Cambodia Formalizes Crypto Oversight with New Licensing and Rules

PHNOM PENH, Sept 24, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is moving to formalize oversight of crypto‑related services, with the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) introducing licensing, supervision and reporting requirements, the central bank said Thursday. Under a joint statement, commercial banks licensed by the NBC seeking to provide virtual‑asset services must obtain prior authorization from the central bank, while other entities must secure a licence from the SERC. Specific permitted activities will be detailed in separate regulations. The framework aims to balance innovation with risks including investor and consumer protection, fraud, price volatility, money laundering, sanctions evasion, terrorism financing, tax evasion and cybercrime. It is built on three principles: investor and consumer protection, market integrity and support for innovation. Licensed or authorized providers will be designated Reporting Entities and subject to Cambodia Financial Intelligence Unit requirements under anti‑money laundering and counter‑terrorism financing laws. The NBC and SERC also plan clearer rules for issuance, exchange, trading and custody of virtual assets, coordinated under the principle of “same activity, same risk, same regulation.” Authorities said the framework builds on Cambodia’s Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021–2035 and FinTech Development Policy 2023–2028, which aim to support financial innovation while safeguarding stability. However, regulators reiterated that virtual assets are not legal tender in Cambodia and are not guaranteed by the government or central bank, warning they remain highly volatile and risky. The framework excludes entities that only operate networks or provide infrastructure, such as cloud services, if they do not directly offer trading, investment or payment services. Officials said the NBC and SERC will continue reviewing the framework as the market develops, coordinating future measures to strengthen compliance and enforcement.