Press Release No. : 19/2026
Date : 05 August 2026
Press Release No 19 – Launch of the Fiji Financial Services Demand Side Survey 2025 Report
Representatives of various key stakeholders at the launch of the Fiji Financial Services Demand Side Survey Report.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) today launched the Fiji Financial Services Demand Side Survey (DSS) 2025 Report, the country’s most comprehensive assessment of how Fijians access, use and benefit from financial services. The survey, conducted by Tebbutt Research with funding support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), interviewed 1,114 households nationwide between September and November 2025 and measures Fiji’s progress under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2022-2030.
The survey reveals that formal financial inclusion in Fiji has reached its highest level on record at 87 percent, up from 81 percent in 2020 and 64 percent in 2014. This demonstrates significant progress in expanding access to financial services across the country and confirms that Fiji remains a regional leader in financial inclusion.
One of the most notable findings is the rapid growth in digital financial services. Ownership of mobile money accounts has increased dramatically from 17 percent in 2020 to 67 percent in 2025, while the use of internet banking continues to rise. The results show that mobile money is transforming how Fijians receive payments, transfer funds and conduct financial transactions, particularly among women, youth and previously underserved groups.
The survey also found encouraging progress among priority groups. Financial inclusion among persons with disabilities increased to 91 percent while inclusion among the self-employed has reached 97 percent. Women and men now enjoy similar overall levels of financial inclusion, although women are increasingly accessing the financial system through mobile money and other digital channels.
Beyond access to financial services, the survey provides important insights into the financial wellbeing of Fijian households. While inclusion has improved, many families continue to face financial pressures. Approximately one-third of households reported that their income is insufficient to meet regular expenses, while 61 percent said they could cover living expenses for only one month or less if they lost their main source of income. Less than half of respondents reported saving money during the last 12 months.
The survey also highlights opportunities for further policy action. Usage of formal credit remains relatively low, with only 10 percent of adults accessing formal loans, while insurance coverage remains unchanged at 14 percent. Although awareness of climate-related financial products has increased significantly, actual uptake remains limited.
The survey’s expanded focus on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) found that around one in ten households operates an MSME, with the majority being women-owned businesses. However, almost 30 percent of MSMEs reported challenges accessing finance, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve financing opportunities for entrepreneurs.
In welcoming the findings, RBF Governor Mr Ariff Ali said “The DSS 2025 results demonstrate the strong progress Fiji has made in expanding access to financial services, particularly through digital innovation. However, the findings also remind us that financial inclusion must translate into improved financial resilience and wellbeing for individuals, households and businesses. The challenge ahead is to ensure that every Fijian can not only access financial services but also use them to build a more secure financial future.”
ADB commended the RBF for its leadership in advancing financial inclusion. ADB highlighted the significance of the survey in providing evidence to inform future policy decisions and tailored programs that respond to the diverse financial needs of the country. ADB recognized RBF’s role in implementing the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code (We-Fi Code), which will strengthen the collection and use of sex disaggregated data across the financial sector. ADB reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with RBF and other stakeholders to advance inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development in Fiji.
The RBF acknowledges the support of the ADB, Tebbutt Research and members of the National Financial Inclusion Taskforce for their contribution to this important initiative. As Fiji continues implementing the NFIS 2022-2030, the DSS 2025 findings will guide future policies and programmes aimed at strengthening financial resilience, promoting digital financial services, supporting MSMEs and expanding access to appropriate financial products for all Fijians.
RESERVE BANK OF FIJI
For further details, please contact:-
Mr Mervin Singh – Manager Corporate Communications
Telephone: (679) 3223 229 Email: mervin@rbf.gov.fj