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.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) today, December 10, 2025, issued a new instruction detailing measures to alleviate the financial burden on citizens affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.

This new directive responds to the call of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and is issued in a spirit of solidarity, humanity, and alignment with the Royal Government’s policy to support military personnel directly engaged in combat and civilians impacted by the border conflict.

I. Key Concessions for Affected Military Personnel

The NBC instructs all banking and financial institutions to grant significant financial relief to military personnel involved in the current conflict:

1. For Fallen (Sacrificed) or Disabled Soldiers

• Fallen Soldiers (Sacrificed): Institutions shall cancel debts up to 80 million Riel (KHR 80,000,000) for customers or co-borrowers who are fallen military personnel.
• Disabled Soldiers: Institutions shall cancel debts up to 10 million Riel (KHR 10,000,000) for customers who are military personnel disabled in the current battlefield.

2. For Frontline Operating Soldiers (Waivers and Deferrals)

Military personnel directly engaged in combat operations will receive the following concessions effective immediately until May 31, 2026:

• Waiver of Fees and Penalties: Institutions shall waive all fees and penalties related to credit.
• Waiver of Interest Payments and Principal Deferral: Institutions shall waive interest payments and defer principal repayment.

Crucially: The NBC specifies that for this concession, banking and financial institutions must not capitalize the interest onto the principal amount.

II. Humanitarian and Policy Alignment

The new instruction underscores the government’s priority in providing financial relief to the frontline military personnel defending the nation, as well as the civilians enduring hardship due to the renewed conflict.

The post National Bank of Cambodia Announces Major Financial Relief for Border Conflict Military Personnel appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

In light of the renewed tension along the Cambodia-Thailand border, which has negatively impacted the lives and livelihoods of the people, the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) and the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) wish to inform the public that both associations will continue to implement the relief measures originally issued by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) on July 30, 2025.

The two associations are fully prepared and ready to comply with any further directives from the National Bank of Cambodia and the Royal Government of Cambodia.

Commitment to Solidarity and Humanitarian Support

In a spirit of solidarity and humanity, and in a bid to ease the financial burden on those most affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, all member institutions—including commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and other financial institutions—are committed to providing assistance to affected customers through the aforementioned measures.

READ MORE: National Bank of Cambodia Announces Major Financial Relief for Border Conflict Military Personnel

The measures are specifically aimed at supporting:

1. Military Personnel: Easing the financial burden on soldiers who are directly engaged in combat operations on the battlefield.
2. Civilians: Providing relief to citizens who are directly impacted by the border conflict, including those displaced.

All member financial institutions pledge to cooperate fully in facilitating relief for affected customers in line with the established regulations.

The post Banking and Microfinance Sectors Continue Financial Relief Measures for People Affected by Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia formalized a critical partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 9, 2025.

The signing ceremony took place at the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum (SOSORO), witnessed by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the NBC, and Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

This strategic MoU aims to significantly strengthen collaboration across three high-priority areas: financial inclusion, sustainable finance, and digital financial transformation in Cambodia.

I. Strengthening Financial Inclusion and the National Currency

Promoting Khmer Riel Use and Financial Literacy

Under this partnership, the NBC and UNDP will actively cooperate on initiatives designed to promote the Khmer Riel (KHR) and enhance financial knowledge:

• Wider KHR Use: The program will encourage the wider use of the Khmer Riel through a phased approach involving KHR-based wage payments.
• Financial Literacy: Joint initiatives will increase financial literacy across the population, ensuring more citizens understand and use formal financial services.

II. Advancing Green and Sustainable Finance

Developing Cambodia’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

A key component of the collaboration involves tackling climate change through finance. The partners will work to advance climate and sustainable finance by:

• National Taxonomy: Developing and implementing a national sustainable finance taxonomy. This framework will define and classify investments that contribute to environmental and social goals.
• ESG Integration: Establishing robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks to guide financial institutions in making responsible investment decisions.

III. Digital Transformation for MSMEs

Universal Trusted Credentials (UTC) for Credit Access

The most transformative digital initiative is the operationalization of the Universal Trusted Credentials (UTC) platform: .

• Verified Digital Profile: The UTC platform will create a verified digital profile of enterprises using authoritative, official data.
• Efficient Credit Assessment: This system helps financial institutions assess creditworthiness more efficiently, thereby streamlining the loan application process.
• Affordable Financing: Ultimately, the UTC platform seeks to improve access to affordable financing for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), boosting their growth and contribution to the national economy.

Following the event, the delegation visited the SOSORO museum, exploring Cambodia’s rich economic and monetary history.

The post NBC and UNDP Partner to Drive Digital and Sustainable Finance in Cambodia appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

Huione Pay Completes Liquidation, Client Obligations Settled

The company finalized all legal liquidation procedures under the supervision of REACHS & Partners Co., Ltd., in accordance with the Ministry of Commerce Decision on 19 June 2025. This revocation confirms that all payment obligations of Huione Pay Plc., including those to its clients, have been fully settled in accordance with Cambodian law.

Urgent Crypto Warning: Unauthorized Transactions Pose Risk

The NBC has also identified cryptocurrency transactions involving the purchase, sale, or transfer of crypto assets in Cambodia that do not comply with the new NBC Notification Number B7-024-735 Prokor (dated 26 December 2024), or previous joint statements.

These unauthorized activities pose potential risks to Cambodia’s banking system and the public.

No Bank is Licensed for Crypto Assets: NBC Clarification

The NBC is highly concerned because:

• No Licensed Services: Currently, no bank or financial institution in Cambodia is authorised by the NBC to offer services related to cryptocurrency assets. The market remains unregulated for public participation.
• Non-Compliance Risks: Transactions that violate the new December 2024 framework—especially those involving unauthorized Group 2 unbacked cryptoassets—are subject to severe penalties and heightened risk of fraud and money laundering.

Public Caution Advised Against Non-Compliant Crypto Activities

The NBC urges the public and all financial institutions to exercise extreme caution with cryptocurrency transactions and to strictly adhere to existing regulations. Members of the public are advised to remain informed and cautious when participating in crypto activities.

The post NBC Revokes Huione Pay License, Issues Strong Warning on Crypto Risks appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

• The public can continue to exchange old, worn, or torn Riel banknotes for new ones on an ongoing basis.
• This service is provided free of charge (no service fee).
• You can make the exchange at any NBC provincial or capital branch nearest to your home, during regular working hours.

Case Study: Exchanging Fire-Damaged Currency

As an example of this service, the NBC branch in Battambang province exchanged new Riel notes for the owner of a merchandise shop named Heng Chhay Ly in Battambang city on November 18, 2025.

• The shop owner’s money, totaling 6,388,500 Riel, had been damaged by fire.
• The National Bank successfully exchanged the damaged currency for new notes.

Conditions for Exchange

The exchange of damaged currency is carried out based on specific conditions:

1. The banknotes must be genuine Riel notes (not counterfeit).
2. According to the assessment guidelines, the banknote must retain more than 70% of its original size and integrity.

The National Bank of Cambodia confirmed that it continues to provide this service—exchanging old, worn, or torn Riel banknotes—at all NBC branches across the country.

The post National Bank of Cambodia Continues Free Exchange for Old or Damaged Riel Notes appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.