Kiribati’s Banking Industry Standards Come Under Scrutiny
Introduction
The Development Bank of Kiribati (DBK) has been operating in the Pacific nation since 1987, providing financial services to the local population. As a state-owned entity, DBK operates independently with a Board of Directors comprising both public and private sector members.
Recent Performance Report
In its recent performance report for 2019, DBK noted that while its financial performance continued to improve, it failed to meet targets in certain areas such as arrears rates and past due loans. Despite this, the bank’s loan disbursement targets were largely met.
Challenges Facing the Bank
Experts argue that the bank needs to adapt to changing market trends and socio-economic conditions in order to achieve its long-term objectives. Key areas of concern include:
- Mandate: DBK’s mandate as a development bank versus commercialization
- Competition: Competition in social development loans and personal lending
- ANZ Monopoly: ANZ’s monopoly in retail banking
- Undercapitalization: Undercapitalization of the bank
- KPF Investment Funds: KPF investment funds’ lack of transparency and accountability
- Risk Assessment and Management: Lack of formal risk assessment and management systems
Objectives
The bank’s objectives are to:
- Make affordable and quality banking services accessible to all I-Kiribati people
- Boost economic growth
- Increase employment opportunities
- Raise standards of living
To achieve these goals, DBK relies on its Loan Plus 1 System, an online platform created specifically for lending institutions. The system was launched in 2017 and has since been used to serve clients.
Departments
DBK’s departments include:
- Legal
- Lending
- Account
- Business
- Recovery
- Supervision
- Administration
- Information Systems
Its main office is located in Tarawa, with branches on Kiritimati and resident agents on 15 outer islands.
Future Directions
As the bank looks to the future, it will need to address these critical operational challenges in order to meet its objectives and priorities. With a focus on development banking and serving the local community, DBK plays a vital role in Kiribati’s economic growth and development.