Cambodia Investment Review
Pi Pay Plc. has reaffirmed that it is a fully licensed Payment Service Provider under the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), emphasizing that it has no association with the unregulated “PAI” or “PaiPay” application recently flagged by the central bank.
In a clarification issued via its official social media channels and to Cambodia Investment Review, Pi Pay Plc stated that it operates strictly in compliance with Cambodian laws and regulatory requirements, under the supervision of the NBC. The company also confirmed that it holds the registered trademark rights for the “Pi Pay” brand, reinforcing its position as a recognized and authorized player within Cambodia’s digital payments sector.
The clarification follows a public warning issued by the NBC on March 25 regarding the PAI or PaiPay application, which has been circulating on Telegram and other platforms. Authorities confirmed that the app is not licensed by the NBC and advised the public to remain cautious when engaging with unregulated financial services.
Pi Pay highlights regulatory compliance and brand distinction
Pi Pay Plc stressed that it is not connected in any way to the PAI or PaiPay platform referenced in the NBC’s announcement, noting that the similarity in naming may cause confusion among users.
The company reiterated that it operates as a regulated financial service provider, adhering to the standards and oversight required by the central bank. It also welcomed the NBC’s efforts to safeguard consumers and maintain transparency across Cambodia’s financial ecosystem.
By clarifying its licensed status and distancing itself from the unregulated platform, Pi Pay aims to reinforce trust among users and stakeholders as digital payment adoption continues to grow in the Kingdom.
Established player in Cambodia’s digital payments ecosystem
Pi Pay Plc, a prominent cashless payment platform in Cambodia, was officially launched in 2016 as part of the country’s broader push toward digital financial services. The platform was designed as a mobile wallet-based solution to facilitate everyday transactions, including payments, transfers, and merchant services.
Since its launch, Pi Pay has contributed to the expansion of cashless payments in Cambodia, supporting financial inclusion and enabling greater access to digital financial tools for both consumers and businesses.
The platform operates within Cambodia’s regulated financial system, aligning with national efforts to modernize payment infrastructure and promote secure, transparent transactions.
NBC warning underscores importance of using licensed services
The NBC’s warning over the PAI or PaiPay application highlights ongoing risks associated with unlicensed digital financial platforms, particularly those promoted through social media channels such as Telegram.
The central bank confirmed that the application offers wallet creation, deposit, transfer, and payment services without being operated by any institution licensed under its authority. It also noted that advertisements for the app have appeared across Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk province.
Authorities are currently working with relevant agencies to investigate the promotion of the platform, as part of broader efforts to address unauthorized financial service providers.
The situation underscores the importance for users to verify whether digital payment services are licensed and regulated before engaging with them, as Cambodia’s digital economy continues to evolve.
