Regional Development Banks Elected New Leadership
The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific appointed new vice-chairs in September 2026.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in People
The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) elected Filimone Waqabaca as second vice-chairman and Hussain Al-Lawati as first vice-chairman during its 100th board of directors meeting in September 2026.
Why it matters
These leadership changes oversee an association representing 97 member institutions, signaling a strategic shift toward deepened cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing across the Asia-Pacific development finance landscape.
The association represents 97 member institutions across 42 countries, a network that convened for its 100th board of directors meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to finalize these leadership appointments.
The players
Filimone Waqabaca
He serves as the chief executive officer of the Fiji Development Bank, a national institution focused on providing financial support for economic growth in the Pacific region.
Hussain Al-Lawati
He is the chief executive of the Development Bank of Oman, a state-backed entity that facilitates industrial and infrastructure investment in the Sultanate.
Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific
This trade association coordinates 97 development finance institutions across 42 countries to promote economic cooperation and sustainable development.
The details
The election took place at the 100th board of directors meeting, establishing a governance structure tasked with managing the association's regional development agenda. By appointing executive leaders from the Fiji Development Bank and the Development Bank of Oman, the organization aims to leverage localized development expertise to foster broader knowledge sharing and collaborative financing models across its member states.
Timeline
The election occurred during the 100th board of directors meeting in September 2026.
Market Landscape
This election represents a milestone for the organization, following the pattern of institutional evolution established at the 100th board of directors meeting of ADFIAP. The move marks a strategic effort to better integrate development finance practices across widely dispersed and diverse economic jurisdictions.
Operators in the development finance sector should monitor these changes for shifts in regional lending criteria or new collaborative financing opportunities. Increased cooperation between the Development Bank of Oman and the Fiji Development Bank may signal future standardized investment protocols.
The takeaway
The appointment of executives from geographically distinct development banks suggests a move toward a more integrated regional strategy. Stakeholders should track the association's upcoming announcements for new multilateral funding initiatives or knowledge-sharing workshops.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and executive moves, visit the People section.
