2026 · Alternative finance’s new independent certification

Funder Certification for
Alternative Finance

The industry has a data theft problem.
We certify companies taking steps to prevent it.

Secure Funder™ is a new industry initiative focused on addressing data theft and encouraging responsible data handling. The program establishes a framework designed to reduce opportunities for misuse, distinguish responsible companies, and help small business owners pursue alternative capital with greater confidence and better outcomes.

Secure Funder is not software.
Companies choose how to meet requirements.

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.

Protect Your Business

Use the program framework to identify vulnerabilities.

Trust Signal

Independent proof. Directory listing. Digital badge.

Lead Change

Standards make unethical practices harder to hide.

Connect with Brokers

Build new relationships with participating brokers.

Stay Ahead

Expectations are evolving. Get ahead of what’s coming.

Independently
administered.

Every certification follows the same evidence-based review process.

California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation

California AB 2116 Signed Into Law

AB 2116 was signed on Sept 30. Licensing and oversight requirements begin January 1, 2028. We’ll keep members informed as guidance develops.

Read the bill
Cost of No Standards.

Without expectations, harmful practices are harder to address.

Program Director

Christina Duncan — Program Director, Secure Funder

Christina Duncan

Christina Duncan has worked in alternative business finance since 2009, including serving as COO of two working capital brokerages, one with an in-house funding division and more than 100 employees.

In 2025, she founded Aquamark to address data and deal theft in the industry. That work led to Secure Funder™ and Secure Broker™, independent certification programs focused on practical standards for protecting merchant information.

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.

Data theft is an industry-wide problem. Progress starts with doing something about it.

Join today. Change tomorrow.

Moving the industry forward.

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