Smart Campaign publishes example Codes of Ethics from microfinance institutions around the world
Washington, DC, April18, 2012—TheSmartCampaign, a global initiative to incorporate strong client protection practices across the microfinance industry, today recognized 10 microfinance institutions (MFIs) and four microfinance associations for their excellent Codes of Ethics. These Codes are now published as examples for the industry on the Smart Campaign website.
Almost 30 organizations responded to the Smart Campaign’s industry-wide “call for Codes of Ethics.” Of these, the Smart Campaign chose the best submissions, publishing Codes from ACME, Haiti; the Association of Microfinance Organizations of Kazakhstan; Bancamia, Colombia; Banco FIE, Bolivia; Compartamos, Mexico; the European Microfinance Network (via Fejér Enterprise Agency, Hungary); Fundación Mundo Mujer, Colombia; Kashf Foundation, Pakistan; Mibanco, Peru; the National Association of Cooperative Savings and Credit Unions, Poland; Progresemos, Mexico; the Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions; Visión Banco S.A.E.C.A., Paraguay; and Women’s World Banking.
“We were very pleased that so many institutions and associations submitted their Codes of Ethics,” remarked Smart Campaign Director Isabelle Barrès. “The Codes we selected give staff specific guidelines for treating clients fairly and respectfully. We hope that other institutions use these examples to improve their own Codes.”
Aboutthe SmartCampaign
TheSmartCampaign is a global campaign consisting of microfinance leaders from around the world who believe that protecting clients is not only the right thing to do but the smart thing to do. To date, over 2,756 microfinance and other financial institutions, microfinance support organizations, investors, donors, and individual industry professionals have pledged adherence to the Smart Campaign’s core Client Protection Principles. By providing microfinance institutions with the tools and resources they need to deliver transparent, respectful, and prudent financial services to all clients, the Smart Campaign is helping the industry maintain a dual focus on improving clients’ lives while attaining financial sustainability. The Campaign is headquartered at the Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) at Accion International and is governed by a Steering Committee representing a broad cross-section of the industry.
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Contact:
Charlotte Connors
Deputy Director
The Smart Campaign
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