This report summarizes Client Protection (CP) policies and practices in six microfinance markets in South Asia: Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The findings in this report have been collated from questionnaire surveys distributed to microfinance networks and authorities of the respective countries followed by desk research on existing policies and regulations.

The methodology uses the Smart Campaign’s Client Protection Principles (CPP) as a reference point to gauge the level of compliance of the countries’ microfinance industry. The report offers a multi-country perspective at the macro-level, the meso and micro levels and the current trends and developments in client protection in the respective countries; the macro-level touches upon the countries’ legal frameworks, the meso and micro levels explicate the prevalence of microfinance networks and institutions and their role in client protection.