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Trust in financial institutions: A survey

Author

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  • Carin van der Cruijsen
  • Jakob de Haan
  • Ria Roerink

Abstract

Trust in financial institutions is widely considered important. However, a clear overview of studies on the drivers of trust is missing. We intend to fill this gap in the literature. After discussing why trust in financial institutions is important, we turn to its measurement, where we distinguish between trust in one's own institution and trust in institutions in general (narrow‐scope and broad‐scope trust), and discuss how these measures differ from generalized trust (i.e. trust in other people with whom there is no direct relationship). Finally, we survey the determinants of trust in financial institutions and discuss a wide range of drivers. First, trust in financial institutions depends on the economic situation: it behaves procyclically and is negatively affected by financial crises. Second, the behavior of financial institutions matters: prudent conduct, the provision of good services and financial health have a positive effect on trust. Third, although consumer characteristics also relate to trust, many of these relationships are context‐dependent. Fourth, there is a positive association between narrow‐scope trust on the one hand and broad‐scope trust and generalized trust on the other. Last, policy measures and supervisory actions can help prevent loss of trust.

Suggested Citation

  • Carin van der Cruijsen & Jakob de Haan & Ria Roerink, 2023. "Trust in financial institutions: A survey," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(4), pages 1214-1254, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jecsur:v:37:y:2023:i:4:p:1214-1254
    DOI: 10.1111/joes.12468
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    Cited by:

    1. Michiel Bijlsma & Carin Cruijsen & Jester Koldijk, 2022. "Determinants of Trust in Banks’ Payment Services During COVID: An Exploration Using Daily Data," De Economist, Springer, vol. 170(2), pages 231-256, May.
    2. van der Cruijsen, Carin & de Haan, Jakob & Jonker, Nicole, 2022. "Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected public trust? Evidence for the US and the Netherlands," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 1010-1024.
    3. Michiel Bijlsma & Carin van der Cruijsen & Nicole Jonker & Jelmer Reijerink, 2021. "What triggers consumer adoption of CBDC?," Working Papers 709, DNB.
    4. Cristina Zeldea, 2021. "Financial Inclusion Disparities in the European Union," Global Economic Observer, "Nicolae Titulescu" University of Bucharest, Faculty of Economic Sciences;Institute for World Economy of the Romanian Academy, vol. 9(1), pages 82-90, June.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies

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