131It is apparent from the provisions referred to in paragraphs 115 to 118 above that the SSM centralises functions relating to prudential supervision with the ECB, while providing for decentralised implementation by the NCAs of the participating Member States, under the supervision of the ECB, to which they provide their cooperation and assistance. Thus, within the SSM, first, the ECB exercises certain exclusive powers: ‘direct’ prudential supervision of significant credit institutions and the powers reserved to it under Article 4 of the Basic SSM Regulation with regard to all institutions, irrespective of their size. Secondly, the prudential supervision of less significant institutions is part of the decentralised exercise of power by those NCAs and is overseen and supervised, as a last resort, by the ECB, whose task is to ensure the proper functioning and effectiveness of the prudential supervision system and the consistent and uniform application of prudential rules in all participating Member States. The ECB carries out ‘indirect’ supervision of less significant institutions and, in that context, NCAs provide their cooperation and assistance to the ECB. In addition, the same NCAs remain competent in respect of matters not covered by the Basic SSM Regulation: consumer protection, markets in financial instruments, AML/CFT, and the fight against corruption.