFS Audit Parties. The reasonable cost and expense of any such follow-up audits shall be expenses of EFS.
 
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(c) Except as otherwise required for Bank to be in full compliance with Applicable Law, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, EFS shall not be required to provide Bank or any other Person with access to information or records to the extent that such access (i) is prohibited by Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules; provided, however, that to the extent that access to information or records is so prohibited, EFS (A) shall notify Bank in writing regarding the Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules which prohibit such access and (B) shall deliver to Bank copies of all requested information or records, redacted as may be necessary to comply with the cited Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules or (ii) would reasonably be expected to cause EFS to be a consumer credit reporting agency as set forth in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
(d) EFS shall use commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate the maximum level of access by Bank, its officers, employees, accountants, lawyers and consultants in light of constraints under Applicable Law and Payment Network Rules. No action taken by (or on behalf of) Bank pursuant to this  Section 8.1  shall diminish or obviate any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of EFS contained herein.
(e) The reasonable out of pocket costs and expenses of annual examinations or audits conducted by (or on behalf of) Bank pursuant to Section 8.1(a) shall be the expenses of Bank (other than costs incurred by EFS in responding to the needs of Bank or such other Person performing the audit on behalf of Bank).
(f) It is expressly understood that Bank’s exercise of its audit rights hereunder, or the granting thereof herein, shall be for Bank’s independent purposes, and shall not constitute an assumption of risk on the part of Bank or release EFS from any liability hereunder or under Applicable Law.
8.2 EFS Audit Rights and Obligations.
(a) In addition to the other rights set forth in this Agreement, subject to the confidentiality provisions set forth in Article 11  (Confidentiality), applicable privacy laws and other Applicable Law, Bank shall, during normal business hours, in a manner designed to be least disruptive, and no more than once per Program Year unless more frequent audits are required by any Regulatory Authority or are necessary to confirm that prior audit exceptions have been rectified: (i) permit EFS, its officers, employees, accountants, lawyers and consultants in such a manner as to minimize unreasonable interference with Bank’s normal business operations, to, by any means reasonably acceptable to EFS, examine and audit operations and audit, inspect, copy and make copies of all of the data, records, files and books of account (including non-financial information) under the control of Bank if such operations, data, records, files and books of account relate to any obligation of Bank under this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules, including any calculation required to be made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the Product Schedules, as applicable, and as required by Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules; and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate EFS’s exercise of such right granted in subparagraph (i) of this  Section 8.2(a) (including a good faith effort to obtain any consents that may be necessary or desirable to avoid a breach of any contractual obligations). In furtherance of and without limiting the foregoing, Bank shall permit EFS to
 
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examine and audit operations and audit, inspect, copy and make copies of all of the data, records, files and books of account (including non-financial information) at Bank if such operations, data records, files and books of account relate to any obligation of Bank under this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules. The Parties acknowledge and agree that that EFS’s audit rights do not extend to Bank’s regulatory reports of examination, regulatory communications or other documents or materials that Bank is prohibited by Applicable Law from sharing with EFS.
(b) To the extent an audit conducted pursuant to Section 8.2(a) reveals any error, deficiency or other failure to perform on the part of Bank, Bank will (i) as soon as reasonably possible following the date on which it becomes aware of such error, deficiency or other failure to perform and, in any event, no later than fifteen (15) Business Days following such date (unless a shorter timeframe is reasonably deemed necessary by EFS because of the critical nature of the error, deficiency or other failure or is required by a Regulatory Authority), deliver to EFS a written corrective plan that, if followed, is designed to correct the error, deficiency or other failure to perform (a “ Bank Corrective Plan ”), (ii) following the approval of the Bank Corrective Plan by EFS, promptly execute the Bank Corrective Plan and (iii) permit EFS to conduct additional follow-up audits as EFS may deem reasonably necessary for EFS to audit its compliance with this provision, including the correction of its error, deficiency or other failure to perform. Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver any document or instrument necessary for EFS to obtain such information from any Person maintaining records for Bank.
(c) Except as otherwise required for Bank to be in full compliance with Applicable Law, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Bank shall not be required to provide EFS or any other Person with access to information or records to the extent that such access (i) is prohibited by Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules; provided, however, that to the extent that access to information or records is so prohibited, Bank (A) shall notify EFS in writing regarding the Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules which prohibit such access and (B) shall deliver to EFS copies of all requested information or records, redacted as may be necessary to comply with the cited Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules; or (ii) would reasonably be expected to cause Bank to be a consumer credit reporting agency as set forth in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
(d) The EFS Audit Parties shall conduct audits in accordance with, and on the schedule required by, the EFS Audit Plan. The EFS Audit Parties shall provide to Bank the portions of such audits relating to the Program and the Financial Products (the “ Relevant Audit Portions ”). The reasonable cost and expense of the EFS Audit Parties providing the Relevant Audit Portions to Bank shall be at EFS’s expense. The EFS Audit Parties shall deliver to Bank (i) any Relevant Audit Portion relating to the offering of Emerald Advance no later than December 31 of each Program Year relating to pre-season Emerald Advance audit activity and (ii) any Relevant Audit Portion relating to the offering of the Financial Products, including Emerald Advance, through February 15 of the Tax Season no later than March 31 of each Program Year, and (iii) any Relevant Audit Portion relating to the offering of the Financial Products after February 15 no later than June 30 of each Program Year; provided, however, that if any audit conducted by the EFS Audit Parties pursuant to the first sentence of this  Section 8.2(d) reveals any adverse material findings, the EFS Audit Parties must provide to Bank interim reports relating to such adverse material findings within five (5) Business Days of EFS’s receipt of such audit.
 
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(e) Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate the maximum level of access by EFS, its officers, employees, accountants, lawyers and consultants in light of constraints under Applicable Law and Payment Network Rules. No action taken by (or on behalf of) EFS pursuant to this  Section 8.2  shall diminish or obviate any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of Bank contained herein.
(f) The reasonable cost and expense of annual examinations or audits conducted by (or on behalf of) EFS pursuant to  Section 8.2  or the EFS Audit Plan shall be expenses of EFS.
(g) It is expressly understood that EFS’s exercise of its audit rights hereunder, or the granting thereof herein, shall be for EFS’s independent purposes, and shall not constitute an assumption of risk on the part of EFS or release Bank from any liability hereunder or under Applicable Law.
8.3 Audits by Regulatory Authorities. In addition to access as provided in Sections 8.1 (Bank Audit Rights and Obligations) and  8.2  (EFS Audit Rights and Obligations), each Party, at its own expense, will permit, in accordance with Applicable Law, any Regulatory Authority to visit its facilities related to the Program. Each Party will also permit, in accordance with Applicable Law, any Regulatory Authority to review and obtain copies of the books and records in its possession or under its control relating to the Program. The access granted under this  Section 8.3  shall occur during normal business hours with reasonable advance notice unless otherwise required by any such Regulatory Authority and Applicable Law.
8.4 Reporting.
(a) To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Party shall have the right to require the other Party upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice or such shorter timeframe as may be required at the request of a Regulatory Authority, to provide reasonably necessary internal and external reports (including all data, electronic or otherwise, forming the basis for such reports) requested in good faith with respect to each of the Financial Products under the respective Product Schedules in a timely manner to it from time to time, including reporting sufficient for each Party to satisfy its reporting compliance obligation under Applicable Law (such as reconciliation reports, fraud reports and complaint reports). The Parties shall provide the reports as set forth in the Program Data Site and as otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties.
(b) EFS shall cause Bank to have direct access to management reports available to EFS from Material EFS Service Providers for the Financial Products. Each of EFS and Bank shall provide to the other Party such additional management reports, including reporting related to fraud losses, suspicious activity and consumer complaints relating to the Program. Upon a Party’s reasonable request, the other Party shall also provide any customized reports related to the Program from time to time, to the extent reasonably practicable.
 
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(c) In the event that a Party requests additional reports or information that will require the other Party to incur reasonable additional out-of-pocket costs, the Party preparing the report shall be required to provide such requested reports or information. The requesting Party shall pay the other Party for such additional out-of-pocket costs unless the requesting Party has made such request based on a good faith determination that such additional report or information is required for purposes of satisfying its regulatory obligations.
(d) Each Party will cooperate with the other Party in a commercially reasonable manner to build any necessary system interfaces with respect to each of the Financial Products under the respective Product Schedules, including Program and Financial Product transaction and Account level data.
8.5 SEC Reporting and Public Announcements. The Parties will work in good faith to coordinate public disclosures that reference the Financial Products, the Program or the other Party. The Parties shall mutually agree on the content and timing of press releases and Form 8-Ks announcing the execution of this Agreement.
To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Party (the “Notifying Party”) shall provide the other Party (the “ Notified Party ”) with advance notice and copies of all relevant portions of the Notifying Party’s anticipated regulatory filings and other public disclosures required by U.S. securities laws that reference the Financial Products or the Program, or that mention the Notified Party’s name, prior to the public disclosure or filing thereof. The Notified Party shall have the opportunity to review with its counsel and provide comments to the Notifying Party on such disclosures and filings prior to their public disclosure or filings with the regulators. The Notifying Party shall in good faith discuss and consider the Notified Party’s comments and consider incorporating such comments into its regulatory filings and other public disclosures required by U.S. securities laws prior to their filing or public disclosure; provided that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, a Notifying Party shall at all times control and be responsible for the content and timing of its securities law filings and public disclosures and be permitted to make any disclosures that it reasonably believes are required under Applicable Law.
To the extent permitted by Applicable Law and to the extent not already covered by the above paragraph, each Party should provide the other Party with advance notice and copies of all relevant portions of any press releases, announcements, similar materials and the planned text of other statements of a public nature that reference the Financial Products or the Program, or that mention the Notified Party’s name, prior to the public disclosure or filing thereof. The Notified Party shall have the opportunity to review and provide comments to the Notifying Party on such materials prior to their public disclosure or filing. The Notifying Party shall in good faith discuss and consider the Notified Party’s comments and consider incorporating such comments into its communications prior to their public disclosure or filing; provided that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, a Notifying Party shall at all times control and be responsible for the content and timing of its communications and be permitted to make any such communications.
 
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Nothing contained in this section 8.5 shall prevent either Party from (i) publicly discussing general plans, forecasts or other materials that do not reference Financial Products, the Program or the other Party or (ii) issuing press releases, announcements, similar materials or communications or making other statements consistent with content previously shared with the other Party pursuant to this Section 8.5 or otherwise in public domain (other than as a result of a violation of this Section 8.5 by the Party desiring to make the disclosure).
8.6 OCC 2013-29. The Parties acknowledge that the relationships contemplated hereunder fall within the purview of Risk Management Guidance OCC 2013-29, issued by the OCC on October 30, 2013 (the “ Third Party Guidance ”). EFS has provided and shall continue to promptly provide to Bank such information regarding itself, its Affiliates, and the EFS Service Providers as Bank may from time to time reasonably request, in order to ensure compliance with Bank’s obligations as set forth in the Third Party Guidance.
8.7 OCC Oversight. EFS acknowledges that (i) the performance of activities by external parties for Bank is subject to OCC examination oversight, including access to all work papers, drafts, and other materials; (ii) the OCC treats as subject to 12 USC 1867(c) and 12 USC 1464(d)(7), situations in which a bank arranges, by contract or otherwise, for the performance of any applicable functions of its operations; and (iii) the OCC has the authority to examine and to regulate the functions or operations performed or provided by third parties.
ARTICLE 9
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; LICENSE TO USE MARKS; OWNERSHIP RIGHTS
9.1 Licensing Agreements. On the date hereof, (a) Bank is entering into the Bank Licensing Agreement with certain subsidiaries of Block, Inc. and (b) HRB Innovations is entering into the Block Licensing Agreement with Bank.
9.2 Ownership and Licenses of Intellectual Property.
(a) Ownership of Intellectual Property. Each Party and HRB Innovations, Inc. shall continue to own all of their respective Intellectual Property that existed as of the Effective Date. Each Party and HRB Innovations, Inc. also shall own all right, title and interest in the Intellectual Property each of them develops independently of the other Party or HRB Innovations, Inc., as applicable, during the Term. To the extent a Party (the “ Acquiring IP Party ”) acquires any rights in or to such Intellectual Property of the other Party or HRB Innovations, Inc. (the “ IP Owner ”), the Acquiring IP Party hereby assigns all such right, title and interest in and to such Intellectual Property back to the IP Owner. Acquiring IP Party shall execute any documents in connection with such assignment that IP Owner may reasonably request.
(b) Joint Intellectual Property. All Intellectual Property jointly developed by the Parties in connection with the Program shall be owned by EFS.
 
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ARTICLE 10
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS
10.1 EFS’s Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
To induce Bank to establish the Program, EFS makes the following representations, warranties and covenants to Bank, each and all of which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and each and all of which shall be deemed to be restated and remade with the same force and effect on each day of the Term, except as otherwise stated.
(a) Corporate Existence. EFS: (i) is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) is duly licensed or qualified to do business as a limited liability company and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the nature of the activities conducted or proposed to be conducted by it or the character of the assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary to perform its obligations required hereunder, and (iii) has all necessary licenses, permits, consents or approvals from or by, and has made all necessary notices to, all Regulatory Authorities, to the extent required for EFS’s business, and for the performance of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement, except where the failure to have such licenses, permits, consents or approvals would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to EFS or a Program Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Capacity; Authorization; Validity. EFS has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and enter into this Agreement, and perform the obligations required of EFS hereunder and the other documents, instruments and agreements relating to the Program and this Agreement executed by EFS pursuant hereto. The execution and delivery by EFS of this Agreement and all documents, instruments and agreements executed and delivered by EFS pursuant hereto, and the consummation by EFS of the transactions specified herein have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary corporate action of EFS. This Agreement (i) has been duly executed and delivered by EFS, (ii) constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of EFS, and (iii) is enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership or other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and by general equity principles including those respecting the availability of specific performance).
(c) Conflicts; Defaults; Etc. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by EFS, its compliance with the terms hereof, and its consummation of the transactions specified herein will not:
(i) conflict with, violate, result in the breach of, constitute an event which would, or with the lapse of time or action by a third-party or both would, result in a default under, or accelerate the performance required by, the terms of any material contract, instrument or agreement to which EFS is a party or by which it is bound, or by which EFS assets are bound, except for conflicts, breaches and defaults which would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to EFS;
 
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(ii) conflict with or violate the articles of incorporation or by-laws, or any other equivalent organizational documents, of EFS;
(iii) violate any Applicable Law or conflict with, or require any consent or approval under any judgment, order, writ, decree, permit or license, to which EFS is a party or by which it is bound or affected, except to the extent that such violation or the failure to obtain such consent or approval would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to EFS;
(iv) require the consent or approval of any other party to any contract, instrument or commitment to which EFS is a party or by which it is bound, except to the extent that the failure to obtain such consent or approval would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to EFS; or
(v) require any filing with, notice to, consent or approval of, or any other action to be taken with respect to, any regulatory authority, except to the extent that the failure to obtain such consent or approval would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to EFS.
(d) Solvency. EFS is Solvent.
(e) No Default. Neither EFS nor, to the best of its Knowledge, its Affiliates are in default with respect to any contract, agreement, lease, or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, except for defaults which would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to EFS, nor has EFS received any notice of default under any contract, agreement, lease or other instrument which default or notice of default would materially and adversely affect the performance by EFS of its obligations under this Agreement. No EFS Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
(f) Books and Records. All of EFS’s and, to the best of its Knowledge, its Affiliates’ records, files and books of account relating to the Program, including records provided to Bank regarding Account activities, are in all material respects complete and correct and are maintained in accordance with Applicable Law.
(g) No Litigation. As of the Effective Date, no action, claim or any litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation or controversy is pending against EFS, at law, in equity or otherwise, before any court, board, commission, agency or instrumentality of any federal, state, or local government or of any agency or subdivision thereof or before any arbitrator or panel of arbitrators, to which EFS is a party, which, if adversely determined, would have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to EFS.
(h) Ownership of Trademarks. HRB Innovations, Inc. is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the trademarks and other Intellectual Property licensed to Bank pursuant to the Block Licensing Agreement.
(i) No Convicted Individuals. No officer, director, or employee of EFS subject to a restriction under 12 U.S.C. §1829 shall participate in any of EFS’s activities provided for by this Agreement.
 
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10.2 Bank’s Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
To induce EFS to establish the Program, Bank makes the following representations, warranties and covenants to EFS, each and all of which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and each and all of which shall be deemed to be restated and remade with the same force and effect on each day of the Term, except as otherwise stated.
(a) Corporate Existence. Bank (i) is a federal savings bank duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, and (ii) has all necessary licenses, permits, consents or approvals from or by, and has made all necessary notices to, all Regulatory Authorities, to the extent required for Bank’s business, and for the performance of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement, except where the failure to have such licenses, permits, consents or approvals would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to Bank or a Program Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Capacity; Authorization; Validity. Bank has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and enter into this Agreement and perform the obligations required of Bank hereunder and the other documents, instruments and agreements relating to the Program and this Agreement executed by Bank pursuant hereto. The execution and delivery by Bank of this Agreement and all documents, instruments and agreements executed and delivered by Bank pursuant hereto, and the consummation by Bank of the transactions specified herein have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary corporate action of Bank. This Agreement (i) has been duly executed and delivered by Bank, (ii) constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of Bank, and (iii) is enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership or other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and by general equity principles including those respecting the availability of specific performance).
(c) Conflicts; Defaults; Etc. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Bank, its compliance with the terms hereof, and its consummation of the transactions specified herein will not:
(i) conflict with, violate, result in the breach of, constitute an event which would, or with the lapse of time or action by a third-party or both would, result in a default under, or accelerate the performance required by, the terms of any material contract, instrument or agreement to which Bank is a party or by which it is bound, or by which Bank assets are bound, except for conflicts, breaches and defaults which would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to Bank;
(ii) conflict with or violate the articles of incorporation or by-laws, or any other equivalent organizational documents, of Bank;
 
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(iii) violate any Applicable Law or conflict with, or require any consent or approval under any judgment, order, writ, decree, permit or license, to which Bank is a party or by which it is bound or affected, except to the extent that such violation or the failure to obtain such consent or approval would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to Bank;
(iv) require the consent or approval of any other party to any contract, instrument or commitment to which Bank is a party or by which it is bound, except to the extent that the failure to obtain such consent or approval would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to Bank; or
(v) require any filing with, notice to, consent or approval of, or any other action to be taken with respect to, any regulatory authority, except to the extent that the failure to obtain such consent or approval would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to Bank.
(d) Solvency. Bank is Solvent.
(e) No Default. Neither Bank nor, to the best of its Knowledge, its Affiliates are in default with respect to any contract, agreement, lease, or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, except for defaults which would not have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to Bank, nor has Bank received any notice of default under any contract, agreement, lease or other instrument which default or notice of default would materially and adversely affect the performance by Bank of its obligations under this Agreement. No Bank Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
(f) Books and Records. All of Bank’s and, to the best of its Knowledge, its Affiliates’ records, files and books of account relating to the Program, including records provided to EFS regarding Account activities, are in all material respects complete and correct and are maintained in accordance with Applicable Law.
(g) No Litigation. As of the Effective Date, no action, claim or any litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation or controversy is pending against Bank, at law, in equity or otherwise, before any court, board, commission, agency or instrumentality of any federal, state, or local government or of any agency or subdivision thereof or before any arbitrator or panel of arbitrators, to which Bank is a party, which, if adversely determined, would have a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to Bank.
(h) MasterCard and Visa Membership. Bank will join and/or maintain membership in any Payment Network as required to offer the Financial Products under the Program. Bank also provides, or shall, pursuant to this Agreement and the Purchase Agreement, acquire, one or more BINs to be used exclusively for the Prepaid Products and the Credit Card Product. EFS is responsible for any costs incident to initially enrolling on or transferring a Financial Product to or from any Payment Network.
(i) No Transfer of Accounts. Bank will not assign or transfer any Account to a third party without EFS’s prior written consent.
 
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10.3 Mutual Covenants.
(a) Notice of Litigation. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Party shall promptly notify the other Party if it receives written notice of any pending or threatened action, claim or litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation or controversy against such Party or its Affiliates, at law, in equity or otherwise, before any court, board, commission, agency or instrumentality of any federal, state, or local government or of any agency or subdivision thereof or before any arbitrator or panel of arbitrators (other than customer complaints in the ordinary course of business), to which such Party is a party, which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have a Performance Material Adverse Effect on such Party’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) Non-Solicitation. Each Party covenants and agrees that, until twelve (12) months after the Final Wind-Down Date, it will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or employ any employees of the other Party who have direct managerial responsibility for the Program; provided, that: (i) nothing herein shall prohibit a Party from making offers of employment to or hiring persons whose employment with the non-soliciting Party has been terminated by the non-soliciting Party without cause; and (ii) general advertising or searches regarding the availability of employment opportunities (whether by print, search firm, radio, electronic media, website or otherwise) shall not constitute “solicitation.”
(c) Disaster Recovery Plan. Each Party agrees to maintain a disaster recovery plan, which it shall test regularly, but at a minimum one time per calendar year, as well as systems, equipment, facilities and trained personnel, that shall enable it to perform its essential obligations under this Agreement consistent with such Party’s disaster recovery plan continuously through a disaster. Either Party may request the other Party to make its disaster recovery plan available for review. Either Party may make changes to its disaster recovery plan from time to time without the other Party’s consent; provided that such changes do not materially decrease the level of protection offered by the disaster recovery plan.
ARTICLE 11
CONFIDENTIALITY
11.1 Confidential Information.
(a) “Confidential Information” of a Party means (i) information that is provided by or on behalf of such Party to the other Party, its Affiliates or to EFS Service Providers or Bank Service Providers, as applicable, in connection with the Program, or (ii) information about such Party, its Affiliates, or their respective businesses or employees, that is otherwise obtained by the other Party in connection with the Program, in each case including: (A) information concerning Program Marketing Plans, marketing philosophies, objectives and financial results; (B) information regarding business systems, methods, processes, financing data, programs and products; (C) information unrelated to the Program obtained by the other Party in connection with this Agreement, including by accessing or being present at the business location
 
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of the other Party; (D) proprietary technical information, including source and object codes; (E) competitive advantages and disadvantages, technological development, sales volume(s), merchandise mix, business relationships and methods of transacting business, product design, product features and functionalities, operational and data processing capabilities, and systems software and hardware and the documentation thereof; (F) other information regarding the business or affairs of the other Party or its Affiliates or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that such other Party or its Affiliates reasonably considers confidential or proprietary; and (G) any copies, excerpts, summaries, analyses or notes of the foregoing. Subject to any disclosure required by Applicable Law, the Parties agree that the terms of this Agreement and the Product Schedules shall be Confidential Information of both Parties.
(b) The obligations hereunder with respect to Confidential Information shall not apply to any information that is sourced from information that (i) is publicly known without breach of this Agreement, or (ii) either Party or its Affiliates, EFS Service Providers or Bank Service Providers, as applicable, (A) already knows at the time it is disclosed as shown by their written records, (B) receives from a third-party permitted to disclose it without restriction, or (C) develops independently without use of Confidential Information.
11.2 Limits on Use and Disclosure.
(a) Each Party shall comply with, and cause its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and as applicable, EFS’s Affiliates, EFS Service Providers, Bank’s Affiliates or Bank Service Providers, to comply with the provisions of this  Section 11.2 .
(b) If a Party (the “Receiving Party”) receives Confidential Information of the other Party (the “ Disclosing Party ”), the Receiving Party shall not use or disclose Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party except:
(i) to perform its obligations or enforce its rights with respect to the Program or this Agreement;
(ii) as permitted by this Agreement;
(iii) with the prior consent of the Disclosing Party;
(iv) to respond to a valid subpoena, order or request of any Regulatory Authority (“Regulatory Request ”), or of any recognized stock exchange;
(v) based on advice of legal counsel, to the extent either Party is required by Applicable Law or valid court or governmental agency order to disclose, in which case the Party receiving such an order must, if permitted by Applicable Law, give prompt notice to the other Party, allowing it to seek a protective order;
(vi) to comply with any Applicable Law, or legal or regulatory process, including the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and related thereto; or
(vii) as otherwise required by Applicable Law.
 
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(c) A Receiving Party shall limit access to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information to those employees, consultants and, as applicable, to EFS’s Affiliates, EFS Service Providers, Bank’s Affiliates or Bank Service Providers, that have a reasonable need to access such Confidential Information in connection with the Program or other purposes permitted by this Agreement and only if that Person has agreed to confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those set forth in this  Article 11  (Confidentiality) prior to disclosure. The Receiving Party shall remain responsible to the Disclosing Party for acts or omissions of individuals referred to in the preceding sentence that if committed by the Receiving Party would constitute a violation of the Receiving Party’s confidential obligations hereunder.
(d) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement, a Party will not be obligated to take any action with respect to the collection, use or disclosure of information in the Program that such Party believes in good faith would cause, or is reasonably likely to cause, either Party to violate any Applicable Law (including privacy and security laws and the reuse and re-disclosure provisions of GLBA).
11.3 Regulatory Requests. If a Receiving Party receives a Regulatory Request to disclose any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law:
(a) notify the Disclosing Party thereof promptly after receipt of such Regulatory Request;
(b) consult with the Disclosing Party with respect to such Regulatory Request; and
(c) if disclosure is required or deemed advisable based on advise of legal counsel of the Receiving Party, at the Disclosing Party’s request and expense, reasonably cooperate with the Disclosing Party in any attempt by the Disclosing Party to obtain a protective order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to the Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party.
11.4 Disposition of Confidential Information. Upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement or a Product Schedule, the Receiving Party shall maintain any retained Confidential Information in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and Applicable Law and shall dispose of any Confidential Information in accordance with the Disclosing Party’s reasonable instructions; provided, however, the Receiving Party in possession of tangible property containing the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information may retain one (1) archived copy of such material.
11.5 Unauthorized Use or Disclosure. Each Receiving Party agrees that any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party may cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Disclosing Party for which damages may not constitute an adequate remedy. In that event, the Receiving Party agrees that injunctive relief may be warranted in addition to any other remedies the Disclosing Party may have at law or in equity all
 
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of which shall be cumulative and in addition to any rights and remedies available by contract, law, rule, regulation or order. In addition, the Receiving Party agrees to promptly advise the Disclosing Party in writing of any unauthorized misappropriation, disclosure or use by any Person of the Confidential Information in violation of the Receiving Party’s obligations under this Agreement which may come to its attention and Receiving Party shall take appropriate steps, at its own expense, as reasonably requested by the Disclosing Party to limit, stop or otherwise remedy such misappropriation, disclosure or use.
ARTICLE 12
PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY
12.1 Privacy.
(a) Subject to each Party’s compliance obligations in Section 4.3 (Compliance Obligations), each Party shall comply with Applicable Law relating to the use and disclosure of Program Customer Data and Prospect Data, including the applicable terms and provisions of GLBA and the Code. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall implement and maintain appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of all Program Customer Data and Prospect Data.
(b) In furtherance of and without limiting the foregoing, the Parties agree to, in good faith, jointly develop and prepare, and comply with, the privacy notice applicable to the Program (the “ Privacy Notice ”).
(c) Each Party shall ensure that any third-party (other than attorneys, accountants and any third-party advisors that are bound by a professional duty of confidentiality to such Party) to whom Program Customer Data or Prospect Data is transferred or made available by or on behalf of such Party signs a written contract with the contracting Party in which such third-party agrees: (i) to restrict its use of Program Customer Data and Prospect Data, as applicable, to the use specified in the agreement between EFS or Bank and the third-party (which use must be in compliance with the Party’s permitted uses of the information, including as provided in this  Article 12  (Privacy and Data Security)); (ii) to comply with all Applicable Law, the applicable Payment Network Rules and the Privacy Notice; and (iii) to implement and maintain appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of all Program Customer Data and Prospect Data, including compliance with the provisions of the Data Security Requirements.
(d) The Parties agree to negotiate in good faith, if necessary in the reasonable business judgment of EFS or Bank, an amendment to (i) the provisions of this Agreement related to the use and disclosure of Program Customer Data and Prospect Data and (ii) any other applicable documents, such as privacy policies and privacy guidelines, for the purpose of aligning the privacy policies and practices of the Parties and assuring continued compliance with Applicable Law.
 
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12.2 Data Security.
(a) The Parties agree to, in good faith, jointly develop and prepare, and comply with, the information security and business continuity policies and procedures applicable to the Program as required by Applicable Law (the “ Data Security Requirements ”). In addition, EFS and Bank will each establish, maintain and implement an information security program, including appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards, that is designed to meet the objectives of the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safeguarding Information Security Data, including, at a minimum, maintenance of an information security program that is designed to: (i) ensure the security and confidentiality of Program Customer Data and Prospect Data, as applicable; (ii) protect against any reasonably anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of Program Customer Data or Prospect Data; (iii) protect against unauthorized access to or use of Program Customer Data or Prospect Data that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any Program Customer or Prospective Customer; and (iv) ensure the proper disposal of Program Customer Data and Prospect Data, as applicable. Each Party shall use the same degree of care in protecting Program Customer Data and Prospect Data against unauthorized disclosure as it accords to its own confidential customer information, but in no event less than a reasonable standard of care.
(b) Each of EFS and Bank shall notify the other Party promptly, and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours, following discovery or notification of any actual or suspected Security Breach (as defined below) of the information systems maintained by EFS (including through EFS Service Providers) or Bank (including through Bank Service Providers), respectively, unless such systems do not access, process or store Program Customer Data or Prospect Data. A Party that suffers an actual or suspected Security Breach (the “ Affected Party ”) agrees to take action promptly, at its own expense, to investigate the actual or suspected Security Breach and, if an actual Security Breach is confirmed, to identify and mitigate its effects and to implement reasonable and appropriate measures in response. The Affected Party shall also permit the other Party to conduct or require the Affected Party to engage a qualified third-party to conduct its own investigation of an actual or suspected Security Breach; provided, however, that such investigation may not unreasonably interfere with the investigation being conducted by the Affected Party or the operations of the Affected Party. The Affected Party also will provide the other Party with information reasonably requested by the other Party regarding such Security Breach to assist such other Party in implementing its information security response program and, if applicable, in notifying affected Program Customers and Prospective Customers, as applicable, as well as other third parties as required by Applicable Law. The Affected Party shall pay for the reasonable costs of any such investigation and notification, which notification shall be mutually agreed upon by the Parties (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld) or other remediation reasonably deemed necessary. “ Security Breach ” means the unauthorized access to or acquisition of any record containing Program Customer Data or Prospect Data, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, in a manner that renders misuse of the information reasonably possible or that otherwise compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of the information; provided, however, that it shall also include any data or information security breach under Applicable Law.
(c) EFS and Bank, respectively, will use reasonable measures designed to properly dispose of all records containing Program Customer Data and Prospect Data, as applicable, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, including adhering to policies and procedures that require the destruction or erasure of electronic media containing such Program Customer Data and Prospect Data, as applicable, so that the information cannot practicably be read or reconstructed.
 
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12.3 Collection, Ownership and Use of Program Customer Data.
(a) Ownership of Program Customer Data. The Parties recognize that Program Customer Data is owned by Bank, subject to  Article 15  (Rights Upon Termination), and that Program Customers are Company Customers as well as Bank Customers. Accordingly, each Party has certain ownership and use rights in the information relating to such Program Customers. The Parties acknowledge that the same or similar information may be included in Company Customer Data, Prospect Data, Bank Customer Data and Program Customer Data and to the extent that there is overlapping information in Company Customer Data, Prospect Data, Bank Customer Data and Program Customer Data, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement and Applicable Law: (i) Bank shall retain its ownership and use rights in such Program Customer Data and Bank Customer Data; and (ii) EFS or EFS Affiliates, as applicable, shall retain their respective ownership and use rights in Company Customer Data and Prospect Data.
(b) EFS, its Affiliates and EFS Service Providers shall be entitled to access and may use and disclose all Program Customer Data and Prospect Data in any manner permitted by this Agreement, Applicable Law and the Privacy Notice. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) Company Customer Data obtained by EFS or any EFS Affiliate in connection with the provision of tax preparation related goods and services that are not part of the Program and (ii) Prospect Data, in each case, shall belong exclusively, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, to EFS or such EFS Affiliate, as applicable.
(c) Notwithstanding any rights they may have to use or disclose Program Customer Data, Prospect Data and Applicant Data under Applicable Law or the Privacy Notice, neither Bank, nor its Affiliates nor Bank Service Providers shall use or disclose Program Customer Data, Prospect Data or Applicant Data for any purpose other than: (i) to perform its obligations or enforce its rights with respect to the Program; (ii) as expressly permitted by this Agreement; (iii) pursuant to a Regulatory Request; (iv) by a Party to a Regulatory Authority as required or requested by such Regulatory Authority; or (v) as otherwise required by Applicable Law.
(d) Each Party shall develop the appropriate tools and resources to allow for efficient access to Program and Financial Product transaction data and Account and Applicant level data, subject to any restrictions under Applicable Law. The operational method for such access shall be set forth in the Program Data Site.
(e) Each of Bank and EFS shall maintain the Privacy Notice to permit the broadest rights allowable under Applicable Law for sharing of Program Customer Data with the other Party and such other Party’s Affiliates.
 
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ARTICLE 13
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
13.1 EFS Event of Default.
The occurrence of any one (1) or more of the events specified in this Section 13.1 (regardless of the reason therefor) with respect to EFS shall be an “ EFS Event of Default .”
(a) Failure to Make Payments When Due. EFS fails to make a payment of any material amount due and payable pursuant to this Agreement that is not disputed in good faith and such failure shall remain unremedied for a period of five (5) Business Days after Bank shall have given notice thereof. For purposes of this  Section 13.1(a) , the term “material amount” shall mean an amount greater than $100,000.00.
(b) Failure to Settle. Notwithstanding Section 13.1(a), if EFS fails to settle any amount that is not disputed in good faith, within three (3) Business Days after the date on which Bank shall have given notice thereof in accordance with Section 2.15  (Settlement Statements).
(c) Breach of EFS’s Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) Any representation or warranty of EFS in this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules shall fail to be true and correct in any material respect as of the date when made or reaffirmed, or (ii) EFS shall fail to perform its covenants as set forth in this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules, or any other material covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules that EFS is required to perform; and, in either case, such failure has a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to EFS and the same shall remain uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after Bank provides written notice thereof.
(d) Solvency. EFS (i) shall not be Solvent; (ii) shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally; (iii) shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iv) shall have any proceeding instituted by or against it seeking to adjudicate it as bankrupt or insolvent or seeking liquidation, reorganization or any similar alternative under any law relating to bankruptcy or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property, and, in the case of any proceeding instituted against it (but not instituted by it), either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of thirty (30) days, or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including the entry of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver or other similar official for, it or any substantial part of its property) shall occur; or (v) shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the actions set forth in clause (iii) or (iv) of this  Section 13.1(d) .
13.2 Bank Event of Default.
The occurrence of any one (1) or more of the events specified in this Section 13.2 (regardless of the reason therefor) with respect to Bank shall be a “ Bank Event of Default .”
 
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(a) Failure to Make Payments when Due. Bank fails to make a payment of any material amount due and payable pursuant to this Agreement that is not disputed in good faith and such failure shall remain unremedied for a period of five (5) Business Days after EFS shall have given notice thereof. For purposes of this  Section 13.2(a) , the term “material amount” shall mean an amount greater than $100,000.00.
(b) Failure to Settle. Notwithstanding Section 13.2(a), if Bank fails to settle (i) any amount that is not disputed in good faith, within three (3) Business Days after the date on which EFS shall have given notice thereof in accordance with Section 2.15  (Settlement Statements), or (ii) any Payment Network transactions.
(c) Breach of Bank’s Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) Any representation or warranty of Bank in this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules shall fail to be true and correct in any material respect as of the date when made or reaffirmed, or (ii) Bank shall fail to perform its covenants as set forth in this Agreement or any of the Product Schedules, or any other material covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement that Bank is required to perform including the failure to meet its obligations under any Program Marketing Plans; and, in either case, such failure results in a Performance Material Adverse Effect with respect to Bank and the same shall remain uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after EFS provides written notice thereof.
(d) Solvency. Bank (i) shall not be Solvent; (ii) shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally; (iii) shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iv) shall have a receiver appointed (or sought to be appointed) by Bank’s primary federal regulator or shall have any proceeding instituted by or against it seeking to adjudicate it as bankrupt or insolvent or seeking liquidation, reorganization or any similar alternative under any law relating to bankruptcy or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief; or (v) shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the actions set forth in clause (iii) or (iv) of this  Section 13.2(d) .
(e) Undercapitalization. Bank is deemed to be less than adequately capitalized or determined to be in a troubled condition within the meaning of Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act by the appropriate federal banking agency having primary supervisory jurisdiction over Bank.
ARTICLE 14
TERM AND TERMINATION
14.1 Term. The term of this Agreement and the Product Schedules shall commence upon the Effective Date and end June 30, 2022, unless earlier terminated as provided in this Agreement (the “ Term ”). Subject to the provisions of this  Article 14  (Term and Termination), the term of all Product Schedules will be co-terminus with the Term. This Agreement will remain in full force and effect to the extent any Product Schedule remains in full force and effect.
 
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14.2 Mutual Termination Rights.
(a) Events of Default. Each Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement or a Product Schedule upon not less than twenty (20) days’ prior written notice if any Event of Default with respect to the other Party shall occur and be continuing pursuant to  Article 13  (Events of Default).
(b) Force Majeure Event. If a Force Majeure Event with respect to a Party has occurred pursuant to Section 17.8  (Force Majeure) that materially prevents or impedes the other Party’s performance hereunder and such Force Majeure Event continues for a period of more than thirty (30) days, the other Party shall have the right to terminate the affected Product Schedule(s) while the Force Majeure Event continues by providing written notice to the Party experiencing the Force Majeure Event, such termination to be effective on the date specified in the notice of termination.
14.3 Additional Termination Rights of EFS.
(a) [Reserved]
(b) Durbin Regulatory Event. Bank shall promptly notify EFS once it knows the combined average assets of Bank and its Subsidiaries for a calendar quarter exceeded, or expects that they will exceed, $10 billion, as of December 31 st  of any year during the Term of this Agreement. Once Bank provides notice to EFS pursuant to this Section, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith for 30 days to revise the terms of this Agreement in a manner that is satisfactory to EFS in its sole and absolute discretion. After receipt of such notice and expiration of such 30-day period, EFS may negotiate and reach agreement (provided that such agreement shall not become effective until the actual Durbin Regulatory Event occurs) with other card sponsor banks about becoming the successors under this Agreement upon its termination, without such activity being a breach of this Agreement. If a Durbin Regulatory Event occurs, EFS shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate this entire Agreement, or any of the Product Schedules with respect to Emerald Advance, Emerald Card or Refund Transfer, upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Bank.
(c) Changed Circumstances Termination. If Bank unilaterally changes (i) the terms, pricing, conditions, underwriting or other characteristics of, or the Account Documentation, Marketing Materials, Servicing Materials or any other Program documentation or requirements for, any Financial Product, or (ii) any other aspect of the Program or the obligations of EFS under the Program, that (A) individually or collectively have, or are reasonably expected to have, a material adverse effect on the economic benefits that EFS and its Affiliates reasonably expect to derive from the Financial Product based upon the pricing, terms, conditions, underwriting or other characteristics of the Financial Product as in effect on the date of this Agreement, or (B) expose EFS or any of its Affiliates to what EFS, in good faith believes, is a significant increase in the level of legal, regulatory, or litigation risk (and EFS provides thirty (30) days’ prior written notice advising Bank’s chief executive officer that EFS disagrees with such change and the basis for its disagreement, with particularity, and the change remains in effect after such thirty (30) day period), then notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, EFS shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate this entire Agreement, or
 
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any one or more of the Product Schedules, upon at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice to Bank. For purposes of this  Section 14.3(c) , “material” means $5,000,000 in consolidated pre-tax net income, or $15,000,000 in consolidated gross revenue, of Block, Inc.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, EFS shall have no termination right with respect to an industry wide change that is clearly necessary to comply with Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules. The Parties acknowledge that the current Program and Financial Products as in effect on the date of this Agreement are in compliance with Applicable Law.
14.4 Cross Termination of Product Schedules.
(a) Subject to the terms contained herein, an individual Product Schedule may be terminated upon the occurrence of a termination event described in  Section 14.2  or  14.3  in accordance with this  Article 14  (Term and Termination) without causing the termination of any of the other Product Schedules or this Agreement.
(b) If any of the Product Schedules with respect to Emerald Advance, Emerald Card or Refund Transfer is terminated by Bank in accordance with this  Article 14 , EFS, in its sole discretion, may terminate any or all of the other Product Schedules or this Agreement; provided, however, that EFS shall have the right to exercise the EFS Purchase Option set forth in Section 15.1  (EFS Purchase Options) with respect to the Product Schedules that are terminated.
(c) If any of the Product Schedules with respect to the Emerald Card or Refund Transfer is terminated by EFS in accordance with this  Article 14 , Bank in its sole discretion, may terminate this Agreement.
(d) If any of the Product Schedules for Emerald Advance, Emerald Card or Refund Transfer are terminated, then the 5 year exclusive period for marketing IRA Accounts in Section 6.4(a) shall not apply to Company.
ARTICLE 15
RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION
15.1 EFS Purchase Options. When this Agreement expires in accordance with its Term, or if this Agreement or any Product Schedule is terminated early for any reason, then EFS shall have the option (each an “ EFS Purchase Option ”) to purchase, have an Affiliate purchase or to arrange for a federally-insured depository institution selected by EFS to purchase (each of EFS, an EFS Affiliate or a federally-insured depository institution, a “ Nominated Purchaser ”), all of the Accounts associated with the Program (other than those Accounts relating to individual retirement accounts, which will remain with Bank), or if only a Product Schedule is terminated, the Accounts associated with the related Financial Product, and the Accounts Receivable and related rights, funds, interest and fees (“ Purchased Assets ”) (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include all of the related assets of the type and nature of the “Transferred Asset” as defined in Section 2.01 of the Purchase Agreement), free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances created by Bank, and to assume the payment and performance obligations and other liabilities arising after the closing date relating to such Purchased Assets (the “ Assumed Liabilities ”) (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include all of the related
 
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Liabilities of the type and nature of the “Assumed Liabilities” as defined in Section 2.03 of the Purchase Agreement). Such closing date is the “ Assumed Accounts Purchase Date .” EFS shall notify Bank in writing of a Nominated Purchaser’s intent to purchase the Purchased Assets and the Assumed Liabilities (an “ Exercise Notice ”) no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the Termination Date of this Agreement or of any Product Schedule (the “ Purchase Option Exercise Period ”). EFS may designate different Nominated Purchasers with respect to different EFS Purchase Options and with respect to different Financial Products, and may designate a substitute or replacement Nominated Purchaser, but each thereof shall be deemed to be the “Nominated Purchaser” as defined in this Section 15.1. If EFS does not provide the Exercise Notice to Bank before the expiration of the Purchase Option Exercise Period, then the EFS Purchase Option under this Section 15.1 shall expire. If EFS determines not to exercise the EFS Purchase Option, then EFS shall provide Bank with a written notice of no interest (“ No Interest Notice ”).
15.2 Evaluation Data. Bank shall cooperate with EFS and the Nominated Purchaser to provide EFS and Nominated Purchaser with access (subject to customary confidentiality agreements) to all Program-related data and information (other than Bank’s proprietary work product) reasonably requested by the Nominated Purchaser for the sole purpose of due diligence regarding the purchase of the Accounts, provided that such information is not otherwise reasonably available from EFS or its Affiliates.
15.3 Determination of Purchase Price.
(a) In the event that EFS issues an Exercise Notice, the purchase price for the Purchased Assets and the Assumed Liabilities (“ Purchase Price ”) shall be calculated as the sum of (i) the book value of deposits associated with Emerald Card accounts; (ii) the fair value of Emerald Advance participation interests and receivables; and (iii) the amount of one dollar ($1.00) for all Emerald Advance, Emerald Card, Refund Transfer, and Credit Card Accounts and the other Program assets owned by Bank. Other Program assets will include all of the related assets of the type and nature of the “Transferred Asset” as defined in Section 2.01 of the Purchase Agreement. “Assumed Liabilities” shall include all of the related liabilities of the type and nature of the “Assumed Liabilities” as defined in Section 2.03 of the Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Price shall be determined as of the Assumed Accounts Purchase Date. The fair value of Emerald Advance participation interests shall be calculated in a manner consistent with  Schedule 15.3 ; provided however, that in the event of a dispute in the determination of fair value, the parties shall rely on the determination of an independent accountant firm to be selected by Bank, EFS and Nominated Purchaser, consistent with pricing used in the Purchase Agreement.
(b) In the event that the EFS Purchase Option is validly exercised, Bank and EFS shall, in good faith, use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities by Nominated Purchaser in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (including terms of a purchase agreement contemplated under  Section 15.4  (Purchase Mechanics) at the Purchase Price). EFS shall notify Nominated Purchaser of EFS’s expectation that the Nominated Purchaser shall, in good faith, use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities at the Purchase Price.
(c) No Purchase. If a Purchase Option Expiration Date occurs, the Accounts retained by Bank shall be liquidated pursuant to the provisions of  Section 15.6  (Wind-down by Bank); provided, however, that nothing in this Section 15.3(c)  shall be construed as limiting or relieving the obligation of Bank and EFS to use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities after EFS delivers an Exercise Notice. For the avoidance of doubt, as long as EFS uses commercially reasonable efforts to consummate such purchase, EFS shall not be liable for a Nominated Purchaser’s failure to purchase the Purchased Assets and assume the Assumed Liabilities, and in no event shall EFS be obligated to purchase the Purchased Assets and assume the Assumed Liabilities for itself.
 
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15.4 Purchase Mechanics. After EFS has delivered an Exercise Notice, Bank, EFS and Nominated Purchaser shall, with reasonable expedition, negotiate in good faith, execute and deliver all necessary agreements, instruments and other documentation customary for a transaction of this kind, including a purchase and sale agreement, which agreements may require each of Bank, EFS and Nominated Purchaser to agree to certain representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, transition services and other terms and conditions usual and customary for a transaction of this kind. All such agreements shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to the Parties. Bank, EFS and the Nominated Purchaser shall in good faith use commercially reasonable efforts to expeditiously consummate the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities as contemplated hereby no later than two hundred seventy (270) days from the date on which EFS has provided an Exercise Notice to Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) if the Assumed Accounts Purchase Date falls within the Tax Season, at EFS’s option, the Assumed Accounts Purchase Date and the time to consummate the purchase shall extend to a date that is thirty (30) days after the end of the Tax Season, and (b) the Assumed Accounts Purchase Date shall be extended up to one hundred eighty (180) days in the event that any application for Regulatory Authority approval that is required for the Assumed Accounts Purchase Date remains pending.
15.5 Duties After Termination or Expiration.
(a) Continuation of Rights and Obligations under Agreement. Notwithstanding the occurrence of a Termination Date with respect to this Agreement, the rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement (other than the Non-Surviving Obligations) shall continue until the latest of (i) the expiration of the EFS Purchase Option or delivery by EFS of a No Interest Notice; (ii) if EFS has delivered an Exercise Notice, the consummation of the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities; or (iii) if EFS has delivered an Exercise Notice, the expiration of the periods set forth in Section 15.4  (Purchase Mechanics) without the consummation of the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities. The Parties shall mutually agree on a conversion plan and shall not unreasonably withhold or delay execution of the conversion plan. Bank shall be prepared to participate in the conversion of the Accounts to the purchaser thereof by the conversion date to be specified in the conversion plan (the “ Conversion Date ”).
In addition, notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, upon the occurrence of a Termination Date, the rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement (other than
 
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the Non-Surviving Obligations) shall continue during the wind down period described in Section 15.6 until the earliest of (i) the Final Wind Down Date; (ii) the completion of the wind down prior to the Final Wind Down Date; (iii) the date that Bank completes the implementation of a plan to replace or substitute one or more Financial Products with similar financial products offered by Bank that are not branded with Company Licensed Marks; or (iv) such other date as may be agreed upon in writing by the Parties and a Nominated Purchaser pursuant to  Section 15.4 .
(b) ABA Routing Number; BIN; ICA. If EFS delivers an Exercise Notice, the Bank, EFS and Nominated Purchaser shall work together to assign or transfer to the Nominated Purchaser the ABA routing numbers, bank identification numbers (“ BIN ”) or interbank card association numbers (“ ICA ”) range applicable to the Financial Products (to the extent permissible by the Payment Networks and to the extent related to or utilized by the Financial Products) and the account numbers relating to the Financial Products.
(c) Conversion Costs. Each Party shall bear its own costs associated with the sale and conversion of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities to the initial Nominated Purchaser; provided, however, that (i) EFS shall pay for Bank’s reasonable outside legal fees and expenses incurred to negotiate, draft, execute and deliver the purchase agreement and related agreements and regulatory filings contemplated by this  Article 15  (“ Reasonable and Related Outside Counsel Transaction Expenses ”), to the extent such outside legal fees and expenses exceed $200,000.00, and (ii) if for any reason EFS designates a substitute or replacement Nominated Purchaser or if EFS extends the timeframe beyond the initial 270 day period provided by  Section 15.4 , then EFS shall pay for all of Bank’s Reasonable and Related Outside Counsel Transaction Expenses. Third party costs and expenses, to the extent directly related to the conversion to a Nominated Purchaser pursuant to this  Article 15 , shall be paid or reimbursed by EFS.
15.6 Wind-Down by Bank. If (i) the Purchase Option Exercise Period expires, (ii) EFS issues a No Interest Notice or (iii) EFS delivers an Exercise Notice, but the periods set forth in  Section 15.4  expire without the consummation of the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities, then as promptly as reasonably practicable and in any event within one (1) year thereafter (the “ Final Wind-Down Date ”), Bank shall wind down the remaining Accounts in the Program or relevant Product Schedule in any lawful manner which may be expeditious or economically advantageous to Bank, including the issuance of a replacement or a substitute card associated with an Account, as applicable; provided, however, that Bank shall (a) remove all Company Licensed Marks from the Financial Products and related materials as promptly as reasonably practicable and in any event prior to the Final Wind-Down Date; (b) discontinue originating Financial Products with Company Licensed Marks within sixty (60) days after the Termination Date; and (c) not re-brand the Financial Products with a Specified Party, sell the Financial Products or Program Customer Data to a Specified Party or a Specified Party’s designee, or otherwise permit the Financial Products or Program Customer Data to benefit a Specified Party.
During the wind down period, the rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement will continue as provided in the second paragraph of Section 15.5(a). During the wind down period,
 
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Bank and EFS shall act in good faith and shall reasonably cooperate with each other to wind down the Program in a reasonable and efficient manner, with the least disruption to Company Customers and Bank Customers as possible.
15.7 Communication with Accountholders. When this Agreement expires in accordance with its Term, or if this Agreement or any Product Schedule is terminated early for any reason, except as required by Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules, Bank and EFS shall mutually agree upon all communications with Accountholders regarding the termination of this Agreement and the Program or of a Product Schedule. If Bank is required by Applicable Law or Payment Network Rules to communicate with Accountholders, then EFS may review and approve (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) such communication prior to its distribution to Accountholders. EFS shall pay for the costs of such communications to Accountholders.
15.8 Applicability. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the provisions of this Article 15 shall be applicable to the termination of one or more Product Schedules, or this entire Agreement, and that there may be more than one exercise of the EFS Purchase Option. The respective rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall apply with respect to each exercise of the EFS Purchase Option.
ARTICLE 16
INDEMNIFICATION; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
16.1 Indemnification of Bank by EFS. Subject to Section 6.4(b)(ix) and Section 6.5(c), EFS agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Bank, its parent, subsidiaries and Affiliates, and its and their respective shareholders, directors, officers. employees, agents, representatives and permitted assigns (collectively, “ Bank Indemnified Parties ”), from and against any and all Indemnified Losses to the extent such Indemnified Losses arise out of or result from:
(a) any third-party Claim brought against any of the of Bank Indemnified Parties in connection with or in any way related to this Agreement, the Program, a Financial Product or a Transaction, except to the extent that an Indemnified Loss resulted from (i) a Program Change made by Bank (or at the direction of Bank) as to which EFS has delivered a Disputed Program Change Notification to Bank, or (ii) any cross-marketing by Bank Indemnified Parties pursuant to  Section 6.2(a)  (Cross Marketing);
(b) any negligent, willful, or fraudulent act or omission of the part of EFS, its Affiliates, any Distributor, any Franchisee, or and EFS Service Provider, or any of their directors, officers. employees, agents, or representatives, in connection with the Program;
(c) any breach by EFS, its Affiliates, any Distributor or any Franchisee of any representation, warranty, covenant or other provision contained in this Agreement or any other instrument or document delivered by EFS to Bank in connection with the Program; and
(d) the failure of EFS, its Affiliates, any Distributor or any Franchisee to comply with Company Applicable Law or any applicable Payment Network Rule in connection with the Program;
 
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provided, however, that EFS shall have no obligation to indemnify any Bank Indemnified Party under this Section 16.1 (Indemnification of Bank by EFS) against any Indemnified Losses to the extent that such Indemnified Losses result from (x) a grossly negligent, willful, or fraudulent act or omission of any Bank Indemnified Party or (y) any breach by any Bank Indemnified Party of (i) any representation or warranty (other than representations and warranties in  Section 10.2(c)(iii) ) of this Agreement, or (ii) the covenants set forth in  Section 2.16  (Nevada Office),  Section 6.2(b)  (Cross Marketing),  Article 11 (Confidentiality) and  Article 12  (Privacy and Data Security). For the avoidance of doubt, “gross negligence,” as used in this  Article 16 , includes repeated acts of the same or similar negligence for which Bank has received notice from EFS identifying the existence of the negligence and a reasonable remediable action plan, and Bank has failed to implement such remedial action plan within a reasonable period of time to avoid further Indemnification Losses. In addition, EFS agrees to comply with the last two paragraphs of Section 10.02 of the Purchase Agreement.
16.2 Indemnification of EFS by Bank. Subject to Section 6.4(b)(ix) and Section 6.5(c), Bank agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless EFS, its parent, subsidiaries and Affiliates, and its and their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives and permitted assigns (collectively, “ EFS Indemnified Parties ”), from and against any and all Indemnified Losses to the extent such Indemnified Losses arise out of or result from:
(a) any third-party Claim brought against any of the of EFS Indemnified Parties in connection with or in any way related to this Agreement, the Program, a Financial Product or a Transaction only to the extent that the Indemnified Loss resulted from a Program Change made by Bank (or at the direction of Bank) as to which EFS has delivered a Disputed Program Change Notification to Bank;
(b) any grossly negligent, willful or fraudulent act or omission of the part of Bank, its parent, subsidiaries or Affiliates, or any Bank Service Provider, or any of their directors, officers. employees, agents, or representatives, in connection with the Program; and
(c) any breach by Bank, its parent, subsidiaries or Affiliates, or any Bank Service Provider, of (i) any representation or warranty (other than representations and warranties in  Section 10.2(c)(iii) ) of this Agreement, or (ii) the covenants, agreements or undertakings set forth in  Section 2.16  (Nevada Office),  Section 6.2(b)  (Cross Marketing),  Article 11 (Confidentiality) and  Article 12  (Privacy and Data Security);
provided, however, that Bank shall have no obligation to indemnify any EFS Indemnified Party under this Section 16.2 (Indemnification of EFS by Bank) against any Indemnified Losses to the extent that such Indemnified Losses result from (x) a negligent, willful or fraudulent act or omission of any EFS Indemnified Party or (y) any breach by any EFS Indemnified Party of any representation, warranty, covenant or other provision contained in this Agreement, or any other agreement, instrument or documents delivered to Bank in connection with the Program. In addition, Bank agrees to comply with the last two paragraphs of Section 10.02 of the Purchase Agreement.
 
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16.3 Notice. If a Party (the “Indemnified Party”) receives notice of any third-party claim for which indemnification may be available under this Agreement, the Indemnified Party must promptly notify the other Party (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of the third-party claim, including, if possible, the amount or estimate of the amount of liability arising from it. The Indemnified Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to provide notice to the Indemnifying Party no later than fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Indemnified Party in the event a suit or action has commenced, or thirty (30) days under all other circumstances; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not relieve an Indemnifying Party of its obligation to indemnify except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure.
16.4 Right to Defend Claims; Coordination of Defense.
(a) Subject to Section 16.5 (Settlement of Claims), the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend any such third-party claim at its expense and in the name of the Indemnified Party and shall select the counsel for the defense of such third-party claim as approved by the Indemnified Party, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, and the Indemnifying Party shall reasonably cooperate with the Indemnified Party in the conduct of the defense against such third-party claim. The Indemnified Party may participate, at its own expense, in such defense and in any settlement discussions directly or through counsel of its choice on a monitoring, non-controlling basis, or at the Indemnifying Party’s expense and with full control if the Indemnifying Party does not fulfill its obligations to appoint counsel to defend the Indemnified Party which is reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party within a reasonable time after the Indemnifying Party has received written notice of such third-party claim from the Indemnified Party. The Parties agree to cooperate in good faith to coordinate the defense of any third-party claim that may give rise to indemnification obligations of more than one Indemnifying Party or that may include allegations that are not subject to indemnification.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to defend any such third-party claim on behalf of the Indemnified Party if: (i) it contests (in whole or in part) its indemnification obligations (but only as to the obligations specific to the Indemnifying Party’s obligation to indemnify under this  Article 16  in the event a third-party claim gives rise to indemnification obligations of more than one Indemnifying Party); (ii) it fails to employ counsel approved by the Indemnified Party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) to assume the defense of such third-party claim or refuses to replace such counsel upon the Indemnified Party’s reasonable request, as provided for herein; (iii) the Indemnified Party reasonably determines that there are issues which could raise possible conflicts of interest between the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party or that the Indemnified Party has claims or defenses that are separate from or in addition to the claims or defenses of the Indemnifying Party; or (iv) such third-party claim seeks an injunction, cease and desist order, or other equitable relief against the Indemnified Party. In each such case described in clauses (i) – (iv) above, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to direct the defense of the third-party claim and retain its own counsel, and the Indemnifying Party shall pay the cost of such defense,
 
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including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses. If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of any such third-party claim or refuses to replace such counsel upon the Indemnified Party’s reasonable request as provided in this Section 16.4(b) , the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such third-party claim with counsel deemed satisfactory to it in its sole discretion.
16.5 Settlement of Claims. The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such third-party claim effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) but, if settled with such consent or if there is a judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Party shall indemnify the Indemnified Party from and against any Indemnified Losses by reason of such settlement or judgment to the extent required by  Section 16.1  (Indemnification of Bank by EFS) or  16.2  (Indemnification of EFS by Bank), as applicable. If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of any such third-party claim, it shall be entitled to settle such third-party claim (a) with the consent of the Indemnified Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) or, (b) if such settlement provides for an unconditional, irrevocable release of the Indemnified Party in connection with all matters relating to the action or proceeding that have been asserted against such Indemnified Party in connection with such third-party claim by the other parties to such settlement, and such release does not include a statement as to, or otherwise imply an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of such Indemnified Party, or can reasonably be expected to result in an adverse action against the Indemnified Party by a Regulatory Authority, without the consent of such Indemnified Party which consent may be granted or withheld in the Indemnified Party’s reasonable discretion. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of the Indemnified Losses shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any such third-party claim, except where the Indemnified Party is required to bear such expenses pursuant to this  Article 16 , which expenses the Indemnifying Party shall pay as and when incurred, at the request of the Indemnified Party, to the extent it is reasonable to believe that the Indemnifying Party will be ultimately obligated to pay such expenses. If any expenses so paid by the Indemnifying Party are subsequently determined to not be required to be borne by the Indemnifying Party under this  Article 16 , the Indemnified Party that received the benefit of such payment shall promptly refund the amount so paid to the Indemnifying Party.
16.6 Subrogation. The Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to any counterclaims, claims in recoupment, or similar rights of the Indemnified Party as against any third-party that directly relate to any claim made by such third-party for which the Indemnified Party seeks indemnification under this  Article 16 , but only to the extent of any amount which the Indemnifying Party is liable to pay in satisfaction or settlement of such third-party claim under this  Article 16 . The Indemnified Party shall reasonably cooperate with the Indemnifying Party, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, in the assertion by the Indemnifying Party of any such claims against such third-party claimant.
 
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16.7 Indemnification Payments.
(a) An Indemnifying Party shall not be liable in respect of any indemnification obligations under this Agreement until the cumulative aggregate amount of Indemnified Losses exceed $100,000 (“ Indemnification Threshold Amount ”); provided, however, that once the Indemnification Threshold Amount has been exceeded, the Indemnified Party shall be entitled to recover the Indemnification Threshold Amount and any additional amounts owed pursuant to this  Article 16 .
(b) Amounts owing under this Article 16 shall be paid promptly upon written demand for indemnification containing in reasonable detail the facts giving rise to such liability.
16.8 Apportionment of Costs. The Parties recognize and acknowledge that third-party claims may be made as part of an action, suit, investigation or proceeding that may give rise to the indemnification obligations of more than one (1) Party as set forth in  Section 16.1  (Indemnification of Bank by EFS) and  16.2  (Indemnification of EFS by Bank), or that may include allegations that are not subject to indemnification, and the Parties agree that they shall cooperate in good faith to fairly apportion the Indemnified Losses relating to such third-party claims. Indemnified Losses incurred in defending third-party claims shall be apportioned to the respective Party that has responsibility for each specific third-party claim as set forth in  Section 16.1 (Indemnification of Bank by EFS) and  16.2  (Indemnification of EFS by Bank), but only to the extent that those Indemnified Losses directly arise from such third-party claim.
16.9 Limitation of Liability.
(a) In no event shall an Indemnifying Party be liable under this Agreement or any Product Schedule for any indirect, consequential, incidental, special, punitive or exemplary damages or lost profits, to an Indemnified Party, whether in contract, tort (whether in negligence or strict liability) or other legal or equitable theory, regardless of whether such Indemnifying Party knew or should have known of the possibility of such damages.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 16.9(a), an Indemnifying Party may be liable for damages suffered by all Indemnified Parties relating to lost profits or revenue of up to, but not in excess of, $10,000,000, in the aggregate, for all Claims over the life of the Program, whether in contract, tort (whether in negligence or strict liability) or other legal or equitable theory, regardless of whether such Indemnifying Party knew or should have known of the possibility of such damages.
ARTICLE 17
MISCELLANEOUS
17.1 Assignment. Any assignment by either Party of any of that Party’s rights and obligations under this Agreement or any Product Schedule shall require the prior consent of the other Party to this Agreement, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
17.2 Entire Agreement; Amendments. Except as it relates to the Purchase Agreement, this Agreement, together with all Exhibits and Schedules (including all Product
 
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Schedules) hereto, which are expressly incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof, and the other agreements pertaining to the transactions contemplated hereunder and executed and delivered by a Party hereto to the others contemporaneous with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, are the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and supersede all other prior understandings and agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, whether written or oral. It is the intent and agreement of the Parties that this Agreement be strictly interpreted according to its express terms. This Agreement may not be amended except by a written instrument signed by EFS and Bank.
17.3 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as set forth in Article 16 (Indemnification; Limitation of Liability), nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be deemed to confer any rights or benefits upon any Person other than EFS and Bank and to make or render any such other Person a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement.
17.4 Non-Waiver of Default. The failure of either Party to insist, in any one or more instances, on the performance of any terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any rights granted hereunder or of the future performance of any such term or condition, and the obligations of the non-performing Party with respect thereto shall continue in full force and effect.
17.5 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or any Product Schedule is held to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the Parties shall work in good faith to reform such provision and all other provisions shall remain valid and be enforced and construed to the extent permitted by law. The Parties intend all provisions of this Agreement to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law. Accordingly, should a court of competent jurisdiction determine that the scope of any provision hereof is too broad to be enforced as written, the Parties intend that the court should reform the provision to such narrower scope as it determines to be enforceable.
17.6 Further Assurances. Each Party agrees to execute all such further documents and instruments and to do all such further things as the other Party may reasonably request in order to give effect and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and to provide reasonable access to the other Party and the Regulatory Authority asserting jurisdiction over the other Party to the extent necessary for the other Party to comply with Applicable Law.
 
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17.7 Notices. All notices, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by electronic mail, certified mail return receipt requested, by hand, by facsimile with verbal confirmation of receipt, or by nationally recognized overnight courier service addressed to the Party to whom such notice or other communication is to be given or made at such Party’s address as set forth below, or to such other address as such Party may designate in writing to the other Party from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof as follows:
If to EFS, to:
Emerald Financial Services, LLC
One H&R Block Way
Kansas City, MO 64105
Attn: Greg Quarles
Email: greg.quarles@hrblock.com
Telephone: 816-854-5709
Facsimile: 816-854-8052
Attn: Walter Pirnot
Email: wpirnot@hrblock.com
Telephone: 816-854-5757
Facsimile: 816-802-1065
with copies to:

H&R Block, Inc.	  	Stinson Leonard Street LLP	
One H&R Block Way	  	Attn: Mike Lochmann	
Kansas City, Missouri 64105	  	1201 Walnut Street, Suite 2900	
Attn: Tom Gerke, Chief Legal Officer	  	Kansas City, Missouri 64106	
Email: tom.gerke@hrblock.com	  	Email: mike.lochmann@stinsonleonard.com	
Telephone: 816-854-6060	  	Telephone: 816-691-3208	
Facsimile: 816-854-8500	  	Facsimile: 816-412-1249	
If to Bank, to:
BofI Federal Bank
4350 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 140
San Diego, California 92122
Attn: Gregory Garrabrants
Email: ggarrabrants@bofifederalbank.com
Telephone: 858-350-6203
Facsimile: 858-764-6561
with copies to:
BofI Federal Bank
4350 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 140
San Diego, California 92122
Attn: Eshel Bar-Adon
Email: EBar-Adon@bofifederalbank.com
Telephone: 858-764-2905
Facsimile: 858-764-6561
or to such other Person or address as either Party shall have previously designated to the other by written notice given in the manner set forth in this  Section 17.7 . Notice shall be deemed to have
 
67

been given on the day of delivery if (x) sent by certified mail; (y) sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service; or (z) delivered by hand or via electronic mail. Any notice provided pursuant to this  Section 17.7  shall be effective on the day of completion of all delivery requirements.
17.8 Force Majeure.
(a) If the performance by a Party of its respective non-monetary obligations under this Agreement is delayed or prevented (in whole or in part) by acts of God, third-party cyber, IT or network attacks, fire, floods, storms, explosions, accidents, epidemics, war, civil disorder, strikes, terrorism, nuclear or biological disaster, riot or any other similar event or cause not reasonably within such Party’s control, whether or not specifically mentioned herein (any such event, a “ Force Majeure Event ”), such Party shall be excused, discharged and released of performance to the extent such performance or obligation is so delayed or prevented by the Force Majeure Event without liability of any kind; provided, however, that (i) the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event shall not excuse a Party from following the procedures set forth in its disaster recovery plan; and (ii) the Parties shall have the termination rights set forth in  Section 14.2(b)  (Force Majeure Event).
(b) The Party subject to a delay or prevention as contemplated herein shall, as soon as practicable and in all events within three (3) Business Days following the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, notify the other Party of such Force Majeure Event, which notice shall set forth: (i) the nature of the Force Majeure Event; (ii) its expected effect(s) and duration; (iii) any expected development which may further affect performance hereunder; and (iv) the efforts undertaken or to be undertaken to cure such Force Majeure Event or provide substitute performance; provided, however, that failure of a Party to provide the notice required in this  Section 17.8(b)  shall not affect the operation of  Section 17.8(a)  to excuse, discharge and release a Party from performance as provided in such Section.
17.9 Interpretation. Each Party acknowledges that its legal counsel participated in the drafting of this Agreement and that this Agreement has been fully reviewed and negotiated by the Parties and their respective counsel. Accordingly, in interpreting this Agreement, no weight shall be placed upon which Party or its counsel drafted the provision being interpreted.
17.10 Exhibits and Schedules. Unless any provision hereof is specifically excluded or modified in a particular Exhibit or Schedule, including any Product Schedule, each such Exhibit or Schedule, including any Product Schedule, shall be deemed to incorporate therein all the terms and conditions of this Agreement and may contain such additional terms and conditions as the Parties may mutually agree in writing.
17.11 No Agency. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement or mutually agreed in writing by the Parties, nothing contained in this Agreement shall authorize, empower or constitute EFS or Bank as agent of the other in any manner; authorize or empower EFS and Bank to assume or create an obligation or responsibility whatsoever, express or implied, on behalf of or in the name of the other Party; or authorize or empower EFS and Bank to bind the other Party in any manner or make any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or commitment on behalf of the other Party or permit EFS and Bank to hold itself out as having the authority to do any of the foregoing.
 
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17.12 Relationship of Parties. EFS and Bank hereby acknowledge that it is not their intention to create between themselves a partnership, joint venture, fiduciary or employment or agency relationship for purposes of this Agreement, or for any other purpose whatsoever, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to constitute Bank and EFS as partners, joint venturers, principal and agent, or employer and employee. Neither Party shall hold itself in a capacity contrary to the terms of this Agreement, and neither Party shall become liable by reason of any representations, acts or omissions of the other contrary to the provisions hereof.
17.13 Governing Law. This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder, including matters of construction, validity and performance, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.
17.14 Consent to Jurisdiction. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, located in the City of St. Louis, or as to those lawsuits to which the Federal Courts of the United States lack subject matter jurisdiction, before a court located in the State of Missouri in the City of St. Louis, and each of the parties hereby consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding which is brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement was executed and delivered in the State of Missouri. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. For the purposes of such actions and proceedings, service of process on a Party hereto shall be deemed effective if it is dispatched by United States first class mail to such Party’s address provided in Section 17.7 (Notices).
17.15 Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
17.16 Cumulative Remedies; Waivers. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all remedies provided for in this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to and not in lieu of any other remedies available to either Party, whether at law, in equity, or otherwise. No release, discharge or waiver of any provision hereof shall be enforceable against or binding upon either Party unless in writing and executed by a duly authorized officer of each of the Parties. Neither the failure to insist upon strict performance of any of the agreements, terms,
 
69

covenants or conditions hereof, nor the acceptance of monies due hereunder with knowledge of a breach of this Agreement, shall be deemed a waiver of any rights or remedies that either Party may have or a waiver of any subsequent breach or default in any of such agreements, terms, covenants and conditions.
17.17 Binding Agreement. This Agreement is legally binding on the Parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
17.18 Survival. The following provisions shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement: Article 1 (Definitions; Order of Precedence; Rules of Interpretation),  Article 8  (Audit Rights; Reporting),  Article 9  (Intellectual Property; License to Use Marks; Ownership Rights),  Section 10.3(b)  (Non-Solicitation),  Article 11  (Confidentiality),  Article 12  (Privacy and Data Security),  Article 15  (Rights Upon Termination),  Article 16  (Indemnification; Limitation of Liability), and  Article 17 (Miscellaneous), any other provision identified in the survival section of any Product Schedules; and any other provision stated by its term to survive. In addition, any payment obligations of a Party that accrue prior to termination or expiration of this Agreement or a Product Schedule or prior to the Final Wind-Down Date shall survive such termination or expiration.
17.19 Multiple Counterparts and Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of multiple counterparts, all of which shall constitute but one and the same original. Facsimile signatures to this Agreement shall be effective.
(signature page follows)
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed this Program Management Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

EMERALD FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC	
 	 	
By:	 	/s/ Greg M. Quarles	
 	 	Name:	 	Greg M. Quarles	
 	 	Title:	 	President	
 	
BofI FEDERAL BANK	
 	 	
By:	 	/s/ Gregory Garrabrants	
 	 	Name:	 	Gregory Garrabrants	
 	 	Title:	 	President and CEO	

List of Schedules and Similar Attachments Omitted from Program Management Agreement

Schedule 2.1(a)	  	Financial Products By Territory	
Schedule 2.4(f)	  	EFS Audit Plan	
Schedule 3.1(a)(i)	  	Initial Designated Executives	
Schedule 3.1(b)(i)	  	Initial Senior Program Managers	
Schedule 7.1	  	List of Internationally Outsourced Service Providers	
Schedule 7.2(a)	  	Material Third Party Service Providers	
Schedule 15.3	  	Calculation of Fair Value of Emerald Advance Participation Interests	
Schedule 15.6	  	Specified Parties	
Schedule A	  	Prepaid Products Product Schedule	
Schedule B	  	Refund Transfer Product Schedule	
Schedule C	  	Emerald Advance Product Schedule	
Schedule D	  	Credit Card Product Schedule	
Schedule E	  	Deposit Products Schedule	
Schedule F	  	Service Level Agreements	
Upon request, the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted schedule or similar attachment to the Program Management Agreement; provided, however, that the registrant may request confidential treatment of omitted items prior to any public disclosure.

Exhibit 10.2
EMERALD ADVANCE
RECEIVABLES PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
By and Among
EMERALD FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
BofI FEDERAL BANK
HRB PARTICIPANT I, LLC
And
H&R BLOCK, INC.

Dated as of
August 31, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 	 	 	  	Page	 	
 	 	 	
1.	 	Definitions	  	 	2	  	
 	 	 	
2.	 	Purchase Date; Participation; Settlement Report; Fair Value	  	 	8	  	
 	 	 	
3.	 	Conditions Precedent to Purchase and Sale of Participation	  	 	10	  	
 	 	 	
4.	 	Participant’s Obligations	  	 	10	  	
 	 	 	
5.	 	Payments on Account	  	 	11	  	
 	 	 	
6.	 	Control of Collateral	  	 	12	  	
 	 	 	
7.	 	Standard of Care	  	 	12	  	
 	 	 	
8.	 	Costs and Expenses	  	 	13	  	
 	 	 	
9.	 	Representations	  	 	13	  	
 	 	 	
10.	 	Notices	  	 	15	  	
 	 	 	
11.	 	Payment Instructions	  	 	18	  	
 	 	 	
12.	 	Interest on Overdue Payments	  	 	18	  	
 	 	 	
13.	 	Transfers of Participations; Permitted Assignments	  	 	18	  	
 	 	 	
14.	 	Charged-Off Accounts	  	 	19	  	
 	 	 	
15.	 	Indemnification	  	 	19	  	
 	 	 	
16.	 	Force Majeure	  	 	22	  	
 	 	 	
17.	 	Binding Agreement	  	 	22	  	
 	 	 	
18.	 	Amendments; Entire Agreement	  	 	22	  	
 	 	 	
19.	 	Confidentiality; Records	  	 	23	  	
 	 	 	
20.	 	Governing Law	  	 	24	  	
 	 	 	
21.	 	Consent to Jurisdiction	  	 	24	  	
 	 	 	
22.	 	Waiver of Jury Trial	  	 	24	  	
 	 	 	
23.	 	Further Assurances	  	 	25	  	
 	 	 	
24.	 	Termination	  	 	25	  	
 	 	 	
25.	 	No Relationship	  	 	25	  	
 	 	 	
26.	 	Counterpart Execution	  	 	25	  	
 	 	 	
27.	 	Severability	  	 	25	  	
 	 	 	
28.	 	Underwriting Standards	  	 	25	  	
 	 	 	
29.	 	Clarification of Intent	  	 	25	  	
 	 	 	
30.	 	Guarantee	  	 	26	  	

EXHIBIT A	 	CALCULATION OF PURCHASE PRICE OF PARTICIPATION INTEREST	
EXHIBIT B	 	SETTLEMENT REPORT	
EXHIBIT C	 	CALCULATION OF DISTRIBUTION OF CASH FLOW FROM RECEIVABLES	
 
-i-

EMERALD ADVANCE RECEIVABLES PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
THIS EMERALD ADVANCE RECEIVABLES PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 31, 2015, is made by and among  EMERALD FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC , a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware (together with its successors and assigns, “ Servicer ”),  BofI FEDERAL BANK , a federal savings bank (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “ BofI ”),  HRB PARTICIPANT I, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “ Participant ”) and  H&R BLOCK, INC. , a Missouri corporation (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “ Guarantor ”). Servicer, BofI and Participant are at times hereinafter referred to as the “ Parties ” and each individually as a “ Party .”
RECITALS:
A. HRB Tax Group, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“HRB Tax Group”), and certain of its subsidiaries are in the business of providing (or making available through franchisees) tax preparation and related products and services primarily to consumer customers (“ Company Customers ”) throughout the Program Territory.
B. HRB Tax Group, the Servicer and the Participant are indirect subsidiaries of the Guarantor (the Guarantor, together with all its subsidiaries, the “ Company ”).
C. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Servicer and BofI have entered into that certain Program Management Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ PMA ”), under which Servicer will facilitate and service BofI’s offering and administration of certain financial products as described in the PMA.
D. BofI will advance funds to or on behalf of Accountholders (as defined below) as part of the Emerald Advance as contemplated under the PMA, and thereby originate Receivables (as defined below).
E. BofI desires to sell and transfer to Participant from time to time, and Participant desires to purchase and accept from BofI from time to time, a Participation (as defined below) in all Receivables from time to time outstanding, on the terms and conditions hereof.
F. The Parties desire for Servicer to administer and service the Accounts (as defined below) and the Receivables pursuant to the PMA, and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
G. The Parties desire for Guarantor to guarantee all obligations, including the payment and performance of the obligations, of Participant under this Agreement, and Guarantor will derive good and sufficient consideration in the form of indirect and actual benefits from the transactions contemplated hereunder and is willing to guarantee the payment and performance of all of Participant’s obligations hereunder.
 
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AGREEMENT
ACCORDINGLY, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the Parties herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
(a) Capitalized terms use in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth below:
“Account” means an H&R Block Emerald Advance account established by BofI under the Emerald Advance program pursuant to Account Documentation, excluding, however, any legacy Emerald Advance account that was previously participated under the Legacy Participation Agreement.
“Account Documentation” means, with respect to any Account or Accounts, the applications, Accountholder agreements, instruments, disclosures, privacy notices, change of terms notices, including any and all amendments or modifications thereto, however stored or kept, and any other written information relating to such Account’s terms and conditions.
“Accountholder” means any Person who holds or has held an Account as a customer of BofI.
“Accrued Pre-Purchase Date Interest” means, with respect to any Advances to be participated on a Purchase Date, all Interest that has accrued but has not been paid with respect to such Advances for the period until (but excluding) such Purchase Date.
“Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 9(d).
“Administration Fee” means, a fee payable to BofI by Participant on each Purchase Date with respect to any Participation sold on such Purchase Date, in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Administration Fee Rate  times  (ii) the sum of (x) the Outstanding Advance Participation Amount and (y) the Outstanding Fee Participation Amount.
“Administration Fee Rate” means 0.40% (40 basis points).
“Advances” means, with respect to an Account, the principal amount of any funds advanced by BofI to or on behalf of the Accountholder under such Account, from time to time, to the extent not repaid.
“Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, (a) owns or controls another Person, (b) is owned or controlled by another Person, or (c) is under common control or ownership with another Person, and “ownership” means the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of more than 30% of the equity securities of a Person, or, in the case of a Person that is not a corporation, more than 30% of the voting and/or equity interest of such Person.
“Agreement” means this Emerald Advance Receivables Participation Agreement.
 
2

“Applicable Law” means any and all laws, treaties, rules, regulations, regulatory guidance and determinations of a Regulatory Authority, mandatory written direction from a Regulatory Authority, and orders opinions and interpretations of any Regulatory Authority, including under the Bank Secrecy Act, laws relating to anti-money laundering, identity theft, fraud schemes, and predatory, unfair or deceptive acts, any and all sanctions or regulations enforced by OFAC, and statutes or regulations of any state relating to gift cards, money transmission or unclaimed property, that are applicable to the Program, or otherwise applicable to any of the Parties.
“Assumed Obligations” means, with respect to an Account and any related Receivables, all obligations of BofI with respect to or in connection with such Account and Receivables, including any obligation or liability owed to the related Accountholder in connection therewith.
“BofI” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“BofI Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 15(a).
“BofI Percentage Interest” with respect to Accounts and Receivables participated under this Agreement, means 10%.
“Business Day” means any day, except Saturday, Sunday or federal legal holiday.
“Charged-Off Accounts” means any and all Accounts with respect to which Receivables have been charged off by BofI in accordance with its policies and procedures regarding charge-offs, as such policies and procedures may be established or amended, and are in effect from time to time.
“Claim” means any claim, demand, suit, legal action, regulatory action, administrative action, arbitration or proceeding, including those brought in connection with allegations of misrepresentations, breach of warranty, breach of contract, violation of Applicable Law, unfair or deceptive acts or practices, or otherwise seeking to recover Indemnified Losses.
“Collateral” means any property, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible, of whatever kind and wherever located, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or created, in or over which an any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, charge, hypothecation, security agreement, security arrangement or encumbrance has been, or is purported to have been, granted to (or otherwise created for) or for the benefit of BofI under any Account Documentation.
“Company” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Company Customers” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Confidential Information” means (i) information that is provided by or on behalf of a Party to another Party, its Affiliates or to a Service Provider, in connection with the Program, or (ii) information about a Party, its Affiliates, or their respective businesses or employees, that is otherwise obtained by another Party in connection with the Program, in each case including: (A) information concerning Program marketing plans, marketing philosophies, objectives and financial results; (B) information regarding business systems, methods, processes, financing data, programs and products; (C) information unrelated to the Program obtained by another Party in
 
3

connection with this Agreement, including by accessing or being present at the business location of another Party; (D) proprietary technical information, including source and object codes; (E) competitive advantages and disadvantages, technological development, sales volumes, merchandise mix, business relationships and methods of transacting business, product design, product features and functionalities, operational and data processing capabilities, and systems software and hardware and the documentation thereof; (F) other information regarding the business or affairs of a Party or its Affiliates or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that such other Party or its Affiliates reasonably considers confidential or proprietary; and (G) any copies, excerpts, summaries, analyses or notes of the foregoing. Subject to any disclosure required by Applicable Law, the Parties agree that the terms of this Agreement and the PMA shall be Confidential Information of the Parties.
“Disclosing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 19(b).
“Distribution” means any collection or other recovery, whether by setoff or otherwise, of cash (including Interest and Fees) or other property (including Collateral) or proceeds under or in respect of any Account or Participated Receivable.
“Distributions Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a).
“Emerald Advance” means an open-end line of credit offered by BofI under the Program whereby Company Customers may obtain credit, as further described in the Emerald Advance Product Schedule to the PMA.
“Emerald Advance Product Schedule” means Schedule C attached to the PMA.
“Federal Funds Target Rate” means, for any date that is a Business Day, the weighted average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates set by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day in  The Wall Street Journal  (Eastern Edition), or, if such rate is not so published for such Business Day, the average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Parties from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Parties. For a day that is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Target Rate shall be the rate applicable to federal funds transactions on the immediately preceding Business Day for which such rate is reported.
“Fees” means, with respect to an Account, the annual fee and any other fees (including any late payment fee and other similar fees) payable by the Accountholder under the applicable Account Documentation.
“Guarantee” has the meaning set forth in Section 30(a).
“Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 30(a).
“Guarantor” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 15(c).
 
4

“Indemnified Losses” means any and all losses, liabilities, costs and expenses of any kind, nature or description imposed or incurred in connection with this Agreement (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, reasonable out-of-pocket costs, interest and penalties), settlements, equitable relief, judgments, damages (including liquidated damages), claims (including counter and cross-claims, and allegations whether or not proven) demands, offsets, defenses, actions, investigations or proceedings by whomsoever asserted (including Regulatory Authorities).
“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 15(c).
“Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 9(a)(iv).
“Initial Purchase Date” means the date that is the earlier of November 24, 2015 and one Business Day following the launch of the Promotional Period.
“Interest” means, with respect to an Account, all finance charges (excluding Fees) that are paid or payable by the Accountholder of such Account (including under the applicable Account Documentation).
“Legacy Participation Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Legacy Emerald Advance Participation Agreement, dated August 31, 2015, by and among Servicer, BofI, Guarantor and HRB Products LLC.
“Loan Participation Cash Flow” means, with respect to any calendar month and all Accounts and Participated Receivables under this Agreement, an amount, but not less than zero, equal to the aggregate amount of Distributions received by BofI during such month.
“Loan Participation Fair Value Percentage” means 100%.
“Monthly Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a).
“Outstanding Advance Participation Amount” means, with a respect to an Account subject to a Participation to be sold on a Purchase Date, the product of the (i) the sum of the aggregate amount of all outstanding Advances relating to such Account for which a Participation has not previously been sold to Participant,  plus  all applicable Accrued Pre-Purchase Date Interest relating to such Account,  times  (ii) the Participant Percentage Interest.
“Outstanding Fee Participation Amount” means the product of (i) the Fees with respect to Accounts for which a Participation has been sold by BofI to Participant pursuant to Section 2 and (ii) Participant Percentage Interest.
“Participant” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Participant Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 15(b).
“Participant Percentage Interest” with respect to Accounts and Receivables participated under this Agreement, means 90%.
 
5

“Participated Receivables” means the interest of the Participant in Receivables that have been participated pursuant to this Agreement.
“Participation” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).
“Participation Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
“Person” means and includes any individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation, company, bank, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof.
“Potential Transferee” has the meaning set forth in Section 19(d).
“Prior Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(c).
“Proceeds Subject to Return” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(c).
“Program” has the meaning set forth in the PMA.
“Program Management Agreement” or “PMA” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Program Year” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the PMA.
“Promotional Period” means, for each Program Year, the period beginning early November and ending at the end of January.
“Purchase Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated August 5, 2015, by and among BofI, H&R Block Bank and Block Financial LLC.
“Purchase Date” means (i) the Initial Purchase Date, (ii) each Business Day (subsequent to the Initial Purchase Date) during the Promotional Period of each Program Year, (iii) the last Business Day of any month that is not a month in the Promotional Period of each Program Year; and (iv) any other Business Day during the term of this Agreement for which Participant delivers to BofI (in response to a Purchase Price Notice delivered by BofI to Participant) a notice indicating that Participant desires to acquire a Participation or Participations on such Business Day, as long as Participant delivers such notice at least one Business Day prior to the Business Day on which Participant wishes to acquire a Participation or Participations, as applicable.
“Purchase Price” means, with respect to a Participation sold on a Purchase Date, the product of (i) the Outstanding Advance Participation Amount,  times  (ii) the Loan Participation Fair Value Percentage.
“Purchase Price Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
“Receivable” means all past, present and future obligations of an Accountholder to pay money to BofI under the Account Documentation, including obligations for (i) repayment of Advances and (ii) payment of Interest and Fees. The Receivable balance recorded on the general ledger identifies the component Advances and Fees so as to distinguish between the two in the calculation of Purchase Price.
 
6

“Receiving Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 19(b).
“Regulatory Authority” means any federal, state or local, domestic, foreign or supranational governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority, agency, court, tribunal, commission or other governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory entity with jurisdiction over a Party.
“Regulatory Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 19(b).
“Retained Receivable” means all of BofI’s right, title and interest in and to any (i) Receivable to the extent not yet Participated hereunder and (ii) any Participated Receivable solely to the extent of the BofI Percentage Interest in such Participated Receivable.
“Return Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(c).
“Service Provider” means, with respect to a Party, a third-party service provider (including an Affiliate) (other than, in the case of BofI, the Servicer) used by such Party in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder or with respect to Emerald Advance.
“Servicer” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Servicing Fees” means all of the fees payable by BofI to Servicer for servicing the Accounts, as set forth in the Emerald Advance Product Schedule attached to the PMA.
“Settlement Report” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(e).
“Transfer” and “Transferred” have the meaning set forth in Section 13(a).
“Underwriting Standards” means the standards established by BofI from time to time for entry into Account Documentation and the advance of funds by BofI to Accountholders, as they may be determined and modified from time to time in accordance with Section 28.
(b) Rules of Interpretation. Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or the context otherwise requires, the following rules apply hereto:
(i) the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular;
(ii) all references to the masculine gender include the feminine gender (and vice versa);
(iii) “include,” “includes” and “including” are not limiting and are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;
 
7

(iv) references to a particular agreement, instrument or document also refer to and include all renewals, extensions, modifications, amendments and restatements of such agreement, instrument or document;
(v) a reference in this Agreement to an Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit is to the Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit of or to this Agreement;
(vi) a reference to an Article or Section in this Agreement refers to all sub-parts or sub-components of any such article or section;
(vii) words such as “hereunder,” “hereto,” “hereof,” and “herein,” and other words of like import refer to the whole of this Agreement and not to any particular section, subsection or clause hereof;
(viii) a reference in this Agreement to a “party” or “parties” includes any Person;
(ix) the headings and subheadings of the sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the agreements, terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement in any manner;
(x) a reference to “unreasonably withheld” means “unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned;”
(xi) any approval, consent or notice required hereunder means “written approval,” “written consent” or “written notice,” as applicable; and
(xii) any reference made in this Agreement to Applicable Law means such Applicable Law as may be amended from time to time, and any successor Applicable Law relating to the same subject.
2. Purchase Date; Participation; Settlement Report; Fair Value.
(a) On each Purchase Date, BofI, or Servicer acting on behalf of BofI, shall provide Participant with a notice listing: (i) the Purchase Price for the aggregate Outstanding Advance Participation Amount available to be sold on such Purchase Date; (ii) the sum of (A) the aggregate Purchase Price for all Participations sold on such Purchase Date  plus  (B) the applicable Administration Fee (such sum, the “ Participation Payment ”); (iii) the related Accounts (identified by the identifying number assigned to such Account); (iv) the outstanding amount of each Advance to be Participated on such Purchase Date; (v) the amount of Accrued Pre-Purchase Date Interest related to each Advance to be Participated on such Purchase; and (vi) the outstanding amount of each Fee to be Participated on such Purchase Date (the “ Purchase Price Notice ”). Each Purchase Price Notice shall be delivered by electronic mail or facsimile in accordance with Section 10 by no later than 10:00 a.m. (Central Time). For the avoidance of doubt, an example of the calculation of the Participation Payment is set forth on Exhibit A . Each Purchase Price Notice shall be deemed to have been accepted by, and shall become finally binding upon, Participant (i) absent demonstrable error attributable solely to BofI and not Servicer or Participant, and (ii) in any event, by 2:00 p.m. (Central Time) on the date of BofI’s (or Servicer’s) delivery of such
 
8

Purchase Price Notice, unless Participant furnishes BofI with a written notice objecting to any of the information contained therein by no later than 2:00 p.m. (Central Time) on such date. No such objection to, or error in such Purchase Price Notice, shall excuse or release Participant of its obligations to Purchase Participations hereunder, but rather, if timely raised, may only result in a pricing adjustment to correct the error.
(b) On each Purchase Date and subject to (i) payment of the aggregate Participation Payment by Participant in accordance with Section 2(c); and (ii) (A) solely with respect to the Initial Purchase Date, the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions in Section 3(c), and (B) solely with respect to any Purchase Date other than the Initial Purchase Date, the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions in Section 3(d), Participant shall irrevocably purchase and accept, and BofI shall irrevocably sell, transfer and convey to Participant, an undivided participation interest equal to the Participant Percentage Interest in and to all Outstanding Advance Participation Amounts and Outstanding Fee Participation Amounts originated since (x) the date hereof, if such Purchase Date is the Initial Purchase Date, or (y) the immediately preceding Purchase Date, if such Purchase Date is a subsequent Purchase Date, as applicable (each such undivided participation interest, a “ Participation ”). Without limiting the foregoing, the Participations sold on any Purchase Date shall be the Participations identified on the Purchase Price Notice delivered with respect to such Purchase Date. Participations shall have the characteristics set forth in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 860-10-40-6A (formerly FAS No. 166 paragraphs 8B(a) through (d)).
(c) On each Purchase Date and subject to (x) solely with respect to the Initial Purchase Date, the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 3(a), and (y) solely with respect to any Purchase Date other than the Initial Purchase Date, the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 3(b), Participant shall with respect to each Participation to be acquired by Participant on such Purchase Date (i) pay BofI by wire transfer of immediately available funds in accordance with Section 11 hereof without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind, an amount equal to the Participation Payment, which wire transfer of funds shall be initiated by Participant not later than 3:00 p.m. (Central Time) on such Purchase Date, and (ii) in consideration for the payment of such Participation Payment, irrevocably purchase from BofI the Participation and irrevocably assume the Assumed Obligations with respect thereto.
(d) The Parties acknowledge and agree that, upon payment of the applicable Participation Payment to BofI and satisfaction of the conditions precedent referenced in Sections 2(b) and 2(c), BofI irrevocably sells, transfers and conveys to Participant, and Participant irrevocably acquires and accepts from BofI, a Participation (and the related Assumed Obligations) effective as of the time at which the applicable Participation Payment is received by BofI. As of such effective time, all risk of loss with respect to the applicable Participated Receivables is irrevocably transferred and conveyed to, and accepted and assumed by, Participant.
(e) Servicer shall deliver to Participant and BofI a report (the “Settlement Report”) by electronic mail or facsimile in accordance with Section 10 not later than 3:00 p.m. (Central Time) on each Purchase Date containing the information called for in  Exhibit B , including the Participation Payments to be made on the relevant Purchase Date. Servicer represents and warrants to Participant and BofI that the information contained in such Settlement Report shall be complete and correct in all material respects as of the applicable Purchase Date. Upon delivery,
 
9

each Settlement Report shall be deemed to have been accepted by, and shall become finally binding upon, Participant (i) absent demonstrable error, and (ii) in any event, by 10:00 a.m. (Central Time) on the first Business Day after the date of BofI’s (or Servicer’s) delivery of such Settlement Report, unless Participant furnishes BofI with a written notice objecting to any of the information contained therein. No such objection to, or error in, such Settlement Report shall excuse or release Participant from its obligations hereunder to purchase Participations.
(f) The applicable Settlement Reports and Purchase Price Notices, together with this Agreement, shall be complete evidence of the purchase and sale of the Participations.
(g) Prior to the commencement of each Program Year, BofI and Participant shall negotiate in good faith to mutually confirm that the Purchase Price of Participations sold during such forthcoming Program Year will be equal to the fair value of such Participations.
(h) Nothing in this Agreement shall require BofI to establish any Account, make any Advance or originate any Receivable.
3. Conditions Precedent to Purchase and Sale of Participation.
(a) Solely with respect to the Participations to be acquired on the Initial Purchase Date, Participant’s obligation to pay the Participation Payment in respect of such Participations to BofI and to acquire such Participations (and assume the related Assumed Obligations) on the Initial Purchase Date shall be subject to the conditions that: (i) Servicer has provided the applicable Purchase Price Notice to Participant in accordance with Section 2(a); and (ii) the PMA has been executed and delivered and is in full force and effect with respect to Emerald Advance product.
(b) With respect to any Participation to be acquired on a Purchase Date other than the Initial Purchase Date, Participant’s obligation to pay the Participation Payment in respect of such Participation to BofI and to acquire such Participation (and assume the related Assumed Obligations) on such Purchase Date shall be subject to the conditions that: (i) Servicer has provided the applicable Purchase Price Notice to Participant in accordance with Section 2(a); and (ii) the PMA remains in full force and effect with respect to Emerald Advance product.
(c) Solely with respect to the Participations to be sold, transferred and conveyed on the Initial Purchase Date, BofI’s obligations to sell, transfer and convey such Participations on the Initial Purchase Date shall be subject to the conditions that the PMA is in full force and effect with respect to Emerald Advance.
(d) With respect to any Participation to be sold, transferred and conveyed on a Purchase Date other than on the Initial Purchase Date, BofI’s obligation to sell, transfer and convey such Participation on such Purchase Date shall be subject to the conditions that the PMA remains in full force and effect with respect to Emerald Advance.
4. Participant’s Obligations.
From and after the applicable Purchase Date, Participant shall accept, assume, perform, and be obligated to pay to BofI, without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind, any amounts required to be paid by BofI in respect of the Assumed Obligations. BofI shall remain the owner of the Retained Receivables.
 
10

5. Payments on Account.
(a) BofI shall establish a segregated deposit account in the name of “Emerald Financial Services, LLC, as Servicer” (the “ Distributions Account ”) into which it will credit, on a daily basis, all funds received on the Accounts, including all Loan Participation Cash Flows. Servicer shall have the right to make deposits to and withdrawals from the Distribution Account, for the benefit of BofI and Participant, and manage all Advances and Distributions consistent with the terms of this Agreement. BofI shall charge no fees on the Distributions Account. BofI hereby waives all set off rights with respect to the Distributions Account. Servicer, on behalf of the BofI, shall account for and distribute all Distributions on each Business Day during the Promotional Period, and on a monthly basis during any month that is not during the Promotional Period, as follows:
(i) On each Business Day during the Promotional Period, Servicer, on behalf of BofI, shall prepare and send to BofI and Participant a statement showing (i) the Loan Participation Cash Flow received on (or as of) the previous Business Day and (ii) the service fees accrued with respect to the previous Business Day. On each Business Day during the Promotional Period, BofI shall cause the Servicer to distribute to Participant an amount equal to the product of (x) the Loan Participation Cash Flow for the previous Business Day,  times  (y) the Participant Percentage Interest; and
(ii) With respect to each month that is not in the Promotional Period, within ten (10) Business Days following the completion of such month, Servicer, on behalf of BofI, shall prepare and send to BofI and Participant a statement (the “ Monthly Statement ”) showing (i) the Loan Participation Cash Flow received during such month and (ii) the service fees accrued with respect to such month. Within one Business Day of providing the Monthly Statement to Participant, BofI shall cause the Servicer to distribute to Participant an amount equal to the product of (x) the Loan Participation Cash Flow for such month,  times  (y) the Participant Percentage Interest.
For the avoidance of doubt, an example of the calculation of the payments to the Participant described in the previous sentence is set forth on  Exhibit C .
(b) BofI, or Servicer acting on behalf of the BofI, shall hold all property to be distributed to Participant under Section 5(a) for benefit of Participant in a non-fiduciary capacity, and shall pay or deliver any amounts to be paid to Participant (according to the Participant Percentage Interest), without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind except as required by Applicable Law or expressly provided hereunder. BofI shall have no legal, equitable or beneficial interest in such property.
(c) If BofI distributes any property to Participant pursuant to Section 5(a) (a “Prior Payment”) and BofI is required to return to any Person all or any portion of any property in respect of which such Prior Payment was made (the “ Proceeds Subject to Return ”), Participant shall, upon the written request (each such notice, a “ Return Notice ”) of BofI, or Servicer acting on behalf of BofI, promptly return to BofI such Proceeds Subject to Return. Each Return Notice shall be
 
11

deemed to have been accepted by, and shall become finally binding upon, Participant (i) absent demonstrable error, and (ii) in any event, within 10 days of BofI’s (or Servicer’s) delivery of such Return Notice, unless Participant furnishes BofI with a written notice objecting to any of the information contained therein within such 10-day period.
6. Control of Collateral.
(a) BofI and Participant acknowledge that BofI is the depository institution with respect to Accounts and deposits serving as Collateral. Should any Accountholder default occur, unless otherwise required by Applicable Law or the Account Documentation, BofI will take instruction only from Servicer, and not from the Accountholder, concerning withdrawals from such Accountholder’s Account.
(b) BofI hereby subordinates any security interest and right of set off that it may have in the Accounts and Participated Receivables, except to the interests of itself and Participant under this Agreement.
7. Standard of Care.
(a) Each of BofI and Servicer shall act in good faith and exercise the same care as it would exercise if it was the sole beneficial owner of the Accounts and Participated Receivables.
(b) Servicer, Participant and Guarantor acknowledge that the Participations are sold to Participant without recourse, and Participant expressly assumes all risk of loss in connection with such Participations, as if Participant had made loans in amounts equal to the Participant Percentage Interest in the Participated Receivables directly to the Accountholders. Without limiting the foregoing and notwithstanding any provision hereunder, BofI makes no representation or warranty as to, and shall not be responsible for: the enforceability, genuineness or collectability of any Account Documentation; any failure by any Accountholder or other obligor to perform its obligations thereunder; the collectability of any Receivable (including any Advance, Interest or Fees); any Accountholder’s or other obligor’s use of the proceeds therefrom; or the pres e rvation of any Collateral or the loss, depreciation or release thereof;  provided ,  however , that nothing contained in this Section 7(b) shall relieve BofI of its obligation to comply with the express terms and conditions of this Agreement or the PMA, or from any liability for any breach of its express representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained herein, or from any liability arising out of its grossly negligent, willful or fraudulent acts or omissions as provided in Section 15. Servicer, Participant and Guarantor further acknowledge that subject to BofI’s oversight and control, Servicer shall have operational responsibility for all aspects of servicing and collecting the Accounts, the Receivables and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) BofI shall not be, or be deemed to be, a trustee, agent or fiduciary for Participant in connection with any extension of credit pursuant to any Account Documentation. Subject to the PMA, BofI or any of its Affiliates, may accept deposits from, make loans or otherwise extend credit to and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with any Person that is an Accountholder, and receive payments on such extensions of credit and otherwise act with respect thereto freely and without accountability to Participant or any other Participant Indemnified Party, in the same manner as if the Participations did not exist (and, in each case, without any additional notice to Participant).
 
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(d) Except as permitted under the PMA or as required by Applicable Law, BofI and Servicer shall not cause or permit (i) the amendment or modification of any Account Documentation or (ii) the waiver of any right thereunder, in each case, relating to any Participated Receivable, without the prior written consent of Participant, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
8. Costs and Expenses.
(a) Each of BofI, Participant and Guarantor shall pay all of its own out-of-pocket fees and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and consummation of this Agreement and, except as otherwise provided for by this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) BofI shall pay to Servicer the Servicing Fees in such amounts and at such times as set forth in the Emerald Advance Product Schedule attached to the PMA. No Servicing Fees are payable by Participant under this Agreement.
(c) Servicer shall be responsible for payment of all fees payable to its Service Providers.
9. Representations.
(a) Each of BofI, Participant and Servicer (and Guarantor, solely with respect to Sections 9(a)(i) through (iii)) represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees to and with the others, as of the date hereof, and as of each Purchase Date, that:
(i) It is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or incorporation, has the banking, corporate or company power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all documents required to be executed and delivered by it in connection herewith, to fulfill its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(ii) The making and performance by it of this Agreement and all documents required to be executed and delivered by it in connection herewith, and fulfillment of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, do not violate any Applicable Law or any writ, order, judgment, injunction, decree or determination applicable to it, or constitute a breach or default of any material agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound, or contravene any provision of any document under which it was organized, and all authorizations, consents, orders, approvals, registrations or declarations required to be obtained from any Regulatory Authority in connection with the making and performance by it of this Agreement and all documents required to be executed and delivered by it in connection herewith, and fulfillment of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, have been obtained.
 
13

(iii) This Agreement and all documents required to be executed hereunder on or before the date hereof or such Purchase Date, as applicable, have been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable (subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, restructuring, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to a court’s discretion in relation to equitable remedies) against it in accordance with the respective terms hereof and thereof.
(iv) Another Party or such other Party’s Affiliates may be in possession of information concerning one or more Accounts or Accountholders (the “ Information ”) which may not be known to it, and the other Party shall have no liability whatsoever to it based on such other Party’s or any of such other Party’s Affiliate’s knowledge, use, possession or nondisclosure of the Information, and it waives and releases any claims that it might have against the other Party and such other Party’s Affiliates with respect to the nondisclosure of the Information in connection with the purchase and sale of Participations hereunder and the transactions described herein;  provided ,  however , that the foregoing shall not in any way impair or limit the express representations and warranties (if any) made by the other Party or such other Party’s Affiliates hereunder or under the PMA or the obligations (if any) of the other Party or such other Party’s Affiliates hereunder or thereunder.
(v) It (i) is a sophisticated Person with respect to the purchase or sale of the Participations (as applicable) and the retention of the Retained Receivables or assumption of the Assumed Obligations (as applicable), (ii) has adequate information concerning the financial condition of the Accountholders to make an informed decision regarding the purchase or sale of the Participations (as applicable) and the retention of the Retained Receivables or the assumption of the Assumed Obligations (as applicable) and (iii) has independently and without reliance upon the other Party or such other Party’s Affiliates, and based on such information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement, except that it has relied upon the express representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities of the other Parties set forth in this Agreement and the PMA.
(vi) No Party or Affiliate of such Party has given to any other Party any investment, tax or accounting advice or opinion on whether the purchase or sale of any Participation or the retention of the Retained Receivables or assumption of the Assumed Obligations (as applicable) is prudent.
(b) BofI further represents, warrants and acknowledges and agrees to and with Participant as of each Purchase Date that immediately prior to the sale of Participations to be sold on such Purchase Date, BofI is the legal and beneficial owner of and has good title to the Accounts and Receivables, free and clear of any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, charge, hypothecation, security agreement, security arrangement or encumbrance or other adverse claim against title of any kind; any purchase, option, call or put agreement or arrangement(except this Agreement); any prior sale, transfer, assignment or participation by BofI; or any agreement to create or effect any of the foregoing (other than this Agreement).
 
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(c) Participant further represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees to and with BofI as of each Purchase Date, and as of each date on which any amount of Loan Participation Cash Flow is to be paid or delivered to Participant, that Participant is entitled to receive any payments and distributions to be made to it hereunder without the withholding of any tax.
(d) Without characterizing any Participation as a “security” within the meaning of Securities Act of 1933 (the “ Act ”) or any state “blue sky” law, Participant represents to BofI that it is acquiring each Participation solely for its own account for investment purposes only and with no present intention of selling or distributing the same publicly or making any further distribution thereof in violation of the Act;  provided ,  however , the Participant may Transfer (as defined below) any Participation if such Transfer is in accordance with the Act, such laws and the provisions of this Agreement.
(e) Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, none of the Parties make any representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to the transactions contemplated herein. BofI and Participant acknowledge that: (i) the sale of any Participation pursuant to this Agreement (A) is irrevocable, (B) is intended by BofI and Participant to be a true sale of BofI’s right, title and interest in and to the Participated Receivables to the extent of such Participation sold hereunder and shall be treated as such for accounting purposes by BofI and Participant, (C) is not intended to be a lending transaction or extension of credit from Participant to BofI and (D) is intended to transfer and convey risk of loss to the extent of each Participation from BofI to Participant (other than as expressly provided herein); (ii) the amount of the Purchase Price for any Participation is equal to or greater than the fair value of such Participation as of the applicable Purchase Date; and (iii) neither BofI nor Participant shall have any recourse to one another (or in BofI’s case, to Guarantor) with respect to this Agreement or any Participation sold pursuant thereto, except as expressly provided herein. Without limiting the foregoing, BofI shall have no liability for, and Participant will have no recourse (credit or otherwise) to BofI with respect to, the performance of any Participation except as expressly provided herein.
10. Notices.
All notices required or permitted under this Agreement must be given in writing, reference this Agreement and will be deemed delivered and given (i) upon personal delivery to the Guarantor or the party to be notified; (ii) on the date sent by facsimile or email (with confirmation of transmission); (iii) on the date received if sent by registered or certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested, postage and charges prepaid; (iii) one Business Day after deposit with a nationally-recognized commercial overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the following addresses (or at such other address as shall be specified by like notice):
If to Participant, to:

HRB Participant I, LLC	
One H&R Block Way	
Kansas City, MO 64105	
Attn: Gregory J. Macfarlane	
Email: gregory.macfarlane@hrblock.com	
Telephone: 816-854-7565	
Facsimile: 816-854-8500	
 
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Attn: Walter Pirnot	
Email: wpirnot@hrblock.com	
Telephone: 816-854-5757	
Facsimile: 816-802-1065	
 	
with copies to:	

H&R Block, Inc.	  	Stinson Leonard Street LLP	
One H&R Block Way	  	Attn: Mike Lochmann	
Kansas City, Missouri 64105	  	1201 Walnut Street, Suite 2900	
Attn: Tom Gerke, Chief Legal Officer	  	Kansas City, Missouri 64106	
Email: tom.gerke@hrblock.com	  	Email: mike.lochmann@stinsonleonard.com	
Telephone: 816-854-6060	  	Telephone: 816-691-3208	
Facsimile: 816-854-8500	  	Facsimile: 816-412-1249	
If to BofI, to:

BofI Federal Bank	
4350 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 140	
San Diego, California 92122	
Attn: Gregory Garrabrants	
Email: ggarrabrants@bofifederalbank.com	
Telephone: 858-350-6203	
Facsimile: 858-345-0460	
 	
With a copy to:	
 	
BofI Federal Bank	
4350 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 140	
San Diego, California 92122	
Attn: Eshel Bar-Adon	
Email: EBar-Adon@bofifederalbank.com	
Telephone: 858-764-2905	
Facsimile: 858-740-1675	
 
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If to Servicer, to:

Emerald Financial Services, LLC	
One H&R Block Way	
Kansas City, Missouri 64105	
 	
Attn: Greg Quarles	
Email: greg.quarles@hrblock.com	
Telephone: 816-854-5709	
Facsimile: 816-854-8052	
 	
Attn: Walter Pirnot	
Email: wpirnot@hrblock.com	
Telephone: 816-854-5757	
Facsimile: 816-802-1065	
 	
with copies to:	

H&R Block, Inc.	  	Stinson Leonard Street LLP	
One H&R Block Way	  	Attn: Mike Lochmann	
Kansas City, Missouri 64105	  	1201 Walnut Street, Suite 2900	
Attn: Tom Gerke, Chief Legal Officer	  	Kansas City, Missouri 64106	
Email: tom.gerke@hrblock.com	  	Email: mike.lochmann@stinsonleonard.com	
Telephone: 816-854-6060	  	Telephone: 816-691-3208	
Facsimile: 816-854-8500	  	Facsimile: 816-412-1249	
If to Guarantor, to:

H&R Block, Inc.	
One H&R Block Way	
Kansas City, Missouri 64105	
 	
Attn: Tom Gerke, Chief Legal Officer	
Email: tom.gerke@hrblock.com	
Telephone: 816-854-6060	
Facsimile: 816-854-8500	
 	
Attn: Walter Pirnot	
Email: wpirnot@hrblock.com	
Telephone: 816-854-5757	
Facsimile: 816-802-1065	
 
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with a copy to:	 	 	
 	 	
H&R Block, Inc.	 	Stinson Leonard Street LLP	
One H&R Block Way	 	Attn: Mike Lochmann	
Kansas City, Missouri 64105	 	1201 Walnut Street, Suite 2900	
Attn: Tom Gerke, Chief Legal Officer	 	Kansas City, Missouri 64106	
Email: tom.gerke@hrblock.com	 	Email: mike.lochmann@stinsonleonard.com	
Telephone: 816-854-6060	 	Telephone: 816-691-3208	
Facsimile: 816-854-8500	 	Facsimile: 816-412-1249	
provided, however, that the providing of notice to counsel shall not, of itself, be deemed the providing of notice to the Guarantor or a party hereto. Any notice provided pursuant to this Section 10 shall be effective on the date of completion of all delivery requirements.
11. Payment Instructions.
All payments from one Party to another in connection with this Agreement shall be made in accordance with the payment instructions provided by the Parties in writing from time to time.
12. Interest on Overdue Payments.
If any payment hereunder is not paid by any Party to another Party when due hereunder, then interest shall accrue, and be payable immediately on demand, on all such amounts at a per-annum rate equal to (a) the Federal Funds Target Rate during the first five days following the date on which payment is due and (b) the Federal Funds Target Rate plus 2% per annum during all times thereafter until payment is made, in each case, accruing from and including the due date to but excluding the date the payment is made;  provided ,  however , that no such interest shall accrue if any such payment is made to the Party to which it is due within one (1) Business Day from the due date thereof.
13. Transfers of Participations; Permitted Assignments.
(a) Participant may sell, assign, pledge, subparticipate or otherwise transfer (each, a “Transfer”) to any Person any Participation, or any part thereof or interest therein;  provided ,  however , that the transferring Participant provides to BofI and Servicer a copy of the executed assignment agreement that identifies the transferee participant, its address for notices, its bank account and wire transfer information, its EIN and other relevant information reasonably requested by BofI or Servicer, and the transferee Participant agrees to the applicable terms of this Agreement (including the confidentiality provisions of Section 19).
(b) Except as provided in Section 13(c), Participant may not assign or delegate (x) its obligations hereunder (including its purchase obligations set forth in Section 2 hereof) or (y) its rights to purchase Participations under Section 2 hereof, in either case, without prior written consent by BofI. In the event of any such assignment made with the prior written consent of the BofI, the obligations of the assignee Participant will not be Guaranteed Obligations covered by the Guarantee in Section 30.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 13(b), Participant may assign or delegate (x) its obligations hereunder (including its purchase obligation set forth in Section 2 hereof) or (y) its
 
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rights to purchase Participations under Section 2 hereof, in either case, without the prior written consent of the BofI, if such assignment or delegation is made to any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Guarantor.
(d) In the event of any assignment or delegation, Participant shall remain directly liable to BofI under this Agreement until (1) the assigning or delegating Participant provides to BofI and Servicer a copy of the executed assignment agreement that identifies the assignee Participant, its address for notices, its bank account and wire transfer information, its EIN and other relevant information reasonably requested by BofI or Servicer, and the assignee Participant agrees to the applicable terms of this Agreement (including the confidentiality provision of Section 19, and (2) if required by this Section 13, BofI consents to such assignment.
(e) BofI may Transfer to any Person a participation interest in any Retained Receivable; provided, however, that BofI shall remain subject to its obligations to Participant under this Agreement with respect to the Participations and the Participated Receivables. Subject to the preceding sentence, BofI may not Transfer to any Person any of its rights under this Agreement or any Account Documentation or with respect to any Participated Accounts without the prior written consent of Participant, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(f) BofI and Servicer agree to cooperate with and provide further assistance to Participant with respect to any Transfer of a Participation that is permitted under Section 13(a) of this Agreement. From time to time at the request of Participant, BofI and Servicer, without further consideration, shall (i) execute, acknowledge, and deliver, or cause to be executed, acknowledged and delivered, all such instruments and take such actions as may be reasonably necessary and appropriate, or reasonably requested by Participant, in order to effect such permitted Transfer to the transferee participant equitable title to the Transferred Participation, and put the transferee participant in possession of the Transferred Participation, and (ii) use communally reasonable efforts to otherwise assist Participant in the orderly Transfer of any such Participation.
14. Charged-Off Accounts.
BofI, Servicer, and Participant acknowledge and agree that: (a) Receivables arising from Charged-Off Accounts may require a material period of time to collect and/or be uncollectable; (b) BofI and Servicer shall continue to administer the Charged-Off Accounts until the earliest of (1) the collection of the Receivables relating to such Charged-Off Account, or (2) the fulfillment of their obligations under the Account Documentation with respect to such Charged-Off Account following the termination of this Agreement; and (c) Servicer may continue to use BofI’s name in connection with its collections activity with respect to each Charged-Off Account until collection of the Receivables relating to such Charged-Off Account.
15. Indemnification.
(a) Participant agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless BofI, its Affiliates, its Service Providers and their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives and permitted assigns (each, a “ BofI Indemnified Party ”), from and against any and all Indemnified Losses to the extent such Indemnified Losses arise out of or result from (i) any breach by Participant of any representation, warranty, covenant or other provision contained in
 
19

this Agreement; (ii) the negligent, willful or fraudulent acts or omissions of Participant in connection with matters contemplated by this Agreement or (iii) the failure of Guarantor to perform its obligations under the Guarantee in Section 30; provided, however, that in no event shall Participant be obligated to indemnify any BofI Indemnified Party under this Section 15(a) against any Indemnified Losses to the extent such Indemnified Losses result from the grossly negligent, willful or fraudulent acts or omissions of BofI, its Affiliates or any of their respective Service Providers. In addition, should BofI be sued or threatened by suit by any receiver or trustee in connection with the bankruptcy of any Accountholder, or directly by any Accountholder as a debtor-in-possession, on account of any alleged preference, voidable transfer or fraudulent conveyance alleged to have been received as the result of any transaction in respect of which Participant has participated with Bank hereunder, or if any claim, suit or action shall be asserted against the Bank relating thereto, then in such event, Participant shall indemnify Bank for any money paid by Bank in satisfaction or compromise of such suit, action or demand, any money required to be returned by Bank to such Borrower or its estate, and any costs or fees associated therewith, in each case in proportion to the Participant Percentage Interest (provided that any subsequent payment received by Bank in such bankruptcy proceeding vis-a-vis the Account shall be a recovery and a Distribution with respect to which Participant shall receive its Participant Percentage Interest).
(b) BofI agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Participant and Guarantor, and their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives and permitted assigns (each, a “ Participant Indemnified Party ”), from and against any and all Indemnified Losses to the extent such Indemnified Losses arise out of or result from the grossly negligent, willful or fraudulent act or omission of BofI or its Affiliates in connection with matters contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that in no event shall BofI be obligated to indemnify any Participant Indemnified Party under this Section 15(b) against any Indemnified Losses to the extent such Indemnified Losses result from the grossly negligent, willful or fraudulent acts or omissions of Servicer, Participant, Guarantor, or any of their respective Affiliates or Service Providers.
(c) If a Participant Indemnified Party or a BofI Indemnified Party (in each case, the “Indemnified Party”) receives notice of any third-party claim for which indemnification may be available under this Agreement, the Indemnified Party must promptly notify the indemnifying Party (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of the third-party claim, including, to the extent readily available, an estimate of the amount of liability arising from it. The Indemnified Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to provide notice to the Indemnifying Party no later than 15 days after receipt of a complaint, summons or similar pleading by the Indemnified Party in the event a suit or action has commenced, or 30 days under all other circumstances; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not relieve an Indemnifying Party of its obligation to indemnify under this Section 15, except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure.
(d) Subject to Section 15(e), the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend any such third-party claim at its expense and in the name of the Indemnified Party and shall select the counsel for the defense of such third-party claim as approved by the Indemnified Party, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, and the Indemnified Party shall reasonably cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the conduct of the defense against such third-party claim. The
 
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Indemnified Party may participate, at its own expense, in such defense and in any settlement discussions directly or through counsel of its choice on a monitoring, non-controlling basis, or at the Indemnifying Party’s expense and with full control if the Indemnifying Party does not fulfill its obligations to appoint counsel to defend the Indemnified Party which is reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party within a reasonable time after the Indemnifying Party has received written notice of such third-party claim from the Indemnified Party. BofI and Participant agree to cooperate in good faith to coordinate the defense of any third-party claim that may give rise to indemnification obligations of more than one Indemnifying Party or that may include allegations that are not subject to indemnification.
(e) Notwithstanding Section 15(d), the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to defend any such third-party claim on behalf of the Indemnified Party if: (i) it contests (in whole or in part) its indemnification obligations (but only as to the obligations specific to the Indemnifying Party’s obligations to indemnify under this Section 15 in the event a third-party claim gives rise to indemnification obligations of more than one Indemnifying Party); (ii) it fails to employ counsel approved by the Indemnified Party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) to assume the defense of such third-party claim or refuses to replace such counsel upon the Indemnified Party’s reasonable request; (iii) the Indemnified Party reasonably determines that there are issues which could raise possible conflicts of interest between the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party or that the Indemnified Party has claims or defenses that are separate from or in addition to the claims or defenses of the Indemnifying Party; or (iv) such third-party claim seeks an injunction, cease and desist order, or other equitable relief against the Indemnified Party. In each such case described in clauses (i) – (iv) above, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to direct the defense of the third-party claim and retain its own counsel, and the Indemnifying Party shall pay the cost of such defense, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses. If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of any such third-party claim or refuses to replace such counsel upon the Indemnified Party’s reasonable request as provided in this Section 15, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such third-party claim with counsel deemed satisfactory to it in its sole discretion.
(f) If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of any such third-party claim, the Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to any counterclaims, claims in recoupment or similar rights of the Indemnified Party as against any other Persons to the extent of any amount which the Indemnifying Party is liable to pay in satisfaction or settlement of such third-party claim under this Section 15. The Indemnified Party shall reasonably cooperate with the Indemnifying Party, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, in the assertion by the Indemnifying Party of any such claim or right against such other Persons.
(g) The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such third-party claim effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) but, if settled with such consent or if there is a judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Party shall indemnify the Indemnified Party from and against any Indemnified Loss by reason of such settlement or judgment to the extent required by Section 15(a) or 15(b), as applicable. If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of any such third-party claim, it shall be entitled to settle such third-party claim (i) with the consent of the Indemnified Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) or, (ii) if such settlement provides for an unconditional, irrevocable release of the Indemnified Party in connection with all matters relating
 
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to the action or proceeding that have been asserted against such Indemnified Party in connection with such third-party claim by the other parties to such settlement, and such release does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of such Indemnified Party, without the consent of such Indemnified Party. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of the Indemnified Losses shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any such third-party claim, except where the Indemnified Party is required to bear such expenses pursuant to this Section 15, which expenses the Indemnifying Party shall pay as and when incurred, at the request of the Indemnified Party, to the extent it is reasonable to believe that the Indemnifying Party will be ultimately obligated to pay such expenses. If any expenses so paid by the Indemnifying Party are subsequently determined to not be required to be borne by the Indemnifying Party under this Section 15, the Indemnified Party that received the benefit of such payment shall promptly refund the amount so paid to the Indemnifying Party.
(h) BofI and Participant recognize and acknowledge that third-party claims may be made as part of an action, suit, investigation or proceeding that may give rise to the indemnification obligations of more than one Indemnifying Party or that may include allegations that are not subject to indemnification, and the Indemnifying Parties agree that they shall cooperate in good faith to fairly apportion the Indemnified Losses relating to such third-party claims. Indemnified Losses incurred in defending third-party claims shall be apportioned to the respective Indemnifying Party that has responsibility under this Section 15 for indemnification as to each specific third-party claim, but only to the extent that those Indemnified Losses directly arise from such third-party claim.
16. Force Majeure.
If either of BofI, on the one hand, or any of Participant, Servicer or Guarantor, on the other hand, is unable to carry out the whole or any part of its obligations under this Agreement for any reason beyond its respective control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of governmental authorities, strikes, war, riot, terrorism and any other causes of such nature, then its respective performance of the obligations under this Agreement as it is affected by such cause is to be excused during the continuance of the inability so caused.
17. Binding Agreement.
This Agreement, including the representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities contained herein, shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns. All representations, warranties and indemnities made in this Agreement shall survive the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.
18. Amendments; Entire Agreement.
This Agreement, together with the PMA and all Exhibits and Schedules thereto, is the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior understandings and agreements among the Parties and the Guarantor with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether written or oral. This Agreement may not be amended except by written instrument signed by the Parties and with respect of Section 30, the Guarantor.
 
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19. Confidentiality; Records.
(a) Each Party shall cause its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, Affiliates and Service Providers, to comply with the provisions of this Section 19. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, for purposes of this Section 19, Participant, Guarantor and Servicer shall be treated as a single Party.
(b) If a Party receives Confidential Information (the “Receiving Party”) of the other Party (the “ Disclosing Party ”), the Receiving Party shall not use or disclose Confidential Information of the applicable Disclosing Party except: (i) to perform its obligations or enforce its rights with respect to Accounts, the Account Documentation, this Agreement or the PMA; (ii) as expressly permitted by this Agreement or the PMA; (iii) with the prior consent of the Disclosing Party; (iv) pursuant to a subpoena, summons or other order requesting information that is issued to the Receiving Party by any Regulatory Authority (including routine and supervisory examinations by Regulatory Authorities) (“ Regulatory Request ”); (v) based on advice of legal counsel, to the extent the Receiving Party is required by Applicable Law or valid court order or Regulatory Authority order to disclose, or (vi) as otherwise required by Applicable Law; provided however , that in the case of clauses (iv) – (vi) (other than routine and supervisory examinations by Regulatory Authorities), to the extent permitted or required by Applicable Law, the Receiving Party shall give prompt notice to the Disclosing Party to allow it an opportunity to seek a protective order.
(c) A Receiving Party shall: (i) limit access to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information to (x) those employees, professionals, Affiliates and Service Providers, that have a reasonable need to access such Confidential Information in connection with Accounts or other purposes permitted by this Agreement or the PMA and (y) to Potential Transferees as provided under Section 19(d) and (ii) obtain contractual or other enforceable confidentiality commitments substantially similar to those set forth in this Section 19 from those of its Affiliates, Service Providers and Potential Transferees, as applicable, to which such Receiving Party provides access to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information.
(d) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Section 19, (i) Participant may disclose the contents of this Agreement to any proposed assignee, participant, subparticipant or other transferee of, or to any proposed counterparty in a loan or securitization transaction with respect to, all or any part of its interest in a Participation and (ii) BofI may disclose the contents of this Agreement to any proposed purchaser of a participation interest in the Retained Receivables or any proposed purchaser of an Account (in each case, a “ Potential Transferee ”), in each case, in connection with a Transfer permitted under Section 13. Such permitted disclosure may also be made to professionals employed or engaged by such entities;  provided , however , that each such Person or entity agrees to keep such disclosed information confidential on the same terms as provided in this Section 19 and Applicable Law. Participant agrees to comply with the requirements of the applicable Account Documentation regarding confidentiality. At the request of Participant, BofI (or Servicer acting on behalf of BofI) shall, subject to Applicable Law and any applicable confidentiality restrictions contained in the Account Documentation, use commercially
 
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reasonable efforts to deliver or otherwise make available to Participant copies of all written information and documents received by BofI in its capacity as a lender under the Accounts, or Servicer acting on behalf of BofI, from time to time with respect to the Account Documentation and the Receivables as soon as practicable after the same are received by BofI or Servicer, as applicable.
(e) Except as otherwise permitted by this Section 19 and any disclosure required by Applicable Law, the Parties agree that the terms of this Agreement shall be Confidential Information of each Party.
(f) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement, a Party will not be obligated to take any action with respect to the collection, use or disclosure of Confidential Information in connection with the Accounts, the Account Documentation or this Agreement that such Party reasonably believes in good faith would cause, or is reasonably likely to cause, such Party to violate any Applicable Law.
20. Governing Law.
This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder, including matters of construction, validity and performance, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.
21. Consent to Jurisdiction.
(a) Each party hereto agrees that all actions, proceedings or counterclaims arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri located in the City of St. Louis, or as to those lawsuits to which the Federal Courts of the United States lack subject matter jurisdiction, before a court located in the State of Missouri in the City of St. Louis, and each of the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any proceeding, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of such proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and agrees not to bring any proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. For the purposes of such actions, proceedings, or counterclaims, service of process on a Party hereto shall be deemed effective if it is dispatched by United States first class mail to such Party’s address provided in Section 10 (Notices). The Parties and the Guarantor acknowledge and agree that this Agreement was drafted, negotiated and executed in the State of Missouri.
22. Waiver of Jury Trial.
THE GUARANTOR AND EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
 
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23. Further Assurances.
Each Party agrees to execute all such further documents and instruments and to do all such further things as any other Party may reasonably request in order to give effect to and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and to provide access to any other Party or Regulatory Authority asserting jurisdiction over such other Party to the extent necessary for such other Party to comply with Applicable Law.
24. Termination.
The obligations of the Parties hereunder shall terminate automatically upon the effectiveness of termination of the PMA or, if earlier terminated, the Emerald Advance program. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Parties shall have such rights and obligations with respect to the Accounts and Receivables, including Participated Receivables and Retained Receivables, as may exist pursuant to the terms of this Agreement as of the termination date, or as may be otherwise agreed upon in writing by the Parties.
25. No Relationship.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall establish any fiduciary, partnership, joint venture or similar relationship between any of the Parties.
26. Counterpart Execution.
This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement in Portable Document Format (PDF) or by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed original counterpart of this Agreement.
27. Severability.
The illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement under the law of any jurisdiction shall not affect its legality, validity or enforceability under the law of any other jurisdiction nor the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision.
28. Underwriting Standards.
Pursuant to the PMA, BofI shall establish the Underwriting Standards. BofI may change the Underwriting Standards as permitted by the PMA, and in consultation with and upon prior written notice to Participant;  provided ,  however , that, except as required by Applicable Law, no change in the Underwriting Standards that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Participant shall be made without the prior written consent of Participant.
29. Clarification of Intent.
BofI and Participant intend that each sale and purchase of a Participation pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute a true sale of BofI’s right, title and interest in and to the related
 
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Participated Receivables to the extent of the Participant Percentage Interest in such Participated Receivables and not a pledge of security for a loan from Participant. BofI and Participant intend to account for the sale and purchase of each Participation in accordance with the guidelines set forth under FASB ASC 860-10-40-6A (as amended, from time to time). Should this treatment be challenged, the parties agree to modify and reform this Agreement, so that all Participations conform to the guidelines set forth under FASB ASC 860-10-40-6A and are treated as a “sale” for accounting purposes. If, notwithstanding such intent and any such reform, any sale and purchase of a Participation is deemed to be a pledge of security for a loan, BofI and Participant intend that the rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to such loan shall be established pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and BofI hereby grants to Participant a perfected, first priority security interest in all of BofI’s right, title and interest in and to the related Participated Receivables and the related Distributions, in each case, to the extent of the Participant Percentage Interest in such Participated Receivables, to secure all of BofI’s obligations under this Agreement, the Purchase Price Notices and the Settlement Reports, and in such case, this Agreement shall constitute a security agreement between BofI and Participant under Applicable Law. BofI authorizes Participant to file UCC-1 financing statements, any continuation statements with respect thereto and any amendments thereto, to declare the intent of the Parties and as necessary to perfect and protect the interests of Participant in such Participations and Distributions.
30. Guarantee.
(a) In consideration of BofI entering into this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder, Guarantor hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees (the “ Guarantee ”) to BofI and BofI Indemnified Parties the full and prompt performance and payment when due of all liabilities, obligations and undertakings of Participant (and its successors and permitted assigns) under this Agreement, including under Sections 2, 4, 5(c), 12 and 15 (the “ Guaranteed Obligations ” ) ,  and all reasonable and documented legal fees, costs and expenses incurred by BofI in enforcing this Guarantee.
(b) This Guarantee is an absolute, unconditional and continuing guarantee of the full and punctual payment of the Guaranteed Obligations. This Guarantee is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that BofI first attempt to collect the Guaranteed Obligations from Participant or resort to any security or other means of collecting payment. Claims under this Guarantee may be made on one or more occasions. If any payment in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be returned for any reason whatsoever, Guarantor shall remain liable hereunder with respect to such Guaranteed Obligations up to the rescinded amount as if such payment had not been made. Guarantor further guarantees that the Guaranteed Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. This Guarantee is a guarantee of performance and payment and not merely of collection.
(c) If Participant defaults in the payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise is unable for any reason to pay any Guaranteed Obligations as and when due, or if BofI is unable to bring a claim for the Guaranteed Obligations against Participant for any reason (including by reason of any bankruptcy or similar proceeding, automatic stay or otherwise) Guarantor shall make the payment required hereunder or otherwise cause such payment to be made within five (5) Business Days after the receipt by Guarantor of written notice from BofI or Servicer of such payment default by Participant. All sums payable by Guarantor hereunder shall be made in immediately available funds.
 
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(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained or implied herein, Guarantor reserves the right to assert defenses that Participant may have to payment or performance of the Guaranteed Obligations (other than defenses arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or similar rights of Participant), or defenses related to Participant’s capacity or authority to enter into the Agreement.
(e) For avoidance of doubt, the Guarantee set forth in this Section 30 covers all obligations and rights of Participant that are assigned or delegated to another subsidiary of the Guarantor pursuant to Section 13(c) hereof.
(signature page follows)
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed this Emerald Advance Receivables Participation Agreement as of the date first above written.

BofI FEDERAL BANK	
 	 	
By:	 	/s/ Gregory Garrabrants	
 	 	Name:	 	Gregory Garrabrants	
 	 	Title:	 	President and CEO	
 	
EMERALD FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC	
 	 	
By:	 	/s/ Greg M. Quarles	
 	 	Name:	 	Greg M. Quarles	
 	 	Title:	 	President	
 	
HRB PARTICIPANT I, LLC	
 	 	
By:	 	/s/ Gregory J. Macfarlane	
 	 	Name:	 	Gregory J. Macfarlane	
 	 	Title:	 	President	
 	
H&R BLOCK, INC.	
 	 	
By:	 	/s/ Gregory J. Macfarlane	
 	 	Name:	 	Gregory J. Macfarlane	
 	 	Title:	 	Chief Financial Officer	

List of Schedules and Similar Attachments Omitted from Receivables Participation Agreement

Exhibit A	  	Calculation of Purchase Price of Participation Interest	
 	 	
Exhibit B	  	Settlement Report	
 	 	
Exhibit C	  	Calculation of Distribution of Cash Flow from Receivables	
Upon request, the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted schedule or similar attachment to the Receivables Participation Agreement; provided, however, that the registrant may request confidential treatment of omitted items prior to any public disclosure.

Exhibit 10.3
GUARANTY AGREEMENT
THIS GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “Guaranty”), dated as of August 31, 2015, is made by and between H&R BLOCK, INC. , a Missouri corporation (the “ Guarantor ”), and  BofI FEDERAL BANK , a federal savings bank (“ Bank ”).
RECITALS:
A. As of the date hereof, Bank and Emerald Financial Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ EFS ”), have entered into a Program Management Agreement and related documents and agreements in connection with the transactions contemplated thereunder (as amended, modified, supplemented and restated from time to time, collectively, the “ Transaction Documents ”), pursuant to which EFS has agreed to facilitate and service the offering and administration of certain financial products and related accounts by Bank.
B. Guarantor has agreed to guarantee the obligations of EFS to Bank as set forth herein.
C. EFS is an indirect subsidiary of Guarantor, and Guarantor will derive a tangible and substantial benefit from the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
D. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Transaction Documents.
AGREEMENT
ACCORDINGLY, in consideration of the foregoing premises, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, it is agreed as follows:
Section 1. Obligation of the Guarantor.
(a) Guarantor hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to Bank, its Affiliates, the officers and directors of Bank and its Affiliates, and Bank’s successors and permitted assigns (collectively, the “ Bank Indemnified Parties ”), the full and prompt payment and performance of each and every covenant, agreement, undertaking and obligation of EFS to Bank under or in connection with the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby (collectively, the “ Obligations ”). Guarantor expressly waives diligence on the part of Bank in the collection or enforcement of the Obligations, whether fixed or contingent, and waives presentment, protest, notice of protest, dishonor, notice of acceptance of this Guaranty, demands for performance, and approval of any modifications, renewals or extensions of the Obligations that may be granted to EFS. Bank shall be under no obligation to notify Guarantor of its acceptance of this Guaranty, nor to use diligence in preserving the liability of any entity or person on said Obligations whether fixed or contingent, nor in bringing suit to enforce collection or enforcement of the Obligations secured by this Guaranty, nor of notice of any instruments now or hereafter executed in favor of Bank evidencing or securing said indebtedness.
(b) Guarantor shall, upon EFS failing to satisfy any Obligation (such failure, an “EFS Breach”), pay or perform, as applicable, such Obligation within thirty (30) days after Bank provides Guarantor with written notice of such EFS Breach.

Section 2. Reservation of Rights. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained or implied herein, Guarantor reserves the right to assert any defenses that EFS may have to payment or performance of an Obligation, in whole or in part, under the Transaction Documents or otherwise (other than defenses arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or similar rights of EFS, or defenses related to the capacity or authority of EFS to enter into the Transaction Documents).
Section 3. Continuing Guaranty; Reinstatement. Guarantor shall not be relieved from its obligations hereunder until such time as all Obligations have been indefeasibly satisfied and paid in full and the time period for assertion of claims by Bank Indemnified Parties under the Transaction Documents shall have expired. This Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment on account of the Obligations shall be rescinded or must otherwise be restored upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of EFS or any other party or otherwise.
Section 4. Guaranty of Payment. It is the intent of the parties that this Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection.
Section 5. Representations and Warranties of Guarantor. Guarantor hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of Bank that:
(a) Guarantor has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Guaranty;
(b) as of the date hereof, there is no undisclosed action, suit or proceeding pending or, to Guarantor’s knowledge, threatened against Guarantor before any Governmental Authority in which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse decision which could affect, in a materially adverse manner, the ability of Guarantor to perform any of its obligations under, or which in any manner questions the validity of, this Guaranty;
(c) the execution, delivery and performance of this Guaranty by Guarantor does not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any statute, regulation or rule of any Governmental Authority, (ii) any provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Guarantor or (iii) any contractual restriction binding on Guarantor; and
(d) this Guaranty constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Guarantor enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar law affecting creditors’ rights, and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
 
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Section 6. Notices. All notices, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by electronic mail, certified mail return receipt requested, by hand, by facsimile with verbal confirmation of receipt, or by nationally recognized overnight courier addressed to the party to whom such notice or other communication is to be given as follows:
If to Guarantor:

H&R Block, Inc.	
One H&R Block Way	
Kansas City, Missouri 64105	
Attn: Tom Gerke, Chief Legal Officer	
Email: tom.gerke@hrblock.com	
Telephone: 816-854-6060	
Facsimile: 816-854-8500	
 	
Attn: Walter Pirnot	
Email: wpirnot@hrblock.com	
Telephone: 816-854-5757	
Facsimile: 816-802-1065	
 	
with copy to:	
 	
Stinson Leonard Street LLP	
Attn: Mike Lochmann	
1201 Walnut Street, Suite 2900	
Kansas City, Missouri 64106	
Email: mike.lochmann@stinsonleonard.com	
Telephone: 816-691-3208	
Facsimile: 816-412-1249	
If to Bank:

BofI Federal Bank	
4350 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 140	
San Diego, California 92122	
Attn: Gregory Garrabrants	
Email: ggarrabrants@bofifederalbank.com	
Telephone: 858-350-6203	
Facsimile: 858-764-6561	
 	
with copy to:	
 	
BofI Federal Bank	
4350 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 140	
San Diego, California 92122	
Attn: Eshel Bar-Adon	
Email: EBar-Adon@bofifederalbank.com	
Telephone: 858-764-2905	
Facsimile: 858-764-6561	
 
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or to such other person or address as either party shall have previously designated to the other by written notice given in the manner set forth in this Section 6. Any notice provided pursuant to this Section 6 shall be effective on the day of delivery if (x) sent by certified mail; (y) sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service; and (z) delivered by hand or via electronic mail.
Section 7. Severability. Should any provision of this Guaranty be declared invalid for any reason or to have ceased to be binding on the parties hereto, such provision shall be severed, and all other provisions herein shall continue to be effective and binding.
Section 8. Assignment. Any assignment by a party of its rights or obligations hereunder shall require the prior consent of the other party hereto, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 9. Governing Law. This Guaranty and all rights and obligations hereunder, including matters of construction, validity and performance, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.
Section 10. Consent to Jurisdiction.
(a) Each party hereto agrees that all actions, proceedings or counterclaims arising out of or relating to this Guaranty or any of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri located in the City of St. Louis, or as to those lawsuits to which the Federal Courts of the United States lack subject matter jurisdiction, before a court located in the State of Missouri in the City of St. Louis, and each of the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any proceeding, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of such proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and agrees not to bring any proceeding arising out of or relating to this Guaranty or any of the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. For the purposes of such actions, proceedings, or counterclaims, service of process on a party hereto shall be deemed effective if it is dispatched by United States first class mail to such party’s address provided in Section 6.
(b) The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that this Guaranty was executed and delivered in the State of Missouri.
Section 11. Waivers. To the extent permitted by law, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Guaranty or in the Transaction Documents, Guarantor hereby waives and agrees not to assert or take advantage of:
(a) Subject to Guarantor’s right to notice of an EFS Breach pursuant to Section 1(b) of this Guaranty, any right to require Bank to proceed against EFS, any member of EFS, or any other indemnitor or guarantor of the Obligations guaranteed hereby, or any other person, or to proceed against or exhaust any security held by Bank at any time or to pursue any other remedy in Bank’s power or under any other agreement before proceeding against Guarantor hereunder;
 
4

(b) Any defense based upon an election of remedies by Bank, even though such election destroys or otherwise impairs the subrogation rights of Guarantor or the right of Guarantor (after payment of the obligations guaranteed by Guarantor under this Guaranty) to proceed against EFS for reimbursement, or both;
(c) Any right or claim or right to cause a marshaling of the assets of Guarantor;
(d) Any duty on the part of Bank to disclose to Guarantor any facts Bank may now or hereafter know about EFS, regardless of whether Bank has reason to believe that any such facts materially increase the risk beyond that which Guarantor intended to assume or has reason to believe that such facts are unknown to Guarantor or has a reasonable opportunity to communicate such facts to Guarantor, it being understood and agreed that Guarantor is fully responsible for being and keeping informed of the financial condition of EFS and of any and all circumstances bearing on the risk that liability may be incurred by Guarantor;
(e) Any lack of notice of disposition or of manner of disposition of any collateral;
(f) Any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability, in whole or in part, of any one or more of the Transaction Documents;
(g) Any deficiencies in any collateral or any deficiency in the ability of Bank to collect or to obtain performance from any persons or entities now or hereafter liable for the payment and performance of any obligation hereby guaranteed;
(h) Any assertion or claim that the automatic stay provided by 11 U.S.C. §362 (arising upon the voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy proceeding of EFS) or any other stay provided under any other debtor relief law (whether statutory, common law, case law or otherwise) of any jurisdiction whatsoever, now or hereafter in effect, which may be or become applicable, shall operate or be interpreted to stay, interdict, condition, reduce or inhibit the ability of Bank to enforce any of its rights, whether now or hereafter required, which Bank may have against Guarantor or any collateral;
(i) Any modifications of the Transaction Documents or any obligation of EFS by operation of law or by action of any court, whether pursuant to the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended, or any other debtor relief law (whether statutory, common law, case law or otherwise) of any jurisdiction whatsoever, now or hereafter in effect, or otherwise;
(j) Any principles or provisions of law, statutory or otherwise, that are or might be in conflict with the terms of this Guaranty. By doing so, Guarantor agrees that Guarantor’s obligations shall not be affected by any circumstances, whether or not referred to in this Guaranty, which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor; and
(k) Any right of discharge under any and all statutes or other laws relating to guarantors or sureties, and any other rights of sureties and guarantors thereunder.
 
5

Section 12. Attorney Fees. If any action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement or interpretation of any of the rights or provisions of this Guaranty, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Guaranty, the successful or prevailing party will be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and all other costs and expenses incurred in that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which it may be entitled.
Section 13. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY TO THIS GUARANTY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY.
Section 14. Section Headings. Section headings used herein are solely for the convenience of the parties hereto and shall not affect the interpretation or construction of this Guaranty.
Section 15. Binding Agreement. This Guaranty is legally binding on the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
Section 16. Counterparts and Facsimile Signatures. This Guaranty may be executed in any number of multiple counterparts, all of which shall constitute but one and the same original. Facsimile signatures to this Guaranty shall be effective.
Section 17. Entire Agreement. This Guaranty constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and it shall not be amended, altered or changed except by a written agreement signed by each of the parties hereto.
(signature page follows)
 
6

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Guaranty Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

H&R BLOCK, INC.	
 	 	
By:	 	/s/ Gregory J. Macfarlane	
 	 	Name:	 	Gregory J. Macfarlane	
 	 	Title:	 	Chief Financial Officer	
 	
BofI FEDERAL BANK	
 	 	
By:	 	/s/ Gregory Garrabrants	
 	 	Name:	 	Gregory Garrabrants	
 	 	Title:	 	President and CEO	

Exhibit 99.1

News Release
For Immediate Release: September 1, 2015
H&R Block Announces Fiscal 2016 First Quarter Results
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB), the world’s largest consumer tax services provider, today released its financial results for the fiscal 2016 first quarter ended July 31, 2015. The company typically reports a first quarter operating loss due to the seasonality of its U.S. tax business.
First Quarter 2016 Highlights1
 
 	•	 	Bank divestiture transaction closes, H&R Block no longer regulated as a savings and loan holding company.2	
 
 	•	 	Total revenues increased $4 million, or 3%, to $138 million	
 
 	•	 	Loss per share from continuing operations improved $0.05 to $0.35 per share3 due primarily to discrete tax benefits	
Revenues increased 3%, to $138 million, due primarily to higher product revenues, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency rates. The net loss from continuing operations improved $12 million to $97 million. Loss per share from continuing operations was $0.35.
CEO Perspective
“We are pleased that we have successfully closed the bank transaction and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our clients as we prepare for the upcoming tax season,” said Bill Cobb, H&R Block’s president and chief executive officer. “Our teams are now fully focused on developing and executing a strategy that ensures an exceptional client service experience. We look forward to delivering another successful tax year for both our clients and our shareholders.”
Fiscal 2016 First Quarter Results From Continuing Operations

 	  	Actual	 	  	Adjusted	 	
(in millions, except EPS)	  	Fiscal Year
2016	 	  	Fiscal Year
2015	 	  	Fiscal Year
2016	 	  	Fiscal Year
2015	 	
Revenue	  	$	138	  	  	$	134	  	  	$	138	  	  	$	134	  	
EBITDA	  	$	(138	) 	  	$	(128	) 	  	$	(137	) 	  	$	(126	) 	
Pretax Loss	  	$	(187	) 	  	$	(176	) 	  	$	(186	) 	  	$	(174	) 	
Net Loss	  	$	(97	) 	  	$	(109	) 	  	$	(96	) 	  	$	(108	) 	
Weighted-Avg. Shares - Diluted	  	 	275.8	  	  	 	274.6	  	  	 	275.8	  	  	 	274.6	  	
EPS	  	$	(0.35	) 	  	$	(0.40	) 	  	$	(0.35	) 	  	$	(0.40	) 	
 
1 	All amounts in this release are unaudited. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons refer to the current period compared to the corresponding prior year period.	
2 	See separate press release dated September, 1, 2015 for further details regarding the bank divestiture.	
3 	All per share amounts are based on fully diluted shares at the end of the corresponding period.	

Business Segment Financial Results and Highlights
Tax Services
 
•	 	Revenues increased 2.7% to $133 million, due primarily to higher Peace of Mind (POM) revenues and royalties, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency rates.	
 
•	 	Total operating expenses increased 6.6% to $297 million, resulting from increased occupancy costs and amortization due to the annualization of expenses related to prior year franchise acquisitions.	
 
•	 	Pretax loss increased 12.5% to $169 million.	
Corporate
 
•	 	Interest expense on borrowings declined $5 million due to the repayment of senior notes in October, 2014.	
 
•	 	Pretax loss improved by $8 million to $18 million.	
 
•	 	Income tax benefit increased due to favorable discrete tax items.	
Discontinued Operations
 
•	 	Sand Canyon Corporation (SCC), a separate legal entity from H&R Block, Inc., continued to engage in constructive settlement discussions with counterparties that have made a significant majority of previously denied and possible future representation and warranty claims.	
 
•	 	SCC’s accrual for contingent losses related to representation and warranty claims was unchanged from the prior quarter at $150 million.	
Dividends
As previously announced, a quarterly cash dividend of 20 cents per share is payable on October 1, 2015 to shareholders of record as of September 9, 2015. The October 1 dividend payment will be H&R Block’s 212 th  consecutive quarterly dividend since the company went public in 1962.
Conference Call
Discussion of the divestiture of H&R Block Bank, the company’s capital structure plans, fiscal 2016 first quarter results, future outlook and a general business update, will occur during the company’s previously announced fiscal first quarter earnings conference call for analysts, institutional investors, and shareholders. The call is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on Sept. 1, 2015. To access the call, please dial the number below approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time:
U.S./Canada (888) 895-5260 or International (443) 842-7595
Conference ID: 73769267
The call will also be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and public. The link to the webcast can be accessed directly at http://investors.hrblock.com.

A replay of the call will be available beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time on Sept. 1, 2015, and continuing until Oct. 1, 2015, by dialing (855) 859-2056 (U.S./Canada) or (404) 537-3406 (International). The conference ID is 73769267. The webcast will be available for replay Sept. 2, 2015 at http://investors.hrblock.com.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world’s largest consumer tax services provider. More than 680 million tax returns have been prepared worldwide by and through H&R Block since 1955. In fiscal 2015, H&R Block had annual revenues of nearly $3.1 billion with 24.2 million tax returns prepared worldwide. Tax return preparation services are provided by professional tax preparers in approximately 12,000 company-owned and franchise retail tax offices worldwide, and through H&R Block tax software products. H&R Block also offers adjacent Tax Plus products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom at  http://newsroom.hrblock.com/ .
About Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release and the accompanying tables include non-GAAP financial information. For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures, including the reasons management uses each measure, and reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled “Non-GAAP Financial Information.”
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words or variation of words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “targets,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “could” or “may” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements provide management’s current expectations or predictions of future conditions, events or results. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking statements. They may include estimates of revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, dividends, liquidity, capital structure or other financial items, descriptions of management’s plans or objectives for future operations, products or services, or descriptions of assumptions underlying any of the above. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and reflect the company’s good faith beliefs, assumptions and expectations, but they are not guarantees of future performance or events. Furthermore, the company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions, factors, or expectations, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes, except as required by law. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, a variety of economic, competitive and regulatory factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control and which are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2015 in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” as well as additional factors we may describe from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and, consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

For Further Information

Investor Relations:	  	Colby Brown, (816) 854-4559, colby.brown@hrblock.com	
 	 	
Media Relations:	  	Gene King, (816) 854-4672, gene.king@hrblock.com	
TABLES FOLLOW

 
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
KEY OPERATING RESULTS	  	(unaudited, in 000s - except per share data)	 	
 	 	
 	  	Three months ended July 31,	 	
 	  	Revenues	 	  	Income (loss)	 	
 	  	2015	 	  	2014	 	  	2015	 	 	2014	 	
 	 	 	 	 	
Tax Services	  	$	132,574	  	  	$	129,080	  	  	$	(169,438	) 	 	$	(150,560	) 	
Corporate and Eliminations	  	 	5,144	  	  	 	4,506	  	  	 	(17,671	) 	 	 	(25,256	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	$	137,718	  	  	$	133,586	  	  	 	(187,109	) 	 	 	(175,816	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income tax benefit	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	(90,604	) 	 	 	(66,965	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net loss from continuing operations	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	(96,505	) 	 	 	(108,851	) 	
Net loss from discontinued operations	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	(3,154	) 	 	 	(7,381	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net loss	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	$	(99,659	) 	 	$	(116,232	) 	

Basic and diluted loss per share:	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Continuing operations	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	$	(0.35	) 	 	$	(0.40	) 	
Discontinued operations	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.02	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Consolidated	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	$	(0.36	) 	 	$	(0.42	) 	

Basic and diluted shares	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	275,765	  	 	 	274,575	  	

 
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	  	(unaudited, in 000s - except per share data)	 	
 	 	 	 	
As of	  	July 31, 2015	 	 	July 31, 2014	 	 	April 30, 2015	 	
 	 	 	 	
ASSETS	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash and cash equivalents	  	$	1,299,382	  	 	$	1,429,489	  	 	$	2,007,190	  	
Cash and cash equivalents — restricted	  	 	61,040	  	 	 	71,917	  	 	 	91,972	  	
Receivables, net	  	 	103,194	  	 	 	122,315	  	 	 	167,964	  	
Deferred tax assets and income taxes receivable	  	 	160,390	  	 	 	190,323	  	 	 	174,267	  	
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	  	 	80,993	  	 	 	74,343	  	 	 	70,283	  	
Investments in available-for-sale securities	  	 	406,360	  	 	 	403,774	  	 	 	439,625	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total current assets	  	 	2,111,359	  	 	 	2,292,161	  	 	 	2,951,301	  	
Mortgage loans held for investment, net	  	 	230,130	  	 	 	259,732	  	 	 	239,338	  	
Property and equipment, net	  	 	297,321	  	 	 	314,531	  	 	 	311,387	  	
Intangible assets, net	  	 	417,009	  	 	 	347,890	  	 	 	432,142	  	
Goodwill	  	 	454,394	  	 	 	478,845	  	 	 	441,831	  	
Deferred tax assets and income taxes receivable	  	 	11,377	  	 	 	46,953	  	 	 	13,461	  	
Other noncurrent assets	  	 	111,101	  	 	 	150,707	  	 	 	125,960	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total assets	  	$	3,632,691	  	 	$	3,890,819	  	 	$	4,515,420	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
LIABILITIES:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Customer banking deposits	  	$	476,732	  	 	$	482,975	  	 	$	744,241	  	
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	  	 	116,855	  	 	 	127,912	  	 	 	231,322	  	
Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes	  	 	33,447	  	 	 	30,996	  	 	 	144,744	  	
Accrued income taxes	  	 	245,541	  	 	 	284,038	  	 	 	434,684	  	
Current portion of long-term debt	  	 	799	  	 	 	400,705	  	 	 	790	  	
Deferred revenue and other current liabilities	  	 	316,880	  	 	 	357,293	  	 	 	322,508	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total current liabilities	  	 	1,190,254	  	 	 	1,683,919	  	 	 	1,878,289	  	
Long-term debt	  	 	505,197	  	 	 	505,714	  	 	 	505,298	  	
Deferred tax liabilities and reserves for uncertain tax positions	  	 	137,603	  	 	 	167,914	  	 	 	142,586	  	
Deferred revenue and other noncurrent liabilities	  	 	130,210	  	 	 	136,072	  	 	 	156,298	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total liabilities	  	 	1,963,264	  	 	 	2,493,619	  	 	 	2,682,471	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per share	  	 	3,166	  	 	 	3,166	  	 	 	3,166	  	
Additional paid-in capital	  	 	773,783	  	 	 	766,014	  	 	 	783,793	  	
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	  	 	(8,234	) 	 	 	5,483	  	 	 	1,740	  	
Retained earnings	  	 	1,679,234	  	 	 	1,418,124	  	 	 	1,836,442	  	
Less treasury shares, at cost	  	 	(778,522	) 	 	 	(795,587	) 	 	 	(792,192	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total stockholders’ equity	  	 	1,669,427	  	 	 	1,397,200	  	 	 	1,832,949	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	  	$	3,632,691	  	 	$	3,890,819	  	 	$	4,515,420	  	

 
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS	  	(unaudited, in 000s -
except per share amounts)	 	
 	 	
 	  	Three months ended July 31,	 	
 	  	2015	 	 	2014	 	
 	 	 	
REVENUES:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Service revenues	  	$	118,434	  	 	$	115,473	  	
Royalty, product and other revenues	  	 	10,906	  	 	 	8,814	  	
Interest income	  	 	8,378	  	 	 	9,299	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	137,718	  	 	 	133,586	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
OPERATING EXPENSES:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cost of revenues:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Compensation and benefits	  	 	55,789	  	 	 	51,855	  	
Occupancy and equipment	  	 	89,855	  	 	 	83,306	  	
Provision for bad debt and loan losses	  	 	2,005	  	 	 	4,364	  	
Depreciation and amortization	  	 	27,084	  	 	 	25,085	  	
Other	  	 	38,775	  	 	 	33,116	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	213,508	  	 	 	197,726	  	
Selling, general and administrative:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Marketing and advertising	  	 	8,531	  	 	 	8,145	  	
Compensation and benefits	  	 	54,669	  	 	 	60,964	  	
Depreciation and amortization	  	 	13,010	  	 	 	8,601	  	
Other selling, general and administrative	  	 	21,982	  	 	 	19,490	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	98,192	  	 	 	97,200	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total operating expenses	  	 	311,700	  	 	 	294,926	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Other income	  	 	433	  	 	 	523	  	
Interest expense on borrowings (1)	  	 	(8,575	) 	 	 	(13,795	) 	
Other expenses	  	 	(4,985	) 	 	 	(1,204	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit	  	 	(187,109	) 	 	 	(175,816	) 	
Income tax benefit	  	 	(90,604	) 	 	 	(66,965	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net loss from continuing operations	  	 	(96,505	) 	 	 	(108,851	) 	
Net loss from discontinued operations	  	 	(3,154	) 	 	 	(7,381	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
NET LOSS	  	$	(99,659	) 	 	$	(116,232	) 	

BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Continuing operations	  	$	(0.35	) 	 	$	(0.40	) 	
Discontinued operations	  	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.02	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Consolidated	  	$	(0.36	) 	 	$	(0.42	) 	

(1)	The presentation of interest expense from borrowings has been restated to correct errors in presentation, whereby we reclassified such interest expense from cost of revenues to a separate caption.	

 
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	  	(unaudited, in 000s)	 	
 	 	 	
Three months ended July 31,	  	2015	 	 	2014	 	
 	 	 	
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	  	$	(378,246	) 	 	$	(381,585	) 	

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Maturities of and payments received on available-for-sale securities	  	 	32,103	  	 	 	18,484	  	
Principal payments on mortgage loans held for investment, net	  	 	8,537	  	 	 	6,250	  	
Capital expenditures	  	 	(8,689	) 	 	 	(25,841	) 	
Payments made for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	  	 	(12,271	) 	 	 	(40,533	) 	
Franchise loans:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Loans funded	  	 	(2,582	) 	 	 	(7,398	) 	
Payments received	  	 	11,434	  	 	 	18,674	  	
Other, net	  	 	3,562	  	 	 	4,030	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	  	 	32,094	  	 	 	(26,334	) 	

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Customer banking deposits, net	  	 	(268,532	) 	 	 	(287,609	) 	
Dividends paid	  	 	(55,063	) 	 	 	(54,852	) 	
Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered	  	 	(17,756	) 	 	 	(9,397	) 	
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	  	 	13,015	  	 	 	13,368	  	
Other, net	  	 	(22,413	) 	 	 	(9,919	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net cash used in financing activities	  	 	(350,749	) 	 	 	(348,409	) 	

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash	  	 	(10,907	) 	 	 	510	  	
 	 	 	
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	  	 	(707,808	) 	 	 	(755,818	) 	
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	  	 	2,007,190	  	 	 	2,185,307	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	  	$	1,299,382	  	 	$	1,429,489	  	

SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW DATA:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	  	$	75,358	  	 	$	88,924	  	
Interest paid on borrowings	  	 	15,381	  	 	 	15,415	  	
Interest paid on deposits	  	 	136	  	 	 	201	  	
Transfers of foreclosed loans to other assets	  	 	624	  	 	 	1,818	  	
Accrued additions to property and equipment	  	 	5,977	  	 	 	11,988	  	

 
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
TAX SERVICES – FINANCIAL RESULTS	  	(unaudited, amounts in 000s)	 	
 	 	
 	  	Three months ended July 31,	 	
 	  	2015	 	 	2014	 	
Tax preparation fees:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. assisted	  	$	27,285	  	 	$	25,489	  	
International	  	 	35,718	  	 	 	41,456	  	
U.S. digital	  	 	3,179	  	 	 	2,932	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	66,182	  	 	 	69,877	  	
Royalties	  	 	9,695	  	 	 	7,642	  	
Revenues from Refund Transfers	  	 	3,415	  	 	 	3,419	  	
Revenues from Emerald Card®	  	 	15,689	  	 	 	14,045	  	
Revenues from Peace of Mind® Extended Service Plan	  	 	27,703	  	 	 	24,253	  	
Interest and fee income on Emerald Advance	  	 	314	  	 	 	607	  	
Other	  	 	9,576	  	 	 	9,237	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total revenues	  	 	132,574	  	 	 	129,080	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Compensation and benefits:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Field wages	  	 	45,938	  	 	 	45,997	  	
Other wages	  	 	37,202	  	 	 	38,717	  	
Benefits and other compensation	  	 	18,738	  	 	 	18,822	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	101,878	  	 	 	103,536	  	
Occupancy and equipment	  	 	89,379	  	 	 	83,098	  	
Marketing and advertising	  	 	7,789	  	 	 	7,387	  	
Depreciation and amortization	  	 	40,076	  	 	 	33,683	  	
Bad debt	  	 	2,033	  	 	 	3,639	  	
Supplies	  	 	2,389	  	 	 	3,057	  	
Other	  	 	53,176	  	 	 	43,858	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total operating expenses	  	 	296,720	  	 	 	278,258	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Other income	  	 	253	  	 	 	350	  	
Interest expense on borrowings	  	 	(532	) 	 	 	(528	) 	
Other expenses	  	 	(5,013	) 	 	 	(1,204	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Pretax loss	  	$	(169,438	) 	 	$	(150,560	) 	

 
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	
Three months ended July 31,	  	2015	 	 	2014	 	
 	  	EBITDA	 	 	Loss	 	 	EBITDA	 	 	Loss	 	
 	 	 	 	 	
As reported - from continuing operations	  	$	(138,304	) 	 	$	(96,505	) 	 	$	(128,190	) 	 	$	(108,851	) 	
 	 	 	 	 	
Adjustments (pretax):	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Loss contingencies - litigation	  	 	618	  	 	 	618	  	 	 	228	  	 	 	228	  	
Severance	  	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	813	  	 	 	813	  	
Professional fees related to HRB Bank transaction	  	 	52	  	 	 	52	  	 	 	25	  	 	 	25	  	
Impairment of AFS securities	  	 	288	  	 	 	288	  	 	 	941	  	 	 	941	  	
Tax effect of adjustments	  	 	—  	  	 	 	(358	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	(764	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	958	  	 	 	600	  	 	 	2,007	  	 	 	1,243	  	

As adjusted - from continuing operations	  	$	(137,346	) 	 	$	(95,905	) 	 	$	(126,183	) 	 	$	(107,608	) 	

Adjusted EPS	  	 	 	 	 	$	(0.35	) 	 	 	 	 	 	$	(0.40	) 	

 	  	Three months ended July 31,	 	
EBITDA	  	2015	 	 	2014	 	
 	 	 	
Net loss - as reported	  	$	(99,659	) 	 	$	(116,232	) 	
 	 	 	
Add back:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Discontinued operations	  	 	3,154	  	 	 	7,381	  	
Income taxes	  	 	(90,604	) 	 	 	(66,965	) 	
Interest expense	  	 	8,711	  	 	 	13,940	  	
Depreciation and amortization	  	 	40,094	  	 	 	33,686	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	(38,645	) 	 	 	(11,958	) 	

EBITDA from continuing operations	  	$	(138,304	) 	 	$	(128,190	) 	

 	  	Three months ended July 31,	 	
Supplemental Information	  	2015	 	 	2014	 	
 	 	 	
Stock-based compensation expense:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Pretax	  	$	6,018	  	 	$	7,459	  	
After-tax	  	 	3,767	  	 	 	4,620	  	
Amortization of intangible assets:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Pretax	  	$	16,614	  	 	$	11,244	  	
After-tax	  	 	10,399	  	 	 	6,965	  	

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The accompanying press release contains non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Because these measures are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures for other companies.
We consider non-GAAP financial measures to be a useful metric for management and investors to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating performance of our business on a consistent basis across reporting periods, as it eliminates the effect of items that are not indicative of our core operating performance.
The following are descriptions of adjustments we make for our non-GAAP financial measures:
 
 	•	 	We exclude losses from settlements and estimated contingent losses from litigation and favorable reserve adjustments. This does not include legal defense costs.	
 
 	•	 	We exclude non-cash charges to adjust the carrying values of goodwill, intangible assets, other long-lived assets and investments to their estimated fair values.	
 
 	•	 	We exclude severance and other restructuring charges in connection with the termination of personnel, closure of offices and related costs.	
 
 	•	 	We exclude the gains and losses on business dispositions, including investment banking, legal and accounting fees from both business dispositions and acquisitions.	
 
 	•	 	We exclude the gains and losses on extinguishment of debt.	
We may consider whether other significant items that arise in the future should also be excluded from our non-GAAP financial measures.
We measure the performance of our business using a variety of metrics, including EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted pretax income of continuing operations. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted pretax income eliminate the impact of items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance and, we believe, provide meaningful information to assist in understanding our financial results, analyzing trends in our underlying business, and assessing our prospects for future performance. We also use EBITDA and pretax income of continuing operations, each subject to permitted adjustments, as performance metrics in incentive compensation calculations for our employees.

Exhibit 99.2

News Release
For Immediate Release: September 1, 2015
H&R Block Announces $3.5 Billion Share Repurchase Program and Capital Structure Plans
 
•	 	H&R Block Bank divestiture transaction now closed	
 
•	 	H&R Block no longer regulated as a savings and loan holding company	
 
•	 	Company announces a $3.5 billion share repurchase program, effective through June 2019	
 
•	 	Company announces intent to launch “modified Dutch auction” tender offer on September 2nd to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of common stock, representing approximately 16 percent of the company’s current market capitalization 1	
 
•	 	Company announces intent to replace its Committed Line of Credit and to take on incremental debt	
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB), the world’s largest consumer tax services provider, today announced that it has successfully closed its transaction to divest H&R Block Bank, selling certain assets and transferring certain liabilities, including all of its deposits, to BofI Federal Bank (“BofI”) a full month earlier than expected. At the time of the closing, the bank made a one-time cash payment to BofI of approximately $419 million, which is approximately equal to the carrying value of the liabilities (including all deposit liabilities) assumed by BofI. The bank merged into its parent company, surrendered its bank charter, and ceased to exist as a bank. The closing of the bank transaction represents the conclusion of a multi-year effort to refocus the company on its core tax business and to no longer be regulated as a savings and loan holding company.
In connection with the closing, and consistent with the description of the transaction in the company’s previous public disclosures, the parties have entered into a program management agreement under which BofI will serve as the bank for H&R Block-branded financial services products: Emerald Prepaid MasterCard®, Refund Transfers and Emerald Advance® lines of credit offered through H&R Block’s retail and digital channels.
H&R Block reaffirms it expects the ongoing annual net financial impact to be dilutive by approximately $0.08 to $0.10 per share beginning in fiscal year 2016. The company also expects to incur one-time charges for transaction and related costs of approximately $0.02 to $0.03 per share in fiscal year 2016. All per share amounts are based on fully diluted shares outstanding as of Aug. 31, 2015.
“We are very pleased that we were able to close our transaction with BofI in time to facilitate a smooth transition of our financial services products for the upcoming tax season,” said Bill Cobb, H&R Block’s president and chief executive officer. “We’ve selected a great partner in BofI, and we look forward to working with them on award winning value offerings to clients for many years to come. This closing is the final step in divesting our non-core assets and focusing our business back on what we do best, taxes.”
Final terms and conditions of the program management agreement are consistent with previous disclosures. Additional information regarding the bank divestiture transaction is included in a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today, as well as the company’s previous public disclosures.
New Capital Structure
H&R Block intends to establish a new capital structure that it believes appropriately reflects the capital needs of the business and positions the company for continued shareholder value creation. Included in this plan is a $3.5 billion share repurchase program, a new committed line of credit (“CLOC”), and incremental debt. The new structure is intended to enable significant return of capital to shareholders in
 
1 	Based on the close price as of Aug. 31, 2015 and approximately 276.4 million shares outstanding. The actual percentage will depend upon the amount of shares actually purchased in the tender offer and the actual price paid for such shares.	

the form of dividends and share repurchases. The company has paid 211 consecutive quarterly dividends, which represents a dividend paid every quarter since the company went public in 1962. Additionally, since May 2011, the company has repurchased 12 percent of its total shares outstanding and has returned approximately $1.4 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases.
“We have a long tradition of returning capital to shareholders, and I’m pleased that we can now continue that tradition,” said Bob Gerard, the company’s Chairman of the Board. “Through a balanced and appropriate capital structure, we are positioned to consistently generate significant free cash flow, maintain seasonal access to liquidity, and continue to deliver reliable and meaningful shareholder returns.”
Share Repurchase Program
Consistent with its long-standing philosophy on shareholder returns, the company announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a new $3.5 billion share repurchase program, effective through June 2019. The company currently intends to repurchase its shares over time through a combination of the tender offer referred to below and open market purchases, and may also repurchase shares through private transactions, exchange offers, additional tender offers or other means. The company intends to fund this program through available cash, borrowings and incremental debt as described below, and funds from ongoing business operations.
Overall Leverage Capacity
H&R Block believes it has capacity to increase its leverage while maintaining investment grade credit ratings metrics. The company currently believes that a ratio of adjusted debt to adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of approximately 2.5x to 3.0x would be consistent with the company’s previously stated intention to maintain investment grade ratings metrics. The company calculates adjusted debt to adjusted EBITDA using a fiscal four-quarter rolling average of total outstanding gross debt (both short-term and long-term) and includes adjustments for items such as operating leases which are not capitalized on the company’s balance sheet.
Near-Term Capital Structure Changes
As part of the new capital structure described above, the company intends to take near-term action to take on borrowings and incremental debt and repurchase shares of its common stock through a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer, which will be contingent upon, among other customary items, the company replacing its existing Committed Line of Credit with a new credit facility.
“Modified Dutch Auction” Tender Offer
Under the new share repurchase program, the company announced today that it plans to launch a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase up to $1.5 billion of its common stock, at a price per share of not less than $32.25 and not greater than $37.00. The tender offer will be contingent upon, among other customary items, the successful closing of a new Committed Line of Credit, as described below, and satisfaction of other customary conditions. Additional details regarding the pricing and other terms will be provided upon formal commencement of the tender offer.
“The planned tender offer announced today demonstrates our confidence in the future of our business and our long-standing commitment to create shareholder value,” said Cobb.
As of Aug. 31, 2015, H&R Block had approximately 276.4 million shares outstanding. The company intends to use a combination of available cash, borrowings and incremental debt to fund the tender offer and related expenses.
New Committed Line of Credit
H&R Block also announced today that it intends to replace its existing five-year $1.5 billion Committed Line of Credit. The new CLOC facility amount and terms will be determined based on market conditions at the time of closing of the new CLOC. As described above, the tender offer will be contingent upon, among other customary items, the successful closing of the new CLOC and as such, the company intends to complete the new CLOC prior to the completion of the tender offer. It is also the company’s intention to utilize the new CLOC to fund its future seasonal working capital needs rather than issuing commercial paper.

Incremental Debt
H&R Block also intends to incur incremental debt through other debt issuances as part of the capital structure changes announced today. The amount and composition of the incremental debt will be dependent on market conditions and capital allocation considerations at the time the debt is incurred. The company intends to use the incremental debt to fund stock repurchases under the share repurchase program announced today.
Information Regarding the Planned Tender Offer
This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell any shares of the company’s common stock. The planned tender offer described in this press release has not yet commenced, and there can be no assurances that the company will commence the tender offer on the terms described in this press release or at all. If the company commences the tender offer, the tender offer will be made solely by an Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal, as they may be amended or supplemented.  Shareholders and investors are urged to read the company’s Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO, which is expected to be filed with the SEC in connection with the tender offer and will include as exhibits an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other offer materials, as well as any amendments or supplements to the Schedule TO when they become available, because they will contain important information.  If the company commences the tender offer, it will file each of the documents referenced in this paragraph with the SEC, and, when available, investors may obtain them for free from the SEC at its website (www.sec.gov) or from the company’s information agent in connection with the tender offer.
Note
The company’s announcement of its share repurchase program does not obligate the company to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of its shares of common stock. The company will determine when, if and how to proceed with any repurchase transactions under the program, as well as the amount of any such repurchase transactions, based upon, among other things, the results of the tender offer and the company’s evaluation of its liquidity and capital needs (including for strategic and other opportunities), its business, results of operations, and financial position and prospects, its credit ratings, general financial, economic and market conditions, prevailing market prices for the company’s shares of common stock, corporate, regulatory and legal requirements, and other conditions and factors deemed relevant by the company’s management and Board of Directors from time to time. The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. There can be no assurance as to the actual volume of share repurchases in any given period or over the term of the program, if any, or as to the manner or terms of any such repurchases. There can also be no assurance that the company will operate its business at an indicated leverage ratio or that it will maintain investment grade ratings metrics (as a result of factors within or outside the company’s control). In addition, the company’s ability to enter into the new CLOC is dependent on, among other things, market conditions and the agreement of the lenders, the company’s ability to borrow under any new CLOC is dependent on the company’s performance and ability to satisfy the borrowing conditions thereunder, and the company’s ability to take on incremental debt is dependent on, among other things, market conditions, the company’s performance, and satisfaction of other customary financing conditions. The company’s failure to maintain investment grade ratings metrics and obtain incremental debt financing as contemplated could adversely impact the company and its ability to implement the stock repurchase program as currently contemplated. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
Conference Call
Discussion of the divestiture of H&R Block Bank, the company’s capital structure plans, fiscal 2016 first quarter results, future outlook and a general business update, will occur during the company’s previously announced fiscal first quarter earnings conference call for analysts, institutional investors, and shareholders. The call is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on Sept. 1, 2015. To access the call, please dial the number below approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time:
U.S./Canada (888) 895-5260 or International (443) 842-7595
Conference ID: 73769267

The call will also be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and public. The link to the webcast can be accessed directly at http://investors.hrblock.com.
A replay of the call will be available beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time on Sept. 1, 2015, and continuing until Oct. 1, 2015, by dialing (855) 859-2056 (U.S./Canada) or (404) 537-3406 (International). The conference ID is 73769267. The webcast will be available for replay Sept. 2, 2015 at http://investors.hrblock.com.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world’s largest consumer tax services provider. More than 680 million tax returns have been prepared worldwide by and through H&R Block since 1955. In fiscal 2015, H&R Block had annual revenues of nearly $3.1 billion with 24.2 million tax returns prepared worldwide. Tax return preparation services are provided by professional tax preparers in approximately 12,000 company-owned and franchise retail tax offices worldwide, and through H&R Block Tax Software products. H&R Block also offers adjacent Tax Plus products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom at http://newsroom.hrblock.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words or variation of words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “targets,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “could” or “may” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements provide management’s current expectations or predictions of future conditions, events or results. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking statements. They may include estimates of revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, dividends, liquidity, capital structure or other financial items, descriptions of management’s plans or objectives for future operations, products or services, or descriptions of assumptions underlying any of the above. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and reflect the company’s good faith beliefs, assumptions and expectations, but they are not guarantees of future performance or events. Furthermore, the company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions, factors, or expectations, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes, except as required by law. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, a variety of economic, competitive and regulatory factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control and which are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2015 in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” as well as additional factors we may describe from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and, consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. There can be no assurances regarding when or if the contemplated transactions described in this press release will occur, or the final terms and conditions of the various agreements involved with such transactions.
For Further Information

Investor Relations:	  	Colby Brown, (816) 854-4559, colby.brown@hrblock.com	
Media Relations:	  	Gene King, (816) 854-4672, gene.king@hrblock.com	

Exhibit 99.3
H&R BLOCK, INC.
Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information of H&R Block, Inc. (the “Company”) gives effect to the sale by the Company of certain assets and liabilities, including all of the deposit liabilities, of its subsidiary, H&R Block Bank, a federal savings bank (“H&R Bank”), to BofI Federal Bank, a federal savings bank, and the economic impact of the Program Management Agreement (the “PMA”) and Receivables Participation Agreement (the “RPA”) entered into among the parties thereto in connection therewith (collectively, the “P&A Transaction”). The unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of income for the year ended April 30, 2015 gives effect to the P&A Transaction as if they had occurred on May 1, 2014, and the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2015 gives effect to the P&A Transaction as if they had occurred on such date. The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The Company’s historical consolidated financial statements have been adjusted in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements to give effect to pro forma events that management believes are directly attributable to the P&A Transaction, are factually supportable and are expected to have a continuing impact on the statement of income. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes thereto and the Company’s financial statements and related notes contained in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 17, 2015.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements have been presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what the Company’s financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the P&A Transaction occurred as of the dates indicated. In addition, the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not purport to project the future financial position or operating results of the Company. Our future results are subject to prevailing economic and industry specific conditions and financial, business and other known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control. These factors include, without limitation, those described in our filings with the SEC, including under the heading “Risk Factors.” The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is based on information available as of the date hereof.

PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data

 	  	For the year ended April 30, 2015	 	
 	  	As Reported	 	 	Adjustments for
P&A Transaction	 	 	Reclassifications	 	 	Pro Forma	 	
Revenues:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Service revenues	  	$	2,651,057	  	 	$	(8,046	) (a) 	 	$	—  	  	 	$	2,643,011	  	
Royalty, interest and other revenues	  	 	427,601	  	 	 	(7,041	) (a) 	 	 	(25,986	) (e) 	 	 	394,574	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	3,078,658	  	 	 	(15,087	) 	 	 	(25,986	) 	 	 	3,037,585	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating expenses:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cost of revenues:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Compensation and benefits	  	 	852,480	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	852,480	  	
Occupancy and equipment	  	 	378,624	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	378,624	  	
Provision for bad debt and loan losses	  	 	74,993	  	 	 	(2,408	) (a) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	72,585	  	
Depreciation and amortization	  	 	111,861	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	111,861	  	
Other	  	 	212,532	  	 	 	11,959	  (a) 	 	 	(2,971	) (e) 	 	 	229,020	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	7,500	  (b) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	1,630,490	  	 	 	17,051	  	 	 	(2,971	) 	 	 	1,644,570	  	
Selling, general and administrative:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Marketing and advertising	  	 	273,682	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	273,682	  	
Compensation and benefits	  	 	238,527	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	238,527	  	
Amortization of intangibles	  	 	47,943	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	47,943	  	
Other selling, general and administrative	  	 	93,350	  	 	 	(1,718	) (c) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	91,632	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	653,502	  	 	 	(1,718	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	651,784	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	  	 	2,283,992	  	 	 	15,333	  	 	 	(2,971	) 	 	 	2,296,354	  	

Other income	  	 	1,314	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	25,986	  (e) 	 	 	27,300	  	
Interest expense on borrowings	  	 	(45,246	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	(45,246	) 	
Other expense	  	 	(7,929	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	(2,971	) (e) 	 	 	(10,900	) 	

Income from continuing operations before taxes	  	 	742,805	  	 	 	(30,420	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	712,385	  	
Income tax	  	 	256,061	  	 	 	(11,844	) (d) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	244,217	  	

Net income from continuing operations	  	 	486,744	  	 	 	(18,576	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	468,168	  	
Net loss from discontinued operations	  	 	(13,081	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	(13,081	) 	

Net income	  	$	473,663	  	 	$	(18,576	) 	 	$	—  	  	 	$	455,087	  	

Basic earnings per share:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Continuing operations	  	$	1.77	  	 	$	(0.07	) 	 	$	—  	  	 	$	1.70	  	
Discontinued operations	  	 	(0.05	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	(0.05	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Consolidated	  	$	1.72	  	 	$	(0.07	) 	 	$	—  	  	 	$	1.65	  	

Diluted earnings per share:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Continuing operations	  	$	1.75	  	 	$	(0.07	) 	 	$	—  	  	 	$	1.68	  	
Discontinued operations	  	 	(0.04	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	(0.04	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Consolidated	  	$	1.71	  	 	$	(0.07	) 	 	$	—  	  	 	$	1.64	  	

(a)	Reflects reductions and/or increases in revenues and certain expenses from Emerald Cards, Emerald Advances and Refund Transfers pursuant to the terms of the PMA and the RPA.	
(b)	Reflects the annual program fee required to be paid pursuant to the PMA.	
(c)	Reflects certain expenses that will not recur subsequent to the P&A Transaction as a result of the Company no longer having a federal savings bank.	
(d)	Assumes a pro forma tax rate of 38.94%.	
(e)	Reclassifications represent revenues and expenses related to mortgage loans held for investment and available for sale securities that were central to the operating activities of, and satisfied a regulatory requirement of, HRB Bank, which will no longer be central to the operating activities of the Company after the closing of the P&A Transaction. As a result, these items will be presented as non-operating income and expenses in the Company’s future reporting.	

PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Unaudited, amounts in thousands

 	  	As of April 30, 2015	 	
 	  	As Reported	 	 	Adjustments for
P&A Transaction	 	 	Pro Forma	 	
ASSETS	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash and cash equivalents	  	$	2,007,190	  	 	$	(744,699	) (a) 	 	$	1,262,491	  	
Cash and cash equivalents - restricted	  	 	91,972	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	91,972	  	
Receivables, net	  	 	167,964	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	167,964	  	
Deferred tax assets and income taxes receivable	  	 	174,267	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	174,267	  	
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	  	 	70,283	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	70,283	  	
Investments in available-for-sale securities	  	 	439,625	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	439,625	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total current assets	  	 	2,951,301	  	 	 	(744,699	) 	 	 	2,206,602	  	
Mortgage loans held for investment, net	  	 	239,338	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	239,338	  	
Property and equipment, net	  	 	311,387	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	311,387	  	
Intangible assets, net	  	 	432,142	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	432,142	  	
Goodwill	  	 	441,831	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	441,831	  	
Deferred tax assets and income taxes receivable	  	 	13,461	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	13,461	  	
Other noncurrent assets	  	 	125,960	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	125,960	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total assets	  	$	4,515,420	  	 	$	(744,699	) 	 	$	3,770,721	  	

LIABILITIES:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Customer banking deposits	  	$	744,241	  	 	$	(744,241	) (a) 	 	$	—  	  	
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	  	 	231,322	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	231,322	  	
Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes	  	 	144,744	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	144,744	  	
Accrued income taxes	  	 	434,684	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	434,684	  	
Current portion of long-term debt	  	 	790	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	790	  	
Deferred revenue and other current liabilities	  	 	322,508	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	322,508	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total current liabilities	  	 	1,878,289	  	 	 	(744,241	) 	 	 	1,134,048	  	
Long-term debt	  	 	505,298	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	505,298	  	
Deferred tax liabilities and reserves for uncertain tax positions	  	 	142,586	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	142,586	  	
Deferred revenue and other noncurrent liabilities	  	 	156,298	  	 	 	(458	) (a) 	 	 	155,840	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total liabilities	  	 	2,682,471	  	 	 	(744,699	) 	 	 	1,937,772	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Common stock	  	 	3,166	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	3,166	  	
Additional paid-in capital	  	 	783,793	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	783,793	  	
Accumulated other comprehensive income	  	 	1,740	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	1,740	  	
Retained earnings	  	 	1,836,442	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	1,836,442	  	
Less treasury shares, at cost	  	 	(792,192	) 	 	 	—  	  	 	 	(792,192	) 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total stockholders’ equity	  	 	1,832,949	  	 	 	—  	  	 	 	1,832,949	  	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	  	$	4,515,420	  	 	$	(744,699	) 	 	$	3,770,721	  	

(a)	Reflects the transfer of customer banking deposits to BofI in accordance with the P&A Transaction.