Cambodia Investment Review
In a proactive move to tackle rising cyber threats, Cambodia’s financial sector came together for “Cybersecurity Day 2025,” an event hosted by the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) under the theme “Prevent and Protect.” Held at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, the full-day forum convened more than 300 participants, both in-person and online, to discuss evolving cyber risks and collaborative defense strategies.
Financial sector treats cybersecurity as a boardroom priority
Opening the event, ABC Chairman Rath Sophoan emphasized the urgent need to elevate cybersecurity across all levels of financial institutions. “Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function—it is a boardroom priority. The threats are real, constantly evolving, and unyielding,” he said, highlighting the growing dangers posed by phishing, ransomware, and fraudulent digital activity.
Cambodia, like other emerging economies, has faced an uptick in cybercrime incidents in recent years. Online scams, phishing attacks via SMS and messaging apps, and even sophisticated campaigns involving fake base transceiver stations (BTS) have been used to trick consumers into handing over personal data or installing malware. Such threats have placed added pressure on banks to strengthen internal systems and customer protections.
National Bank of Cambodia: Resilience through security
Representing the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), Deputy Director General of Central Banking Operation Long Vibunrith reiterated the importance of cybersecurity in maintaining financial stability and consumer confidence.
“A resilient financial system must be inclusive, diversified, and secure. We recognize the pivotal role of cybersecurity in maintaining confidence in digital financial services,” he said, calling for deeper coordination between regulators, financial institutions, and technology providers to safeguard Cambodia’s digital financial future.
The NBC is encouraging investments in innovative technologies and public-private partnerships to keep pace with increasingly complex cyber threats.
Global and regional players push for collaboration
Mastercard, a key strategic partner of the event, stressed the need for greater threat intelligence sharing and infrastructure resilience. Winnie Wong, Country Manager for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, underlined Mastercard’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s cyber-readiness.
“Cybersecurity is a strategic priority that requires strong public-private collaboration. In Cambodia, we are working with regulators and banks to secure digital identities and build resilient payment infrastructures,” she said.
Panel discussions throughout the day featured representatives from the National Bank of Cambodia, the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Cyber Crime Department, Mastercard, and the Cambodia Financial Intelligence Unit (CAFIU). Key topics included fraud prevention, secure digital banking practices, and national policy frameworks to combat cybercrime.
Afternoon breakout sessions explored emerging defense technologies, legal frameworks, and best practices for mitigating cybersecurity risks in banking operations.
Event signals commitment to secure Cambodia’s digital economy
Cybersecurity Day 2025 served not only as a platform for high-level dialogue but also as a capacity-building initiative aimed at enhancing digital literacy among banking professionals. Organizers say the event is part of a broader effort to cultivate a culture of proactive cyber defense and increase consumer protection in Cambodia’s growing digital economy.
The Association of Banks in Cambodia extended appreciation to its partners and sponsors for supporting the initiative. Strategic partners Mastercard and Smart were recognized alongside Diamond Sponsors ACLEDA Bank, Chip Mong Bank, and Visa. ABA Bank was acknowledged as Gold Sponsor, while Silver Sponsors included KB Prasac Bank, Canadia Bank, Sathapana Bank, and the Institute of Banking and Finance.
As digital adoption accelerates across Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s banking sector is signaling a strong intention to stay ahead of cyber threats and maintain trust in its financial systems.
