The purpose of the company is to create, develop, implement, organize, manage and promote payment systems and related services. The company may undertake in Belgium and abroad all activities necessary, useful or advantageous for the fulfillment of its purpose. It may carry out all economic, commercial and financial transactions, as well as transactions with movable or immovable property, which are directly or indirectly related to its purpose or to any similar or related purpose, or which are likely to promote the fulfillment of its purpose. In particular, it may merge with any other company, participate in any other company or cooperate with any other company having a similar or related purpose, or which is likely to promote the fulfillment of its purpose. In the fulfillment of its purpose, the company will strive to combat fraud related to its products using payment systems. Subject to the consent of the relevant member(s), the company is therefore authorized to protect the interests of its ordinary members through a MasterCard license, by initiating, for example, court proceedings in the name of these members, appearing on their behalf before a court or arbitration tribunal, lodging an ordinary or extraordinary appeal, initiating any proceedings with power of attorney, whether before a Belgian or foreign court or jurisdiction, or appointing a Belgian or foreign advisor. To ensure the security of its activities and, in particular, payment systems, the company will also organize and manage its internal monitoring service, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The company's purpose may be extended or restricted by amendment to the articles of association, in accordance with the provisions of Article 287 of the Companies Code.