A new wave of financial awareness is emerging among Fijians, as villagers, parents, and even grandparents recognize the significance of financial security, actively saving and investing for their families’ futures. Lavinia Kaumaitotoya, chairwoman of the Unit Trust of Fiji (UTOF), has highlighted a positive shift in perception regarding the saving habits of Fijians, asserting that many are now committed to building their financial well-being.
In the 2025 financial year, UTOF welcomed approximately 4,000 new account holders, with a remarkable 80-90 percent of these being parents investing for their children. “We’ve seen a trend where more parents are opening accounts for their kids,” stated Sakiusa Bolaira, UTOF’s general manager for strategic development. This reflects a growing sense of responsibility amongst parents who are keen on securing a stable future for their offspring by viewing investment as a pathway to prosperity.
Kaumaitotoya noted the valuable insights gained from financial literacy initiatives, expressing confidence that financial understanding among the population is improving. Notably, there’s a new intergenerational investment trend, with grandparents actively participating in setting up financial futures for their grandchildren.
UTOF’s Noqu Vanua investment scheme is highlighted as a pivotal initiative designed to empower everyday Fijians in village communities, allowing them to save and invest while enjoying tax-free returns. Kaumaitotoya expressed pride in UTOF’s foundational work, emphasizing its significance for the future well-being of Fijians and acknowledging the efforts of other financial institutions in this space.
She pointed out that even civil servants are utilizing UTOF’s Employee Investment Scheme (EIS) to save modest amounts, demonstrating that every little bit counts when it comes to building a nest egg. “This conversation, this talanoa, is creating a notable impact,” Kaumaitotoya remarked. “It’s changing the narrative that Fijians don’t save.”
The encouraging investment climate has inspired a new generation of Fijians committed to saving and investing, marking a transformative period in the country’s financial landscape. With UTOF’s strategies aimed at supporting and capturing this growing interest in investment, there’s optimism for a continued upward trend in financial literacy and savings among Fijians, promoting a more secure and prosperous future for all.
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