Riya Mala 
Australia is driving digital finance innovation to expand economic opportunities across the Pacific.
Australia’s Economic and Development Cooperation Counsellor, Andrew Shepherd states they are partnering with the Market Development Facility to help financial institutions and fintech companies deliver inclusive finance solutions.
He highlights the launch of the AL credit assessment tool with the Fiji Development Bank as a major step, allowing secure, forward-looking digital assessments.
“Shepherd notes that the initiative is introducing AI-assisted credit assessments for FDB customers. It is designed to speed up decision-making, improve accuracy, and enhance the overall customer experience, which he says is important for everyone.”
Shepherd explains that better credit assessments can unlock new financing for individuals and businesses, boosting local economies and supporting financial resilience.
He adds that the pilot will provide valuable insights and could be scaled across the Pacific in the coming years.
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