The content on this page was provided by an independent third party and syndicated by XPR Media. Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
Aquamark Finalizes Secure Funder™ Requirements to Combat Backdooring; Directory Reservations Now Open
Distributed by EIN Presswire
The industry’s first program designed to identify funders committed to reducing deal theft in alternative finance.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, UNITED STATES, January 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Aquamark today announced that requirements for its Secure Funder™ certification have been finalized. Funders can now reserve their spot in the public directory ahead of its official launch at the end of Q1 2026.
Secure Funder™ certifies alternative finance companies that have implemented safeguards designed to prevent backdooring—the theft and resale of submissions and the sensitive documentation associated with them. The program focuses on four practical areas: email security, CRM access controls, outsourcing protocols, and personnel policies. Requirements are designed to be achievable for funders of all sizes, without creating unnecessary operational burden.
While no program can eliminate theft entirely, these safeguards can materially reduce exposure and misuse—and signal that a funder takes broker relationships and merchant data seriously.
“Backdooring has gone on long enough, and at the rate this problem is growing, inaction becomes an invitation for regulation,” said Christina Duncan, Founder of Aquamark. “This is the industry’s chance to show we can police ourselves. The funders working towards certification are looking to be at the forefront of change, and establish themselves as leaders in the industry. You’re willing to demonstrate you’re doing business the right way, or you’re not. Either way the message is clear.”
Brokers increasingly have options when choosing funding partners. Secure Funder™ provides a verified list of funders who have demonstrated—not just claimed—their commitment to being part of the solution.
Brokers are encouraged to ask their funders to participate.
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media