Filimone Waqabaca has officially taken on the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) after a welcoming orientation at the bank’s headquarters in Suva this week. This transition comes at a significant time for the institution, noted for its crucial role in Fiji’s financial landscape.

During the orientation, FDB Board Chair Damend Gounder highlighted the vital function that the bank serves in driving national development and expressed confidence in Waqabaca’s ability to apply innovative strategies for the bank’s success. He also extended gratitude to the executive team and Acting CEO Titilia Vakaoca Kamil, who provided leadership during the transitional phase prior to Waqabaca’s appointment.

In his inaugural address, Waqabaca shared his vision for FDB as a key institution aimed at enhancing the quality of life in communities by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among staff to foster business growth and to positively impact the lives of those seeking to improve their circumstances.

Waqabaca brings a wealth of experience to his role, having spent over thirty years in the financial sector, which includes notable positions at the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the International Monetary Fund. His educational background, consisting of a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Economics from the University of the South Pacific and a Master’s in International Banking and Financial Studies from the University of Southampton, positions him well to lead FDB into its next phase of growth.

The leadership team at FDB looks forward to Waqabaca’s tenure with optimism, hopeful that his guidance will enhance financial services while also nurturing a positive workplace culture that makes FDB an appealing employer for recent graduates. This forward-thinking approach is seen as critical for the bank to fulfill its mission of supporting economic development in Fiji.

Overall, the appointment of Filimone Waqabaca as CEO heralds a transformative new phase for the Fiji Development Bank, with robust potential to bolster entrepreneurship and contribute significantly to the economic well-being of the communities it serves. With a strong vision and extensive experience, there is much hope for a bright future ahead for the bank under his leadership.