TISA Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing banking services closer to remote communities through its support of the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion and its financial inclusion programs.
The Bank recently joined CEFI and the Bank of Papua New Guinea for the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Program conducted from 17 to 21 August 2026 in Amazon Bay LLG, Abau District, Central Province.
A key milestone was the launch of agency banking services at Kurere Asiaro Village, giving communities access to formal banking without travelling long distances to major centres. Tony Mwayawa was appointed as TISA Bank agent for the area.
The banking agents were officially launched by Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia.TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer Luke Kaul said the initiative reflects the Bank’s commitment to addressing access, one of the most significant barriers to financial inclusion in Papua New Guinea.
“For many Papua New Guineans, access to banking is still determined by where they live. In remote communities, something as simple as making a deposit, withdrawing money or opening an account can require significant travel, time and cost,” Kaul said.
“We believe banking has to move closer to our people. This is why agency banking is an important part of our strategy.
” The Amazon Bay program combined financial literacy, currency awareness, bank account opening, product awareness and agency banking, providing communities with both knowledge and practical access to services.
Across two programs conducted in Amazon Bay in July and August 2026, more than 600 people received financial literacy training and more than 1,000 bank accounts were opened across participating financial institutions.
TISA Bank officers supported account-opening and banking awareness activities, helping community members understand available services and take practical steps toward entering the formal financial system. Head of Agency Banking Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat also participated in financial literacy graduation activities.Kaul said reaching the underbanked requires institutions to look beyond conventional models.
“Financial inclusion is ultimately about giving people access to services that can improve the way they manage their money, support their families and participate in economic opportunities,” he said.
The August program followed an earlier outreach from 7 to 10 July 2026 and responded to strong community demand for further training andimproved access to banking.
TISA Bank will continue working with CEFI, the Bank of Papua New Guinea and relevant stakeholders to expand participation in the formal financial system.
