M-CRIL has been tasked by FMO to conduct a study evaluating the implementation of Client Protection standards within the context of the MASSIF fund managed by FMO on behalf of the Dutch Government. The MASSIF fund investments target:
• The unbanked, particularly in financially underserved and fragile countries.
• MSMEs supporting agriculture and rural livelihoods.
• Gender equality: with a focus on women-owned (M)SMEs.
• Inclusive development through innovative products.
The Client Protection Principles, developed by the Smart Campaign at the Centre for Financial Inclusion, are integral to FMO’s core values and are deemed highly relevant for the target groups of MASSIF. They form a crucial part of FMO’s due diligence process for investments, signifying a commitment to mitigate potential harm to vulnerable end customers in accessing financial services.
Alongside the understanding and documentation of Client Protection (CP) and implementation by Financial Service Providers (FSPs), through assessments and certifications, there is limited evidence for whether CP standards effectively reduce risks from the end-customers perspective. In other words, what is the experience of end customers? Accordingly, the objectives of this evaluation are to determine the results of adopting and implementing Client Protection Standards and to provide practical and tailored recommendations to FSPs. To support these objectives, this assignment entails a series of activities to be undertaken collaboratively by M-CRIL and dRi in Bangladesh.
Serial No: 267
Theme: Financial Inclusion
Research Method: Mixed Method
Partner: M-CRIL Limited ("M-CRIL")
Starting Year: 2024
Study Area: Madaripur, Manikganj, Feni
