Resources & Investment Finance Limited (RIFL) has gained a strong reputation for its fast and flexible finance solutions. RIFL’s new General Manager - Business Development, Russell Evans, has set his eyes on smarter, sustainable finance to empower businesses in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
In an exclusive interview with PNG Business News, Evans shared his vision for driving inclusive financial growth, digital innovation, and ethical lending to unlock economic potential across the country. This core strength is set to evolve further with technological investment and a deeper client-centric approach as customer-centric service -- and is at the heart of RIFL’s promise.
RIFL services range from providing equipment finance for commercial and consumer purposes, including motor vehicles, trucks and earth moving machinery, mining and construction equipment. It also specializes in funding technology assets like information technology and office equipment, software, and telecommunications. The focus is on four core financial aspects:
- Asset Finance
- Insurance Funding
- Financial Leasing
- Personal Loans
“RIFL are looking into web-based solutions for even quicker turnarounds,” Evans explained.
“We are taking more time to understand and work with our clients to build long-term relationships and being the preferred supplier of choice. In turn, this will help us provide quick, bespoke financial solutions. But as our greatest asset is our staff, we continue to invest in continual training and a continuous improvement model.”
Client Relationship a Priority
He emphasised the importance of face-to-face engagement with a clear commitment to client relationships, which involves taking the time to understand clients’ needs and work with them to create tailored solutions.
“While the lending process is regulated and often document-heavy, once we have the required paperwork, things move quickly and we pride ourselves on becoming a true extension of our clients' businesses,” Evans explained.
“Email communication cannot equal the value of meeting clients in person. We pride ourselves on becoming a true extension of our clients' businesses.”
As the financial services industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, Evans is careful not to lose the human element.
“My focus is on striking the right balance between efficient digital solutions and the personal touch, because sometimes, you just need to speak to someone.”
Evans assumed the General Manager role at a time when financial services are being transformed by technology as he shares the digital strategies he sees as priorities for RIFL.
“Peter Boutcher has done an incredible job leading RIFL to this point, and I’m excited to build on that foundation by leveraging my skills to enhance our digital customer experience. My focus is on striking the right balance between efficient digital solutions and the personal touch because sometimes, you just need to speak to someone. At RIFL, we guarantee that when you call, our team will answer with enthusiasm and be ready to help.”
Evans, a finance executive and CPA, joined RIFL with a conviction that finance should be a tool for empowerment.
“Through my career in finance, I have always had a passion for making companies perform better, and RIFL offers solutions to solve cashflow limitations through finance.
“RIFL allows companies to take advantage of opportunities with our quick turnaround and truly making a positive difference in helping companies through our financial solutions.”
As RIFL expands in asset finance, a close watch is set on digital transformation, diverse industries, and the rise of green financing. Evans said PNG is the land of opportunity, therefore RIFL is investing in automation and analytics to enhance decision-making and customer experience.
“By being open to all industries we aim to stay agile and competitive. Our goal is to offer smarter, faster, and more sustainable finance solutions for both commercial and consumer markets,” he added.
Supporting SMEs
Access to credit remains a barrier for many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in PNG, a challenge that Evans says RIFL is uniquely positioned to tackle.
“That is exactly where RIFL can make a real difference. We understand that every business has a story, and sometimes it’s not about ticking every box, but about taking the time to listen,” he said.
“Our role is to provide practical, well-structured solutions that help SMEs grow, without making the process feel burdensome. When we back a small business, we back it with intent and we work hard to be the finance partner that genuinely understands local needs.”
Evans is passionate about nurturing economic inclusivity, commenting on the importance of RIFL contributing to the nation’s development.
“I’m not here to make a few people rich; I want to help bring up the middle class and help PNG turn from a developing country to a thriving one,” he added.
Balancing Lending and Investment Services
RIFL’s dual offering of lending and investment solutions allows for holistic financial growth, which is a balance Evans believes more PNG businesses can tap into.
“As a CPA, one of my biggest frustrations is seeing businesses leave cash sitting in the bank earning just 1%, when that money could be working harder in a RIFL term deposit earning up to 6%.”
“Our focus is on helping clients realise that cash is an asset just like a truck or excavator, it should be generating returns. Balancing lending and investment is about education and opportunity, and we’re here to show our clients how they can grow both sides of their balance sheet with us.”
“Cash is an asset, it should be generating returns.”
Evans says the key lies in education and opportunity, and RIFL is here to show how clients can grow both sides of their balance sheet.
He also spoke of the ethical lending and leadership in uncertain times. As financial institutions face greater scrutiny, Evans underscores RIFL’s commitment to ethical practices.
He said: “Growth means nothing if it comes at the cost of integrity. Ethical lending is not just a buzzword, is about making sure finance actually helps and not hinders, a client’s progress.”
“We are not here to push loans, we are here to build long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and doing what’s right for the customer.”
When it comes to leadership, as the General Manger, Evans leans on three guiding principles: clarity, consistency, and empathy.
“In a sector like finance, where uncertainty is part of the game you need to make decisions quickly, but always with purpose,” he said.
“I believe in being upfront with my team, backing them when it counts, and staying calm under pressure. If we can lead with integrity and keep the bigger picture in mind, even tough calls become easier to make.”
Evans’ connection to PNG goes beyond boardrooms. Recalling his time in the cocoa industry, he shared a poignant reflection: “From my previous role at Elliven in Cocoa, some of the most memorable and meaningful conversations I had were not in boardrooms or over email. They were in plantations scattered around your beautiful country, sitting under the shade of a Gliricidia tree, talking cocoa with local farmers. Those moments reminded me that life isn’t just about making money or chasing success.”
“One of the truly special things about the people of PNG is their ability to find happiness and joy, even with what many expatriates might see as very little. It has taught me that wealth means nothing unless it’s earned honestly, with good intentions, and in a way that uplifts those around you.”
For Evans, RIFL is not just a finance company, it’s a platform to build a more equitable and vibrant economy.
“RIFL gives me the opportunity to fulfil my motivation to help grow the middle class and create a thriving PNG,” he said.
More information on RIFL can be accessed on the RIFL LinkedIn Page and the RIFL Website.
