Results for National Reserve Bank of Tonga

The construction of a multi-storey building on the Nuku‘alofa waterfront by a new entity the “Oriental Investment Development Bank” has been quietly proceeding following a ground breaking ceremony on April 4. But according to Tongan regulators, the bank does not hold a licence to operate a bank in Tonga. By Pesi Fonua.

Pacific Sunrise Fishing, Tonga’s only locally-owned commercial deep sea fishing exporter, is scaling down its operation in Tonga, "and to start sellling some of the assets that we have, like boats and things like that," Eddie Palu said on January 4. He told Matangi Tonga of his concern over a decision by government for the 2018 Foreign Exchange Control Act to become effective on 1 November 2018. By Pesi Fonua.

A new Foreign Exchange Control Act 2018 that gives the National Reserve Bank of Tonga sweeping powers to selectively stop Tongan residents from investing offshore and from holding overseas bank accounts, property and other offshore assets, is not currently being enforced. The Governor of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Dr Ngongo Kioa, said today that the new Act awaits regulations and directives from Crown Law.

Foreign currency exchange operations by unauthorized dealers has become a major concern for the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, who want to shut down the involvement of retail shops in Tonga offering the services illegally to their customers. They are hoping the public will report illegal activities.

After the Minister of Justice, Hon. Vuna Fa’otusia told the Tongan Parliament today that government ministries did not break any law, by employing daily paid labourers for 10 to 20 years without a working contract, the Speaker reminded the House that Tonga is the "Friendly Islands". From the House, by Pesi Fonua.

The Pacific International Commercial Bank (PICB), a Chinese-Tongan venture, had its license revoked because it failed to honour a business plan and had not submitted an audit report, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga Governor Dr Ngongo Kioa said in Nuku'alofa today.

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga wishes to assure the public that despite the revocation of the banking licence of Pacific International Commercial Bank (PICB) effective from 26 July 2016, the banking system remains sound. While PICB represented a very small proportion of the total banking system, the banks in Tonga continue to be profitable and maintain strong liquidity and capital position.

Up to half a million pa’anga of “unclaimed” money held in bank accounts at the Bank of the South Pacific in Nuku’alofa will be swallowed up by the government in June if the amounts are not claimed by the owners soon. Several accounts belonging to the King of Tonga, as well as an Emergency Relief Trust Fund, a private retirement fund, and funds belonging to societies and groups such as the Tonga Society of Accountants, the Sisters of Mercy, the Ferry Princess Ashika Vava’u Victims Fund, the Friendly Island Teachers Association, and numerous PTA accounts, along with those of individuals and a few companies, will be included in a mass transfer of funds if unclaimed.

Tonga has accumulated a Foreign Reserve of $311.7 million pa’anga at the end of September, while its domestic inflation rate was 3.2% for September, according to the latest figures on the National Reserve Bank of Tonga website.