Cambodia's Collateral Sector Attracts Foreign Investment, Raising Nearly $2.7 Billion

Cambodia's collateral sector is playing a significant role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, highlighted that this sector has been developing rapidly in recent years, promoting substantial FDI inflows into real estate, commerce, and financial markets. He also noted that it provides legal certainty and robustness for both individual and corporate investors. These remarks were made at the "Collateral 2026" forum held on August 4, 2026. The forum, themed "Collateral in the Era of Single-Entity System and Achievements in 5 Years," saw the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirm the Cambodian government's strong commitment to continue promoting, strengthening, and expanding the collateral sector in line with the rapid socio-economic evolution and international best practices for the long term. Sok Dara, Director General of the Collateral Agency (N.B.T.), presented impressive figures, stating that to date, 1,974 collateral registrations have been legally established and registered, with a total value of approximately $2.672 billion. Among these, real estate collateral and collateral for custody or security services have shown the highest growth rates. Specifically, in the first half of 2026 alone, 1,025 real estate collateral cases were registered, raising $993 million, and 831 collateral cases for custody or security services secured approximately $896 million. The collateral is located in six provinces and cities, with Phnom Penh having the highest concentration, followed by Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Speu, Takeo, and Kampong Chhnang. This growth reflects investor confidence and the significant potential of the collateral sector to contribute to national economic development.