Getting Beyond Codes in Consumer Protection

Beyond Codes is a collaborative action research project managed by Senior Fellow Heather Clark that examines how microfinance institutions can best implement consumer protection practices within their operations.

Among microfinance practitioners, consumer protection is finally beginning to receive the attention it deserves. This attention is driven by several factors: the U.S. subprime crisis as well as financial crises in several countries; concern over high interest rates; and competition from consumer lenders.

Beyond Codes will pilot the implementation of pro-consumer policies and practices in microfinance institutions, with a view towards creating the tools and experience that could underpin a pro-consumer certification process. The program will be carried out with participation by a wide range of actors in the microfinance industry to create consensus around pro-consumer best practices.

To learn more about the Beyond Codes implementation process, click here.

Project Updates

Mexican MFI Assessments Completed

Heather Clark and Cara Forster just completed three weeks of on-the-ground assessments at microfinance institutions in Mexico. They will be completing the reports for the institutions in February and begin work on identifying potential pilot projects at each institution. Next up, assessments in Kenya and the Philippines.  

Posted by Kelley Mesa

Mi-Bospo to Pilot Revised Assessment Tool

Heather Clark will be in Bosnia for the first of a series of guided self-assessments for Beyond Codes’ participating MFIs, starting in early November with Mi-Bospo. Mi-Bospo will serve as the first pilot of the revised assessment tool, which emerged from the discussions at September's Dialogue Group. Heather will present her initial experience with the tool at the SEEP annual conference in a panel on November 6, 2008.

Posted by Cara Forster

Beyond Codes Dialogue Group Meeting

The Beyond Codes Dialogue Group, comprised of the Beyond Codes Steering Committee, participating MFIs and selected experts, will meet September 25th and 26th to design the research protocol for the self-assessment, to be implemented at each of the participating MFIs. To learn more about the implementation process, click here.

Posted by Cara Forster