Client protection is a key tenet ofmicrofinance. The client protection principles and the smartcampaign are the heart of an industry-wide initiative aimedat safeguarding the interests of microfinance clients. Theend goal is adoption of appropriate policies, practices, andproducts by retail providers. By endorsing the sixprinciples and joining the campaign, providers commit totake practical steps to treat clients fairly andrespectfully while avoiding practices that might harm them.