Enrollment Open Every standard starts with someone willing to go first.

Funder Certification for
Alternative Finance

Good companies should be easy to find.

Now with Risk Finder

Secure Funder™ is a new industry initiative working to reduce the widespread theft of business funding applications. The program establishes a practical framework designed to reduce opportunities for misuse, distinguish responsible operators, and help small business owners pursue alternative capital with greater confidence and better outcomes.

Membership Benefits

Protect Your Business

Use the program framework to identify vulnerabilities— and our support to fix them.

Trust Signal

Independent proof that your company handles data responsibly. Receive directory listing and digital badge.

Lead Change

Be part of a standard that makes unethical practices harder to hide.

Connect with Brokers

Build new relationships with participating brokers.

Stay Ahead

Data security expectations are evolving. Get ahead of what’s coming.

Independently
administered.

Every certification follows the same evidence-based review process, with guidance and support throughout.

Who Can Participate?

Open to non-bank funding companies.

Working Capital
Term Loan
Line of Credit
Equipment Financing
Invoice Factoring
Asset-Based Lending
SBA
E-Commerce
Revenue-Based
Credit Card Split
Secure Funder™ Certified 2026

Progress starts with participation. Certification protects the industry
— and your business.

Cost of No Standards.

Without clear expectations, harmful practices become harder to identify and address.

Program Director

Christina Duncan — Program Director, Secure Funder

Christina Duncan

Christina Duncan has worked in alternative business finance since 2009, beginning her career with a boutique equipment leasing firm. Over the following 15 years, she served as COO of two working capital brokerages, including one with an in-house funding division and more than 100 employees.

In 2025, she founded Aquamark in response to longstanding concerns around the handling and misuse of business funding applications. That work led to the development of Secure Funder™ and Secure Broker™, new independent certification initiatives designed to establish a practical industry standard and reduce opportunities for continued misuse.

Today, Christina’s work focuses on advancing transparency and accountability across the industry, advocating for measures such as broker registration, and helping create an environment where small business owners can seek alternative capital with greater confidence and better outcomes.

Every good idea was new once. It only becomes something meaningful when people are willing to support it, participate in it, and help it grow.

Join Program

Join today. Get listed immediately.

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