AKP Phnom Penh, September 25, 2025 --

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), the United Nations in Cambodia, and diverse group of stakeholders have reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a fair, inclusive, and resilient financial ecosystem for all Cambodians.

The commitment was made in the third NBC–UN High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Convening on Microfinance, organised recently by the NBC, in collaboration with the UN in Cambodia, according to a joint statement released by the UN in Cambodia on Sept. 24. 

The event was honoured by the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction H.E. Say Samal, whose participation underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive financial development.
 
The convening brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from various government agencies; regulatory bodies; industry associations; banking and financial institutions; investors; civil society organisations; non-governmental organisations; development partners; UN agencies; and international financial institutions. 

Participants valued the depth and openness of the discussions and reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration moving forward.

The third High-Level Discussion reviewed and evaluated the progress made in implementing the 22 priority actions endorsed at the inaugural convening in July 2024 and the second convening in January 2025. To date, 10 priority actions have been completed, while 12 remain in progress across five key areas: Regulation and Supervision, Borrower Protection, Data, Informal Lending and Local Authorities, and Insurance and Alternative Financing.

Stakeholders reaffirmed that tackling over-indebtedness, ensuring responsible lending, and cracking down on illegal practices remain urgent priorities. Collaboration, transparency and community-level engagement will be key to safeguarding vulnerable households and advancing inclusive and sustainable development.

The next convening will take place in December 2025. Stakeholders reiterated their shared commitment to building a fair, inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem for all Cambodians.

By Chea Vannak