Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) announced on January 16 that its member institutions have collectively provided substantial financial relief, totaling over $11.6 million, to support vulnerable groups within the nation. This significant initiative includes the exemption of $10.6 million in interest payments for families displaced by conflict and the outright cancellation of $1 million in outstanding debt for frontline soldiers, wounded military personnel, and the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
This broad financial assistance program, which extends from July through the end of 2025, is a concerted effort by the Cambodian microfinance sector to alleviate the financial burdens faced by these communities. It specifically targets families of military personnel — including those serving on the front lines, those injured in service, and the relatives of fallen heroes — as well as citizens displaced by border conflicts, particularly those arising from past disputes. These actions are undertaken in direct response to appeals from Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet and in strict accordance with directives issued by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC).
The CMA’s detailed press release clarified that the $10.6 million in interest exemptions is specifically designated for families identified as refugees. This measure aims to help them regain financial stability amidst the disruptions to their livelihoods caused by displacement. Furthermore, the $1 million debt cancellation, which covers both principal and interest, is a gesture of profound gratitude and support for frontline soldiers, wounded service members, and the families of the fallen, acknowledging their immense sacrifices and the income loss they have endured.
In addition to direct financial relief, CMA and its member institutions have also raised and donated $340,000, along with various essential supplies, through charitable programs. These donations have been distributed to frontline troops and displaced citizens in the affected provinces, providing immediate practical assistance.
Beyond these specific measures, approximately $500 million in credit has also been restructured to ease the financial pressure on displaced individuals and other customers impacted by challenging circumstances, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the support.
The CMA affirmed that these interventions are being implemented concurrently with broader credit restructuring efforts and other customer assistance measures, all guided by the National Bank of Cambodia. The overarching goal is to ensure that affected customers maintain access to vital financial services without facing additional undue financial strain.
Both the Cambodia Microfinance Association and its member institutions have reiterated their commitment to delivering responsible financial services and robust customer protection. They pledge to continue implementing fair and transparent measures to alleviate customer burdens, consistent with the appeals from the Royal Government and the National Bank of Cambodia. This commitment is central to supporting the livelihoods of frontline forces and facilitating the recovery and rebuilding of affected communities.
These actions follow new guidelines issued by the National Bank of Cambodia on December 10, 2025 (note: original text indicates 2025 for a past instruction), which directed banks and financial institutions to cancel loans up to 10 million Riel for disabled soldiers on the battlefield, and up to 80 million Riel for customers or co-borrowers who are fallen soldiers. The NBC further instructed financial institutions to offer concessions to displaced customers affected by border conflicts. These concessions include the exemption of fees and penalties related to loans, the waiver of interest payments, and the deferral of principal repayments until March 31, 2026. For soldiers directly engaged in battlefield operations, all fees and penalties related to loans are exempted, interest payments are waived, and principal repayments are deferred until May 31, 2026.
