28/04/2026
Ms. Thelma H. Tapasei: A Woman Pioneer Driving the Future of Vanuatu’s Insurance Sector
Ms. Thelma H. Tapasei stands as a formidable force in Vanuatu’s modern insurance landscape, recognized for her pioneering contributions and over three decades of executive leadership. With more than 21 years of confirmed success in insurance management, she has played a vital role in shaping an industry that is both resilient and forward-thinking.
Entering the insurance sector in January 2005, Ms. Tapasei embarked on her journey during a crucial period when formal regulatory frameworks were still developing. By the time Vanuatu instituted its insurance regulatory framework in December 2005, she was already in a senior management position, making her one of the first local executives navigating insurance operations through this transformative phase in the financial services domain.
Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Tapasei has successfully managed two insurance companies, steering them through significant regulatory changes, market fluctuations, and operational expansions, all while upholding rigorous governance and risk management principles.
Currently, Ms. Tapasei serves as the Manager of National Insurance Services (Vanuatu) Limited (NISVL), a wholly subsidiary of the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) approved by the Reserve Bank in September 2025. Under her guidance, NISVL will be at the forefront of designing and administering customized insurance programs for VNPF members, with an initial emphasis on a death and funeral benefits policy, the Special Death Benefit (SDB) product. This initiative aims to create economies of scale, enhance purchasing power, and achieve long-term cost efficiency. Please watch this space for more great updates on the SDB!
NISVL is structured as a captive insurance entity, allowing for the prudent management of insurance risks for VNPF members within a regulated framework, thereby minimizing market volatility and ensuring sustainable protection for its members. Ms. Tapasei’s leadership embodies a commitment to strong governance, aligned with a clear social and financial purpose.
"Insurance is about trust, protection, and sustainability. My focus has always been on building institutions that are financially sound, well-governed, and genuinely serve their members. With NISVL, we are creating solutions that protect people while strengthening national capacity in insurance." — Ms. Thelma H. Tapasei
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CEO Profile Box
- Name: Ms. Thelma H. Tapasei
- Position: Managing, National Insurance Services (Vanuatu) Limited (NISVL);
- Industry: Insurance & Financial Services
- Years in Insurance: 21+ years (since January 2005)
- Known For: Pioneer of Vanuatu’s insurance industry; Profitable management of two insurance companies; Leadership through regulatory transition
- Current Focus: Managing NISVL as a VNPF wholly subsidiary delivering member-focused insurance solutions
- Professional Credentials: Senior Executive Certificate in Insurance (ANZIIF); Diplomas in Risk Management & General Insurance; Postgraduate qualifications in Business Analytics
- Languages: English, Bislama, French
- Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
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Ms. Thelma H. Tapasei is not just a leader in her field; she is a visionary influencer, shaping the future of insurance in Vanuatu, committed to enhancing the lives of the members of VNPF through innovative and trustworthy solutions through NISVL.
