Cambodia has strengthened its financial position as the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) reported that the country’s net foreign assets reached 104,364 billion riel, or approximately $25.5 billion, by the end of May 2026. The latest figures, published in the Central Bank Survey on June 30, highlight the Kingdom’s solid external reserves, stable monetary base, and prudent financial management despite an increasingly complex global economic environment. The report reflects Cambodia’s continued efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability while supporting sustainable economic growth.
According to the NBC, the country’s growing foreign reserves have been driven by stronger exports, a gradual recovery in tourism, and continued inflows of foreign investment. Together, these factors have strengthened Cambodia’s financial resilience, enhanced investor confidence, and positioned the economy to navigate the remainder of 2026 with greater stability.
Strong Foreign Reserves Reinforce Economic Stability
The National Bank of Cambodia reported that net foreign assets increased to 104,364 billion riel, equivalent to around $25.5 billion, at the end of May 2026. Compiled by the NBC’s Statistics Department, the figures reflect the central bank’s strengthening external position and its ability to safeguard Cambodia’s financial system against external risks.
The Central Bank Survey follows the International Monetary Fund’s Monetary and Financial Statistics Manual and Compilation Guide, ensuring that Cambodia’s monetary statistics meet internationally recognized standards. The data provides policymakers, investors, researchers, and development partners with a transparent picture of the country’s financial health.
Foreign Assets Continue Their Upward Trend
Net foreign assets, which measure claims on nonresidents minus liabilities to nonresidents, have continued their steady growth over the past several years. During the last twelve months alone, the indicator expanded by approximately 6.3 percent, reflecting Cambodia’s improving external financial position.
Claims on nonresidents reached approximately 105,759 billion riel, or around $26.4 billion, while external liabilities remained well contained. This healthy balance has strengthened Cambodia’s foreign exchange reserves and provided an important financial cushion against global economic uncertainties, including commodity price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.
Monetary Base Expands Alongside Economic Activity
The survey also showed that Cambodia’s monetary base increased to 61,469 billion riel, equivalent to approximately $15.4 billion, during May 2026. The monetary base includes currency circulating throughout the economy together with reserves held by commercial banks and other deposit taking institutions at the central bank.
As economic activity continues to recover, demand for both the Cambodian riel and the US dollar has increased through stronger consumer spending and business transactions. While this supports broader money supply growth and private sector lending, the NBC continues to carefully manage liquidity to help maintain price stability and control inflation.
Prudent Fiscal Policy Supports Financial Confidence
Another notable finding from the survey is Cambodia’s continued disciplined fiscal management. Net claims on the government remained negative at approximately 15,645 billion riel, meaning government deposits at the National Bank of Cambodia continue to exceed outstanding borrowing from the central bank.
This financial position reflects strong government revenue collection and limited dependence on central bank financing. It also strengthens confidence in Cambodia’s monetary policy, helps anchor inflation expectations, and reinforces the country’s overall macroeconomic stability.
Healthy Banking System Maintains Liquidity
The survey found that claims on commercial banks and microfinance deposit taking institutions remained supportive of liquidity across Cambodia’s financial system. This helps financial institutions continue providing loans and banking services while maintaining overall stability.
Other balance sheet indicators also demonstrated the central bank’s sound financial management. Together, these measures highlight the NBC’s capacity to support a resilient financial system capable of responding to domestic and international economic developments.
Financial Reforms Continue to Strengthen the Economy
The latest data illustrates Cambodia’s long journey from post conflict recovery to a modern and increasingly digital financial system. Years of financial reforms, stronger institutions, and improved monetary management have contributed to a more resilient economy capable of withstanding external shocks.
At the same time, Cambodia’s economy continues to benefit from key growth sectors including garments, tourism, agriculture, and construction. The NBC has also continued promoting wider use of the Cambodian riel while expanding digital payment systems, strengthening financial inclusion, and improving liquidity management throughout the banking sector.
Looking Ahead
As Cambodia works toward its upper middle income ambitions, the National Bank of Cambodia is expected to continue balancing economic growth with financial and price stability. Through careful reserve management, prudent monetary policy, and internationally recognized statistical reporting, the central bank aims to strengthen resilience against future domestic and global economic challenges.
The complete Central Bank Survey and supporting statistical methodology are available on the National Bank of Cambodia’s official website, offering detailed information for investors, policymakers, researchers, and the public seeking a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s monetary and financial developments.
Conclusion
The National Bank of Cambodia’s latest figures highlight the country’s growing financial strength and resilient economic foundation. With net foreign assets reaching $25.5 billion, expanding monetary reserves, disciplined fiscal management, and continued financial reforms, Cambodia remains well positioned to support sustainable economic growth while maintaining stability in an increasingly uncertain global economy.