(2)Against this background, it is considered necessary to establish an ethics framework for the SSM laying down ethics standards the compliance with which safeguards its credibility and reputation as well as public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the members of the bodies and staff members of the ECB and the national competent authorities (NCAs) of the Member States participating in the SSM (hereinafter the ‘SSM Ethics Framework’) . The SSM Ethics Framework should be composed of this Guideline laying down the principles, a set of best practices on how to implement these principles, and the internal rules and practices adopted by the ECB and each NCA.