MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Talofa and Greetings,
Welcome to the second edition of our 2026 Newsletter, covering the period from April to June 2026.
The second quarter has been another productive period for our organisation and the international financial services sector. Building on the strong
foundation established earlier this year, we have continued to make steady progress in strengthening Samoa’s position as a preferred and reputable
jurisdiction for international financial services.
At the same time, we cannot ignore the increasingly uncertain global environment in which we operate. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving the United States and Iran and other regional instabilities, continue to contribute to volatility in global markets, rising fuel prices, and disruptions across international transport and supply chains. While Samoa is geographically distant from these events, small island economies such as ours inevitably feel their effects. Increased travel costs and uncertainty around international connectivity have implications for how we engage with our overseas partners and key markets. As an organisation, we must therefore remain agile and prudent in our planning, carefully prioritising our resources to ensure that our
international promotional and stakeholder engagement activities continue to deliver the greatest value while adapting to an evolving global landscape.
Despite these external challenges, we have continued to advance a number of strategic initiatives that strengthen Samoa’s international financial services sector and reinforce confidence in our jurisdiction.
One of the highlights of the quarter was our second promotional mission to Vietnam, following our inaugural visit last year. This return visit reflects our long-term commitment to developing the Vietnamese market as an important source of future business for Samoa. The mission provided an excellent opportunity to further raise awareness among Vietnamese businesses, high-net-worth individuals, law firms, and other professional financial advisers of the international financial services and structures that Samoa offers. The positive engagement and interest generated during the visit have reinforced our confidence in the potential of this market and the importance of maintaining a visible presence as we continue to build relationships and promote Samoa’s value proposition.
Another significant achievement has been the substantial progress made in advancing Samoa’s obligations under the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) Standard. During the quarter, we continued the collection of key information from our Trust and Company Service Providers (TCSPs) through a comprehensive questionnaire process. I am particularly encouraged by the high level of cooperation and responsiveness demonstrated by our TCSPs, whose willingness to engage constructively reflects the strong partnership that exists between the industry and the Authority. This collaborative approach places us in a strong position as we continue to strengthen Samoa’s compliance with international transparency standards.
Our focus has remained on ensuring Samoa continues to meet evolving international standards while maintaining a competitive and business-friendly environment. This ongoing work supports the long-term sustainability of our sector and reflects our commitment to good governance, transparency, and regulatory excellence.
In this issue, you will find updates on the key developments and activities undertaken during the quarter. We share highlights of our operational performance, including registration and incorporation statistics, industry engagement activities, regulatory and legislative developments, and initiatives that continue to improve our service delivery and strengthen the ease of doing business in Samoa.
I would also like to acknowledge the continued dedication and professionalism of our trustees, registered agents, and industry practitioners. Your commitment to maintaining high standards of compliance and client service continues to strengthen Samoa’s reputation as a trusted international financial centre.
As we move into the second half of the year, we remain focused on delivering our strategic priorities, strengthening relationships with our stakeholders, and promoting Samoa’s value proposition in the international marketplace. While the global operating environment continues to evolve, our commitment remains unchanged, to ensure Samoa continues to be recognised as a well-regulated, resilient, responsive, and internationally respected financial centre.
Thank you to our stakeholders, partners, and colleagues for your continued support and collaboration. The progress we have achieved during the first half of 2026 reflects our collective commitment to the industry and to Samoa’s continued success. I hope you enjoy this edition of our Newsletter, and I look forward to sharing further updates on our progress in the months ahead.
Fa’afetai tele lava,
Tuifaasisina Sieni Voorwinden
Chief Executive Officer
AMENDMENTS UPDATE
New changes are underway to introduce new fees, which have already been consulted on and approved. Further changes are being considered for the proposed beneficial ownership register, which will be included in the proposed amendments to the Trustee Companies Regulations. Consultations with the industry and other relevant stakeholders are scheduled for the second half of 2026.
Brief on Guidelines for TTS
A simple guideline has been developed to help guide the industry on the Territorial Tax System (TTS). The guideline will be updated to include the steps the industry must follow to ensure compliance once approval is obtained from the Ministry of Revenue, the authority responsible for administering the Income Tax Act 2012, under which the TTS will be introduced.
COMPLIANCE DIVISION UPDATE: MARCH – JUNE 2026
It is estimated that financial institutions worldwide spend more than USD200 billion annually on compliance. While meeting these regulatory obligations can be costly, they play a critical role in safeguarding economies from financial crime and other illicit activities. Against this backdrop, the Compliance Division is pursuing a balanced
approach to regulation and supervision. To support Samoa’s position as both a compliant and competitive international financial center, we are working to reduce unnecessary prescriptive requirements and place greater emphasis on risk-based supervision.
In this edition, we provide updates on three key initiatives. First, we outline the development of the risk-based supervision tool designed to strengthen the oversight of Trust and Company Service Providers (TCSPs) and their client’s compliance with the Financial Action Task Force’s global anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and proliferation financing standards.
Second, we discuss SIFA’s ongoing preparations for Samoa’s 5 round Mutual Evaluation by the Asia/Pacific
Group on Money Laundering scheduled for 2028. Finally, we provide an update on the follow-up questionnaire for NonFinancial Entities (NFEs) and its role in supporting compliance with the Common Reporting Standards.
Risk-Based Supervision (AML/CFT)
The Compliance Division is in the final stages of developing its AML/CFT Risk-Based Supervision Tool, with technical assistance from the IMF. The tool is designed to provide a structured and consistent framework for assessing risks across Trust and Company Service Providers (TCSPs), enabling supervisors to better identify, monitor, and respond to higher-risk areas.
By incorporating measurable risk indicators and strengthening the quality of supervisory data, the tool will support a more targeted and proportionate approach to oversight. This will allow supervisory resources to be directed towards areas of greatest risk and vulnerability while ensuring that regulatory practices remain aligned with international standards promulgated by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Ahead of its planned launch in July, the Compliance Division will conduct an awareness session with TCSPs to introduce the tool and outline its role in supporting a more effective risk-based supervisory framework.
Mutual Evaluation Preparations (2027/2028)
Samoa is currently preparing for its upcoming Mutual Evaluation, scheduled for 2027/2028, during which the country’s AML/CFT framework will be assessed against the 40 Recommendations issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
As part of these preparations, the Money Laundering Prevention Bill is currently in Parliament. The proposed legislation is intended to strengthen Samoa’s AML/CFT framework and ensure continued alignment with evolving international standards. In parallel, the Compliance Division will be developing AML/CFT guidance for the Trust and Company Service Provider (TCSP) sector to support industry understanding of regulatory obligations and further enhance the effectiveness of Samoa’s AML/CFT regime.
REGISTRY FIGURES AT A GLANCE:
Highest Growth Rate
Our figures demonstrate continued growth in both month-on-month and yearon-year performance highlights the resilience and attractiveness of Samoa’s international business sector. The sustained increase in new incorporations and renewals demonstrates continued confidence in the jurisdiction and its regulatory framework.
Total live companies as of May 31 (refer table) shows a 0.7%increase compared to April 2026 and a 1% increase when compared to the same period in the previous FY.
| Indicator | Value | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Total Live Companies | 29,874 | ▲ +0.7% (vs April 2026) |
| Monthly Change | +222 companies | Increase from 29,652 |
| Year-on-Year Change | +442 companies | ▲ +1.0% (vs May 2025) |
Highest Number of New Incorporations
New incorporations demonstrate a strong and consistent upward trajectory since FY 2021 steadily tracking towards the annual target of 2000 registrations in subsequent years. In recognition of this sustained growth and increasing market confidence, the FY 2025- 26 target was increased to 2,500.
Current performance indicates the sector remains on a positive growth path and is well positioned to achieve the current revised target.
On the other hand, the Registry continues to proactively identify not just the challenges, but also potential opportunities for growth, and remain focus on enhancing operational efficiency, system enhancements and
service quality which are vital to sustaining growth.
FY 2025-26 TARGET WAS INCREASED TO 2,500.
SAMOA FOUNDATIONS AS A WEALTH PRESERVATION TOOL
Samoa’s foundations regime, established under the International Foundations Act 2016 and further refined through subsequent legislative developments, provides a modern and flexible legal framework designed to support asset protection, succession planning, and long-term wealth preservation. Combining features traditionally associated with both trusts and companies, a Samoan foundation is a separate legal entity capable of owning assets in its own name. It is governed by a Charter and Rules, which may be drafted in any language, provided an English translation is supplied.
A key strength of the regime lies in its robust yet adaptable governance framework. Every foundation has a Founder, who may reserve specific powers, and a Council, which is responsible for the management and control of the foundation’s affairs. The Council may delegate day-to-day administrative functions to appointed officers, allowing for efficient administration. Additional oversight may be provided through the appointment of a Supervisory Person, while a Guardian is mandatory where non-notifiable beneficiaries exist, ensuring that their interests are appropriately protected. This structure provides a clear delineation of powers, responsibilities, and succession arrangements while maintaining flexibility to meet individual client needs.
Samoan foundations are required to have a defined purpose and may accommodate both notifiable and non-notifiable beneficiaries, allowing for a high degree of confidentiality. Information is managed through a registry system, which carefully balances regulatory transparency with client privacy. The regime also provides certainty through clear statutory provisions governing appointments, the removal of officials, and the winding-up of foundations.
From a wealth preservation perspective, Samoa offers strong asset protection measures which is evident where Foundation assets are legally separate from the Founder’s personal estate, limiting exposure to creditor claims and providing safeguards against foreign judgments and forced heirship rules. Foundations may also be established for specialised purposes, including charitable activities or in conjunction with partnership structures, thereby expanding their practical applications across a range of private wealth and succession planning objectives.
We are pleased to note an increasing interest in Samoa’s Foundation as a wealth management solution, reflected in the growing number of foundations registered. Building on this momentum, Samoa has expanded its international engagement efforts, including initiatives in Vietnam, to share its expertise with civil law jurisdictions where foundation structures are widely recognised and understood. These developments further position Samoa as a credible, innovative, and evolving international financial centre for global wealth structuring solutions.
As interest in Samoa’s foundation regime continues to grow, ongoing awareness and business development engagement will remain a priority to further strengthen market understanding and position Samoa as a leading International Financial Centre for wealth structuring solutions.
TRUST COMPANY SERVICE PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT
As we review trustee performance for the period April to June 2026, we are pleased to recognize ASIACITI Trust Samoa Limited (ATSL) and Maystar Samoa Limited for jointly recording the highest growth rate in new company incorporations for the second quarter of 2026.
This achievement reflects a strong quarter for both trust companies. ATSL has continued the positive performance it delivered in the previous quarter, while Maystar’s strong results this quarter saw it finish alongside ATSL with the highest growth rate. The achievement highlights the commitment and professionalism of both companies, as well as their continued focus on delivering quality service to their clients.
During the quarter, both trust companies continued to process new company incorporations efficiently while meeting all regulatory requirements. Despite the increase in business activity, they maintained high standards of compliance and due diligence, reinforcing the confidence that clients place in their services.
While ATSL and Maystar shared the highest growth rate for the quarter, we also acknowledge the contribution of all trust company service providers. Their continued efforts play an important role in supporting the growth and development of Samoa’s international business industry.
We extend our congratulations to ATSL and Maystar on this well-deserved achievement and thank them for their continued contribution to the growth and advancement of Samoa’s international financial services sector.
The April to June 2026 quarter saw strong incorporation activity across Samoa’s international business sector, with two trustees leading the way in new company registrations.
Intershore Consult (Samoa) Limited recorded the highest number of new incorporations for the period. This marks the second consecutive quarter that Intershore has held the top position, following a similarly strong performance in the January to March 2026 quarter. The result highlights consistent client demand and the team’s steady handling of incorporation activity throughout the jurisdiction.
VISTRA (Samoa) Limited recorded the second highest number of new incorporations for this quarter. Their performance reflects continued confidence and trust in Samoa as a jurisdiction for international financial services and we appreciate their continued patronage and business.
Together, both trustees played a key role in maintaining strong momentum in new company formations during the quarter, contributing to the
ongoing development of Samoa’s international financial services industry.
We extend our congratulations to both Intershore Consult (Samoa) Limited and VISTRA (Samoa) Limited and acknowledge their continued contribution to the growth and stability of the sector.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
April – May 2026 Samoa IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026
Samoa IBFC was proud to partner with the Samoa Weightlifting Federation as the Naming Rights Sponsor of the Samoa IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026, held from 25th April to 1st May at the Tuanaimato Sports Complex in Apia, Samoa. The event welcomed over 400 athletes, officials, and delegates from 75 countries, placing Samoa firmly in the international spotlight and showcasing our ability to host world-class sporting events.
From the official media launch to athlete arrivals, the opening ceremony, and our exclusive cocktail function, Samoa IBFC played an active role in bringing this major event to life. Our branding was visible across all key venues, reinforcing our commitment to supporting sport as a platform for national growth, tourism, and youth
development.
For Samoa IBFC, this sponsorship was more than visibility- it was about backing excellence, building connections, and celebrating Samoa on the Global Stage. It also demonstrated the significant contributions the sector continues to make not just to supporting government budgets but to the development of sports in Samoa.
The event was made even more special by Team Samoa’s incredible performance, securing an impressive 26 Gold, 18 Silver and 6 Bronze medals. Along with major team awards including Best Female Team, Best Overall Male Team, Best Junior Team, and Best Overall Female Junior Team. it was a proud moment for the nation and a strong reminder of what can be achieved through partnership, vision, and investment in sport.
May 2026 - Hanoi, Vietnam
We successfully conducted a promotional visit to Hanoi,
Vietnam from 18th to 21st May 2026, as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen international engagement and expand outreach in emerging markets.
During the visit, the delegation participated in the World Financial Innovation Series (WFIS) and held targeted meetings with leading Vietnamese law firms, advisory
firms, and regulatory institutions. These engagements
provided an opportunity to promote Samoa’s International Finance Centre framework and explore potential areas of collaboration in financial services.
Vietnamese counterparts expressed strong interest in Samoa’s financial services offerings, particularly in areas such as foundations, investment structures, and in new and emerging financial products and activities such as Crypto and Digital assets. The visit also provided valuable insights into regional trends in financial innovation and build Samoa’s profile within the Vietnamese market.
As an emerging market, Vietnam presents opportunities for longer-term engagement, particularly within civil law jurisdictions where foundation structures are better understood. Follow-up discussions and information-sharing initiatives are planned to further develop relationships established during the visit and support future business opportunities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Asia Market Series
Hong Kong serves as is an important gateway to regional professional networks, including trust companies, family offices, legal practitioners, and private wealth advisors. The Visit will provide an opportunity for one-on-one discussions on Samoa’s international finance services, including international companies, trusts and foundation structures and Samoa’s licensing framework, while facilitating dialogue with overseas counterparts of Samoa’s licensed Trust Company Service Providers.
In addition to business development, the initiative seeks to deepen regional understanding of Samoa’s legislative reforms and support collaboration with professional intermediaries. The Asia Market Series represents a long-term our continuing commitment to building sustainable relationships and increasing Samoa’s visibility and relevance within one of the world’s most dynamic wealth management regions.
The America Outbound Summit, New York, September 2026
The America Outbound Summit will be held this year in New York on the 23rd – 25th September. Hosted by the Outbound Investment Group, the Summit presents an
important opportunity for Samoa to grow its presence within the North American market. As international families, advisors and private clients increasingly review their structuring arrangements in response to changing tax, compliance and regulatory requirements, demand for alternative international finance jurisdictions continues to grow.
Samoa first participated in the 2024 America Outbound Summit where it was held in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and gained valuable exposure to a market that remains relatively new for Samoa’s international finance sector. Continued participation will enable Samoa to present its modern legislative framework and international finance products directly to wealth advisors, family offices, tax professionals and corporate
service providers seeking flexible and well-regulated solutions.
Participation in the Summit will also provide insight into emerging trends in international wealth structuring and cross-border planning, helping Samoa remain responsive to the changing needs of global clients not only for its traditional markets, but also for emerging markets such as the American market.
