Implementing the single supervisory mechanism in the euro area

In this paper we investigate whether the banks which fall under direct supervision by the European Central Bank (ECB) are more likely to be considered more stable and trustworthy by the depositors due to the stricter supervisory activities performed since the implementation of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). Under the SSM, significant banks switched from national supervisors to ECB, whereas the remaining banks remained under national supervisory authorities (NSAs). Using the difference-in-difference (DID) method, we have found evidence of increased depositors’ trust in significant banks after the SSM implementation. Additionally, in anticipation of the SSM launch and the comprehensive assessment, we have found evidence of increased depositors’ trust in the banks which were expected to be supervised by the ECB.