Cambodia Leadership Review
With more than two decades of experience across auditing, corporate finance, and commercial banking, Pheakdey Pok, Chief Financial Officer of J Trust Royal Bank, has built a career at the forefront of Cambodia’s evolving financial sector. She has played a key role in strengthening financial governance, leading complex organisational transformation, and helping shape one of the country’s leading commercial banks during a period of significant change.
Passionate about developing future leaders, Pheakdey believes Cambodia’s banking sector will continue to be driven by digitalisation, stronger governance, regional integration, and investment in people. She is also a strong advocate for creating greater opportunities for women to build successful careers across finance and banking.
In this edition of 50 Khmer Women Voices 2026, Pheakdey reflects on the evolution of women in Cambodia’s financial sector, leading through organisational transformation, bringing international experience back to Cambodia, the future of banking, and her advice for the next generation of women leaders.
Women in Cambodia’s Banking and Finance Sector
CLR: Over the course of your career, you have worked across auditing, corporate finance, and commercial banking. How have you seen opportunities for women in Cambodia’s financial sector evolve, and what progress still needs to be made?
Pheakdey: Over the course of my career, I have witnessed significant and encouraging progress in the advancement of women within Cambodia’s banking and financial sector. When I began my professional journey nearly two decades ago, particularly during my time at ANZ, the presence of local female executives was very limited. Representation at senior levels and especially in corporate finance, risk management, and executive leadership—was still evolving.
Today, it is truly inspiring to see more women stepping forward, taking on leadership roles, and making meaningful contributions across financial institutions. Women are not only participating but they are leading with professionalism, resilience, and strong governance. That said, our journey is not yet complete. There is still a need to strengthen representation at the most senior levels and within highly technical fields, particularly in areas such as technology and digital banking.
Moving forward, it is essential to build structured pathways through mentorship, leadership development programs, and equal access to career opportunities. Most importantly, we must continue to nurture an environment where women feel empowered to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. Progress is not only about numbers but it is about creating a culture where leadership is inclusive, diverse, and sustainable.
Leadership Through Change and Transformation
CLR: You played a key role in the financial transition and integration following J Trust’s acquisition of ANZ Royal in 2019. What were some of the most important leadership lessons you learned from managing such a significant transformation?
Pheakdey: The integration following J Trust’s acquisition of ANZ Royal in 2019 was both a challenging and defining chapter in my career. It reinforced that leading through transformation requires a careful balance of decisiveness, clear communication, and disciplined execution.
One of the most critical lessons was the importance of strong governance and structured execution, with clear accountability across project leaders and team members and in particularly during periods of uncertainty. Without clarity of roles and ownership, even well-designed transformations can lose momentum.
At the same time, leadership must remain deeply people-centric. Open communication, trust, and a clear sense of direction are essential to guide teams through change. Transformation impacts not only systems and processes, but also people’s confidence and sense of stability.
Ultimately, transformation is not just about system go-live or meeting regulatory milestones. It is about alignment to aligning people, culture, and purpose. Sustainable success can only be achieved when the entire organization moves forward together with shared confidence, clarity, and commitment.
International Experience and Developing Future Leaders
CLR: Having worked within international banking environments and global financial standards, how important is it to bring this knowledge and experience back to Cambodia, particularly in helping develop the next generation of women leaders in finance?
Pheakdey: Exposure to international banking environments and global standards has played a vital role in shaping my professional perspective.
It goes beyond technical expertise and it builds discipline, strengthens governance capabilities, and provides valuable experience in managing diverse stakeholders with different priorities and expectations. Bringing this experience back to Cambodia is essential.
This allows us to strengthen our local institutions, raise industry standards, and contribute meaningfully to the long-term sustainability of the sector. For the next generation of leaders, especially women—international exposure is transformative.
It challenges perspectives, encourages innovation, and builds the confidence needed to operate in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. Investing in people is one of the most important responsibilities we hold as leaders.
Through mentorship, structured development programs, and cross-border opportunities, we can cultivate capable, principled leaders who are equipped not only with technical skills, but also with strong leadership values.
Advice for Women Pursuing Careers in Finance
CLR: What advice would you give to young Cambodian women who are interested in building careers in accounting, finance, banking, or corporate leadership?
Pheakdey: To young Cambodian women aspiring to build a career in finance, I would like to share a simple but important message: believe in your potential and remain committed to continuous learning and growth. Build a strong technical foundation, and be open to developing diverse skill sets including emerging areas such as digital banking, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. Be proactive, stay curious, and never hesitate to step outside your comfort zone.
Meantime, integrity, discipline, resilience, and the ability to manage stakeholders effectively are critical qualities that will support your long-term success. Equally important is the support system you build around you. Seek out mentors, learn from those who have walked the path before you, and surround yourself with individuals who challenge and inspire you to grow.
The journey will not always be easy—it will be demanding and, at times, uncertain and sometimes, you need to be brave enough to walk on thin ice. However, it will also be deeply meaningful. There is a growing space for women to lead, to innovate, and to shape the future of Cambodia’s financial sector. Your role in that future is not only important—it is essential.
The Future of Cambodia’s Banking Sector
CLR: Cambodia’s banking industry continues to evolve through digitalisation, stronger governance, and increasing regional integration. What trends do you believe will shape the sector over the next decade?
Pheakdey: Cambodia’s banking sector is entering a new phase of evolution, one that presents both significant opportunities and emerging challenges, particularly in the context of global economic uncertainty.
Looking ahead, several key trends will shape the industry:
- Accelerated digitalisation, with AI evolving from a support function to a core driver of banking strategy to enhancing efficiency, risk management, and customer experience.
- Stronger governance and continued alignment with international regulatory standards.
- A shift toward more diversified and sustainable business models, including ESG integration.
- Increased focus on risk management and asset quality, balancing growth with prudent risk-return considerations.
- Greater regional connectivity within ASEAN, enabling knowledge sharing and enhancing competitiveness.
In this evolving landscape, success will require discipline, adaptability, and forward-looking leadership. Institutions that remain agile and resilient—while maintaining strong fundamentals—will be best positioned to thrive.
Explore the complete Cambodia Leadership Review – 50 Khmer Women Voices 2026 featuring exclusive interviews with Cambodia’s Top 50 Khmer Women leaders. Discover their journeys, leadership lessons, and vision for the Kingdom’s future.
