(9)Within the framework of its administrative functioning, the EBA may conduct a number of investigations, such as administrative inquiries, disciplinary proceedings, preliminary activities related to financial fraud, investigations relating to whistleblowing or harassment cases, internal audits, investigations performed by the Data Protection Officer (DPO) or ethics investigations, ICT investigations, information security investigations and activities performed in the context of security risks and incidents management. In addition, for the exercise of its missions, the EBA may conduct investigations relating to potential breaches of Union law, settlement of disagreements between competent authorities, mediation conducted between competent authorities as well as investigations related to the prevention and countering of money laundering and of terrorist financing, inquiries related to consumer protection and financial activities in order to assess potential threats to the integrity of financial markets or the stability of the financial system in the Union.