Press Release No.24.2026 - National Demand Side Survey to Assess Access, Usage and Quality of Financial Services and Products in Solomon Islands - 2026

HONIARA, 16th September 2026- The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) in collaboration with Tebbutt Research will conduct its second Financial Services National Demand Side Survey (DSS) from September to October 2026. In 2015, CBSI conducted its first Demand Side Survey with the support from Pacific Financial Inclusion Program (now UNCDF) and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion.

The Survey will cover a nationally representative sample of approximately 992 adults, randomly selected from households across Solomon Islands, including rural, urban and maritime areas.

The main purpose of the Survey is to assist the Central Bank, Government and key stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the needs, preferences and behaviors of all Solomon Islanders regarding the financial services and products. The survey will also provide insights to evaluate the progress of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 3 implemented by CBSI from 2021-2025

The main purpose of the Survey is to assist the Central Bank, Government and key stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the needs, preferences and behaviors of all Solomon Islanders regarding the financial services and products. The survey will also provide insights to evaluate the progress of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 3 implemented by CBSI from 2021-2025.

In addition, the Survey will generate updated data on the access, usage, quality and satisfaction of financial services and products currently available in Solomon Islands from the perspective of consumers. The current DSS will also capture information on customer readiness and whether there is an appetite for climate-related financial products and services in the future. The results of the Survey will provide evidence base for policy development, help identify gaps in the provision of financial services and products, inform responses to emerging trends, and support the development of more tailored and appropriate financial products and services. The findings will also support the monitoring, evaluation and advancement, of financial inclusion across the country.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Dr. Luke Forau stated that one of the key objectives of the 2026 National DSS is to inform the review and development of financial inclusion targets and action plans. These will contribute to the formulation of the next Financial Inclusion Strategy for Solomon Islands.

The 2026 National Demand Side Survey is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) and the Tebbutt Research providing technical support to CBSI. Tebbutt Research enumerators will undertake the field work and collecting the Survey data. The findings of the Survey are expected to be released by end of 2026.

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About the Central Bank of Solomon Islands:
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is the nation's premier financial institution, responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy. CBSI oversees and regulates the country's banking and financial system, ensuring economic stability and growth.

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