The number of customers needing assistance has increased for ANZ with the bank adding that it was well placed to support customers through this second wave of the pandemic.
In a media statement yesterday, ANZ reiterated its readiness and willingness to help customers financially impacted by the pandemic.
ANZ Fiji country head Rabih Yazbek said despite the best efforts of government, regulators and financial institutions to absorb some of the economic shock of COVID-19, the situation had evolved significantly over the past few months in particular.
“It’s important that our customers come and talk to us if they are experiencing financial difficulties. The sooner we start that conversation and get a full understanding of their financial situation, the quicker we can come up with a strategy best suited to their needs.
“As Fiji’s largest bank, we’re here to help customers through these difficult times. We know the weighty responsibility on our shoulders to act in a way that supports Fijian people and communities through this crisis,” he said.
Mr Yazbek said they had been supporting customers in Fiji with hardship options such as payment deferrals, interest only and loan term extension, as well as having the critical conversations to ensure their customers could navigate through the pandemic and become successful in this new world.
“We are all aware of the significant impact COVID-19 is having on Pacific economies and the global uncertainty it has created.
“We’re committed to Fiji, we have been here for more than 141 years, we want to continue doing business that will support customer aspirations and help grow the communities we’re in.”
He said the bank was positive about Fiji’s long-term outlook and believed activity would return to pre-COVID levels, once safe travel corridors could be established.
“With the return of international tourism, there will be a clear pathway towards long term
economic recovery,” Mr Yazbek said.
