Background
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) is the country’s central bank responsible for monetary policy, payment-system oversight, and financial sector stability. Central bank memoranda of understanding typically establish a formal framework for technical cooperation, information exchange, and capacity building between monetary authorities on topics such as payment systems and cybersecurity.
The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan serves as Bhutan’s central bank with a mandate for regulating payment infrastructure and safeguarding financial stability. Cambodia’s expanding digital payment ecosystem has increased the operational focus on interoperable payment infrastructure, cyber-risk safeguards, and policies to promote inclusive and sustainable finance.
Key Developments
On 5 October 2026 in Bhutan, the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, Dr. Chea Serey, led an NBC delegation to a bilateral meeting with the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, represented by Governor Yangchen Tshogyel. The two central banks signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the development of payment systems, cyber-risk protection, promotion of financial inclusion, and the advancement of green finance initiatives.
Institutional Role
The MoU formalizes cooperation between two monetary authorities whose mandates include payment infrastructure oversight and financial stability supervision. By documenting areas of technical collaboration, the agreement aligns with central bank functions that cover payment system resilience, interbank coordination, and technical assistance for regulatory and operational improvements.
Operational Implications
The signed MoU creates a framework for capacity building, technical assistance, and information sharing on payment systems, cybersecurity resilience, and sustainable finance practices. Institutions engaged in Cambodia’s payment ecosystem — including banks, payment service providers, and fintech firms — can reference the agreement as part of evolving cross-border and regional cooperation on standards and operational risk management.
