Foreign Reserves Statistics for April 2025

Tonga's official foreign reserves increased by $25 million in April 2025, predominantly from higher inflows of budget support that outweighed outflows for import payments. The level of foreign reserves stood at $867.6 million at the end of April 2025, sufficient to cover 10 months of imports, and remaining above the IMF's recommended threshold of 7.5 months. In year-ended terms, however, the foreign reserves declined by $37.3 million.

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Tonga’s New FinTech Regulatory Sandbox Framework Launched by The National Reserve Bank of Tonga

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga launched Tonga’s FinTech Regulatory Sandbox Framework, with the support of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) at the Pacific Central Bankers’ Meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tuesday 3 June 2025 at Faonelua Convention Centre. This Sandbox Framework aligns with the Reserve Bank’s objective of promoting financial stability, a sound and efficient financial system, as set out in the National Reserve Bank Act Section 4(2).

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Pacific Central Bankers and Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) to Advance Financial Inclusion in Tonga, 3-6 June 2025

From 3-6 June 2025, six Pacific region central banks are meeting in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, to explore how financial inclusion can strengthen economic resilience and social equity across the region. The meeting, co-hosted by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), is being attended by over 70 participants and brings together Governors from the Central Banks of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Tonga with Special Guest Speakers and accompanying officials, including representatives from the central banks of Seychelles and Kenya.

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Monthly Economic Update: April 2025

Current domestic economic growth forecasts indicate lower than expected growth in key sectors, necessitating continued financial support for private sector development to aid in boosting domestic production. Capital investments in resilient and sustainable infrastructure are vital to mitigate Tonga’s climate-related risks. The NRBT will continue with strengthening its policy tools to strengthen the effectiveness of its monetary policy decisions.

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February 2025 Monetary Policy focuses on Strengthening Policy Transmission and Effectiveness

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) released its Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) for February 2025, following approval by the Board of Directors. The MPS states that since internal and external stability are expected to be maintained in the near-term, the NRBT will continue its accommodative monetary policy stance over the next six months to promote growth, while gradually strengthening its policy tools’ influence on monetary conditions, and tackle access to finance barriers.

Also read in Tongan: Fokotu’utu’u Fakapa’anga Mei Fepueli 2025, Fakamālohia ke a’usia ‘a e ngaahi taumu’a ngāue ‘a e Pangikē Pule

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Default Judgement on TDB Damage Claim Against the National Reserve Bank of Tonga Set Aside by Lord Chief Justice Bishop

In a ruling on Monday, January 27, 2025, Lord Chief Justice Bishop issued a court order that set aside the Default Judgment that had granted TDB and 2 other plaintiffs Damage Claims of about $30 million against the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) and Governor Moeaki, along with three journalists.

Also read in Tongan: Tu‘utu‘uni ‘a e ‘Eiki Fakaamaau Lahi Justice Bishop ke fakata‘e‘aonga‘i ‘a e tu‘utu‘uni ne tali ai e ‘eke ongoongo maumau ‘a e TDB ki he Pangikē Pule Fakafonua ‘o Tonga´

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Tonga’s 2023 New Currency Series Winner Of HSP Asia 2024 Best New Banknote Series Award

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) wins the High Security Printing (HSP) Asia 2024 “Best New Banknote Series” award with its New Currency Series launched by HRH Prince Ata on 4^th December 2023 in Nuku’alofa. The prestigious Regional Banknote and ID Document of the Year Awards form part of the HSP Asia Conference which was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 2 - 4 December 2024.

Also read in Tongan: Ikuna 'e he Seti Pa'anga Pepa Fo'ou 2023 'o Tonga 'a e Pale HSP 'Esia 2024 Ki he Pa'anga Fo'ou Lelei Taha

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Financial Sector Meeting on Monetary Policy and Interest Rates

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga discussed with the financial sector its August 2024 monetary policy, interest rates and improving access to finance for underserved sectors. The event took place at Fa’onelua Convention Centre on 20th September 2024, gathering key stakeholders from the financial sector to discuss actionable strategies that can positively impact our nation’s economic landscape.

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Twin Milestones for the National Reserve Bank of Tonga in 2024

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) marks its 35th anniversary on Monday 16 September 2024 with an audited net profit of $35 million as its twin milestones. The $35.8 million profit in 2024 is 75 percent higher than last year’s 2023 record profit of $20 million.

Also read in Tongan: Makamaile Māhanga ‘a e Pangikē Pule Fakafonua ‘a Tonga ‘i he 2024

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Reserve Bank’s August 2024 Monetary Policy Will Promote Greater Access to Finance

The August 2024 MPS maintains the current monetary policy that keeps a watchful eye against inflation threats and supports economic recovery through maintaining the statutory required deposit at 15% and the zero-percent monetary policy rate while considering easing exchange control requirements and maintaining an exchange rate regime that supports greater macroeconomic stability.

Also read in Tongan: Tokanga ‘a e Pangikē Pule΄ ke faka’ai’ai hono ngaue’aki ‘a e ngāue fakapa‘anga ‘i he‘ene fokotu‘utu‘u ngaue fakapa‘anga ‘Aokosi 2024

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