ADB Funds $50 Million Program to Boost Cambodia’s Financial Stability and Digital Infrastructure
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 50 million policy-based loan to strengthen Cambodia’s financial sector. Under a programme-based approach, the investment will support both banking and non-banking institutions, as well as digital finance infrastructure and sustainable finance capabilities.
The Inclusive and Sustainable Finance Development Programme aims to enhance the sector’s capacity, stability, and performance, positioning Cambodia for more inclusive and resilient economic growth.
“Cambodia’s journey towards inclusive and sustainable growth is rooted in its vision to become an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050. Through this investment, ADB supports the country in boosting its financial sector, laying the foundation for resilient growth, expanding financial inclusion, and unlocking private-sector potential,” said ADB Acting Country Director for Cambodia, Anthony Gill.
He further stated:
By fostering a dynamic and inclusive financial ecosystem, the initiative aims to empower businesses, attract investment, and ensure that prosperity reaches every corner of society.
Cambodia’s finance sector has made notable progress, but further development is required to unlock its full potential. Several challenges persist: limited market depth, restricted access, gaps in investor protection, underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, low financial literacy, and inadequate digital infrastructure. The absence of a unified sustainability framework also limits progress towards inclusive finance and climate goals.
The approved first phase of the programme focuses on improving the regulatory environment, financial stability, market depth, and consumer protection, as well as developing strategic plans for financial technology, regulatory frameworks for digital assets and cryptocurrencies, and peer-to-peer financing.
The programme will implement financial education strategies to support the development of inclusive financial technology. To strengthen the sustainability framework across the sector, it will establish a green finance working group, issue guidelines for corporate sustainability disclosures, and create mechanisms for sovereign sustainable bond issuances.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 of them from the region.
This article was adapted from a supplied press release.