By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — The National Development Bank of Palau (NDBP) is facing mounting criticism from residents who say the bank’s decision to scale back unsecured lending and chattel mortgage programs has locked ordinary Palauans out of financing, even as bank leadership defends the move as a necessary response to mounting losses. For […]
Tag: National Development Bank of Palau
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Palau eyes savings bond program to boost local investment and economic growth
Japanese economist says new program could fund businesses, infrastructure and future savings while reducing reliance on overseas borrowing. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A proposed Savings Bond Program could help keep more money circulating within Palau, provide affordable financing for local businesses and infrastructure projects, and encourage residents to save for retirement and education, […]
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Koror Governor Vetoes Lease Reform Bill Over Legal Risks, Loan-Shark Concerns
Rudimch says measure could violate national law and put public land leaseholders at risk of losing homes By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 19, 2026)— Eyos Rudimch has vetoed a controversial lease reform bill that would have expanded the ability of Koror public land leaseholders to transfer or use their leases as collateral, saying the […]
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Scaled-back Lease Reform Bill Sent To Koror Governor For Signature
Scaled-back bill expands financing access for residents while limiting transfers of state residential leases By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 11, 2026) Koror lawmakers have approved a scaled‑back lease reform bill that preserves new financing options for residents while tightening controls on who can hold state residential leases and how those leases can be transferred. […]
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Whipps: Low-Interest ADB Loans Offer Path to Stabilize Palau’s Economy, Reduce Debt
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Palau has a significant opportunity to stabilize its economy and reduce long-term debt through access to low-interest loans from the Asian Development Bank, following his recent visit to ADB headquarters. President Surangel Whipps Jr. meets with ADB President Masato Kanda at ADB Headquarters in […]
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OEK finally approves $15M Saudi loan to expand housing loans in Palau
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Dec. 17, 2025) — After months of delay, the House of Delegates has approved a joint resolution allowing President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. to borrow $15 million from the Saudi Fund for Development, clearing the final legislative hurdle for new funding aimed at low-cost development loans. The measure authorizes the […]