Digital Financial Services tools in SPI Online
SPI Online now includes new assessment tools and indicators based on the Management Standards for the Responsible Provision of Digital Financial Services (DFS Standards). Discover the new DFS Full and DFS ALINUS assessments, learn which tool is most relevant for your institution, and see how digital indicators are now integrated into SEPM and Client Protection assessments. The update also introduces indicators addressing key digital risks such as cybersecurity, digital fraud, customer data, third-party providers, and algorithm bias. Read the blog to explore whatâs new and whatâs coming next.
Understanding client outcomes is essential for real client protection
Having strong client protection policies and procedures in place is importantâbut is it enough to ensure that clients are truly protected? Drawing on an evaluation conducted by FMO and M-CRIL with two leading microfinance institutions in Asia, this blog explores the gaps that can emerge between policies and clientsâ actual experiences. It highlights the importance of listening directly to clients, understanding their experiences with products, complaints, repayment and communication, and using this evidence to strengthen practices. The article also presents practical approaches and tools that financial service providers, assessors and certifiers can use to move beyond compliance and focus on real client outcomes.
When is a Loan a Success: Rethinking Financial Well-Being in Ratanakiri, Cambodia
This qualitative study explores debt and financial well-being among Indigenous communities in Ratanakiri, Cambodia. Drawing on lived experience and community voices, the report examines how debt shapes daily life, dignity, and decision-making and surfaces both the risks households navigate and the resilience they draw on. The findings point to practical implications for financial service providers and policymakers seeking to support more responsible, client-centered finance in the region.
Leaving No One Behind: Advancing Disability-Inclusive Finance
Persons with disabilities represent 16% of the global population, yet they continue to face significant barriers to accessing and using financial services. This blog introduces two complementary resources developed by Cerise+SPTF and the Barrier-Free Finance Initiative (BFFI), with support from ADA, to help financial service providers advance disability inclusion in practice. Discover practical resources to make financial services more inclusive and accessible.
Beyond Certification: A Consultant's View on Third-Party Client Protection Validation
What does client protection validation look like in practice? In our latest blog, Javier Vaca, an SEPM Pro (SEPM and CP qualified auditor), shares how third-party validation brings deeper rigor, real continuity, and measurable results â including a cooperative in Ecuador that reached 93% compliance and Progress-level status.
Read the full story to see why this model is gaining ground across the sector.
Brief Report of the Redcamif Conference 2026
Cerise+SPTF was honored to be a strategic partner of Redcamif in the presentation of the XII Conferencia Centroamericana y del Caribe.
Meet the SEPM Pros!
The SEPM Pros Network is a committed workforce to support better social and environmental practices with financial service providers in the field. Meet them and learn about their experiences!
Managing Outcomes in Inclusive Finance
Between 2020 and 2024, Incofin through AGTAF facility and the technical support from Cerise+SPTF and M-CRIL, deployed a multi-country Technical Assistance programme aimed at strengthening Social Performance Management and Outcomes Management across nine investees in Africa and Asia.
From Vulnerability to Voice: Evidence from Ratanakiriâs Debt Stress Frontier
Lessons from Ratanakiriâs debt stress frontier on pressure, protection, and the reforms needed for customer empowerment.
Market System Approach in Cambodia
Beyond Box-Ticking: How a Market Systems Approach Is Shaping Client Protection in Cambodia.
From Data Checks to Smarter Benchmarking
At Cerise+STPF, we have been developing automated review approaches to strengthen SPI Online data analysis, improve audit quality, and produce more relevant benchmarks.
Responsible Agriculture and Food Sector
The RAF Project aims to equip sector stakeholders with management tools that integrate responsible business conduct and client protection standards for agribusinesses. Join the project for testing and building the tools and resources!
