The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has announced a significant decision to waive the 2026 annual license fees for branches of banking and financial institutions operating in areas affected by border disputes. This measure specifically targets institutions located in 23 districts across five Cambodian provinces that share a border with Thailand: Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Pursat, and Battambang. The decision was formally conveyed in a letter dated January 13, issued by Mr. Kith Sovannarith, Assistant Governor and Director General of the National Bank.
The districts eligible for this license fee exemption for the year 2026 are:
* **Preah Vihear province:** Chey Sen, Chep, Choam Ksan, Kulen, Rovieng, and Sangkum Thmey districts.
* **Banteay Meanchey province:** Mongkul Borey, Phnom Srok, Preah Net Preah, O’Chrov, Thmor Puok, Svay Chek, and Malai districts.
* **Oddar Meanchey province:** Anlong Veng, Banteay Ampil, Chong Kal, and Trapeang Prasat districts.
* **Pursat province:** Veal Veng district.
* **Battambang province:** Sampov Loun, Kamrieng, Phnom Proek, and Samlot districts.
This exemption aims to provide crucial relief to financial service providers operating in these designated regions, acknowledging the unique challenges they face due to their geographical location. Normally, according to the Prakas (declaration) of the National Bank of Cambodia, commercial bank branches are required to pay an annual license fee of 10 million Riels per branch. Furthermore, branches of commercial banks and deposit-taking microfinance institutions (MFIs) typically pay 5 million Riels annually per branch, while other microfinance institutions (MFIs) are subject to an annual fee of 500,000 Riels.
