Central bankers and finance officials from across the Pacific are gathering in Fiji this week to discuss the enhancement of national payment systems and the modernization of the region’s economy. The Pacific Fast Payments Systems Workshop is being organized by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the World Bank Group. The event is set to take place from December 3 to December 5, 2025, in the city of Nadi.
This three-day workshop is a key component of the Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR) Project, which is funded under a World Bank-supported regional initiative led by the PIFS. Central bank governors, finance officials, and policy leaders will engage in discussions concerning global trends in fast payments, covering essential topics such as risk management, fraud prevention, new technologies, overlay services, and cross-border interlinking.
With over 120 jurisdictions worldwide already operating fast payment systems, the workshop aims to introduce these global advancements to the Pacific region. This initiative supports national payment system reforms, enhances cross-border payments, and promotes financial inclusion among Forum member countries.
Baron Divavesi Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, emphasized the link between the workshop’s outcomes and the support it provides to families and businesses. He stated, “Fast, secure, and affordable payments are essential to a modern Pacific economy. By strengthening our financial systems and improving the way money moves across borders, we are directly supporting families, businesses, and governments across our Blue Pacific Continent.”
Waqa further noted that the workshop serves as a vital opportunity for the region to learn from global best practices, paving the way for a more connected, inclusive, and resilient financial future. Ariff Ali, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, highlighted the importance of fast payments as a fundamental evolution in banking, which provides seamless payment experiences. “Its significance lies in its ability to drive financial inclusion, accelerate digital transformation, enhance cross-border connectivity, and foster sustainable economic development,” Ali stated.
He added that the workshop will facilitate exploration of the latest innovations in fast payment systems, regulatory frameworks, adoption opportunities, challenges faced, and best practices for effective implementation. This initiative signifies a pivotal step towards modernizing the Pacific’s economy, reinforcing financial systems, and ensuring that the benefits of advanced payment solutions reach all corners of the region.