Eli Hini presents the certification to Guillaume Valence as Seth Micah Nunoo looks on.
Advans Ghana Savings & Loans has been awarded the Client Protection Certification by MFR, with funding support from Proparco, in formal recognition of its alignment with internationally accepted Client Protection Standards.
The certification was presented at a ceremony held at the Newtown Branch of Advans Ghana in Accra, attended by the institution’s Board, Executive Management, staff, and members of the press.
Chief Executive Officer of Advans Ghana, Guillaume Valence, described the recognition as a reflection of the institution’s core values.
“This certification is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. Our clients deserve a financial partner they can trust, one that is transparent, fair, and genuinely invested in their progress.
This certification confirms that we are holding ourselves to that standard, and we are proud to have it formally recognised,” he said.
The Client Protection Certification is awarded following a rigorous and independent assessment of the financial institution’s policies, systems, and day-to-day practices across all client-facing operations.
It is granted to institutions that demonstrate consistent alignment with global client protection principles, including fair treatment, responsible lending, transparent pricing, data privacy, and effective complaint resolution.
With this achievement, Advans Ghana joins a select group of microfinance institutions across Africa and beyond to attain this recognition, which reinforces its position as a responsible and client-centred financial services provider.
For the institution’s clients, comprising micro and small entrepreneurs, market traders, and households, the certification signals a strengthened commitment to ethical financial practices and service delivery.
Group Head of Risk and Audit at Advans Group, Laurent Clauser, highlighted the milestone from a broader perspective.
He noted that client-centricity is central to the Group’s operations, adding that Ghana is one of three subsidiaries to have received the certification, alongside Tunisia (Gold level) and Côte d’Ivoire (Silver level).
“This is a proud moment for the Group, and we are determined to ensure that all six of our country operations achieve certification. We will not stop until every Advans client, wherever they are, is served to the highest standard of client protection,” he said.
Board Chairperson Eli Hini emphasised the broader significance of the recognition, stating that clients are partners in Ghana’s economic development.
“This certification is a public declaration of the standards we hold ourselves to, and a commitment to every person who walks through our doors that they will be treated with fairness, respect, and integrity,” she said.
The certification positions Advans Ghana as a benchmark for responsible microfinance practice in the country, with expectations that it will encourage wider adoption of client protection principles across the sector.
A Business Desk Report