HFC Bank joins Fiji Innovation Hub to drive digital growth and entrepreneurship

HFC Bank, Fiji’s only local bank, has joined forces with the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the Ministry of Trade, and key global partners to launch the Fiji Innovation Hub, an initiative aimed at driving financial innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.

The Innovation Hub brings together partners including the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), UNDP, Mastercard, Fiji Airways, and New Zealand-based innovation leader Creative HQ.

The program is the first of its kind in Fiji, providing a platform to help local entrepreneurs develop inclusive, homegrown financial solutions.

HFC Bank CEO Rakesh Ram says the bank’s recent digital transformation has prepared it to play a leading role in the initiative.

Ram says as Fiji’s only local bank, they have a special responsibility to ensure the Innovation Hub nurtures new entrepreneurs and promotes inclusive economic growth.

He says they are proud to stand alongside global and national partners to make this vision a reality.

Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali welcomed HFC Bank’s sponsorship, calling it a bold and timely move.

Ali says it is inspiring to see Fiji’s only local bank rise to support Fiji’s journey toward digital transformation and financial inclusion.

He says their support positions them not just as a bank, but as a genuine partner in innovation.

HFC Bank says they will contribute to the Hub through startup mentorship, digital expertise, and financial inclusion initiatives.

They say they will also support activities such as the Hub’s upcoming accelerator program and a national hackathon targeting Fiji’s most pressing financial challenges.

Ram says the bank’s involvement strengthens its links with UNCDF’s Pacific Digital Economy Programme and broader support from the EU, Australia, and New Zealand.

He says this partnership connects them to global best practices that will uplift not just the bank, but Fiji’s entire entrepreneurial landscape.

HFC Bank says the initiative supports multiple national priorities including the Fiji Government’s National Digital Strategy 2025–2030, National E-Commerce Strategy, National Development Plan, and Vision 2050. It also aligns with the Reserve Bank’s vision of being a progressive and resilient institution trusted by the people.

Ram says HFC Bank wants every entrepreneur in Fiji to know they are backing them as this Innovation Hub is a unique chance to solve Pacific challenges while meeting global standards.