Fiji’s central bank won the coveted The Nestor Espenilla Jr Financial Inclusion Innovation Award at the 2024 Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Awards ceremony.
The award, held annually at the AFI Global Policy Forum and among the most prestigious accolades within the financial sector, celebrates exceptional initiatives by regulatory institutions that drive meaningful financial inclusion.
Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) governor Ariff Ali said the award stood as a symbol of excellence, recognising their unwavering commitment to promoting inclusive finance and ensuring access to financial services for all.
“This achievement honours the tremendous progress we’ve made in advancing financial inclusion. It reflects the resilience, innovation and collaborative spirit that defines our nation,” Mr Ali told stakeholders at a celebratory event at the GPH in Suva on Wednesday night.
“More importantly, it underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem, leveraging digital platforms to reach and empower every Fijian and help them thrive.”
He said the award was a celebration of the collective vision and dedication by development partners, financial institutions, government agencies, private sector and communities to build a more inclusive financial future for Fiji.
AFI Director Policy Programs and Implementation Dr Eliki Boletawa said RBF’s exemplary work in advancing financial inclusion through innovative solutions, particularly in the digital and financial technology space, had transformed Fiji’s financial landscape and also served as an inspiration for other nations striving to enhance financial inclusion.
“It (award) acknowledges RBF’s relentless drive to bridge the financial inclusion gap, particularly for underserved populations, including women, youth and rural communities,” Dr Boletawa said.
