The new TISA Bank is expending its services across the country with the aim to open at least close to 20 new bank branches by 2026. TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Sunil Pokharel revealed this in an interview prior to the opening of the bank’s new Wewak branch in the East Sepik province on Monday 7^th July. He said the opening of this branch marks that drive forward in providing the necessary banking service to customers and the over 80, 000 members of the Teachers Savings and Loans Society (TISA) across the country. “After Port Moresby, this is our second branch that we are opening. So, we’ll open at least another ten (10) or twelve (12) by the end of this year and by the first quarter of next year, we are going to have eighteen (18) branches,” said the CEO. “One of our reasons for increasing our branch network is to provide service to our unbanked communities in these areas, not only that, but to bring new banking services and products to the communities. So, we want to be very close to our communities we operate in.” Mr. Pokharel also explained that the branches will provide products specifically targeted at the needs of a particular community, so, banking products will vary from branch to branch. Like for instance with the new branch in East Sepik, Mr. Pokharel said being a province that is huge in agriculture, the banking products will, be tailored to support farmers, agricultural businesses, and SMEs in the sector apart from its normal retail customers. “So, you’ll see a lot of products that’s going to come in but at the same time, any product that we are going launch for any particular branch, will be what they need in this community or this area,” he said. Meanwhile, the CEO also revealed that TISA Bank is planning to expand its services to districts in East Sepik that are high in agricultural production like Yangoru- Saussia and Maprik districts in the near future by setting up sub- branches there. “Don’t be surprised if we decide to open a branch in these two locations in one-year time, that’s going to happen,” said the CEO revealing further the TISA Bank strategy. “Because it’s not only the branch, in fact we are to roll out agency banking most likely next week, so you’ll see that we’re going to find a couple of agents here." "I think opening a branch only in Wewak is not going to serve the purpose. So, we need to be in all the districts as possible in the next three (3) to four (4) years’ time." “So, we’re looking at the long term because our commitment is not for the short term but for the long term, and we remain committed for these reasons.”