Central Bank governance shake-up: Samoa’s Central Bank Amendment Bill 2026 cleared its second reading, separating the governor from the board chair role to strengthen oversight, while MPs and opposition raised concerns about independence and checks and balances. Foreign investment rules tighten: The Foreign Investment Amendment Bill 2026 also passed second reading, updating definitions and adding disclosure requirements for beneficial owners, with a registration certificate before foreign investment and more conditions for “reserved” activities. Credit access gets a framework: Parliament passed the Credit Information Register Bill 2026 on its final reading, setting up a Central Bank-run register for credit histories, repayment data and scores, with reporting duties for banks and other lenders. World Bank talks priorities: Samoa hosted a World Bank delegation to review project delivery, implementation challenges, and the draft Samoa Growth and Jobs Report, including work on climate-resilient transport. Marine waste funding: SPREP says Samoa will join a €6m, 3.5-year regional project (with Fiji, Marshall Islands and Tonga) to tackle marine litter and improve plastic waste management, supported by Germany’s GIZ. Disaster readiness: Samoa’s SFESA responded to recurring bush fires in Savai‘i, using reinforcements from Upolu and drone support to contain risks. Regional labour focus: Samoa First Union’s director attended a Pacific workshop in Vanuatu on improving protections and reintegration for workers under NZ seasonal workers and Australia’s PALM schemes. Diplomatic update: India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, was concurrently accredited as High Commissioner to Niue, with residence in Wellington and earlier concurrent accreditation to Samoa and the Cook Islands.