AKP Phnom Penh, April 24, 2026 -- Cambodia has formally commenced the process to update its National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) for 2026-2030, signalling a renewed national effort to deepen inclusive finance while improving the quality and resilience of financial services.

The kick-off event, co-organised by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), was held on April 23 at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, marking what officials described as a key milestone in Cambodia’s financial sector development.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Yim Leat, Deputy Governor of NBC, said the launch reflects the country’s continued commitment to ensuring that individuals, households and businesses can access and effectively use appropriate financial services.

He highlighted that the updated strategy would build on the achievements of the NFIS 2019-2025, under which 115 priority actions were implemented to expand access to payments, savings and credit. 

By the end of 2025, depositors had reached 18.6 million and credit users 4.3 million, with women accounting for a majority in both banking and microfinance sectors.

Rapid digitalisation, particularly through the Bakong system, has played a central role, enabling more than 44 million accounts and extending financial services to rural communities.

H.E. Yim Leat stressed that the next phase must go beyond access, focusing on meaningful usage, consumer protection and financial resilience.

The new NFIS will align with national priorities and be built around five pillars, including women’s financial inclusion, digital finance, financial literacy and consumer protection, sustainable finance, and inclusion for persons with disabilities. 

Its development will be guided by a consultative process, with Technical Working Groups bringing together government, private sector and development partners.

Speaking at the events, H.E. Yasmin Siddiqi, ADB Country Director for Cambodia, said the initiative marks “the beginning of a collective journey,” emphasising that financial inclusion must deliver tangible outcomes, from resilience to inclusive economic growth.

By Sum Kosal