TISA opens 8th bank in Mt Hagen

TISA Bank has expanded its banking services into Western Highlands Province, officially opening its 8th branch in Mt Hagen yesterday, November 9, together with its first Automated Teller Machine (ATM) outside of Port Moresby.

The new branch, located at Wamp Nga Haus is expected to provide greater access to banking services for individuals, teachers, small businesses and communities across the province and the Highlands region.

Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, who officially opened the branch, acknowledged TISA’s long contribution to the province and the Highlands region, dating back to its beginnings as a savings and loan society.

Governor Rapa also welcomed TISA’s decision to invest in Mt Hagen, saying the move shows growing confidence in the province’s business environment.

"More businesses are beginning to invest in Western Highlands, and the provincial government will continue working to provide a secure and supportive environment for businesses and financial institutions," stressed Governor Rapa.

Rapa says the provincial government will continue to work alongside TISA and other financial institutions to strengthen economic activities in the province.

TISA Head of Retail Noel Keyala says the bank’s expansion is part of its mission to improve financial inclusion by reaching people who remain underbanked or have no access to formal banking services.

"TISA’s investment in banking services is not simply about new technology, but about making banking more convenient and accessible to Papua New Guineans."

"The bank’s success should be measured not only by the infrastructure it builds, but also by the opportunities it creates the communities it supports and the lasting impact it has on people’s lives," outlines the Head of TISA Retail Mr Keyala.

The Mt Hagen branch will provide full banking services, including deposits and withdrawals, new account openings, Visa debit cards, loans and general banking assistance.

The branch will particularly serve educators, small-to-medium enterprises and everyday customers in Western Highlands and the Highlands region with its customer base of more than 5,000 in the region.

TISA began in 1972 as the Teachers Savings and Loan Society (TSL), established to provide savings and loan services to educators in Papua New Guinea.

Over more than five decades, it grew into the country’s largest savings and loan society and the Pacific’s largest credit union, before transitioning into commercial banking.

TISA was officially granted a commercial banking license by the Bank of Papua New Guinea on October 8, 2024, and became TISA Bank Limited.

Governor Rapa cut the ribbon to the new branch and unveiled the ATM, formally marking the start of TISA’s commercial banking operations in Mt Hagen.