Cambodia Investment Review

Tonle Finance Targets SME and Asset-Backed Lending for Its Next Phase of Growth in Cambodia

Tonle Finance Targets SME and Asset-Backed Lending for Its Next Phase of Growth in Cambodia

Cambodia Investment Review

Tonle Finance is targeting small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs and individuals for its next phase of growth in Cambodia, following the financial leasing company’s rebrand from BSP Finance and its return to full ownership by RMA Group.

Speaking to Cambodia Investment Review in an exclusive interview, Managing Director Andy Roberts and Chief Operating Officer Ly Sopheak outlined plans to accelerate approvals, modernise internal systems and expand financing across transportation, logistics, agriculture, construction and green energy.

The Company specialises in asset-backed financing for vehicles, agricultural and construction equipment, and machinery. With nearly two decades of experience in asset financing, Tonle Finance believes leasing will become an increasingly mainstream tool as Cambodian businesses demand faster, more flexible and digitally enabled financial services.

Rebrand Opens New Chapter Under RMA Group

BSP Finance officially changed its name to Tonle Finance Plc. following regulatory approval from the National Bank of Cambodia and the Ministry of Commerce.

Read More: BSP Finance (Cambodia) PLC to Transition to Tonle Finance PLC

The move followed RMA Group’s acquisition of the remaining 50% stake held by Bank of South Pacific, returning the leasing company to full RMA ownership. RMA Group has been involved in the business since its inception in 2013.

Kevin Whitcraft, CEO of RMA Group, previously outlined full ownership would allow the group to provide stronger support and long-term stability for Tonle Finance and its customers, while deepening its investment in Cambodia.

The Tonle Finance name was inspired by the Tonle Sap, which the company described as a Cambodian symbol of connection, resilience and sustainable growth.

The new identity represents more than a name and logo change, according to the company. It reflects Tonle Finance’s ambition to become a more modern and customer-focused financial partner while contributing to Cambodia’s economic development and financial inclusion.

“Our name reflects that purpose and responsibility,” Roberts said. “Every day, we help customers access the tools they need to build income, expand their businesses and support their families.”

Despite the rebrand, all existing customer lease agreements, repayment schedules and contract terms remain unchanged. Bank account names will change, but account numbers and established payment arrangements will remain the same.

“For our customers and partners, the most important thing to know is that nothing about their day-to-day relationship with us is changing,” Sopheak said.

Customers will continue working with the same teams and accessing the same customer-service channels, payment channels and operational support.

Businesses Demand Faster and More Flexible Financing

Tonle Finance said customer expectations have evolved considerably during its years in asset financing.

Borrowers are no longer focused solely on gaining access to capital. They increasingly expect transparent terms, faster approvals and repayment structures designed around their actual cash flow and business cycles.

That change is accelerating as Cambodian businesses become more sophisticated and expect financial providers to offer digital-first services.

Leasing can allow businesses to acquire productive assets, including trucks, tractors, machinery and construction equipment, without committing significant working capital upfront or relying entirely on traditional collateral.

This can be particularly important for SMEs and first-generation entrepreneurs that operate viable businesses but remain cash-constrained or underserved by conventional financing channels.

As Cambodia’s economy diversifies, Tonle Finance expects leasing to move from being viewed as an alternative financing option to becoming a default tool for businesses seeking productive assets.

Financial Inclusion Balanced With Responsible Lending

Financial inclusion will remain central to the company’s expansion strategy, with Tonle Finance aiming to support households, farmers, entrepreneurs and SMEs through practical financing solutions.

The company’s leasing products are designed to help customers manage cash flow and acquire income-generating assets that can support business expansion, employment and household livelihoods.

However, Tonle Finance said wider access must be balanced with responsible lending. Its assessments consider each customer’s needs, financial capacity and repayment ability to ensure financing remains appropriate, affordable and sustainable.

The Company combines flexible leasing products with risk management and personalised customer support. Tonle Finance said this approach can help customers build long-term financial resilience while contributing to Cambodia’s wider economic development.

Andy Roberts Sees Growth Across Productive Sectors

Roberts said Tonle Finance’s priorities over the next three to five years include delivering faster approval times, improving service quality and developing financing products that respond more closely to changing customer needs.

The company will continue investing in its employees, processes and technology to make its services simpler, faster and more convenient.

Tonle Finance sees significant opportunities among SMEs and individuals underserved by traditional financing channels, particularly those seeking assets capable of directly generating income or improving business productivity.

Transportation, logistics, agriculture, construction and green energy have been identified as key areas of potential expansion. Each requires continued investment in vehicles, machinery and equipment, creating opportunities for specialised leasing providers.

“Five years from now, I see Tonle Finance as the name people default to when they need to finance a productive asset in Cambodia,” Roberts said.

Ly Sopheak Leads Operational and Digital Transformation

Sopheak said Tonle Finance is streamlining its end-to-end financing process as the Company prepares to scale its operations.

Operational priorities include standardising workflows, strengthening risk controls and reducing approval turnaround times. The company is also investing in staff capabilities and performance management to deliver more consistent service across its branch network.

On the technology side, Tonle Finance is modernising its core systems and automating key processes to reduce manual work and improve data accuracy.

The company is enhancing digital document management, strengthening system integration and expanding its use of data analytics. These changes are intended to support faster decision-making, improve portfolio monitoring and make the overall customer experience more efficient.

Tonle Finance is also exploring digital tools to improve customer communication and provide more convenient payment and service options.

The rebrand, full RMA Group ownership and operational transformation collectively form the foundation of Tonle Finance’s next phase of growth, as the company seeks to establish itself as a leading provider of productive asset financing in Cambodia.

Customers with questions are invited to contact Tonle Finance through their usual channels and review the Frequently Asked Questions available on the Tonle Finance website:www.tonlefinance.com/cambodia/faqs/

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