Guide / Toolkit

The SEEP Network Consumer Protection Code of Practice Template and Discussion Guide

A guide to increase transparency in consumer policies and practices followed by MFIs
Download 4 pages

This guide explores transparency in microfinance consumer policies and practices, without increased government regulation.

The guide:

  • Is an example of an outline for a consumer protection code of practice for use by a microfinance institution (MFI), network or association;
  • Contains the major headings and subheadings that should be included in a consumer code of practice;
  • Presents a series of questions intended to help users develop their own consumer protection code of practice.

The guide recommends that:

  • Each institution determine the content that best helps meet its objectives of the code, rather than attempt to incorporate responses to every question in the guide;
  • The content under each heading or subheading respond to the questions as concisely as possible and in clear and direct language;
  • Each element in the code is specific enough to be verified.

The guide lays down codes for the following topics:

  • The MFI's commitment statement;
  • Its operations, products and services, including:
    • Marketing, distribution and pricing of products and services,
    • Debt collection practices;
  • Transparency, including:
    • Disclosure,
    • Accessibility;
  • Community engagement, including:
    • Client education and satisfaction,
    • Questionable practices,
    • Community actions;
  • Accountability, including:
    • Compliance;
    • Complaints;
  • Local law exceptions.

About this Publication

Published