Central Bank Reform: Samoa’s Parliament passed the Credit Information Register Bill 2026 on final reading, setting up a Central Bank-run credit register and requiring lenders to report credit data with applicant notice. Bank Independence Debate: MPs are also weighing the Central Bank Amendment Bill 2026, which would separate the CBS governor from the board chair role after IMF concerns about independence. Oversight Leadership: Fa’amoetauloa Fa’asavalu Ah Siu Lin was sworn in as Samoa’s new Controller and Auditor-General for a six-year term, following nearly 20 years at the Audit Office. Cabinet Shake-up: Tea To’oala Peato, Samoa’s oldest MP, was sworn in as a Cabinet minister overseeing the Legislative Assembly and the Office of the Ombudsman. Development Finance: Deputy PM/Finance Minister Mulipola hosted a World Bank delegation to discuss Samoa’s growth and jobs priorities and implementation challenges, including a climate-resilient transport project. Regional Environment: Samoa is set to join a €6m Pacific marine litter and plastic waste project with Fiji, the Marshall Islands and Tonga. Public Order Online: Samoa Police warned the public about AI-generated fake posts and impersonation using police/government branding. PSIDS UN Chair: Samoa took over chairing the Pacific Small Islands Developing States grouping at the UN. Samoa-France Talks: Samoa and France explored cooperation on education exchanges, maritime/security, illegal drugs, and possible air links.