At the second Bankers Annual Dinner on Friday, the National Bank of Cambodia recognized several banks for expanding their services in Cambodia’s still-growing financial sector, NBC Director General Tal Nai Im said Sunday.
The NBC awarded Canadia and Acleda banks for overall service and ANZ Royal and Singapore Banking Corporation for ATM and electronic services, she said by telephone. The NBC also recognized Canadia Bank, Cambodian Mekong Bank, the Singapore Banking Corporation and Union Commercial Bank for their joint venture ATM system, she said.
“The banking system in Cambodia is improving when compared to the past,” she said. “There are more electronic service providers, credit cards, and many more customers believe their money is safe in the bank.”
NBC president Chea Chanto presented the awards, which were based on a bank’s number of branches, ATMs and customers, Tal Nai Im said.
Pung Kheav Se, chairman of the Association of Banks of Cambodia and chairman of Canadia Bank, said the global financial crisis has slowed down the economy and affected the financial sector.
“I am confident and looking forward that the Cambodian economy and the banking sector in particular will weather the storm for a brighter future in late 2009 and early 2010,” he said, according to a copy of his speech.
In Channy, president of Acleda Bank, said by telephone Sunday that spreading branches throughout the provinces is essential to the economic development of the country’s rural areas.
“[The award] means we are participating in local economic development throughout the country,” he said, adding that Acleda now has 220 offices and branches.
ANZ Royal CEO Stephen Higgins said he appreciated the recognition. ANZ Royal has 130 ATMs and is the only bank offering electronic banking, he added.
According to a copy of Chea Chanto’s speech, there are a total of 313 ATMs throughout the country.
