The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched its first Climate Bank Accelerator (CBA) programme in Cambodia, with the goal of supporting efforts to green the financial industry in Cambodia, including the development of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap and the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, both led by the National Bank of Cambodia.
Three financial institutions were selected to take part in the programme, which will advance the climate finance and sustainability capacity of Cambodia’s banking sector.
The inaugural cohort includes AMK Microfinance Institution PLC, Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia PLC and Maybank (Cambodia) PLC.
The banks were chosen following an open call for applications, with ADB citing their commitment to sustainability, readiness to innovate and alignment with climate finance strategies.
“The development of a green financial sector is a key objective of ADB’s Private Sector Development Plan under our Cambodia Country Partnership Strategy 2024-2028,” said Jyotsana Varma, ADB country director for Cambodia.
She explained that the inaugural CBA programme will now enter an advisory implementation phase, which aims to empower these banks, strengthening their capacity to scale up climate finance, develop innovative green financial products, and enhance climate risk assessment and greenhouse gas emissions disclosure practices.
The three banks welcomed the partnership, describing it as a milestone in developing Cambodia’s green finance sector.
AMK CEO Kea Borann said the programme would allow the institution to expand climate projects and help clients adapt to climate change.
Foreign Trade Bank CEO Dith Sochal noted that the initiative would support efforts to manage climate risk and introduce practical green lending solutions, while Maybank Cambodia CEO Rath Sophoan said it would enhance capacity to channel capital into climate-positive projects.
Beyond the selected institutions, the programme will also roll out training modules for members of the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) between 2025 and 2026, ensuring broader sectoral participation.
ADB noted that the Climate Bank Accelerator is aimed at driving sustainable, resilient growth. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members — 50 from the region.
