Microfinance in Cambodia: Development, Role, and Prospects

This book summarizes the history, system, and current situation of microfinance in Cambodia, examining how microfinance institutions have evolved from the 1990s to the present day. It then looks at the remaining challenges for financial inclusion, and the future directions for microfinance institutions in the country.

The book begins with an overview of the microfinance sector in Cambodia, covering key events, the regulatory framework, and key stakeholders. It evaluates the role of microfinance institutions in poverty reduction, as well as the current state of financial literacy amongst microfinance borrowers. Reviewing key policies such as the 2017 interest rate ceiling imposed by the National Bank of Cambodia, as well as government measures and programmes aimed at improving household financial literacy and protecting borrowers, the book provides readers with evidence-based insights into current developments and prospects in Cambodia’s microfinance sector. The role and impact of FinTech on Cambodia’s microfinance sector is also explored.

Providing a comprehensive picture of the reality of microfinance in Cambodia, this book will interest students, researchers, and policymakers concerned with economic development in Southeast Asia.

Sovannroeun Samreth is a professor at Saitama University, Japan. His research focuses on development issues in Cambodia and other developing countries. He has published in journals such as Empirical Economics, Economics Letters, Economic Modelling, the Journal of Asian Economics, and the Review of Development Economics.

Daiju Aiba is a resident expert at the National Bank of Cambodia under the JICA Technical Cooperation Project. His research focuses on financial systems in developing economies. He has published in academic journals, including the Journal of Asian Economics and the Asian Development Review.