Pawson: Papua New Guineans have shown courage, resilience

IT has been a challenging year for Papua New Guineans but they have met those challenges head-on and as shown to be courageous and resilient, says Kina Bank chief executive officer Greg Pawson.
In his Christmas message to customers, Pawson said: “With 2020 drawing to a close, I’d like to wish all of our customers and clients peace and prosperity.
“At Kina Bank, we challenged ourselves to translate opportunity into action – to make our business stronger and service to customers better.
“Because our customers and communities are at the heart of everything we do.
“And despite the challenges, we were able to deliver many initiatives to make banking easier, simpler and cheaper for everyone.
“We launched PNG’s lowest fixed rate home loan and our prime customer offering with a fee-free Visa card.
“A state-of-the-art internet payment gateway available to all our customers. Digital concierges in branches for improved customer experience.
“Enhanced security features to protect customers from fraud.
“Internet Banking controls so that you can block or unblock a card if you suspect it’s been lost or stolen.
“These are many projects our teams have been involved in that showed how we continue to shake up the banking industry and how we’re always first.
“We also recently announced our proposed acquisition of Westpac Pacific.
“The acquisition is a strong strategic fit for us as it would give us even further scale and growth, to increase competition and deliver even more products and services for the benefit of Papua New Guinea – and super charge financial inclusion.
“We’ve made a commitment that there will be no job losses and no branch closures.
“Underpinning all of this is our commitment to our staff.
“Ensuring the health and safety of our people has been paramount this year; and by taking care of them, they have been able to take care of our customers.
“Their diligence, hard work and effort has been central to this.
“We believe that strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
“And we know that during the tough times it’s the people standing by your side who help make the difference.
“This is reflected in our mantra: together it’s possible.”
Pawson also thanked Kina Bank customers for their continued support throughout the year and wished them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.