Fiji is moving forward with plans to establish its first peer-to-peer lending platform as part of broader efforts to expand access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises and support the growth of alternative funding markets.
The initiative forms part of the implementation of the Access to Business Funding Act 2025, which introduced new financing mechanisms including peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, equity crowdfunding and small offers regimes aimed at improving access to capital for businesses.
To support the development of the platform, the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative selected ThirdRoc through a competitive Request for Proposals process conducted through the Fiji Innovation Hub.
The proposed platform is expected to connect MSMEs directly with lenders through a regulated digital marketplace, helping address some of the barriers businesses face in accessing traditional sources of finance.
Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development and co-chair of the Access to Business Funding Implementation Taskforce Esrom Immanuel said the strong response to the proposal process highlighted growing interest in financial innovation in Fiji.
“We were impressed by the strong field of proposals, particularly the depth of technical capability we have here in Fiji. This shows that Fiji is open for innovation and that the Government’s reform agenda is gaining real traction,” Immanuel said.
“We look forward to working with the selected partner, ThirdRoc, to expand financing opportunities for MSMEs.”
ThirdRoc is the Fijian subsidiary of an Australian-headquartered fintech company focused on alternative credit and enterprise lending technology across the Pacific. Backed by Antler Australia, the company holds a Credit Representative Licence with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and is a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.
The company said it uses consented data, artificial intelligence-driven insights and regional partnerships to support lending decisions and improve access to finance for small businesses.
According to ThirdRoc, it is developing a Fijian structure for a proposed P2P lending platform that aligns with governance and licensing requirements established by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and is engaging potential consortium partners and investors to support the platform’s launch.
Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor and taskforce co-chair Ariff Ali said the initiative represents an important step in opening new financing pathways for businesses while maintaining appropriate safeguards.
“Fiji is leading the Pacific in opening up new, innovative pathways to finance for businesses and the Reserve Bank of Fiji is committed to ensuring these pathways are developed with strong investor protections and sound risk management,” Ali said.
“ThirdRoc’s proven technology, deep experience, and clear commitment to working within Fiji’s regulatory framework gives us confidence in their ability to deliver a platform that meets these standards.”
Jeremy Cleaver, financing growth specialist with the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, said P2P lending could help address financing gaps for businesses that have historically been underserved by conventional lending channels.
“P2P lending has the potential to genuinely expand access to finance for MSMEs in Fiji, including those that have been underserved by the traditional channels,” Cleaver said.
As part of the next phase of development, ThirdRoc is participating in a tailored accelerator programme through the Fiji Innovation Hub that includes knowledge transfer and engagement with experienced international P2P lending practitioners.
The programme is expected to support the development of a launch-ready platform design, with pilot and rollout plans to be considered as the project progresses.
ThirdRoc director Shiv Maharaj said the company had been working with local partners to improve access to finance for entrepreneurs and small businesses while increasing transparency for lenders and investors.
“Since establishing our presence in Fiji, we have worked closely with partners to improve access to finance for MSMEs and entrepreneurs, while giving lenders and investors greater visibility and confidence in how credit is assessed and monitored,” Maharaj said.
“We are working through the RBF process with local institutions to ensure the model is structured safely and built for Fiji’s long-term needs.”
