AKP Phnom Penh, May 24, 2025 --

In response to the escalating threats of cybercrime in the financial sector, the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) organised on May 23 at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel “Cybersecurity Day 2025” under the theme "Prevent and Protect".

This full-day event brings together over 200 participants attending in person and another 100 attending virtually, including government officials, bankers, heads of IT, cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance from member banks, along with representatives from key strategic partners, government agencies, and private sector leaders.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and promote best practices in cybersecurity.

“Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function; it is now a boardroom priority. It is not simply the responsibility of IT departments—each one of us in the financial sector has a role to play. Every click, every transaction, and every data exchange matter. The threats are real, constantly evolving, and unyielding,” said Mr. Rath Sophoan, ABC Chairman his welcome remarks.

“With cyber threats like phishing, ransomware, and fraud becoming more sophisticated, this event is crucial to safeguard our financial infrastructure and build customer trust,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Long Vibunrith, Deputy Director General of Central Banking Operation, National Bank of Cambodia, appreciated the ABC for organising this important event, which serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration between financial institutions and regulatory authorities to prevent cybercrime, enhance consumer protection, strengthen public trust, and raise awareness of cybersecurity within the banking sector.

"At the National Bank of Cambodia, our core mandate remains the preservation of price and financial stability. A resilient financial system must be inclusive, diversified, and secure. We recognise the pivotal role of cybersecurity in maintaining confidence in digital financial services," said Mr. Long Vibunrith.

He added that the National Bank of Cambodia also calls upon all stakeholders—regulators, financial institutions, technology providers, and consumers—to advance cybersecurity awareness, invest in innovation, and work collectively to safeguard Cambodia’s digital future.

In Cambodia, the collaboration with regulators and financial institutions is key to strengthening cybersecurity measures, from securing digital identities to building resilient payment infrastructures. Cybersecurity is a strategic priority that requires strong public-private collaboration to stay ahead of and address evolving threats,” said Ms. Winnie Wong, Country Manager, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, Mastercard.

“Mastercard works closely with public and industry partners to share threat intelligence, deploy advanced cybersecurity solutions, and support policy development that enhances national cyber resilience,” said Ms. Winnie Wong.

The day features three high-level panel discussions focusing on cybersecurity policy development, fraud prevention, and secure digital banking. Key institutions such as the National Bank of Cambodia, the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Cyber Crime Department, Mastercard, and the Cambodia Financial Intelligence Unit (CAFIU) have shared insights and strategies to combat evolving threats.

By Chea Vannak