J Trust Royal Bank CFO on Empowering Women Leaders in Cambodia's Financial Sector

Pheakdey Pok, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at J Trust Royal Bank, has emphasized that while opportunities for women in Cambodia's financial sector have progressed significantly, further advancements are needed at the highest executive levels and in technical fields. With over two decades of experience in auditing, corporate finance, and commercial banking, Pok has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Cambodia's financial landscape. Pok reflects that in the early stages of her career, particularly during her tenure at ANZ Bank, the presence of local female executives was very limited. Today, however, many women are stepping forward to take on leadership roles, contributing with professionalism, resilience, and strong governance across financial institutions. Nevertheless, the need to strengthen women's representation in highly technical areas such as technology and digital banking, as well as at the most senior executive levels, remains. She notes that leading through organizational transformation requires a careful balance of decisiveness, clear communication, and disciplined execution. The integration process following J Trust's acquisition of ANZ Royal in 2019 reinforced the importance of clear roles and accountability for maintaining transformation momentum, especially during periods of uncertainty. Simultaneously, leadership must remain deeply people-centric, with open communication and trust being key to guiding teams. Her exposure to international banking environments and global financial standards has broadened Pok's professional perspective, contributing to strengthened discipline, governance capabilities, and stakeholder management. Bringing this experience back to Cambodia is crucial for enhancing local institutions, raising industry standards, and contributing to the sector's long-term sustainability. International exposure, in particular, is transformative for the next generation of women leaders, broadening their horizons, fostering innovation, and building the confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly complex environment. For young Cambodian women aspiring to careers in accounting, finance, banking, or corporate leadership, Pok encourages them to believe in their potential and commit to continuous learning and growth. She advises building a strong technical foundation while being open to developing skills in emerging areas like digital banking, AI, and cybersecurity. Integrity, discipline, resilience, and effective stakeholder management are critical qualities for long-term success, and seeking out mentors and surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals is equally important, she concludes.