STRONG FINANCE SECTOR

Vanuatu’s financial system is well served by a few banks that are licensed to operate in the country.

FACTS

Vanuatu boasts one of the strongest offshore financial centre in the region hosting more than 10 banks licensed to carry out operations in the country

  • Commercial Banks

    5 (Five)

  • International Banks

    Seven (7)

  • Insurance companies and intermediaries

    Thirty four (34)

  • Pension fund

    One (1)

  • Other financial institutions

    Two (2)

VANUATU'S FINANCE SECTOR STRUCTURE

Vanuatu’s financial system is well served by banks. There are 11 banks licensed to operate in the country.

According to recent reports, the sector has been and remains a vital part of Vanuatu's economy, employing around 700 people. The commercial banking sector remains well-capitalized with significant liquidity, positioning it well to support economic growth. Compared to the regional Pacific perspective, Vanuatu's commercial banking sector is well-developed, with a plenty of choice for consumers.

One commercial bank the National Bank of Vanuatu) is owned by Vanuatu nationals, while three banks (ANZ Banking Group, BRED Bank, and Bank of South Pacific Vanuatu) are subsidiaries of foreign-owned banks. The most recent WANFUTENG Bank - a Chinese-based commercial Bank makes the banking industry more competitive. The remaining seven banks provide international banking services to the people of Vanuatu. The country also has 34 insurance companies and intermediaries as well as a pension fund.

The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV) serves as the primary monetary authority and regulator of financial institutions in Vanuatu.

FINANCIAL CENTER ASSOCIATION OF VANUATU

The Financial Centre Association of Vanuatu is a not-for-profit body established in 1993 to represent and promote the nation’s financial industry and its participants.

The FCA, comprising a wide range of financial, lawyers, accountants and Banks experts,  seeks to ensure that its members work with honesty, integrity and diligence to attract domestic and international investors and help Vanuatu grow as a leading Pacific Island economy and a global financial hub.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Financial development is comparatively high in Vanuatu, relative to other Pacific island economies. It surpassed the regional Financial Development Index average from 2004 to 2015. For instance, the access of households to financial services, in terms of ATM availability and the number of commercial bank loan accounts, surpasses that of most other Pacific island countries.

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