Session 12: The Role of Commercial Banks in the Provision of Rural Financial Services

11.00 – 12.30 pm

Banquet Hall 1

Session 12: The Role of Commercial Banks in the Provision of Rural Financial Services

Plenary Session of presentations.

In the last two years many commercial banks operating in the Pacific have increased their role in the sector by downscaling their services to providing microfinance products. What are some experts advising us about commercial banks entering this market, particularly in  rural areas, it’s benefits and risks? We hear from the banks and experts in this field and discus these implications.

Moderator

Ms Makanda Kioko, Program Manager, Microfinance Advisory Services, International Finance Corporation, United States of America

Speakers

Mr. Stuart Mathison, Head of Operations, National Bank of Vanuatu (POWERPOINT PRESENTATION)

Ms Melissa Noonan,  Head of Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Westpac Pacific Banking, Australia (POWERPOINT PRESENTATION)

Paul Thornton, Head of Rural Banking, BSP, Papua New Guinea (POWERPOINT PRESENTATION)

Mr Baro Saumaki, Head of Rural Banking & Microfinance, ANZ, Fiji (POWERPOINT PRESENTATION)