The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the UN in Cambodia co-hosted the Cambodia Responsible Investor event, convening to engage in a strategic dialogue on advancing responsible finance practices for Cambodia.
The event was held in collaboration with CERISE+SPTF (a joint initiative of two leading global organisations dedicated to social and environmental performance management), the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC), and the Cambodia Microfinance Association, bringing together over 60 investors from the banking and financial sector.
According to a September 19 press release, the dialogue aimed to bringing together investors in the financial and banking sector to share their visions for the implementation of social, governance and consumer protection principles to support the ecosystem for responsible and sustainable financial practices.
It was also an opportunity to align on shared values, strengthen accountability and explore practical steps to ensure that social and governance considerations remain at the heart of financial decision-making.
“The choices you make shape institutional behaviour, governance standards, and ultimately, the quality of services delivered to clients. That is why today’s gathering will provide to an overview of the Social Governance actions undertaken by NBC and sector associations which helping investors to set clear expectations, manage risk, and stay aligned with Cambodia’s sectoral Code of Conduct, known as BFIs Code of Conduct,” said Rath Sovannorak, deputy governor of the National Bank of Cambodia.
According to the release, the discussions focused on existing governance frameworks, remaining gaps, and the strategic role of data and oversight in ensuring client protection, as well as how boards and leadership can embed responsible finance principles into institutional decision-making, strengthen accountability and enhance long-term impact.
Jo Scheuer, UN resident coordinator to Cambodia, highlighted the importance of collective action in building an inclusive, transparent and accountable financial system that supports Cambodia’s resilient economic growth and sustainable development goals.
