Visa is deepening its presence in the Pacific with the launch of a new regional office in Suva, Fiji, in an investment poised to reshape digital payments and unlock new opportunities for businesses across the Pacific Islands.
The new Fiji hub will strengthen Visa’s ability to support banks, financial service providers, merchants, SMEs, governments and development partners as the region accelerates towards a more connected digital economy.
Visa Country Manager for New Zealand and Pacific Islands Anthony Watson said the new office reflects Visa’s long-term commitment to the Pacific and its confidence in the region’s rapid digital transformation.
“We are proud to be establishing a physical presence in the Pacific Islands, which will enable us to better serve our partners and clients in the region,” he said.
“The Pacific Islands are at the forefront of an exciting transformation, with innovation and growth rapidly shaping the digital payments landscape. We’re proud to play a role in this moment, working alongside local businesses to unlock new opportunities that foster sustainable economic growth across the region," he added.
Fiji’s new status as Visa’s Pacific hub is expected to benefit local businesses by improving access to secure, modern payment technologies that support faster transactions, safer customer experiences, and more efficient cross-border trade.
With digital payments growing rapidly in Fiji, driven by rising internet and smartphone usage, Visa’s on-ground presence will give businesses quicker access to technical support, product upgrades, innovation programmes and partnership opportunities.
Tourism operators, retail businesses, small enterprises and exporters across Fiji are expected to gain significantly from enhanced cross-border payment flows and improved global connectivity.
Supporting Digital Growth Across the Pacific
The regional hub is also designed to serve neighbouring Pacific Island countries, strengthening their integration into the global digital economy.
From Papua New Guinea to Samoa, Solomon Islands to Vanuatu, businesses will benefit from:
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Improved cross-border payment capabilities
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Greater reliability and security in digital transactions
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Access to innovation and financial technology solutions
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Onshore support for banks and financial institutions
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Partnerships aimed at financial inclusion and digital literacy
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Visa’s financial education partnerships in the region—including its collaboration with Good Return—have already shown strong results. Training programmes have boosted financial capability scores from 6.1 to 7.6 out of 10 and increased trust in mobile payments from 62% to 96%. The Fiji office will further expand these initiatives.
Government Welcomes Visa’s Investment
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka officially opened the new office, acknowledging the positive impact the hub will have on Fiji’s economy and tourism sector.
"We welcome the new Visa office and the commitment to strengthen Fiji's payments landscape, empower local industry, and enable seamless experiences for visitors and locals alike,” Gavoka said. “I look forward to seeing how this regional hub will further accelerate the momentum we’re seeing across the country, and how new opportunities for innovation will further support economic growth and prosperity.”
Fijian rugby star and Visa sponsorship ambassador Jerry Tuwai also attended the launch event, sharing his experience and role in promoting financial education and empowerment.
As global payment systems evolve, Visa’s expanded presence in Fiji positions the Pacific Islands to take advantage of emerging trends in e-commerce, digital wallets, tourism-related payments and SME digitalisation.
For many businesses across the Pacific, the new hub marks a major step forward towards modern, secure, and inclusive financial services that support long-term growth.
