Background
The Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), Dr. Chea Serey, held a working meeting with a World Bank delegation led by Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, Vice President of the World Bank for East Asia and Pacific, on 17 March 2026 at the NBC’s Wat Phnom building. The discussion focused on Cambodia’s economic prospects, infrastructure development that supports economic growth, and the state of cooperation between the two institutions.
Scope of Application
The discussions relate to the overall development of Cambodia’s financial and banking sector, including access to financial services, exchange rate stability, banking system stability, and the development of regulatory frameworks and national strategies for the financial sector. The outcomes are relevant to financial institutions operating in Cambodia and stakeholders engaged with World Bank–supported initiatives in the country’s financial and economic development.
Key Provisions or Decisions
During the meeting, the World Bank Vice President highlighted the institution’s recognition of Cambodia’s economic potential in several key sectors and the importance of infrastructure development that underpins economic growth. He also expressed appreciation for the good cooperation between the World Bank and the NBC to date.
In response, the NBC Governor underlined the role of the banking sector in contributing to economic development through improving access to financial services, maintaining exchange rate stability, and safeguarding banking system stability. She also pointed to several challenges facing the sector and shared views on developments in the global geopolitical situation, including changes in international oil prices.
The Governor further noted the NBC’s receipt of strong cooperation from the World Bank in preparing regulatory frameworks and various national strategies related to the financial sector. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation between the two institutions in support of sustainable economic development. Following the meeting, the World Bank delegation visited the Preah Srey Ishanavarman Museum of Economy and Money.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The reaffirmed cooperation between the NBC and the World Bank in regulatory framework development and national financial strategies indicates continued external support for strengthening Cambodia’s financial and banking system. Enhanced focus on financial access, exchange rate stability, and banking stability may shape future policy directions and technical assistance projects affecting banks and other financial institutions. While no specific new regulations were announced, the emphasis on regulatory and strategic collaboration suggests an ongoing process of refining the financial sector framework, which businesses and financial sector participants should monitor.
Official Source
The information is based on an official announcement by the National Bank of Cambodia published on its verified Facebook page on 17 March 2026.
