13/05/2026
Congratulations on our great progress in Samoa!
We will continue to make strides in the South Pacific—stay tuned!🆙🌺
CBS Approves Testing of New Digital Payment Services in Samoa
Apia, Samoa — The Central Bank of Samoa (CBS) has approved the testing of two new digital payment products, PacWallex and TickTap Card, under its Regulatory Sandbox Framework, marking another step toward modernizing Samoa’s financial services sector.
The approval was granted to FreedomPacific Samoa Limited, allowing the company to begin a controlled testing phase of the products from 4 May 2026 through to 3 February 2027.
According to CBS, PacWallex is a digital wallet designed to allow individuals and businesses to securely store, send, and receive electronic money using their mobile phones. The platform will also enable users to make merchant payments, transfer money, and pay for everyday services such as utility bills.
Alongside the wallet service, FreedomPacific will also test the TickTap Card, a contactless payment card linked directly to the PacWallex wallet. The card is expected to allow users to make quick “tap-and-go” payments at participating merchants.
CBS said the products will operate within a controlled environment during the nine-month testing period, with safeguards in place including user limits, transaction caps, and strict monitoring measures to manage potential risks.
The Central Bank assured the public that the testing will be conducted under close regulatory supervision, with requirements covering customer fund protection, data security, transaction monitoring, and customer complaint handling.
CBS also reminded the public that PacWallex and TickTap Card are currently being tested under the Regulatory Sandbox and are not yet fully licensed financial services. Participation in the testing program will be voluntary and limited.
The Regulatory Sandbox allows innovative financial products and services to be tested in a supervised environment before full commercial approval. CBS says the initiative supports financial innovation while helping regulators better understand emerging technologies and their associated risks.
The Central Bank reaffirmed its commitment to building a modern, inclusive, and resilient financial system in Samoa, adding that the approval of these products represents an important milestone in advancing digital payments and expanding financial inclusion across the country.
For further information, CBS has advised members of the public to contact its Financial System Development Department via email at [email protected].
