Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has become the first Sri Lankan company to receive the Client Protection Certification, awarded by MFR under the Cerise + SPTF methodology, marking a significant milestone in the country’s responsible finance sector and reaffirming the Company’s commitment to ethical, inclusive and client-centered financial services.

SDF was awarded the Bronze level of achievement in client protection, signifying that the institution meets all standards necessary for adequate Client Protection under the Universal Standards for Social and Environmental Performance Management.

The certification was awarded by MFR, a leading global rating agency that provides assessments, data and technical expertise to the sustainable finance industry. Headquartered in Italy, MFR operates through five regional offices across Ecuador, Mexico, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic and India, covering four continents and maintaining one of the widest global footprints among specialized rating agencies. With more than 2,800 assignments conducted across over 110 countries, MFR holds a leading position in the global responsible finance certification and assessment landscape.

The Client Protection Certification is widely recognized and valued across the responsible finance industry, particularly among investors, donors and development finance stakeholders. It reflects an institution’s ability to uphold the principle of “doing no harm to clients”, which is considered a minimum expectation within the responsible and inclusive finance sector.

For SDF, the certification further strengthens its position as a purpose-driven financial institution committed to serving underserved communities, micro and small enterprises, rural entrepreneurs and productive sectors that require accessible, responsible and sustainable financial support. It also reinforces the Company’s approach to balancing financial inclusion with sound governance, transparency and client welfare.

The certification process assessed SDF across key client protection areas, including appropriate product design and delivery, prevention of over-indebtedness, transparency, responsible pricing, fair and respectful treatment of clients, privacy of client data, complaint resolution, governance and human resources. These standards and indicators are aligned with the latest version of the Universal Standards for Social and Environmental Performance Management, further strengthening their relevance within the evolving sustainable finance ecosystem.

Mr. Nilantha Jayanetti, Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, said, “This certification is a meaningful recognition of our long-standing commitment to responsible finance and client protection. As an institution deeply rooted in inclusive development, we believe financial services must empower clients, safeguard their interests and contribute to long-term social and economic progress. We also express our sincere gratitude to EDFI Management Company for providing the technical support funds that made this certification possible.”

The achievement underscores SDF’s continued focus on responsible growth, ethical financial practices and sustainable community development. As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its inclusive finance landscape, SDF’s Client Protection Certification sets a new benchmark for financial institutions seeking to deliver measurable value while protecting and empowering the clients they serve.