BSP Financial Group Limited has officially reopened its Porgera Branch in Enga Province, restoring full banking services to nearly 19,000 customers after more than a year of intermittent closures caused by security concerns.
The branch reopened on Monday, January 26th, following strengthened security measures aimed at ensuring a safe and stable operating environment for staff and customers. The Porgera Branch is the only commercial bank operating in the district, making its return critical to the local economy and daily life in the community.
The branch was initially closed in September 2024 due to ongoing security issues. Although it briefly reopened in April 2024 after a year-long shutdown, renewed challenges forced BSP to close the branch indefinitely. During the closure period, the bank continued to support customers through EFTPoS, agent banking services, and recently restored ATM access.
BSP Treasury and Markets Group Head of Market Sales, Leighton Crisp, said the reopening is strategically important not only for Porgera but for the national economy.
“The New Porgera Limited Gold Mine is a cornerstone of PNG’s economy. It generates substantial foreign exchange earnings through gold exports earnings that are essential for funding the country’s imports of goods, fuel, machinery and other necessities that benefit businesses and communities nationwide” Mr. Crisp said.
BSP Highlands Area Manager, John Tomba Jnr, said the bank’s return reflects its commitment to community livelihoods and long-term economic stability in the valley.
“We are committed to serving the people of Porgera and intend to remain here as long as peace is maintained in the valley. Protecting essential services like banking is vital for local livelihoods, economic growth, and community wellbeing” Mr. Tomba said.
BSP Head of Corporate Banking, David Bishop, reaffirmed the bank’s broader responsibility to serve customers across all segments, including individuals, small and medium enterprises, and corporate clients.
“We are guided by our core values! We Care and We Aspire to Grow Our Communities through financial literacy programs and modernization initiatives that deliver the best possible customer experience,” Mr. Bishop said.
Community leaders, including the District Administrator and the Deputy Governor, welcomed BSP’s return, noting that access to banking services is essential for everyday transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, school fee payments, and SME financing, which help stimulate the local economy.
In addition to in-branch services, BSP continues to expand financial access in Porgera through two ATMs, 40 EFTPoS merchants, and three cash agents operating across the district.
BSP says it will continue working closely with local communities and stakeholders to maintain a secure environment, ensuring essential banking services can operate sustainably for the benefit of Porgera and the wider Enga Province.
