Official Launch of Cambodia–Laos Cross Border QR Payments Marks a New Digital Milestone
ACLEDA Bank Plc. has officially announced the launch of Cross Border Payment via QR Code in Cambodia under Phase II Laos Scans KHQR Code marking a significant step forward in regional financial connectivity. The initiative is designed to expand public awareness of digital payment adoption while strengthening economic cooperation between Cambodia and Laos. The launch also supports tourism growth in both countries and aligns with the broader ASEAN vision of interconnected digital payment systems. The official ceremony was held in Phnom Penh under the high presidency of H.E Dr. Chea Serey Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia and H.E Bounkham Vorachit Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR reflecting strong bilateral commitment at the central bank level.
ACLEDA’s Role as Settlement Bank Strengthens Local Currency Usage
ACLEDA Bank Plc. and ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd. have been selected as the Settlement Banks for Cross Border Payment between Cambodia and Laos allowing payments to be accepted in local currencies in each other’s countries namely KHR and LAK. This initiative was jointly initiated by the National Bank of Cambodia and the Bank of the Lao PDR with the strategic goal of enhancing financial inclusion and promoting the wider use of national currencies. ACLEDA Bank continues to reinforce its reputation as “The bank you can trust, the bank for the people” by playing a central role in advancing digital finance across borders within the ASEAN region.
Building on Phase I to Deepen ASEAN Financial Integration
The Phase II launch builds on earlier progress made on August 18 2023 when ACLEDA Bank successfully introduced Phase I Cambodia scans Laos QR code. That earlier milestone promoted the use of Khmer Riel in cross border settlements and supported the integration objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community. The continued collaboration between Cambodia’s KHQR and Laos Lao QR systems highlights ACLEDA Bank’s expanding regional footprint and its proven capability to implement interoperable payment solutions across multiple ASEAN markets.
Seamless Payments for Lao Travelers and Businesses in Cambodia
With the introduction of Phase II Laos Scans KHQR Code Lao citizens traveling to Cambodia can now conveniently pay for goods and services by scanning KHQR codes displayed by merchants nationwide. Payments can be made directly through mobile banking applications provided by Lao banking and financial institutions ensuring a smooth and secure user experience. This system significantly improves payment convenience for tourists and business travelers while reducing transaction friction operating costs and cash dependency. At the same time it supports currency strength transaction efficiency and broader economic activity between the two neighboring countries.
ACLEDA Bank’s Growing Scale and Digital Ecosystem
ACLEDA Bank Plc. continues to demonstrate strong institutional capacity supported by a diversified group structure that includes ACLEDA University of Business Co., Ltd.; ACLEDA Securities Plc.; ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd.; and ACLEDA MFI Myanmar Co., Ltd. along with a representative office in Myanmar. As of the end of September 2025 the bank reported total assets of US$11.94 billion and total savings deposits of US$9.28 billion serving more than 6.18 million customers. Its digital ecosystem is further reinforced by over 0.71 million business partners and 5.38 million ACLEDA Mobile subscribers using the ACLEDA Super App reflecting strong adoption of digital financial services.
Conclusion
The official launch of Cross Border Payment via KHQR Code Phase II represents a meaningful leap toward seamless regional payments enhanced tourism and stronger economic ties between Cambodia and Laos. By enabling local currency settlements and simplifying cross border transactions ACLEDA Bank and the two central banks are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive digitally connected ASEAN economy that benefits consumers businesses and travelers alike.