Trust Forum 2025: A Trusted and Legally Compliant Business Platform

The Trust Regulator of Cambodia (TRC), with the support of trustee companies, trustee operators providing retention and escrow services, and relevant entities within the trust sector, successfully hosted Trust Forum 2025 under the theme “A Trusted Business Platform and Legal Compliance”, on October 31, 2025. 

Held at the Sokha Hotel Phnom Penh, the event brought together key stakeholders from Cambodia’s financial, legal, and business sectors to discuss the development and regulatory landscape of the country’s growing trust industry.

The forum was presided over by H.E. Ros Seilava, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), and H.E. Sok Dara, Director General of the Trust Regulator.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ros Seilava highlighted the vital role of the financial sector in driving Cambodia’s national economy. He noted that the launch of the trust sector is part of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase I, aimed at fostering an inclusive and resilient economy through private sector development, job creation, and the continued growth of both banking and non-banking financial services.

H.E. Sok Dara stated that Cambodia’s trust sector began in 2021 and became fully operational in 2023. In its initial year, the country recorded only 17 registered trusts with total assets of USD 156 million. As of October 28, 2025, the number has surged to 1,600 registered cases, with assets valued at USD 2.26 billion.

Currently, Cambodia’s trust ecosystem comprises 16 trust companies, 28 commercial banks serving as Safeguard Keeping and Escrow Service Operators, 72 individual trustees, 17 valuation firms, and 15 auditing firms.

Promoting Best Practices in the Trust Sector

Trust Forum 2025 aimed to disseminate knowledge, share experiences, and promote international best practices in the trust sector. It also sought to foster stronger collaboration among key operators in Cambodia’s trust market through a cooperative and transparent business environment.

The forum featured several thematic presentations and panel discussions, including:

• Trust Sector Development Strategic Direction 2025–2035
• Benefits of Family Trust and Social Trust: International Experience and Best Practices
• Continuation of Generational Financial Stability
• Real Estate Investment Opportunities through Trust Mechanisms
• Real Estate Trust: Turning Cambodia into a Promising Investment Destination
• The Necessity of Using Escrow Services

The event also marked the launch of the Cambodia Trustees Association and included an awards ceremony recognising outstanding companies, banks, and individuals providing trust services, active partners and collaborators, and distinguished media organisations for their contributions in 2024.

More than 500 participants attended the event, including members of the Financial Sector Advisory Council (FSA), representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, provincial departments from all 25 provinces and cities, distinguished guests, speakers, and both national and international delegates.

Cambodia’s Trust Sector Development Strategy

Earlier this year, Cambodia launched the Trust Sector Development Strategy 2025–2035, a 10-year roadmap designed to establish an advanced, internationally aligned trust sector by 2035. The strategy underscores that trust mechanisms can serve as a foundation for Cambodia’s economic and social development while enhancing confidence among development partners.

To achieve these objectives, the Trust Regulator aims to modernise the trust sector, reform laws and regulations, integrate modern technologies, and increase public awareness and understanding of trust mechanisms.

The strategy outlines four core directions:

1. Develop new markets, operators, and products
2. Enhance public understanding and participation
3. Establish supervisory and operational mechanisms based on technological innovation
4. Promote and strengthen law enforcement

Cambodia currently recognises five types of trusts: Financial Trusts, Commercial Trusts, Public Trusts, Social Trusts, and Individual Trusts.