The meeting marks a pivotal moment for the Kingdom’s digital transformation. Under the executive leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia is positioning itself as a regional leader in “FinTech” (Financial Technology), utilizing the innovative Bakong system and AI-driven liquidity forecasting to ensure a stable and inclusive economy.

Driving Financial Inclusion through Education Ms. Siddiqi commended the National Bank for its groundbreaking work in financial literacy. In a move that aligns with Western educational standards, Cambodia has successfully integrated financial education into its general school curriculum—a step the ADB Director described as “significant progress” for long-term national growth.

The partnership will continue to focus on several key pillars:

• AI Integration: Leveraging artificial intelligence to modernize banking operations and consumer protection.
• National Strategy 2026–2030: Updating the National Strategy on Financial Inclusion to reach underserved rural communities.
• Economic Sustainability: Strengthening the Financial Services Consumer Protection Centre to ensure a safe environment for all investors.

A Lasting Partnership for Stability Governor Chea Serey reaffirmed the NBC’s long-standing cooperation with the ADB, expressing gratitude for the technical support that has helped stabilize Cambodia’s economy despite global uncertainties. As Cambodia moves toward the 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income nation, this partnership remains a cornerstone of the Pentagonal Strategy.

FAQ: National Bank of Cambodia AI finance 2026

The post Cambodia and ADB Forge New Financial Frontier: Focus on AI and National Digital Payments appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

Outstanding loans rose 4.1% from a year earlier to about $63 billion, while customer deposits climbed 14.7% to $65.7 billion, the central bank said in its annual report released Friday.

Non-performing loans remained at manageable levels, with banks reporting an average ratio of 8.9% and other financial institutions at 8.3%, the report showed.

Total assets in Cambodia’s banking and financial system reached $101.8 billion in 2025, up 9.5% from the previous year, reflecting continued balance-sheet expansion.

Speaking at the NBC’s annual meeting on Thursday, central bank Governor Chea Serey said the financial system continued to support economic activity despite slower global growth and domestic challenges.

“Credit growth reached 4.1% in 2025, higher than in 2024, supported by rising demand from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises seeking capital to expand their businesses,” she said.

Chea Serey added that strong deposit growth, solid capital buffers, and high liquidity levels point to sustained public confidence in the banking system.

Cambodia’s financial sector comprises 59 commercial banks, 89 microfinance institutions, four specialized banks, and 89 rural credit institutions, serving approximately 18.6 million deposit accounts and 4.3 million loan accounts nationwide, according to the NBC.

Digital payments continued to expand rapidly. The country recorded 18.9 million e-wallet accounts in 2025, while transactions processed through the Bakong payment system totaled 1.325 billion, including 771 million transactions in Cambodian riel and 554 million in U.S. dollars, the central bank said.

The post Cambodia Banking Sector Sees Steady Growth in 2025 appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

The meeting, led by AMRO Director Mr. Yasuto Watanabe, signaled a deepening partnership as Cambodia transitions from a traditional cash-based economy to a regional leader in fintech and artificial intelligence.

A Global Model for Digital Payments

Mr. Watanabe lauded Cambodia’s Bakong blockchain payment system, describing it as a “global benchmark” for financial inclusion. The system has allowed Cambodia to leapfrog legacy banking infrastructure, enabling over 10 million citizens—roughly 60% of the adult population—to access digital finance.

Governor Chea Serey emphasized that these innovations are not just about convenience; they are strategic tools for:

• Khmer Riel (KHR) Promotion: Increasing the use of local currency through digital interoperability.
• Regional Integration: Strengthening cross-border QR payment links with Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
• Financial Literacy: Using tech to bring unbanked rural populations into the formal economy.

The AI Frontier in Banking

A core focus of the discussion was the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The NBC is currently pioneering an AI-based liquidity forecasting model in collaboration with JICA, aimed at making monetary policy more autonomous and data-driven. This world-first pilot for a central bank is expected to conclude its proof-of-concept phase by February 2026.

Economic Outlook: The “Two-Speed” Recovery

While the meeting hit a positive note regarding industrial exports and digital growth, both parties issued a note of caution regarding Cambodia’s “two-speed” economy.

AMRO highlighted that while industrial growth is robust, the real estate and construction sectors—historically the backbones of the GDP—have yet to regain their pre-pandemic momentum, posing a challenge for the broader domestic recovery in 2026.

FAQ: NBC and AMRO Economic Summit

1. Who is AMRO and why does their opinion matter?

The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) is the regional surveillance body for the 10 ASEAN nations plus China, Japan, and South Korea. They act as a “gym trainer” for economies, providing the data and policy advice needed to ensure financial stability.

2. How is AI being used by the National Bank of Cambodia?

The NBC is testing AI and machine learning to forecast “liquidity”—essentially predicting how much cash is flowing through the economy daily. This helps the bank make better decisions on interest rates and local currency management.

3. Why is the construction sector struggling if the rest of the economy is growing?

The construction sector is facing a “hangover” from oversupply and a slower-than-expected return of foreign buyers. While export-led manufacturing (like tires and garments) is booming, domestic property markets take longer to adjust.

4. What does “financial inclusion” mean in this context?

It refers to the ability of everyday Cambodians, including street vendors and rural farmers, to have a safe place to save money and a digital way to pay without needing a physical bank branch nearby.

5. Is the Khmer Riel becoming more popular?

Yes. Through systems like Bakong and standardized KHQR codes, the NBC has made it easier and cheaper to pay in Riel, which is a key part of their long-term goal to reduce reliance on the US Dollar.

The post Cambodia’s Financial Future: NBC and AMRO Talk AI, Digital Payments, and Economic Gaps appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

What is this plan for?

The main goal is to make sure Cambodia’s economy keeps moving forward. Even though the world is facing some tough times and trade arguments, Cambodia expects to grow by about 5.2% next year. This plan is the guide to help us get there.

The Three Big Goals

1. Help Everyone Get Bank Services: The plan wants to make sure that even people in far-away villages or small business owners can easily use a bank or a phone to save and send money.
2. Use New Technology (FinTech): We are using more apps and digital tools to pay for things. The plan focuses on making these tools faster while also making sure they are safe from hackers or scams.
3. Protect the Country’s Future: By having a strong and independent financial system, Cambodia can decide its own future and not have to rely too much on what happens in other countries.

A Brief History: 25 Years of Planning

Cambodia didn’t just start this today. We have been following “roadmaps” like this for 25 years (since 2001). This is the 5th time the plan has been updated to match how the world is changing.

• Past Plans: Helped build the first modern banks in Cambodia.
• Today’s Plan: Focuses on digital money, helping small businesses, and keeping our economy steady even when global prices go up and down.

Who is leading this?

This plan was put together by experts at the National Bank of Cambodia and the Ministry of Economy, with help from the Asian Development Bank. It was officially approved by Prime Minister Hun Manet to ensure it aligns with the country’s long-term goals.

Why should I care?

When the financial system is strong:

• Jobs are created because businesses can get loans to grow.
• Your money is safer in the bank.
• Prices stay more stable, making it easier for families to afford what they need.

“We want a financial system that is strong enough to support every citizen as Cambodia grows into a wealthier nation.” — Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank

The post Cambodia’s New Money Roadmap: The 2025-2030 Financial Plan appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

This promise was made by Mr. Danny Quah Boon Leng, RHB’s Managing Director of International Business, during a meeting in Phnom Penh yesterday with H.E. Mrs. Chea Serey, the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC).

Praising Tech and Promising Support

Mr. Quah spoke highly of Cambodia’s advancements in financial technology (Fintech), especially the success of the Bakong payment system. He also confirmed that RHB is dedicated to helping train and develop skilled workers in Cambodia’s banking sector.

REAM MORE: Bakong Tourist App: A Complete Guide to Cashless Travel in Cambodia 2025

In response, Governor Chea Serey thanked RHB for their ongoing commitment. She encouraged the bank to increase its support for key parts of the Cambodian economy, such as agriculture, processing industries (agro-industry), and manufacturing.

Economic Outlook

The Governor also took the opportunity to update the RHB delegation on Cambodia’s:

• Economic outlook (what the economy is expected to do).
• The strength and stability of the banking system.
• The importance of increasing financial transparency (making financial activities clear and open).

READ MORE: Why Digital Payments Now Trump Large Cash Bills in Cambodia

The post RHB Bank Reaffirms Strong Commitment to Cambodia appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.