RIFL’s tailored approach to asset finance is helping contractors and mining operators access the capital they need to grow.
Resources & Investment Finance Limited (RIFL) is redefining how businesses in Papua New Guinea (PNG) access finance, with a focus on asset finance, community impact and socially responsible lending.
The Pacific nation’s financial landscape presents unique challenges that distinguish it from more developed markets.
With approximately 80 per cent of the population still considered unbanked, access to capital remains a significant barrier to economic participation and business growth. Geographic isolation, limited infrastructure in remote areas, and the prevalence of an informal economy create obstacles that traditional banking institutions often struggle to overcome.
For businesses operating in PNG’s mining and resources sectors – particularly contractors, transport operators and service providers – these challenges are compounded by the need for substantial capital investment in equipment and machinery. The gap between available financing and actual need has historically constrained growth, particularly for small-to-medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of the country’s mining supply chain.
This is precisely the market gap RIFL has positioned itself to fill. Rather than operating as a conventional bank, the company functions as a specialist financier that understands the unique cash flow patterns, equipment needs and operational realities of PNG’s resources sector.
As a fully PNG-owned financial institution, RIFL believes that money should work for the country, not sit idle in a bank account. Through term deposits and tailored asset finance, the company channels capital directly into machinery, trucks and equipment that create jobs, support contractors and strengthen local communities.
Operations manager Margaret Morre said the company has a specific role to play, beyond traditional banking.
“RIFL operates much like a niche-market institution,” she said. “We work closely with landowner companies, road contractors and transport operators; groups that play a critical role in regional development.”
General manager – business development Russell Evans, who joined in April, said RIFL’s smaller size is one of its greatest strengths.
“As a licensed financial institution governed by Bank PNG, we have regulatory strength,” he said. “But because we’re smaller, we’re able to act as a true finance partner.
“Our clients can call us directly, ask questions and involve us in their planning. We take the time to understand their business and operate as an extension of their team, not just a lender.”
This hands-on approach has delivered tangible results for PNG businesses.
When a mid-sized transport company needed to expand its fleet to secure a major mining contract, traditional bank financing proved too slow and inflexible. RIFL worked directly with the company’s management to structure a tailored asset finance package that matched the contract’s payment schedule and accounted for the seasonal nature of road access in remote areas.
The result was the acquisition of three prime movers and associated trailers within weeks, not months, allowing the company to fulfil the contract and subsequently expand its workforce. The equipment, now fully operational for more than two years, has generated revenue that enabled the business to pursue additional growth opportunities in the region.
This kind of partnership approach is central to RIFL’s mission. The company provides equipment and working-capital finance that helps contractors manage cash flow, acquire essential machinery and respond quickly to opportunities in mining, agriculture, transport and infrastructure.
“Many of the businesses supporting the mines need flexible finance to keep operations moving,” Evans said. “Our model helps them access income-producing assets that build long-term capacity.
Loan structures are tailored to match industry-specific cash flow cycles, with most asset classes, including trucks and mining equipment, qualifying under RIFL’s programs.
But Evans said it’s the personal touch that sets RIFL apart from other lenders.
“We still believe finance needs to remain personal – at least for now,” he said. “While we continue exploring digital solutions, nothing yet replaces the value of picking up the phone and speaking directly with our clients. Better still is sitting down face-to-face over a cup of coffee, where real understanding and real relationships are built.”
RIFL also offers high-interest term deposits to individuals, Small-to-medium-sized enterprises and institutional clients. These provide competitive returns while directly funding the equipment and business loans that drive PNG’s economic activity.
Behind the institution is a team motivated by purpose. Morre joined to modernise systems and improve financial access, while Evans’ earlier work with cocoa growers in Madang and Lae shaped a deep connection to the communities RIFL now serves across the country.
“Working in PNG made me realise how powerful responsible finance can be,” Evans said. “RIFL allows me to contribute to real economic progress.”
Looking forward, RIFL plans to expand into Lae, Mt Hagen, Rabaul, Madang and Goroka, and is exploring long-term deposit products to help retirees generate pension-style monthly income.
“For us, socially responsible finance means more than lending,” Evans said.
“It means being a reliable partner, supporting businesses through challenges and opportunities, and helping PNG grow, one client at a time.”
