The South Pacific Stock Exchange in Fiji has achieved its strongest performance in over a decade under new leadership, with trading volumes and investor participation surging significantly in 2026.
Fiji's sole licensed securities exchange has marked a milestone year, posting trading turnover of FJ$77.7 million through July—a 166% increase from the corresponding period in 2025 and the highest level recorded since 2015, according to reports from Fijian media outlets. The surge reflects sustained momentum across multiple market indicators, with share trading volume climbing 191% to exceed 42.6 million shares and the number of individual transactions rising nearly 65% year-on-year.
The South Pacific Stock Exchange has operated under new direction since mid-2024, when Sri Lankan national Sheraj Obeyesekere assumed the chief executive position at age 34, making him among the youngest heads of a national stock exchange globally. Under his leadership, the exchange has introduced structural changes to broaden market participation, including the addition of a new stockbroking firm—the first to join in 25 years—which has enhanced the exchange's capacity to serve investors.
Market capitalisation has grown to FJ$4.05 billion, representing a 12.22% year-on-year increase and marking the highest level since January 2020. A particularly notable development has been investor participation, with new entrants to the market increasing 202% through July compared to the same period last year. The majority of incoming investors are under 30 years old, with June and July recording the highest monthly new investor figures in the exchange's history.
Obeyesekere has attributed these developments to coordinated efforts involving listed companies, licensed brokers, investment advisors, and the Reserve Bank of Fiji, alongside the exchange's own market development initiatives. The year also marked a first for the exchange: multiple new product listings occurring simultaneously within a single calendar year.
