A JOINT STATEMENT: THE FOURTH NBC-UN HIGH-LEVEL MULTI-STAKEHOLDER CONVENING ON MICROFINANCE IN CAMBODIA

Now in its second year, the convening continues to track implementation of the 22 priority actions and sustain candid, multi-stakeholder dialogue on responsible, inclusive finance in Cambodia.

Progress to date

The Fourth High-Level Discussion served as a strategic stocktaking exercise to assess progress in implementing the 22 priority actions endorsed at the inaugural convening in July 2024. Participants reviewed achievements, identified remaining challenges, and discussed measures to accelerate implementation. To date, 16 priority actions (10 PAs has been completed in the 3rd Convening) have been completed, while the remaining 6 are being advanced across five strategic priority areas:

1. Regulation and Supervision – The implementation of the Code of Conduct has been strengthened through the engagement of an independent assessor. Sector associations developed a Sectoral Fund Pool framework to support consumer financial literacy, debt counselling, and awareness-raising activities. Incentive frameworks, Ethics Guidelines, and a standardized operational definition for credit officer-related functions have also been endorsed and implemented across banking and financial institutions (BFIs).
2. Borrower Protection – The Financial Consumer Protection Center (FCPC) framework has been introduced and its functions are being operationalized to enhance consumer support and protection mechanisms. At the same time, collaboration with the National Authority for Alternative Dispute Resolution (NAADR) has been strengthened to better address and respond to consumers’ needs. Nationwide financial literacy campaigns are also being expanded to promote greater awareness, informed decision-making, and responsible financial behavior among the public.
3. Data – A hybrid credit data-sharing architecture has advanced, with a dedicated data strategy and gateway now being developed for the non-bank financial sector. 
4. Informal Lending and Local Authorities – Following the September 2025 Joint Statement on the unauthorized use of identification documents as collateral, further deepen cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant institutions to combat illegal lending by strengthening coordination, enhancing information exchange, improving response mechanisms, and jointly promoting a safer and more trustworthy financial environment for consumers. 
5. Insurance and Alternative Financing – Agricultural insurance services have been introduced to support the Modern Agricultural Cooperatives (MACs) by providing farmers with an effective tool to manage climate and production-related risks. The positive experience of the Nang Om MAC has encouraged other modern rice farming communities to explore and adopt agricultural insurance, recognizing its role in improving risk management and supporting sustainable agricultural development.

Way Forward

The next High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Consultation is scheduled to take place in June 2027. The Consultation highly appreciates the achievements resulting from the collective efforts of all relevant stakeholders and remains committed to addressing the remaining challenges in order to complete the six outstanding priority actions and maintain the momentum of the 22-action roadmap. The Consultation welcomes the continued engagement of all relevant stakeholders, particularly civil society organizations, in providing inputs and perspectives that contribute to strengthening consumer protection and promoting a fair, inclusive, and sustainable financial ecosystem for all Cambodians. 

For more information, please contact: 

1. National Bank of Cambodia

Tel: +855 23 990 196

Email: nbccommunication@nbc.gov.kh

2. United Nation in Cambodia, Ms. Keo Sreysros

Tel: +855 11 885 766

Email: sreysros.keo@un.org