Title: Cambodia’s Banking Sector Sustains Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

Despite a global economic environment marked by geopolitical uncertainties and an uneven post-pandemic recovery, Cambodia’s banking and financial sector continued its growth trajectory in 2025.

H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the NBC

According to the annual report published by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), key indicators remain positive, confirming the soundness and resilience of the national financial system.

The NBC reported that outstanding loans grew by 4.1% year-on-year, reaching USD 63 billion by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, customer deposits saw a notable 14.7% increase, amounting to USD 65.7 billion — evidence of sustained public confidence in banking institutions. The total assets of the system surpassed USD 101.8 billion, up 9.5% compared to 2024.

Controlled Stability Amid Risks

Non-performing loans (NPLs) were kept at manageable levels: 8.9% for commercial banks and 8.3% for financial institutions, according to the NBC. These figures reflect strengthened prudential oversight and ongoing risk management efforts, even as certain sectors — particularly real estate and construction — experienced a relative slowdown.

“The banking system continues to actively support economic activity, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are an essential driver of national growth,” said H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the NBC, during the institution’s annual meeting on January 23. She emphasized that the credit expansion in 2025, higher than in 2024, reflects rising demand for productive financing and a stronger role of the private sector in the economy.

A Financial Ecosystem in Digital Transformation

Cambodia’s banking landscape today relies on a dense network of 59 commercial banks, 89 microfinance institutions, 4 specialized banks, and 89 rural credit institutions, serving more than 18.6 million deposit accounts and 4.3 million credit accounts nationwide.

However, the most striking transformation lies in payment digitalization. In 2025, Cambodia recorded 18.9 million active e-wallets supported by the Bakong payment system, developed by the NBC. This system processed 1.325 billion transactions last year — including 771 million in riel and 554 million in U.S. dollars — consolidating the transition toward a more digital and inclusive economy.

Outlook for 2026: Between Innovation and Monetary Prudence

While the NBC remains optimistic about the system’s stability, it calls for continued vigilance in the face of global macroeconomic risks, particularly energy price volatility, imported inflationary pressures, and international monetary normalization. Nonetheless, further development of digital payments, expanded access to financing for MSMEs, and deeper regional integration are expected to sustain the growth of Cambodia’s financial sector throughout 2026.

“Our priority remains financial stability and the promotion of a resilient, competitive, and inclusive banking sector,” concluded Dr. Chea Serey, emphasizing that the system’s strength also relies on public trust — an essential asset to preserve in a rapidly changing world.