Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia’s securities regulator and a leading association representing young entrepreneurs are encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises to consider the country’s capital market as an alternative source of long-term financing.
The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia (YEAC), held a workshop in Phnom Penh on September 4 focused on helping SMEs understand the opportunities, requirements and preparations involved in raising funds through the securities market.
The event, supported by the Cambodia Association of Securities Firms (CASF), brought together 125 representatives from government agencies, business associations and the financial sector at the Non-Bank Financial Services Authority building.
Securities Market Positioned as Alternative Funding Channel
The workshop examined how SMEs can use the securities market to secure long-term capital for business expansion while strengthening transparency, corporate governance and operational sustainability.
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SERC Director General Sou Socheat said SME development represented an investment in one of Cambodia’s key drivers of economic growth.
“Accessing financing through the securities market is not only about mobilizing long-term capital sources, but it is also the first step toward enhancing business operational efficiency with transparency and good governance,” he said.
Sou Socheat added that capital-market participation could strengthen an enterprise’s reputation and competitiveness, describing the securities market as a bridge connecting SMEs with longer-term funding.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between government institutions, financial institutions and the private sector in building a financial ecosystem capable of supporting sustainable SME development.
IPO Readiness Among YEAC’s Priorities Through 2030
YEAC President Pech Bolen said access to finance would remain the association’s leading strategic priority through 2030.
The association has been working to strengthen the capacity of its members and other Cambodian entrepreneurs to obtain funding from banks and the securities market, he said.
YEAC is cooperating with organizations including the Association of Banks in Cambodia, Cambodia Microfinance Association, SERC, Trust Regulator and Cambodia Securities Exchange to improve access to credit, attract investment and prepare businesses for potential initial public offerings.
The initiative reflects broader efforts to diversify financing options for Cambodian businesses, many of which have traditionally relied on bank lending, private capital or internally generated funds.
Accessing the securities market typically requires companies to improve their financial reporting, governance structures, internal controls and disclosure practices. While these requirements can present challenges for smaller enterprises, regulators and industry representatives argue that stronger corporate structures can support sustainable growth and investor confidence.
Government, Business and Securities Leaders Join Workshop
The workshop featured representatives from SERC, YEAC, CASF, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Associations for Small and Medium Enterprises of Cambodia, and the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association.
Speakers included: Ministry of Commerce Under Secretary of State Tan Tepikanika; Chea Layhy, Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation’s General Department of Small and Medium Enterprises and Handicraft; and Chin Samnang, a Cambodia Chamber of Commerce member and adviser to the Royal Government.
Other speakers included YEAC Executive Vice President and Aplus Consulting Managing Director Sar Kinal; RHB Securities (Cambodia) CEO and CASF President Sear Ratanak; and Cambodia Securities Chief Operating Officer Ervin Tsay H.
Organizers said the gathering was intended to give entrepreneurs practical insights into the benefits of capital-market financing and the preparations businesses must undertake before approaching investors.
The workshop also sought to connect entrepreneurs with regulators, advisers and securities firms that can support companies as they move toward greater investment readiness and potential participation in Cambodia’s capital market.
