Responsible Finance for FSPs
Drawing on deep field experience and a strong grounding in globally recognized standards, our team delivers insights that resonate with local realities. Each engagement is shaped by a nuanced understanding of community dynamics, enabling practical solutions that strengthen resilience and institutional alignment.
AssureInclu provides the following services
(A) Consumer Protection Assessment
AssureInclu’s client protection assessment methodology fully integrate the Cerise + SPTF frameworks, ensuring standardization of definition and fostering a shared language within the financial industry to advance client protection efforts effectively.
What?
AsssureInclu systematically evaluates client protection standards (CPS) using a risk-focused approach that adheres to CERISE-SPTF’s eight CPS guidelines. We use an evidence-based, approach that hinges on review of relevant documents, interviews with senior management, field staff, and direct observation of product delivery services at the field level. In markets and companies facing high risk we also design customer survey using standardized tested format from reputed think tanks. Overall, the certification methodology is adopted to ensure alignment and enable FSPs to understand certification and prepare for the same.
Assessment Methodology
The proposed methodology for evaluation and action plan is primarily based on the standards of the Cerise-SPTF certification methodology. The certification standards 3.0 shall be applied to ensure that companies being assessed using the most recent methodology of SPTF – CERISE released standards and indicators. Client Protection Assessment will be undertaken using the 8 standards of Universal Standards of Consumer Protection.
Appropriate Design and Delivery
The provider's product,
services, and channels
benefit clients.
Prevention of Over- indebtedness
The provider's does not over
indebt clients.
Transparency
The provider gives clients clear
and timely information to support client decision making.
Responsible Pricing
The provider sets prices responsibly.
Fair and Respectful Treatment of Clients
The provider enforces fair and respectful treatment of clients.
Privacy of Client Data
The provider secures clients data and informs clients about their
data rights.
Mechanisms of Complaint Resolution
Clients should have access to timely and responsive channels to provide feedback, report issues, and seek redressal.
Governance and Human Resource Management
The governance and management
are committed to Client Protection, Human Resource system supports its implementation.
Advantages of Client Protection Assessments
1. An external assessment offers a comprehensive evaluation for Financial Service Providers (FSPS), enabling them to:
- Understanding of FSPs strengths.
- Identify and address operational gaps.
2. Ample time is allocated to:
- Address identified gaps.
- Leverage expert recommendations and tailored tools provided by consultants to mitigate risks.
3. If FSPs wish to pursue certification immediately
- The assessment acts as a strategic internal review.
- It helps them gain deeper insights into their operations.
- Establishes robust risk management practices aligned with the principle of risk proportionality.
4.The assessment report can be shared with investors as evidence of the FSP's commitment to:
- Integrating client protection into its operations.
- Enhancing transparency and trust with stakeholders.
For more information refer Client Protection Standards and Pathway – Cerise+SPTF
(B) Technical Assistance based on Client Protection Assessment and Certification
Following an external client protection assessment, self-assessment, or certification process, AssureInclu consultants provide targeted guidance to Financial Service Providers (FSPs) to address gaps where partial or non-compliance was identified. This technical assistance is delivered through a range of methods, including virtual and/or in-person training sessions that leverage real-life examples from industry peers. The trainings utilize publicly available tools and resources, such as those developed by SPTF-CERISE and the Smart Campaign.
Additionally, if requested, the consultants work closely with the FSPs to ensure that identified gaps are effectively addressed as part of a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy. This collaborative approach helps prepare the FSPs for achieving advanced levels of certification-bronze, silver, or gold. The technical assistance is customized and primarily informed by recommendations provided during the assessment process. An action plan for filling the gaps is also created, that is then used to regularly check the activities undertaken by the FSPs to fix the gaps.
(C) Ensuring Accountability
With growing concerns about excessive debt levels in financial markets, regulatory scrutiny has intensified, particularly following media coverage of responsible lending shortcomings. In markets experiencing financial strain, such as Cambodia, the need for robust certification validation has become increasingly vital.
AssureInclu’s experienced consultants conduct autonomous monitoring of client protection evaluations, representing investor interests to ensure strict compliance with established protocols. This supervision proves particularly valuable in high-risk environments, where our oversight contributes to improved institutional standards and sustains positive outcomes.
Contact Us
Opp Rosary School,
Vadodara -390002, Gujarat, India