Customers in Minj, Anglimp South Waghi District of Jiwaka Province, are now the first in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands Region to access a Deposit ATM, following the upgrade of the local BSP branch.

BSP Financial Group Ltd officially opened its newly constructed Minj branch earlier this week, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of modern banking services to rural communities.

BSP Group Retail General Manager Ronesh Dayal said the upgrade transforms a sub-branch established 15 years ago into a full-service, modern banking facility.

“Our Minj Branch opened its doors for service on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, through a soft opening with enhanced services including Deposit and Dispensing ATMs, teller services, lending, self-service digital banking registration, card services, and account opening,” Mr Dayal said.

The new services are expected to benefit more than 200,000 people in the district, strengthening rural banking access and financial inclusion.

BSP Highlands Region Area Manager John Tomba Jnr highlighted the importance of banking access in predominantly agricultural communities.

“The Minj area is primarily rural, with agriculture — especially coffee, fresh produce and small-scale farming — forming the backbone of the local economy. Access to formal banking services is critical for farmers receiving payments, small businesses managing cash flow, government employees accessing salaries, and parents paying school fees,” he said.

“Customers in Minj are the first in the Highlands Region to access and use our Deposit ATM. They can conveniently use this service even after the branch closes.”

Previously operating from the Jiwaka Provincial Treasury Office, the new Minj branch building took five months to complete. Together with its Hybrid Branch in Banz, the Minj facility now serves as a key financial hub for Jiwaka Province, reducing the need for residents to travel to Mount Hagen for banking services.

The branch expansion is expected to support secure cash handling, local business growth and broader economic development across the province.