FROM its humble beginnings five decades ago as a home finance provider for civil servants, HFC has not only grown leaps and bounds but is looking at various opportunities, which include becoming a bank.
Chairman Tom Ricketts and chief executive Isikeli Tikoduadua did not reveal much but both agreed that becoming a bank was an opportunity as Fiji does not have a local bank yet.
Mr Ricketts said the company was also exploring the possibility spreading its wings across the region.
HFC launched its 50th anniversary celebrations yesterday.
This morning is a memorable one in the history of HFC with two events. First it is the launch of HFCs 50 year celebration, which will be celebrated whole of June this year and second is the draw for the Super Dream Home Package,Mr Ricketts said.
From the humble beginning since 1962, over the years the company has made significant progress in all dimensions and it has only come about with support and co-operation of the founders, the shareholders, regulators, government, board, management, staff and of course the loyal customers of HFC.
When the company was established, the shareholding included the government 33 per cent and the Commonwealth Development Corporation 67 per cent. Since then, the two parties have sold their shares and HFC is now 75 per cent owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund and 25 per cent owned by the Unit Trust of Fiji.
From just home loans, the company also now offers commercial and business loans, home loans, investment and personal loans as well as term deposit.
Since the beginning of this year, HFC has introduced three new loan products HFC Super Dream Home Loan, HFC Top Gear Disaster Rehabilitation Loan and HFC Top Gear SME Loan Facility.
It is all about innovation and innovation for the people, who indirectly own HFC as members of FNPF or shareholders of Unit Trust of Fiji, Mr Tikoduadua said.
We are local and we understand better the needs of the people.