From 2013 to 2020, CFI’s Smart Campaign managed the Client Protection Certification program, which developed the framework for independent, third-party evaluations to publicly recognize financial institutions that met adequate standards of care in their treatment of clients. More than 135 financial institutions in over 40 countries were certified to demonstrate adherence to the Client Protection Principles and practices that aim to ensure prudent, transparent, and respectful treatment of clients.
To be certified, financial service providers were evaluated by a licensed Certification Body to validate their adherence to the Smart Campaign’s Client Protection Standards.
The Smart Campaign retired the Smart Certification program in 2020 and the final Smart Certifications were awarded on April 30, 2021. For questions about the program, please reach out to CFI at center@accion.org. (See also previously certified organizations).
All Smart Certifications awarded before April 30, 2021, are valid for their full four-year term, provided the financial service providers meet the requirements of a Surveillance Audit by a licensed Certification Body at the two-year mark. The Certification Bodies are responsible for maintaining certifications and all inquiries regarding certified organizations should be directed to the Certification Bodies:
While the Client Protection Certification program winds down, the following financial service providers currently have active Smart Certifications:
