European Code of Good Conduct for Microcredit Providers

The European microfinance sector has been steadily growing over the last decade. It consists of a variety of players and business models, with different legal and institutional frameworks across Europe. As a consequence, lending practices in microfinance vary considerably depending on:

• The type of microcredit institution
• The legal form of the institution
• The environment in which operates
• The institution's ability to apply efficient management procedures

Given the diversity of the microfinance sector, the implementation of the voluntary "European Code of Good Conduct" by Microcredit Providers is an important element for promoting best practices within the sector.
The Code defines a unified set of standards for the microfinance sector in Europe. It serves as a self-regulatory tool and a quality label for microfinance institutions committed to ethical finance. The Code has been developed based on the best practices recognized in the sector in close consultation with stakeholders