The Solomon Islands is currently undergoing a strategic economic pivot, transitioning away from logging toward a more diversified “Blue and Green” economy. Its primary hub, Honiara, is the center for a major push in digital financial infrastructure, while Auki and Gizo serve as vital links for the nation’s growing fisheries and tourism sectors. In May 2026, the economy is showing steady momentum with a projected real GDP growth of 3.0% to 3.8%, bolstered by mining expansion and a rebound in services. Inflation is currently managed at approximately 3.4% to 4.5%. A defining milestone of early 2026 is the Unified QR Code Initiative; launched by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) in April 2026, this national standard is designed to harmonize payments across all banks and mobile wallets, allowing market vendors and rural farmers to accept digital payments from any provider seamlessly.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union remains the leading channel for international remittances in the Solomon Islands, operating through Fexco (No.1 Currency) and an extensive network of local retail agents.
- Western Union Honiara (Fexco HQ – No.1 Currency, City Centre)
- Western Union Honiara (Kukum Highway)
- Western Union Honiara (Point Cruz)
- Western Union Henderson (Near Honiara International Airport)
- Western Union Gizo (Western Province – Main Street)
- Western Union Auki (Malaita Province)
- Western Union Munda (New Georgia)
- Western Union Taro (Choiseul Province)
- Western Union Lata (Santa Cruz)
- Western Union Tulagi (Central Province)
- Western Union Buala (Isabel Province)
- Western Union Kirakira (Makira Province)
MoneyGram & Ria Money Transfer
MoneyGram is primarily accessible through Bank South Pacific (BSP) branches, while Ria has gained significant traction through digital payout partnerships with mobile money platforms.
- MoneyGram Honiara (BSP Main Branch – Mendana Avenue)
- Ria Money Transfer (Digital payout via M-SELEN mobile wallet)
- MoneyGram Gizo (BSP Branch)
- Ria Honiara (Lulu’s Exchange and independent agents)
Digital Payouts & Mobile Wallets (The 2026 Standard)
In 2026, the Solomon Islands has pioneered “Resilient Fintech,” using mobile money to bridge the gap in disaster response and remote island logistics:
- M-SELEN (by Our Telekom) – The leading mobile money platform in 2026. In February 2026, it successfully powered the nation’s first-ever Parametric Insurance Payouts, delivering instant climate-relief funds directly to the wallets of rural communities affected by heavy rainfall.
- E-mali (by Bmobile) – A robust competitor widely used for utility bill payments and P2P transfers, now fully integrated with the 2026 Unified QR Code standard for merchant payments.
- Solomon Airlines Digital Integration – As of early 2026, residents can purchase flight tickets directly via M-SELEN, significantly improving air travel access for those living in provincial centers and outer islands.
- CBSI Unified QR Code – The center of the 2026 digital roadmap. This standard ensures that a customer using a bank app can pay a merchant using a mobile money wallet, drastically reducing “digital silos” across the archipelago.
- YouSave (SINPF) – A world-recognized micro-savings scheme for the informal sector, which in 2026 uses mobile money rails to allow over 50,000 workers to save for retirement via their phones.
Major Bank & Financial Partners
The banking sector is characterized by high liquidity and a focus on “Inclusive Finance” under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 3 (2021–2026):
- Bank South Pacific (BSP Solomon Islands – The largest commercial bank, providing the most extensive ATM and agent network)
- Pan Oceanic Bank (POB – A locally incorporated bank with a strong focus on community banking and domestic business growth)
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ – A key partner for corporate trade finance and international investment)
- Bred Bank Solomon Islands (Known for its modern digital interface and competitive retail banking products)
- Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF – A critical social security institution driving digital savings through the “youSave” program)
- Solomon Islands Development Bank (DBSI – Revitalized to provide credit to the agriculture and fisheries sectors)
- Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI – The regulator overseeing the SBD Dollar and the 2026 National Payment System modernization)