Cambodia Investment Review
Following yesterday’s Breakfast Talk on Trust & Asset Protection, we caught up with Mr. Sopheap Proeung, General Manager, Phillip Trustee (Cambodia), for a few quick questions on what purpose trusts serve, how they can be used by foreign investors, and the role they play in Cambodia’s evolving business landscape.
A tool for investors and asset owners in Cambodia
For readers who may be unfamiliar with Cambodia’s trust sector, could you briefly explain what a trust is and why it is becoming an increasingly important tool for investors and asset owners in Cambodia?
Sopheap: A trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are held and managed by a licensed trustee on behalf of beneficiaries, in accordance with the objectives set by the trustor. Trusts provide a structured and transparent framework for asset ownership, management, and succession planning.
Read More: From Foreign Investor to Cambodian Family: How Phillip Bank Built Trust — and Stayed
As Cambodia’s financial and investment landscape continues to mature, trusts are becoming increasingly important because they offer greater flexibility, asset protection, continuity, and governance for both individuals and businesses seeking long-term wealth preservation and investment management solutions.
Assets such as property or money are transferred into a trust, which is governed by an agreement known as a Trust Deed. The Trust Deed sets out the terms of the trust and appoints a licensed trust company or trustee to manage the trust.
Under Cambodian regulations, trustees are required to register trusts with the trust regulator. This regulatory oversight helps ensure accountability and provides assurance and confidence to companies and individuals using trust structures in Cambodia. The validity period of a Certificate of Trust Registration depends on the terms and conditions set out in the Trust Deed.
In addition, regulations require trust companies to maintain a strict segregation between their own assets and trust assets, including separate accounts and bank accounts. As a result, if a trust company’s financial position is adversely affected, the trust assets and trust property remain protected because they are legally separated.
Attract international investment
As Cambodia continues to attract international investment, what opportunities do you see for the trust framework to support asset protection, real estate investment, and broader economic development in the years ahead?
Sopheap: Cambodia’s growing economy and increasing international investment activity present significant opportunities for the trust industry. Trust structures can facilitate efficient asset holding, support succession and estate planning, and provide investors with greater confidence through professional administration and governance.
In particular, trusts can play an important role in supporting real estate ownership and investment structures, enabling both local and foreign investors to manage assets more effectively while operating within Cambodia’s regulatory framework.
As awareness and adoption continue to grow, trusts have the potential to contribute to a more sophisticated investment environment and support broader economic development. To sustain this growth, regulators and trust companies are working together to promote investment through trust structures, as well as personal and family trusts for estate planning, helping individuals ensure their loved ones are cared for and their assets are managed according to their wishes.
You joined the panel discussion at EuroCham’s upcoming Breakfast Talk on Trust and Asset Protection. Why is this discussion particularly relevant today, and what key insights do you hope participants took away from the event?
Sopheap: As Cambodia’s economy becomes increasingly connected to regional and global markets, investors, business owners, and families are placing greater emphasis on protecting and managing their assets in a structured and sustainable manner. This makes discussions around trusts and asset protection especially relevant today.
Through this panel, I hope participants gained a clearer understanding of how trusts work, the practical applications of trust structures in Cambodia, and how they can be used to support investment, succession planning, and long-term asset management.
Most importantly, I hope attendees left with actionable insights on how trust solutions can help them achieve their personal and business objectives with greater confidence.
