Press Release on
CMA Reaffirms Commitment to NBC–UN Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Process on Microfinance in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – 25 September 2025 – The Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) today reaffirm its strong commitment to supporting the NBC–UN Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Process on Microfinance in Cambodia, emphasizing its role in advancing responsible finance, strengthening consumer protection, and ensuring a sustainable future for the sector. The commit has been shown during the 3rd NBC-UN High-Level Mult-Stakeholders Convening on Microfinance on 09 September 2025 and Cambodia Responsible Investor Convening on 10th September 2025 in Phnom Penh.
The consultation process, convened by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the United Nations (UN) in Cambodia, has brought together key stakeholders including regulators, financial institutions, investors, development partners, and civil society to address both opportunities and challenges in Cambodia’s microfinance landscape. This initiative aims to foster inclusive dialogue among key actors, build a shared understanding of systemic challenges, and identify practical, forward-looking solutions to strengthen the banking and financial sector.
Among the 22 agreed priority actions, 10 have been completed and 12 remain in progress. CMA have been assigned to co-lead six priority actions, three of which have been completed and three are in well progress. These include Incentive Scheme, 3rd party assessment of Code of Conduct (CoC) among the top 30 BFIs, transparent and standardized loan contract, banning the use of Indigenous Communal Land Titles (ICLTs) as collateral while providing loan restructure to affected clients, sectoral pool fund, responsible pricing study, Financial Consumer Center (FCC) setup, Financial Literacy Guidelines, and an independent study on informal lending.
Additionally, CMA have also been commissioned to support 13 other priority actions, five of which have been complete and eight are in progress. These include CoC and the Lending Guideline enforcement, ID Poor card as collateral ban, loan restructure regulation, debt counselling working group, definition of microfinance operation loan, ICLT mapping & announcement, agricultural cooperatives for indigenous people, agri-insurance pilot and Praksa on banning local authority from certifying land titles.
It is crucial to highlight the creation of FCC, which is intended to function as an independent body with its own management and board, to strengthen consumer protection by handling and resolving complaints from financial consumers. Through hotline, in-branch, and digital channels, the FCC provides consumers with a formal grievance mechanism to seek remedies when facing misconduct or abusive practices by banks and microfinance institutions. By centralizing complaint resolution and offering oversight, it aims to empower Cambodian financial consumers by giving them a stronger voice, improving accountability in the sector, and helping to address fears of retaliation.
“The consultation process is a milestone for Cambodia’s financial sector. CMA is committed to ensuring that microfinance continues to be a force for economic empowerment, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth,” said Ms. Dith Nita, CMA Chairwoman. “We welcome investors and partners who share our vision of a sustainable, responsible, and resilient financial system.”
CMA invites domestic and international investors in Cambodia’s financial sector to actively support this ongoing process by investing in responsible finance initiatives that prioritize both financial returns and positive social impact. “Investor confidence is vital to maintain the stability and growth of Cambodia’s financial system. Together, we can ensure access to finance that empowers communities and strengthens Cambodia’s economy,” Nita added.
About CMA
The Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting responsible and sustainable microfinance practices in Cambodia. By collaborating with financial institutions and stakeholders, the CMA works to safeguard borrower rights and foster an inclusive financial sector that benefits communities nationwide.
Contact Information
Name: Tongngy Kaing, CMA Head of Communications Department
Email: hoc@cma-network.org
Phone Number: +855 95 262 111
