23 Jun 2015

Bayport Botswana has stepped forward to become the first credit provider in Africa and the first payroll lender in the world to receive client protection certification by the Smart Campaign.

Speaking at a press briefing in Gaborone recently, Bayport executive chairman Mr Father Maphongo said the Smart Campaign is a global initiative committed to embedding client protection practices into the institutional culture and operations of the micro-finance industry.

He highlighted that the core mandate of the accreditation is to improve client protection in the micro-finance industry. Mr Maphongo said the Smart Campaign subjects Bayport to appropriate product design and delivery, to ensure customer satisfaction.

He also said that his firm does business in a transparent manner as they disclose the pricing of their products to customers. He said that they do not over-commit their clients so that they are able to repay without becoming over-indebted.

He said they communicate complete pricing information in ways that clients can understand. He added that they offer competitive prices.
He noted that customers are assured of their privacy.

He stated that they never disclose a customer’s information without the client’s consent. He said the Smart Campaign requires Bayport to display respectful collection practices and adopt ethical standards in the treatment of clients.

Furthermore, the certification requires Bayport to give customers a way to have their complaints addressed. Mr Maphongo stated that the accreditation protects customers, businesses, and the industry as a whole.

“Protecting a client is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do,” he said. Ends