BLOM sal Launches the BLOM MASTERCARD GIVING AFFINITY CARD In collaboration with the Lebanese Mine Action Center, a unit of the Lebanese ARMY

Card Program, the First of its Kind in the Middle East & Levant

Beirut, May 20, 2010: BLOM Bank today launched its BLOM MasterCard Giving Affinity . The card will be offered either as a Gold MasterCard® or Titanium MasterCard™ card, and will combine the benefits of a MasterCard credit card, with the ability to donate to the Lebanese Mining Action Center, a unit of the Lebanese Army, that is in charge of demining the Lebanese territory. Donations are made whenever BLOM MasterCard Giving Affinity cardholders pay the card’s annual fee and whenever cardholders use their card for purchases or for cash withdrawals at ATMs.

The BLOM MasterCard Giving Affinity credit card presents cardholders with the convenience of a revolving line of credit. Cardholders can use their MasterCard credit card at more than 29.9 million acceptance locations around the world, which includes more than 1.5 million ATM locations worldwide. The card offers cardholders a rewards program that provides one or more Golden points for every accumulated amount of US$100 and above when using the card for purchases. The BLOM MasterCard Giving credit card also provides cardholders the option to join the BLOM Gifts Program, which offers a wide range of valuable gifts upon making purchases at merchant outlets.

Additionally, the BLOM MasterCard Giving Affinity credit card also provides cardholders with a free “Info Santé” card providing 24-hour professional medical assistance over the phone. The BLOM MasterCard Giving Titanium credit card, which is more exclusive, offers a free International Discount (IAPA) card, which entitles the cardholder to special discounts at more than 19,000 hotels and car rental companies around the world.

With this credit card, the Lebanese consumer can benefit from a line of credit while at the same time supporting a very humane and patriotic cause, which is why BLOM is launching this program under the slogan: “Shop till you drop the number of mines in .”

Basel Eltell, vice president and regional manager, Levant, MasterCard Worldwide said; “As the first card of its kind in the Middle East and Levant, we are delighted to collaborate with BLOM Bank to launch a program that supports a worthy cause. Consumers in Lebanon can benefit from knowing that they are contributing to a noble cause while benefiting from a flexible payment solution, which also provides a host of benefits through its rewards program. We are confident that the card will be well-received in Lebanon."

Elias Aractingi, Deputy General Manager and Head of , BLOM Bank sal said: “This card marks a historic evolution for us, one that adds supporting a worthy cause to our traditional priorities of superior customer service and added value. Moreover, this card is the medium for raising awareness among the Lebanese public on the important issue of landmines.”

General Mohammed Fehmi, Director of the LMAC said: “This initiative will not only contribute materially to resolving the problem of landmines, but it will also raise the awareness of the Lebanese public and show international donors that the Lebanese private sector is also doing its part in this important effort.”

About BLOM Bank s.a.l. BLOM Bank sal is a leading regional bank with a Head Office based in Lebanon. BLOM’s spread has extended to reach several countries. Currently, BLOM is present in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Romania, Cyprus, Switzerland, France, The United Arab Emirates, London, KSA and Qatar. BLOM is the leading Lebanese bank in terms of Retail Banking offerings. For more information call 961 1 753 000 or visit www.blomretail.com or www.blombank.com/retail.

About MasterCard Worldwide MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 22 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com. Follow us on Twitter:@mastercardnews.

About the Lebanese Mine Action Center The Lebanese Mine Action Center is a unit of the Lebanese Army, which manages mine action activities in Lebanon and helps ensure the provision of administrative and logistical support to facilitate the work of all mine action organizations working in Lebanon in accordance with the National Mine Action End-state Strategies and standards.