Fijians will soon benefit from faster, fairer and more convenient financial access thanks to a new AI-assisted credit assessment tool developed by Third Roc and launched today by Fiji Development Bank in Suva.
The pilot project, part of FDB’s digital transformation efforts, aims to modernize loan processing by reducing turnaround times, increasing accuracy and simplifying credit access, especially for women, youth, entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.
FDB CEO Filimoni Wakabaka said the project is the bank’s first step in testing and refining an AI-driven approach that will transform the way FDB supports its customers.
For customers, he says, this means faster delivery times, better communication and a simpler credit assessment process.
He said the new AI-assisted tool will be available through the FDB mobile app and web platform and will provide customers with a faster and smarter way to get their loan applications pre-qualified.
The CEO said that for the first 12 months of the pilot, the system will be available to existing customers with established credit history.
He said the platform will evaluate loans of up to $100,000, including unsecured loans of up to $10,000, if the customer meets key eligibility requirements.
Third Roc director Shiv Maharaj says the project is more than just a digital upgrade. It’s about humanizing access to credit and redefining how financial institutions assess potential.
He said the tool was developed by Third Rock, whose credit intelligence system analyzes real-world behavioral data such as sales patterns and digital interactions to assess true performance.
He added that the partnership with FDB marks the beginning of a movement to make financial inclusion measurable, scalable and unstoppable across the Pacific.
Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said the pilot was more than a technical milestone. This means Fiji’s transition to a digital, knowledge-driven economy where smart policy and innovation intersect to deliver real benefits for people.
He said the AI-driven platform would help remove long-standing barriers that have prevented many qualified Fijians from accessing credit due to lack of collateral or data.
The minister stressed that while AI will improve speed and accuracy, the final decision on lending will be made by the FDB’s experienced credit officers.
He added that with the right safeguards, training and collaboration, AI can become a bridge to opportunity for all Fijians.
