Pacific leaders told to move on financial exclusion, not just discuss it
MARSHALL Islands President Hilda Heine opened the (PIF) 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) in Majuro this week, urging
Banking
Pacific advances efforts to strengthen banking links
PACIFIC nations are advancing efforts to secure critical banking links that keep trade flowing, families connected through remittances
Solomons seeks return of national bank
MOVES are afoot in Solomon Islands for the return of a national bank. Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo said the previous National
ANZ appoints Mahmood as new country head for Fiji
ANZ has announced the appointment of Sohaib Mahmood as the new Country Head, Fiji, subject to the required regulatory
ANZ Fiji boss heads for Europe
ANZ has announced that its Fiji head, Rabih Yazbek, will become head of client coverage for the United Kingdom and
Pacific banks seek faster payment systems
CENTRAL bankers and finance officials from across the Pacific will attempt to improve national payment systems and modernise the Pacific economy through discussions in Fiji this
BSP announces $USD203 million third quarter revenue
THE Bank South Pacific Financial Group Limited (BSP) recorded a revenue of $USD203 million in the third quarter – up 15% on the prior period, Chief Executive Officer Mark Robinson said
BSP launch new Business Banking Unit
Bank South Pacific (BSP) celebrated a significant milestone Wednesday, with the launch of its new Business Bank.
Tuvalu marks ‘momentous occasion’ with unveiling of its first ATMs
Tuvalu has launched its first-ever ATMs in Funafuti, marking a historic step toward financial modernisation for the remote island
Australia nears deal with ANZ to stop bank closures in the Pacific
Australia is in the final stages of talks with ANZ Group opens new tab over a deal to maintain the bank's branches across the Pacific, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on
K15 billion remains unbanked due to stringent banking policies
Papua New Guinea’s informal economy, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are holding onto an estimated K15 billion in unbanked
Banks and mobile wallet integration in Fiji ‘a game-changer’
People living and doing business in Fiji can now transfer funds between their mobile money wallets and bank accounts.
Griffith experts guide Marshall Islands towards a new Monetary Authority
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a step closer to establishing a new banking regulatory system with Griffith University academics playing a key part in the move towards a Monetary Authority for the North
Economic diplomacy: Banking on the Pacific
Rebuilding regional banking is unlikely to pay dividends without an underlying business revival. Australia’s oldest bank changed its name from the Bank of New South Wales to Westpac in 1982, reflecting apparent
Funding injection to help keep banks in Pacific
An extra $6.3 million (US$4.24 million) in Commonwealth funds will go toward bolstering banking infrastructure in the Pacific, the federal treasurer will announce at a forum in Brisbane. The talks are focused on banking
Westpac stays, so what’s next?
Westpac’s October announcement that it no longer planned to sell its remaining businesses in Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and its statement to the Australian Stock Exchange that it would increase investment in its
De-banking having a ‘severe impact’ on Pacific Islanders
The region’s economic ministers say the expiry of correspondent banking relationships (CBR) is having a severe impact on the lives of Pacific Islanders, including seasonal workers, micro, small, and medium
Westpac to maintain Pacific presence, cancels sale of PNG, Fiji banks
Westpac has decided to maintain a presence in the South Pacific after the federal government indicated it wants to see Australian companies maintain a role in the region. The Australian Financial Review reports the bank
New financial entrants ‘pose risk’: Bank of PNG
In a real sense, encouraging new entrants in the financial system can be considered a national risk management strategy, says Bank of PNG acting governor Elizabeth Genia. “In recent years, we have seen internationally
Banking: A regional overview
At the end of 2022, the Papua New Guinea government signalled its intent to set up a state-owned commercial bank, and take a government seat on the board of Bank South Pacific. The plan has been criticised given the
Banking and Enterprise Backup
Internet connectivity has become a core system for the world’s financial institutions. From international transfers and business banking to ATM withdrawals and Point-Of-Sale systems, a good quality internet connection
BSP pays K190million extra tax
The Bank South Pacific Financial Group Limited (BSP) has declared a substantially lower net profit of K69 million (US$19 million) from K259 million (US$73 million) due to a controversial levy imposed by the Government.
Local banker Smith is Westpac Fiji CEO
Westpac has announced the appointment of Shane Smith as its new Chief Executive for Fiji. “I’m honoured and humbled by the opportunity to lead this great business and build on the legacy of my predecessors.
