Central Bank Reform: Samoa Parliament passed the Credit Information Register Bill 2026 on its final reading, setting up a national credit register run by the Central Bank to record credit applications, accounts, repayment histories and defaults, with reporting duties for banks and other lenders. Bank Governance: MPs are also debating a Central Bank Amendment that would keep the governor in post for her term but remove her as board chair, after IMF concerns about weakening independence. Public Finance Oversight: Samoa swore in a new Controller and Auditor-General, Fa’amoetauloa Fa’asavalu Ah Siu Lin, bringing nearly 20 years of Audit Office experience into a six-year mandate. Development Partnerships: Deputy PM and Finance Minister Mulipola hosted a World Bank delegation to discuss Samoa’s growth and jobs priorities, implementation hurdles, and a climate-resilient transport project. Cabinet Shake-up: Samoa’s oldest MP, Tea To’oala Peato, was sworn in as a Cabinet minister overseeing the Legislative Assembly and the Ombudsman. Rule of Law & Online Safety: Police warned the public about AI-generated fake accounts and posts impersonating authorities, while 14 drug-raid defendants remained in custody as court dates were set. Regional Spotlight: Samoa took over the PSIDS chair at the UN, and Fiji formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership alongside Samoa, PNG and Tonga. Climate Watch: A major El Niño is back, with forecasts pointing to potentially record-breaking heat.