The Current State of Cambodia’s Microfinance Sector in 2025!

As of early 2025, Cambodia’s microfinance sector is undergoing significant reforms to promote responsible lending and enhance consumer protection. The sector, which has played a crucial role in financial inclusion and poverty reduction, faces challenges such as over-indebtedness and the need for stricter regulatory oversight. In response, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the United Nations (UN) have taken proactive steps to address these concerns.

Ongoing Reforms and Key Developments

In November 2023, the NBC and the UN launched a multi-stakeholder consultation process to review the rapid expansion of the microfinance sector. This initiative was primarily focused on addressing the growing concerns of excessive debt burdens among borrowers and ensuring that financial institutions adopt responsible lending practices. The consultation process resulted in a structured roadmap for reform, emphasizing sustainability and financial inclusion.

By January 2025, a second high-level dialogue was convened to assess the progress of these reforms. Among the 22 priority actions identified, four have been fully implemented, fifteen are in progress, and three are in the initial stages. These efforts aim to create a more stable and consumer-friendly financial environment. Some of the primary areas of focus include:

• Regulation and Supervision: Strengthening the supervisory framework to ensure that microfinance institutions (MFIs) comply with responsible lending practices. Stricter guidelines have been introduced to monitor loan disbursement and prevent predatory lending.
• Borrower Assistance: Implementing measures to educate borrowers on financial products and improve their ability to manage debt responsibly. Financial literacy programs are being expanded to rural areas where access to financial education has traditionally been limited.
• Technological Advancements: Encouraging the adoption of digital financial services to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Mobile banking and fintech solutions are being leveraged to extend financial services to underserved populations.
• Informal Lending Regulation: Addressing the risks associated with informal lending practices by strengthening the role of local authorities in financial management. Many borrowers have been vulnerable to unregulated lenders, leading to higher debt risks.
• Agricultural Risk Insurance: Exploring insurance solutions tailored for communities dependent on agriculture. Given the impact of climate change on farming, there is an increasing need for financial products that safeguard rural livelihoods against unpredictable losses.

Strengthening Financial Inclusion

Beyond regulatory improvements, partnerships within the sector are playing a vital role in ensuring sustainable financial inclusion. The Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) and the Cambodia Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This collaboration aims to:

• Enhance capacity-building programs for small business owners.
• Expand access to digital financial services, making transactions more convenient and transparent.
• Strengthen financial literacy initiatives, ensuring that business owners and individuals make informed financial decisions.

The Road Ahead

Despite the challenges, Cambodia’s microfinance sector remains an essential pillar of the country’s financial ecosystem. The ongoing reforms reflect a commitment to balancing financial growth with consumer protection. By fostering a more responsible and inclusive financial environment, Cambodia aims to ensure that microfinance continues to contribute positively to economic development while safeguarding the interests of borrowers.

As regulatory measures take effect and financial institutions align with responsible lending practices, the sector is expected to become more resilient and sustainable. These efforts will not only protect borrowers from excessive debt but also empower them to use financial services as a tool for economic advancement. The success of these reforms will depend on continued collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and development partners, ensuring that Cambodia’s microfinance sector remains a force for positive economic change.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s microfinance sector is at a crucial turning point in 2025. While the industry has been instrumental in providing financial access to underserved communities, the challenges of over-indebtedness and regulatory gaps have necessitated bold reforms. The initiatives led by the NBC, UN, CMA, and CGCC highlight a collective effort to reshape the sector into a more responsible and consumer-friendly system.

Looking forward, the effectiveness of these reforms will be determined by how well they are implemented and embraced by all stakeholders. Strengthening financial literacy, leveraging technology, and improving supervision will be key to ensuring a robust and sustainable microfinance ecosystem. If these measures succeed, Cambodia will not only protect its borrowers but also establish a stronger foundation for economic growth and financial inclusion in the years to come.

Ultimately, the transformation of Cambodia’s microfinance sector is about striking a balance—ensuring that financial institutions can continue to grow while prioritizing the well-being of the people they serve. With ongoing reforms and collaborative efforts, the sector is on a path to becoming more transparent, ethical, and beneficial for all involved.

Cambodia has rapidly embraced digital transformation, particularly in its financial sector. One of the most significant milestones in this journey is the introduction of the Bakong System, an advanced payment platform developed by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC). Launched in October 2020, Bakong is a blockchain-based interbank payment system that facilitates seamless transactions between different financial institutions, promoting financial inclusion and efficiency.

Unlike traditional banking methods, Bakong integrates banks, microfinance institutions (MFIs), and payment service providers (PSPs) into a single digital platform. It enables users to make real-time transactions, regardless of the financial institution they are registered with. The system is compatible with KHQR Code payments, allowing merchants and consumers to process digital transactions effortlessly across multiple providers.

One of the key objectives of Bakong is to bridge the financial gap by offering secure and accessible digital payment options to both urban and rural populations. Cambodia has seen an impressive rise in mobile banking adoption, thanks to high smartphone penetration and improved internet access. The Bakong system, in particular, has significantly contributed to reducing reliance on cash transactions, enhancing transparency, and lowering operational costs for financial institutions and businesses alike.

Beyond domestic transactions, the system also supports cross-border payments, particularly with countries like Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and India, fostering stronger regional financial integration. Given the increasing popularity of cashless payments, Bakong is expected to play an even more pivotal role in Cambodia’s digital financial landscape in the years to come.

How Many Financial Institutions Operate the Bakong System in Cambodia?

According to the 2024 annual report from the National Bank of Cambodia, as of 2024, a total of 69 financial institutions were part of the Bakong system. Out of these, 60 institutions had already officially launched their services, while 9 others were in the process of implementing the system.

The adoption rate of Bakong has been steadily increasing, reflecting a growing trust in digital financial transactions. The same report highlights that in 2024, the number of registered users of the Bakong system reached 642.5 thousand accounts, marking a 7% increase compared to 2023.

Additionally, banking institutions and payment service providers have expanded their services under Bakong. The number of customers with bank accounts or e-wallets who can transact via the Bakong system (also referred to as “Customer Reached”) is now estimated at 30 million accounts—approximately 1.69 times the total population of Cambodia.

Growth of KHQR Code Payments in Cambodia

Another important feature of the Bakong system is its KHQR Code payment function, which simplifies digital transactions. As of the end of 2024, financial institutions had successfully registered 4.5 million merchants to accept payments via KHQR Code, representing a 36.4% increase from the previous year. This surge highlights the rising preference for digital payment solutions among Cambodian businesses and consumers.

The Impact of the Bakong System on Cambodia’s Economy

The widespread adoption of the Bakong system has had numerous positive impacts on both the Cambodian public and the government. Dr. Hong Vannak, an economic analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, has emphasized the growing popularity of digital payments among various demographics, especially in urban areas with reliable internet access.

Benefits for Consumers:

1. Convenience – Users can make payments without carrying cash, reducing risks associated with theft or loss.
2. Speed – Transactions are completed instantly, improving efficiency.
3. Security – Eliminates concerns over counterfeit money.
4. Health Safety – Reduces the risk of disease transmission through cash handling.

Benefits for the Government:

1. Lower Operational Costs – Reduces the need for printing physical banknotes.
2. Enhanced Financial Transparency – Facilitates better monitoring of money flows.
3. Support for Financial Inclusion – Encourages more people, including those in rural areas, to engage in formal financial activities.

Conclusion

The Bakong System has revolutionized Cambodia’s digital payment landscape, fostering financial inclusion and economic efficiency. With 69 financial institutions participating, and over 30 million potential users, the platform continues to grow as a key driver of Cambodia’s cashless economy. Its KHQR Code feature further enhances accessibility and ease of transactions, making digital payments a mainstream option.

As Cambodia continues to integrate innovative financial technologies, the Bakong system is expected to play a central role in shaping the country’s economic future, reinforcing digital payments as an essential component of everyday transactions.