The purpose and object of the company is to provide financial services in Switzerland and abroad, in particular to group companies. The company may also conduct commercial transactions, acquire and exploit participations in other companies, real estate and intellectual property rights, as well as carry out all transactions that are directly or indirectly related to the company's purpose or are suitable for promoting it. The company may grant direct or indirect financing to its direct or indirect subsidiaries and third parties, including its direct or indirect shareholders and their direct or indirect subsidiaries, and provide security of any kind for the liabilities of such other companies, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether paid or unpaid.