FDB Launches Fiji’s First AI-Assisted Credit Assessment Pilot

The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has launched the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted credit assessment pilot — a major step towards faster and smarter financial services.

The new digital platform allows customers to apply for loans online and receive quicker preliminary assessments supported by AI technology. While AI helps analyse applications, final loan decisions will still be made by FDB officers to ensure human judgment and accountability.

Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, said the initiative marks Fiji’s progress towards a digitally enabled economy.

FDB CEO Filimone Waqabaca added that the 12-month pilot is part of the bank’s digital transformation journey, testing how AI can improve customer service without compromising trust or integrity.

The project is co-funded by the Market Development Facility (MDF) and developed with technology firm ThirdRoc. MDF Regional Director Nick Wolf said the goal is to make access to finance faster and more inclusive, while ThirdRoc CEO Shiv Maharaj said AI could cut processing time “from weeks to hours.”

FDB says the pilot will start with selected customers before expanding to more applicants, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and a stronger Fijian economy.