The Central Bank of Samoa has activated the Instant Funds Transfer (IFT) functionality of the Samoa Automated Transfer System (SATS), enabling real-time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week transfers between commercial bank clients. IFT supports small-value payments with a maximum transfer size of $1,000 and is positioned as an additional secure retail payment service within SATS, the national digital payment system launched on 16 May 2023. The central bank highlighted banking industry collaboration and linked the new capability to further innovation in retail payment services. Next steps in Samoa’s financial infrastructure reform programme include onboarding government financial services to SATS through the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry for Customs and Revenue, with further retail service enhancements planned within the next two years.
Central Bank of Samoa 2025-06-23
Central Bank of Samoa activates 24/7 real-time Instant Funds Transfer on Samoa Automated Transfer System
The Central Bank of Samoa has activated the Instant Funds Transfer functionality within the Samoa Automated Transfer System, allowing real-time transfers between commercial bank clients. This service supports small-value payments up to $1,000 and aims to enhance secure retail payment options. Future plans include integrating government financial services into SATS and further retail service enhancements over the next two years.