“Cambodia’s financial sector remains resilient, liquid, and subject to close supervision by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), with key prudential indicators remaining above minimum regulatory requirements,” read the statement. “Recent speculation and misinformation regarding the condition of certain banks do not reflect the overall strength of the sector.”

ABC and CMA emphasised that a temporary operational disruption at an individual institution should not be interpreted as a reflection of the condition of the wider financial system.

“Cambodia’s financial sector continues to be supported by strong prudential regulation, ongoing supervision, and liquidity safeguards,” they underlined.

The two associations also strongly condemned the spread of false or misleading information that could undermine public trust.

Moreover, ABC and CMA urged the public not to rely on rumors or unverified social media content, and to follow only official information from the NBC and licensed banks and financial institutions or contact their respective institutions directly for clarification.

“The associations remain confident in the resilience of the sector and will continue to work closely with the NBC and member banks and financial institutions to support clear communication, promote orderly conditions, and help maintain stability and confidence in the financial system,” the statement concluded.

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The report shows that the Bakong system processed 771.2 million-Riel transactions last year, a 1.6-fold increase compared to 2024. The total value of these transactions reached KHR 285.9 trillion, up 59.4 percent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, U.S. dollar transactions through Bakong surged by 79.7 percent in volume, amounting to 554.5 million transactions, equivalent to US$152.8 billion, an increase of 49.3 percent over the previous year.

NBC Governor H.E. Mrs. Chea Serey emphasised the central bank’s commitment to modernising Cambodia’s payment infrastructure.

“Even though the current payment system is advancing, we will continue to improve Cambodia’s payment infrastructure to enable real-time, secure, and efficient transactions for both businesses and consumers, supporting the country’s broader financial modernisation and digital economy goals,” she said.

The Bakong system, which has become a cornerstone of Cambodia’s digital finance strategy, now provides businesses and consumers with faster, safer, and more efficient payment options, reinforcing the government’s vision of a cashless economy.

The post Bakong System Sees Surge in Riel and U.S. Dollar Transactions in 2025 first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

But its 5.1 percent forecast for 2027 is unchanged from its previous projection in June last year.

The bank has meanwhile raised Cambodia’s growth estimate for last year by 0.8 percentage points to 4.8 percent.

Latest forecasts are contained in the bank’s Global Economic Prospects report released in Washington on Tuesday.

The outlook for Cambodia this year is in line with the bank’s 4.4 percent growth forecast for China and similar to the projections of 4.1 percent for Malaysia and for 4.0 percent for Laos.

VIETNAM LEADS, THAILAND LAGS

Among other ASEAN countries, growth forecasts range from a high of 6.3 percent for Vietnam and a low of 1.8 percent for Thailand.

Growth is also forecast at 5.3 percent in the Philippines, 5.0 percent in Indonesia, 3.4 percent in Timor-Leste and 3.0 percent in Myanmar.

The bank says an export slowdown in emerging market and developing economies in East Asia and the Pacific is likely to be smaller than expected amid rising Chinese shipments to non-U.S. markets and demand for chips driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

DETAILS OF U.S. TRADE DEALS UNCLEAR

Even though many economies have reached trade agreements with the United States, the bank says uncertainty remains high.

“Details related to rules-of-origin and transshipments remain unclear,” it says. “Tariff exemptions for sectors such as electronics and semiconductors could also prove temporary.”

Manufacturers highly exposed to U.S. markets are “particularly vulnerable” — notably Cambodia and Vietnam followed by China, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

On the upside, the private sector’s ability to adapt to higher trade barriers is expected to boost growth and reduce the drag from slower exports.

AI ADOPTION COULD FUEL EXPORTS

In addition, increased technology investment and AI adoption could fuel demand for exports.

The bank finds “some evidence” that automation is boosting manufacturing jobs and wages in some economies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Moreover, many economies ranking high in terms of AI preparedness “could benefit more from AI-induced productivity gains.”

The bank notes that China and Malaysia were leading the region in AI preparedness in 2023 followed by Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The post World Bank Sees Cambodia’s Growth Climbing from 4.3% This Year to 5.1% in 2027 first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

The funding is specifically allocated to MAFF’s project, “Climate Resilience Enhancement for Building Adaptive Capacity in Agri-Value Chains in Cambodia.” This program is designed to empower local farmers, agribusinesses, and agro-processing entrepreneurs to adopt modern technologies that can withstand the impacts of climate change.

Collateral-Free Loans for Innovation
Under the program, agricultural stakeholders in the initial five target provinces—Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, Prey Veng, and Takeo—will be eligible to apply for low-interest loans.

Applicants can secure financing up to $200,000 with a highly competitive annual interest rate of just 8.5%. A key feature of the offering is the removal of significant barriers: the loans will be offered without the need for collateral or loan approval fees.

The financing is intended to facilitate the adoption of innovative agricultural solutions, including Solar-powered irrigation systems, Net houses, Efficient water management systems, Renewable energy applications and Modern farming practices

By providing accessible capital, Wing Bank and MAFF aim to help farmers grow more efficiently and effectively adapt to changing weather patterns, thereby strengthening their livelihoods and ensuring food security.

Driving National Climate Goals
Beyond immediate financial support for farming communities, the partnership is set to contribute directly to Cambodia’s national environmental objectives. By promoting the adoption of cleaner, more efficient technologies, the initiative will play a role in the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2035.

Wing Bank stated its pride in being a “trusted partner” of the Ministry, emphasizing a commitment to enabling agricultural communities to thrive while fostering a more sustainable future for Cambodian agriculture.

The post Wing Bank Commits $3 Million to Climate-Resilient Farming in Cambodia first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

The MoU signing ceremony was held here early this week under the witness of H.E. Sou Socheat, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC). CASF was represented by its Chairman Mr. Iv Ranarith, while CGCC was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Mr. No Lida.

This MoU aimed at strengthening cooperation between CASF and CGCC and marked an important milestone in enhancing cooperation within Cambodia’s financial sector, particularly in the securities market for a shared commitment to strengthening investor confidence, promoting sustainable financing, and fostering long-term sustainable growth.

This corporation is expected to create a significant positive impact on the development and resilience of Cambodia’s securities market.

In addition to celebrating the signing of the above MoU, representing the consortium members of the Cambodia Sustainable Bond Promotion (CSBA) programme which includes the SERC, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), under the cooperation with the Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility (CGIF), GuarantCo, and CGCC launched the “CSBA Phase III” programme which provides technical assistance for the issuance of green, sustainability, and sustainability-linked bonds to promote financing for projects aligned with Cambodia’s climate priority plans, while encouraging green initiatives, sustainability, and future carbon-neutral projects.
In this meeting, H.E. Sou Socheat stated that meaningful development and sustainable growth can only be achieved through the active participation of industry united by a common vision.

“The signing of the MoU between the CASF and CGCC, along with the launch of CSBA Phase III today, stands as a testament to the impact of collaboration among all stakeholders, where valuable ideas have been exchanged and joint actions will be implemented effectively and efficiently,” he said.

Such strong strategic partnerships pave the way for building a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable financial market in Cambodia, he added.

The post MoU Signed to Enhance Financial Sector Cooperation first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

The Spring Meetings are organised annually before the Annual Meetings at the headquarters of the IMF and the World Bank, with the participation of leaders from central banks and ministries of finance, the private sector, academics, and other stakeholders in the financial sector.

The purpose of the meetings was to discuss the progress, prospects, and challenges of the economic and financial situation in the region and the world.

For 2025, the meeting focused on the impact of U.S. tariff policies that have affected and increased uncertainty in the international trading system and the economic and financial situation of each country as well as the region, in which the IMF also lowered its forecasts for the regional and global economy.

In this situation, the IMF outlined a number of policy measures, including promoting digitalisation and artificial intelligence, increasing intra-regional trade, promoting domestic consumption, addressing demographic changes, and supporting climate change transition mechanisms, etc.

In addition, each country should take this opportunity to review the policies put in place to meet the expected goals.

H.E. Rath Sovannorak was also invited to be a speaker at the launch of the Decision Data Fund Phase 2.

Besides, he held discussions with relevant departments of the IMF, the Financial Stability Facility, the central bank of Luxembourg, and the central bank of Rwanda on the strengthening of partnerships and promote new cooperation.

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Chaired by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the NBC, the meeting was to share updates on the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strategies, action plans and initiatives, to gather additional inputs on the development of Cambodia Sustainable Finance Roadmaps, Cambodia Green Finance Taxonomy and setting roles and duties of the working group as well as to discuss its priorities and future workplan.

This inter-ministerial mechanism also provided opportunity for each member to share information and knowledge relevant to climate change mitigation, which is a goal for the globe as well as the Royal Government of Cambodia for sustainable development.

The NBC, relevant ministries and institutions and Banking and Financial Institutions in Cambodia have been actively involved in promoting green finance to support sustainable and low-carbon economic growth.

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The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of several esteemed guests, including HE. Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy and Chairman of the Royal Government Working Group Assisting Pursat Province; HE. Khoy Rida, Governor of Pursat Province; and Mr. Seng Phalla, Branch Manager of the National Bank of Cambodia-Pursat Province.

And also in attendance were Neak Oknha Kith Meng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wing Bank and CEO of the Royal Group of Companies, and Lok Chumteav Mao Chamnan, Chief Operating Officer of Wing Bank and Vice-Chairwoman of the Royal Group of Companies.

Conveniently located along National Road Number 5, just 150 meters from Pursat Bridge, the Pursat provincial branch is Wing Bank’s 23rd location, further solidifying the bank’s presence across Cambodia.

This new branch offers a comprehensive suite of banking products and services, including deposits, loans, domestic and international money transfers, utility payments, and the issuance of Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay debit and credit cards. Customers can also access insurance consultation services, complete various tax payments to the General Department of Taxation, and much more.

With the launch of this new branch, Wing Bank reinforces its dedication to delivering accessible, innovative solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and the local community to thrive.

This new branch marks Wing Bank’s 23rd office, further expanding the bank’s national footprint. It complements Wing Bank’s vast network of over 11,000 agents across Cambodia, creating a robust, dual-channel approach. By combining physical branches with an extensive agent network, Wing Bank ensures its services are accessible to communities, even in the most remote areas of the country.

Wing Bank’s expansion into Pursat, along with its network of over 11,000 agents, reinforces its position as a leader in Cambodia’s digital banking sector. The new branch, supported by this vast agent network, will provide essential services and digital tools that will help local businesses thrive and individuals achieve their financial goals.

The post Wing Bank Inaugurated Its newest Branch in Pursat City first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

This event marks a critical milestone in implementing the BFI Code of Conduct (CoC) and the globally recognized Cerise+SPTF Client Protection Standards, demonstrating Cambodia’s commitment to responsible and inclusive finance. Over 150 participants, including representatives from the National Bank of Cambodia, ABC and CMA members, Cerise+SPTF, and senior executives from the top 30 banks and financial institutions, attended the workshop.

The primary focus was the launch of the “BFI Code of Conduct and Client Protection Harmonization tools” and assessment project, a first-of-its-kind instrument integrating Cambodia’s BFI Code of Conduct with the Cerise+SPTF Client Protection Standards.

This innovative tool enables independent, third-party assessments of financial institutions’ client protection practices, identifying areas of strength and improvement. The first round of assessments will include the country’s 30 largest financial institutions, providing actionable insights to enhance operations and strengthen client relationships.

The workshop also addressed key challenges facing Cambodia’s financial sector, including managing non-performing loan (NPL) rates, over-indebtedness, and the rapid growth of lending. Stakeholders highlighted concerns about certain practices, such as assertive sales approaches and risks associated with client indebtedness, underscoring the need for strengthened client protection measures.

These efforts reflect Cambodia’s dedication to aligning with international standards, promoting sustainable growth, attracting investment, and safeguarding the well-being of clients. The initiative builds on previous efforts that began in 2022 with the introduction of the BFI Code of Conduct, providing principles and standards for ethical banking, the 2023/2024 workshops on role of corporate governance in effective implementation of client protection, key recommendations from events like the January 2024 “Strengthening Responsible Inclusive Finance in Cambodia” workshop and the UN-NBC consultation in July 2024 informed the development of the assessment initiative.

Mr. Rath Sophoan, Chairman of ABC, explained “The implementation of the BFIs Code of Conduct and Client Protection Harmonization Assessment tools means integrating monitoring and evaluation of compliance of the Code of Conduct with the Global Client Protection Standards of the Cerise+SPTF.

Our journey for monitoring and evaluating compliance with the Code of Conduct and Consumer Protection in banks and financial institutions today is not only a demonstration of law and regulatory compliance, but also a testament to the commitment of the associations and their members to safeguarding the stability of the banking system, conducting banking business responsibly, transparently, and ensuring that customer protection is a top priority in all banking activities. Furthermore, it is to shape market conduct and mitigate risks and build trust as well as benefiting both customers and banks and financial institutions.”

Mrs. Dith Nita, Chairwoman of CMA, echoed these sentiments: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our commitment to protecting our clients. Cerise+SPTF developed the BFI Code of Conduct and Client Protection Harmonization Assessment tools, which will be one of the tools we utilize to provide guidance to BFIs on consumer protection. This tool not only offers a code of conduct for banks and financial institutions, but it also provides us with measurable indicators to assess our compliance,” said Mrs. Dith Nita, Chairwoman of CMA.

The post Cambodia Renews Push to Advance Ethical Banking with Client Protection Standards and Assessment Tools first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

Through this collaboration, they will offer their customers the country’s popular and secure payment methods for enhanced convenience in cashless transactions.

The​ partnership​ introduces​ an​ Account-on-File​ (AoF)​ feature,​ allowing​ Grab​ users​ to​ securely​ link​ their​ accounts​ within​ the​ Grab​ app​ for​ hassle-free,​ automatic​ payments.​

Once​ the​ ABA​ account​ is​ linked,​ users​ can​ pay​ seamlessly​ for​ rides​ and​ food​ deliveries​ without​ any​ extra​ steps.​ This​ integration​ enhances​ the​ convenience​ and​ security​ of​ cashless​ transactions,​ benefiting​ millions​ of​ customers​ across​ Cambodia.

Additionally,​ the​ PayWay​ Plus​ platform,​ powered​ by​ Visa’s​ CyberSource​ solution,​ was​ chosen​ as​ Grab’s​ new​ local​ payment​ gateway​ for​ processing​ all​ card​ payments​ within​ Cambodia.​

This​ shift​ to​ a​ local​ gateway​ improves​ Grab’s​ transaction​ management​ and​ reliability​ while​ supporting​ various​ payment​ methods,​ including​ Visa,​ Mastercard,​ and​ UPI​ cards.​

“Grab’s​ mission​ has​ always​ been​ to​ drive​ Southeast​ Asia​ forward.​ By​ partnering​ with​ ABA​ Bank,​ we​ are​ taking​ a​ significant​ step​ towards​ providing​ our​ users​ with​ a​ seamless​ and​ secure​ digital​ payment​ experience,”​ said​ Kang​ Sovannarot,​ Cambodia​ Country​ Head​ of​ Grab.​

“This​ partnership​ is​ a​ testament​ to​ our​ commitment​ to​ bring​ more​ value​ to​ our​ users.” He added.

ABA Bank partners with Grab to offer seamless, secure digital payments, enhancing convenience and supporting a cashless, digital economy in Cambodia, says Zokhir Rasulov, ABA’s Chief Digital Officer.

“We’re simplifying transactions for millions by integrating ABA PayWay’s Account-on-File into the Grab app. We’re excited to keep innovating with Grab to meet customer needs and support Cambodia’s digital transformation,” he concluded.

ABA PayWay enables businesses in Cambodia to accept online and in-store payments from any banking app and local or international cards. Customers can pay seamlessly in USD and KHR via ABA Pay, KHQR, Visa, Mastercard, UPI, JCB, Alipay, and WeChat. With this platform, businesses can monitor transactions in real time and benefit from the secure PCI-DSS-compliant integration. ​

Overview of ABA PayWay

ABA PayWay is a prominent online payment gateway in Cambodia, provided by Advanced Bank of Asia Ltd. (ABA Bank). It is designed to facilitate e-commerce transactions, allowing businesses to accept various forms of payment from customers.

Key Features:

• Multiple Payment Options: ABA PayWay supports payments through major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, as well as local payment methods like the ABA PAY QR code. This variety ensures that businesses can cater to a broad customer base.
• Merchant Portal: The platform offers a comprehensive merchant portal where businesses can manage transactions, issue refunds, and handle invoicing. Users can also manage roles and access permissions within the portal.
• Easy Integration: The gateway can be integrated into e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce with minimal technical expertise required. This ease of setup allows businesses to quickly start accepting payments online.

Setting Up

To utilize PayWay, businesses must follow these steps:

1. Business Registration: Companies need to be legally registered in Cambodia.
2. Open a Business Bank Account: A business account with ABA Bank is necessary to receive payments.
3. Integration Process: Businesses can integrate the payment gateway using the provided API documentation and code samples, primarily in PHP. A sandbox environment is available for testing before going live.

Benefits

• Cost Efficiency: The service is designed to minimize setup costs and does not require extensive technical knowledge for integration.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Merchants can monitor transactions in real-time, providing immediate insights into sales performance.
• Support for Local Payments: The inclusion of KHQR codes allows for easy payments directly from bank accounts, enhancing convenience for customers who prefer local payment methods.

Conclusion

ABA PayWay stands out as a reliable solution for Cambodian businesses looking to expand their online payment capabilities. Its comprehensive features and user-friendly integration process make it an attractive option for both new and established e-commerce platforms in the region.

The post ABA and Grab Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Payment Solutions first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.