Cambodia’s banking and financial institutions disbursed approximately $31.8 billion in loans during 2025, marking a 5.3% increase from $31.19 billion in 2024, according to a report released by the Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC).
Total outstanding credit surpassed $62 billion, up from $58 billion the previous year, while the number of individual borrowers reached approximately 5.13 million – a clear sign of sustained credit demand despite economic and geopolitical headwinds.
📊 Key Statistics at a Glance
| Indicator | 2025 Value | Change vs 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total loans disbursed | $31.8 billion | ▲ 5.3% |
| Outstanding credit | $62+ billion | ▲ $4 billion |
| Number of borrowers | 5.13 million | — |
| Loan applications | 6.3 million | ▲ 8.7% |
| Licensed lending institutions | 196 | — |
| – Banks | 91 | — |
| – Microfinance institutions | 71 | — |
Source: Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC)
🏦 Strong Credit Demand Despite Border Tensions
Oeur Sothearoath, CEO of Credit Bureau Cambodia, noted that credit demand remained robust throughout 2025, even in the face of challenges such as Cambodia–Thailand border tensions and global economic uncertainty.
Loan applications rose by 8.7% to reach 6.3 million, with lending activity intensifying notably in the fourth quarter of 2025 – a seasonal pattern typical for year‑end business and household spending.
The resilience of Cambodia’s credit market reflects the underlying strength of the economy and the population’s growing access to formal financial services.
💵 Small‑Value Loans Dominate – Women Lead Borrowing
The CBC report highlights several notable trends in lending composition:
- Small‑value loans (under $3,000) accounted for approximately 60% of all loans, underscoring the importance of microcredit for daily needs, small businesses, and agriculture.
- Business loans represented only 13% of total lending, indicating that most borrowing is for personal or household purposes rather than large‑scale enterprise investment.
- Women made up 52% of borrowers – a significant statistic that highlights the role of female entrepreneurs and household managers in driving economic activity at the grassroots level.
This distribution aligns with Cambodia’s deep‑rooted microfinance sector, which has long been a tool for poverty reduction and financial inclusion.
🗺️ Geographic Concentration: Phnom Penh Leads
Credit remains heavily concentrated in and around the capital:
| Region | Share of Total Credit |
|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | ~50% ($31 billion) |
| Kandal Province | — |
| Kampong Speu Province | — |
| Combined (3 regions) | 61% |
Phnom Penh alone accounted for roughly $31 billion in outstanding credit – half of the national total. Kandal and Kampong Speu, both adjacent to the capital, together contributed another 11%.
This concentration reflects the capital’s role as the country’s economic, administrative, and industrial hub. For investors and lenders, opportunities outside these core regions remain largely untapped.
🏛️ A Maturing Financial Sector
As of 2025, Cambodia had 196 licensed lending institutions, including:
- 91 commercial banks
- 71 microfinance institutions (MFIs)
- 34 other specialized lenders
The coexistence of large banks and numerous MFIs allows borrowers to choose between conventional banking products and more flexible, smaller‑scale microloans – a dual structure that has been key to Cambodia’s financial deepening.
The Credit Bureau Cambodia, established in 2012, plays a critical role by collecting and sharing credit data among members, enabling lenders to assess risk accurately and borrowers to build credit histories.
📈 What This Means for Investors
For foreign investors, the continued growth in lending signals:
- A healthy, expanding economy with rising domestic consumption
- Opportunities in financial services – including fintech, digital payments, and credit scoring
- Untapped regional markets outside Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Kampong Speu
- A growing role for women as economic agents and potential partners
The dominance of small‑value loans also suggests that microfinance remains a viable entry point for impact investors and socially responsible funds.
🔗 Related Investment Guides
- How to Start a Business in Cambodia as a Foreigner (2026 Legal Guide)
- Cambodia Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Trends 2000–2026
- Cambodia Inflation Rate 2026: A Deep Dive into Economic Resilience
- Cambodia on Track to Graduate from LDC Status by 2029
- AIIB Pledges Stronger Support for Cambodia’s Renewable Energy Goals
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why did loan disbursements grow despite border tensions?
Domestic credit demand remained strong due to seasonal spending, agricultural cycles, and the continued expansion of microfinance. The border issue did not significantly affect internal lending dynamics.
What is the Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC)?
CBC is a private credit reporting agency that collects and shares borrower data among member financial institutions. It helps lenders assess creditworthiness and reduces default risk.
Why are small‑value loans so dominant?
Small loans (under $3,000) cater to micro‑entrepreneurs, farmers, and households. Cambodia has a long history of microfinance, and these loans are the most accessible form of credit for the majority of the population.
What opportunities exist for foreign investors in Cambodia’s financial sector?
Foreign investors can participate through fintech partnerships, digital lending platforms, or by establishing a licensed bank or MFI (subject to regulatory approval from the National Bank of Cambodia). The growing demand for credit and the low bank account penetration rate offer significant upside.
📢 Disclaimer
This article is based on information from the Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC) report as published by Fresh News Asia on April 1, 2026. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers should consult the National Bank of Cambodia and CBC for the most current financial data and regulatory guidelines.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The 5.3% growth in loan disbursements to $31.8 billion in 2025 underscores the resilience and vitality of Cambodia’s financial sector. Even as border tensions and global uncertainties persisted, both individuals and businesses continued to seek credit – particularly small‑value loans dominated by women borrowers.
For investors, the message is clear: Cambodia’s credit market is expanding, digital transformation is accelerating, and opportunities exist both in the capital and in underserved provinces. As the country moves toward LDC graduation and middle‑income status, a robust and inclusive financial system will be essential to sustain inclusive growth.
Source: Fresh News Asia / Credit Bureau Cambodia