These services include taking deposits, making loans, and engaging in foreign exchange transactions.

The board is required "to ensure that Bank policy is directed towards the national interest and has due regard to the stability and balanced development of the economy of Tuvalu.

In 2001, loans and advances were around 28% of total deposits, reflecting the limited opportunities for domestic lending and conservative reserves management.

The level of operations in the first quarter of 2001 resulted in A$1.2 million in new lending: 58% of personal loans were for family commitments, including funeral, wedding, and birthday expenses; 29% for travelling; and 11% for education; the remaining 2% are advances to seamen.

A review by the Asian Development Bank, related to an ADB facility for the government of Tuvalu, recommended that the NBT implementation prudent fiscal discipline to improve liquidity.

The changes include the repayment by the government of Tuvalu of an overdraft of around A$5 million, in respect of which the bank has a foregone interest of approximately A$500,000 per year.

[9] The IMF 2014 Country Report noted the NBT had restricted its exposure to public enterprises and made substantial provisions regarding debtors.

[3][12] The IMF 2014 Country Report also noted the DBT had made substantial provisions regarding debtors.