Money transfer and payment transactions conducted through the Bakong payment system have continued to show steady growth. In 2025, transactions via the Bakong system exceeded 1.3 billion, representing a 20% increase over the previous year.
According to the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) 2025 Annual Report, a total of 1,325.65 million transactions were processed through the Bakong system in 2025. Of them, riel-denominated transactions reached 771.2 million, while 554.5 million were conducted using US dollars.
Speaking at the 2025 Achievements and 2026 Strategic Directions of the National Bank of Cambodia on January 23, 2026, Ms.
NBC governor Chea Serey addressed the bank’s January 23 annual review and planning meeting.
She noted that, in line with the Royal Government’s economic and digital society policy framework, the NBC has continued to develop payment systems that are modern, diverse and secure. This includes both domestic inter-institutional and cross-border payments in order to expand cross-border payment options and support tourism, international trade and remittances by migrant workers.
The NBC report also highlighted that registrations for the Bakong payment application increased significantly to approximately 26,884 accounts in 2025.
To help boost tourism arrivals to Cambodia and enable tourists to benefit from convenient, fast and secure digital payments, NBC — working with relevant institutions — has promoted the use of the Bakong Tourist app among international visitors. Approximately 22,138 accounts were registered for the Bakong Tourist payment application.
The Bakong Tourist application was introduced to facilitate tourists’ payments for goods and services via KHQR codes at merchants nationwide, offering convenience and security while reducing reliance on cash.
The NBC has also launched cross-border QR code payments between Cambodia and Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and South Korea, as well as with international payment networks, including UnionPay and Alipay.
The bank is continuing to develop payment system linkages with other countries to further support tourism and trade.
According to NBC, payments through the Bakong system have grown rapidly since its launch in 2020. Currently, Bakong has 63 official members, with an additional seven institutions in the process of system integration.
“Overall, in 2025, the National Bank of Cambodia implemented the above supporting policies with the objectives of promoting more effective use of the riel, strengthening procedures for reporting disruptions related to payment services and building a strong foundation for effective digital adoption,” said the NBC.
“These new policy directions also aim to enhance transparency in the payment services system and improve risk management. Greater emphasis has also been placed on digital education and capacity building for financial institutions and the public to ensure broader participation in the digital payment ecosystem,” it added.
