Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Kukmin Bank, a prominent financial institution based in South Korea and the parent company of KB Prasac Bank Plc, has made a firm commitment to develop its investments within Cambodia’s vibrant financial sector into an exemplary model for others to follow. This significant pledge was officially articulated by Mr. Lee Hwan Ju, Chief Executive Officer of Kukmin Bank, during a recent high-level meeting with Her Excellency Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia.
A delegation of senior officials from Kukmin Bank convened for discussions with Her Excellency Chea Serey at the National Bank of Cambodia’s headquarters, located in the Wat Phnom area, on October 20, 2025. This meeting and its key outcomes were subsequently highlighted in an official press statement released by the National Bank of Cambodia.
During the constructive engagement, Mr. Lee Hwan Ju conveyed the strong resolve behind his current visit to Cambodia. He emphasized the crucial importance of acquiring comprehensive and accurate information regarding Cambodia’s extensive economic potential, a measure vital for avoiding any potential misunderstandings among international investors. Speaking directly to the Governor of the National Bank, Mr. Lee confidently affirmed that Cambodia presents a highly favorable investment environment. This positive assessment has significantly boosted the confidence of Kukmin Bank’s shareholders, leading to their strategic decision to further strengthen their investment in the Kingdom by continuing to provide robust support to their local subsidiary, KB Prasac Bank Plc.
Mr. Lee Hwan Ju articulated his strategic vision, stating, “I am committed to making this investment in Cambodia’s financial sector a model to showcase successful investment experiences in Cambodia to other Korean investors.” As part of this overarching commitment, he plans to conduct thorough on-site inspections of KB Prasac Bank Plc’s operational branches across various provinces. These visits are designed to facilitate an in-depth study of the potential for expanding the bank’s diverse range of financial products and services, aiming for deeper market penetration and broader impact across the country.
Her Excellency Chea Serey expressed her profound appreciation for Kukmin Bank’s ongoing commitment to reinforce its investments in Cambodia. She further detailed the various preparatory measures and collaborative initiatives being undertaken by the National Bank of Cambodia. These efforts are specifically designed to foster a conducive and supportive environment for financial sector operations within the country, ensuring ease and security for both domestic and international investors.
Following the productive conclusion of the working meeting with Mr. Lee Hwan Ju, the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia shared her insights publicly. She posted, “His commitment to the Cambodian market and his presence in Cambodia is a testament to the company’s and personal trust in Cambodia’s present and future.” This statement powerfully underscores the strong belief in Cambodia’s sustained economic stability and promising growth prospects.
Reflecting the dynamic expansion of its financial sector, Cambodia’s landscape as of the end of 2024 included a substantial total of 157 banks and microfinance institutions. Specifically, this comprehensive figure comprised 59 commercial banks, 9 specialized banks, 4 deposit-taking microfinance institutions, and 85 non-deposit-taking microfinance institutions. Additionally, the country reported 114 rural credit institutions, 13 financial leasing institutions, 4 third-party payment processors, 30 payment service providers, 1 credit information sharing system service provider, 5 foreign bank representative offices, and a remarkable 3,327 currency exchange businesses. These detailed statistics collectively underscore the diverse and continuously expanding nature of Cambodia’s financial ecosystem, reinforcing its appeal as an investment destination.
