Smartie to launch as the first digital payment solution in Cook Islands. Talaia Mika spoke to the developer yesterday

The Cook Islands is set to experience a new era in digital payments with the launch of Smartie, a super app designed to streamline financial transactions and broaden financial access across the South Pacific.

The app, developed by Cook Islands tech entrepreneur Brett Baudinet, will be launched this Friday at the Edgewater Resort, with a company office based in Avatiu.

Smartie is being introduced as a ‘super app’ and digital payment solution tailored to the needs of the Cook Islands but with expansion plans across the Pacific.

In an interview with Cook Islands News yesterday, Baudinet said Smartie is "focused for the Cooks, but it eventually is going to be used for the entire South Pacific."

He emphasized that while similar fintech solutions exist worldwide, this is the first of its kind in the region, making the launch “a big event for us.”

The app offers a variety of features for both merchants and users. For merchants, Smartie provides tools for managing transactions, and payroll capabilities, enabling instant payments directly to staff.

Users can enjoy a wide range of services, from digital payments to ordering food, booking rides, and more.

This integration of services led Baudinet to label it a "super app," stating, “It’s not just an app. We’ve put multiple apps into this one.”

Baudinet and his team have been working for four years to bring the product to market, with developers based in both Vietnam and Australia in addition to their local marketing team.

According to Baudinet, his inspiration stemmed from his years in web development, starting with creating the Cook Islands' first e-commerce site in 2008, as well as the challenges associated with payment processing in the Pacific.

“For many years, I've been doing web development, and it's always been a pain...payment solutions have always been the point,” he said.

One of the unique features Smartie offers is a remittance option that allows users to send funds across 192 countries.

He highlighted how this feature could be especially helpful for expatriate workers, allowing them to send money home instantly, bridging the gap often felt by Pacific Islander families.

“For example, I have builders down at my resort site. When I pay them, they can instantly get it when they receive the funds, and send the payment back to their families,” he said.

Smartie has also prioritized offline capabilities, allowing transactions even in areas with limited internet access.

“Users can actually be offline and still have the ability to make payments,” Baudinet explained.

The app connects directly with merchants' internet-enabled QR codes, ensuring ease of use in various settings.

Smartie has also integrated with Toa Petroleum, allowing users to select and pay at fuel pumps at any time, offering 24/7 access. This partnership exemplifies the app’s potential for further integration with local businesses.

Smartie also introduces a “Kids Financial Literacy” feature aimed at helping children understand money management through real-life tasks, goals, and rewards.

Parents have full control over the settings, enabling them to set allowances and spending limits.

“This is helping them understand the value of money and they can set their own saving goals,” Baudinet said.

Merchants using the Smartie platform will benefit from the new payroll feature, which is free of charge for payroll processing, and a nominal 25-cent fee per transaction.

This solution bypasses traditional banking, reducing costs and increasing efficiency for both merchants and users.

With its official launch set for 1 pm on Friday at the Edgewater Resort, Smartie aims to enhance financial accessibility, provide seamless transaction experiences, and retain more revenue within the Cook Islands economy.