Mobile Banking and Financial Inclusion Trends in Cambodia: Bridging the Gap in 2025

Introduction

In recent years, Cambodia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital banking frontiers. With a young population, expanding internet connectivity, and growing smartphone penetration, mobile banking has transformed from a convenience into a critical driver of financial inclusion. In 2025, the fusion of fintech innovation, government policy, and private sector ambition is reshaping how Cambodians access, use, and trust financial services.

This article explores the current trends in mobile banking and financial inclusion in Cambodia, what’s driving change, the challenges ahead, and how local agents and businesses can leverage these developments.

The Rise of Mobile Banking in Cambodia

A decade ago, banking services in Cambodia were mostly reserved for urban dwellers and high-income individuals. Today, mobile banking apps such as ABA Mobile, ACLEDA Unity ToanChet, and Wing Money App are becoming household names—even in remote provinces.

According to the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), as of late 2024:

• Over 60% of adult Cambodians have access to mobile financial services

• Digital transactions reached nearly $200 billion annually

• Cambodia is home to over 30 licensed payment service providers (PSPs)

🔗 National Bank of Cambodia – Financial Stability Report

Why Mobile Banking Is Booming

📱 Smartphone Penetration

With over 70% smartphone ownership, even in rural areas, Cambodians are bypassing traditional bank branches and going straight to mobile-first solutions.

🌐 Affordable Internet Access

Government-supported initiatives and regional infrastructure projects like Cambodia’s Digital Economy and Society Policy 2021–2035 have led to better and cheaper internet coverage.

🔗 Digital Economy Policy by Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance

💸 Low-Cost Remittances and Transfers

Apps like Wing and Pi Pay allow low-fee money transfers—particularly important for families receiving remittances from garment workers or migrant laborers in Thailand and South Korea.

🏦 Agent-Based Banking

Many mobile providers work with thousands of local agents who serve as cash-in/cash-out points. This gives unbanked Cambodians physical access to digital services.

🔗 How Agents Simplify Business Licensing in Cambodia

Impact on Financial Inclusion

✅ Serving the Unbanked and Underbanked

As of 2020, only 22% of Cambodians had a traditional bank account. By 2025, financial inclusion has risen dramatically thanks to:

• Mobile wallets for basic financial tasks

• QR-code payment ecosystems for merchants and markets

• Loan and microcredit access via app-based verification systems

✅ Women and Rural Populations Empowered

Digital financial tools are enabling more Cambodian women—especially in rural areas—to control finances, participate in microenterprises, and receive digital loans or savings incentives.

✅ Rise of Micro-Entrepreneurship

Street vendors, tuk-tuk drivers, and online sellers now rely on mobile platforms to receive payments, access capital, and manage digital inventories.

Challenges to Financial Inclusion

While mobile banking has bridged many gaps, challenges remain:

🔐 Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity

Not all users are digitally literate. This creates vulnerability to scams, phishing, and fraud. Enhancing user education and platform security is essential.

🌍 Limited Cross-Border Interoperability

Although domestic mobile money networks are strong, cross-border integration with Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos remains in development. Full ASEAN fintech harmonization is still a work in progress.

📊 Data and Credit Scoring Gaps

Many users lack formal credit histories, making it hard to access larger loans. However, fintechs are exploring alternative credit scoring models using mobile data and transaction history.

What Are Banks and Fintechs Doing?

🔄 QR Code Standardization via Bakong

The Bakong System, Cambodia’s blockchain-based central bank digital currency (CBDC) project, allows for real-time interbank transactions and standardized QR payments.

🔗 Bakong Project – NBC

🏦 Collaborations Between Banks and Mobile Operators

Institutions like ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, and Wing Bank partner with telcos and fintech startups to offer:

• Instant P2P transfers

• Bill payments and top-ups

• Payroll and remittance tools

• Digital loan processing

🌱 Green and Inclusive Lending

Some banks now use mobile apps to offer green loans for solar panels, clean water systems, or electric motorbikes—contributing to Cambodia’s sustainability goals.

Opportunities for Businesses and Agents

🛒 Digital Payments in Retail

Whether it’s an urban café or a countryside minimart, integrating QR payment systems has become essential. Local agents help small retailers onboard digital platforms and track inventory.

🚚 B2B Payments for Logistics

As more Cambodian manufacturers and freight forwarders go digital, agents simplify invoice payments, customs fees, and cargo insurance through mobile transfers.

🔗 Exporting Made Easy: Cambodia’s Freight Forwarding Landscape

🤝 Supporting E-Commerce and Dropshipping

The rise of agent-assisted dropshipping relies on digital payment integration, ensuring customer trust and smoother transactions.

🔗 The Future of Agent-Assisted Dropshipping in Cambodia

The Role of Cambodia-Agent.com

At Cambodia-Agent.com, we empower businesses and individuals to navigate Cambodia’s fintech and banking ecosystem by:

• Onboarding sellers and retailers to mobile platforms

• Facilitating B2B mobile payment solutions

• Supporting financial compliance and digital onboarding

• Connecting clients with reliable mobile-friendly banking partners

Whether you’re launching an e-commerce platform or expanding rural logistics services, our agents offer localized, tech-driven support.

Conclusion

The future of mobile banking in Cambodia is bright, inclusive, and decentralized. With government backing, private innovation, and widespread agent networks, mobile platforms are unlocking opportunity for millions of Cambodians. While digital risks and regulatory gaps remain, the overall trajectory is clear: mobile finance is the foundation of Cambodia’s next economic chapter.