Advans International has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible finance through a strengthened client protection approach across its African operations, highlighting why safeguarding customers remains essential to building a more inclusive and trustworthy financial sector.
Across Africa, millions of micro-entrepreneurs, farmers and small business owners rely on financial services to grow their livelihoods and manage everyday risks. Yet access alone is not enough. Without appropriate safeguards, financial inclusion can unintentionally expose vulnerable clients to over-indebtedness, financial stress and unsuitable products.
Advans serves more than 755,000 clients, the majority of whom are micro-entrepreneurs and farmers. According to research conducted with independent impact measurement specialist 60 Decibels, many clients continue to face challenges such as repayment pressure, income volatility and complex financial products.
To address these risks, Advans applies internationally recognised client protection standards focused on:
This approach seeks to ensure that finance creates resilience and opportunity rather than additional vulnerability.
Over the past year, several Advans institutions have received independent certification under the latest client protection standards:
These certifications were granted by international rating agency MFR, placing the Advans network among the first institutions in Africa to reach this level under the new framework.
Advans aims to certify all its institutions by the end of the year, with further subsidiaries already progressing through pre-certification assessments.
Since inception, Advans has disbursed more than one million loans, representing €3.5 billion across its African subsidiaries. In 2025 alone, the Group disbursed €520 million to micro-businesses and farmers.
With this scale comes a clear responsibility to ensure clients are served fairly, transparently and with products adapted to their realities.
Advans combines systems and standards with strong local relationships. Each borrower is supported by a dedicated relationship officer, helping clients understand products, assess repayment capacity and access tailored support.
Today, Advans employs more than 1,350 relationship officers across its markets, underlining the importance of trust and proximity in inclusive finance.
Advans’ progress demonstrates that client protection is not only a compliance requirement—it is a strategic pillar for long-term inclusion, confidence and impact.
As Luxembourg’s inclusive finance ecosystem continues to promote responsible and measurable impact globally, such initiatives highlight how member organisations are helping shape stronger financial systems across emerging markets.
