PNG: BSP Posts K1.17 Billion Profit as Banking Growth Mirrors Economic Activity

Papua New Guinea’s largest bank, Bank South Pacific (BSP), has reported a strong financial performance for 2025, recording a net profit of K1.17 billion as economic activity across PNG continued to strengthen.

The result represents a 12.9 per cent increase from the 2024 financial year, with the bank attributing the growth to continued expansion of its balance sheet, steady margins and robust foreign exchange earnings, according to its report to the Port Moresby Stock Exchange.

Revenue for the year rose to K3.41 billion, up 14.4 per cent from 2024, while shareholders will receive a full-year dividend per share of K1.88, including a final payment of K1.38 scheduled for March 27, 2026.

Group chief executive officer Mark Robinson said the bank’s size and financial strength were enabling it to invest more in financial inclusion initiatives that benefit both communities and shareholders.

“In February 2025, we launched the Wantok Wallet, which makes everyday banking possible for people who would otherwise travel long distances to a branch or rely on cash. By year end, over 100,000 people had signed up for Wantok Wallet,” he said.

Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the record result, describing it as independent confirmation that Papua New Guinea’s economy was gaining momentum.

“This is not just a banking milestone. This is an economic validation,” Marape said.

“When banks grow, it is because businesses are borrowing, trading and investing, households are transacting, and confidence is returning to the economy.”

BSP chairman Robert Bradshaw said the outcome reflected strong financial performance in a competitive environment and the bank’s long-standing record of delivering profitability and shareholder returns, adding that the institution was entering 2026 with confidence as regional economies continue to expand.