BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) customers in Hela Province now access modern, convenient banking services from the bank’s new and relocated Tari Branch, now operating from the Hela 2 Building in Tari.

Speaking at the official opening on Friday 24^th April, 2026, BSP Chairman Robert Bradshaw said the relocation reflects BSP’s long-term strategy to expand access to reliable, modern banking services, particularly in regional and remote communities where financial inclusion remains critical to economic participation.

“Financial inclusion—giving people the ability to pay, save, borrow and protect with confidence—is key to transforming livelihoods and strengthening local economies,” Mr Bradshaw said.

With a legacy in PNG spanning more than 110 years, BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson said the bank continues to invest in modernising its operations under its K1.2 billion “Modernising for Growth” program. The upgraded Tari Branch delivers an improved customer experience, enhanced service capability, and greater access to digital banking solutions.

“This milestone represents BSP’s long-term commitment to the people of Tari and Hela Province—bringing better access to banking services and supporting economic participation,” Mr Robinson said.

“We are proud to open our branch today alongside the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), who has also expanded its presence in Tari. The co-location of banking and government services plays a critical role in unlocking economic potential.”

Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia said their mandate is to enable a financial system that is stable and inclusive.

“Looking around I see that the Bank offers a full range of access, the smart ATM’s, the digital tools that simplify ways that save time for our people, but alongside the digital innovation, the physical branch will always be the anchor, this facility plays a vital role,” Mrs. Genia said.

Prime Minister James Marape, who is also the Member for Tari-Pori, officiated at the opening and said BSP is a product of public policy that was good to let a private sector run that is now present throughout the South Pacific.

“The state must not be consumed in business, allow the growth of the Private Sector to grow in the space of business, this is evident by the success of BSP,” Prime Minister James Marape said.

BSP’s presence in Tari dates back to 2012 and services a vast and logistically challenging catchment area, including Magarima near the Southern Highlands border, Mt Bosavi near the Western Province border—accessible only by bush track and air—and as far as Kopiago. This underscores the critical role BSP plays in extending financial services to remote communities.

BSP remains the only commercial bank operating in Tari and Hela Province, supported by two BSP Agents and four ATMs, including new deposit-taking machines that enable after-hours banking.

Across the Highlands Region, BSP employs approximately 380 staff across 18 branches, supported by 60 ATMs, nearly 70 agents, and around 1,900 EFTPOS terminals—demonstrating its extensive regional footprint.

The Tari Branch upgrade also strengthens BSP’s transition toward digital banking, with solutions such as Wantok Wallet expanding access for underserved communities. Since its launch, Wantok Wallet has attracted more than 202,400 customers, enabling users to send, receive, and save money using basic mobile phones—often without needing a traditional bank account.

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