AKP Phnom Penh, October 7, 2026 --

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for bilateral cooperation, paving the way for integrated cross-border payment systems between the two countries.

The strategic agreement was signed on Oct. 5 in Bhutan by NBC Governor H.E. Dr. Chea Serey and H.E. Ms. Yangchen Tshogyel, Governor of Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, following bilateral discussions focused on central banking operations and financial technology sharing.

“We discussed and shared experiences and lessons learnt from our respective central banks. We hope to commence our cross-border payment cooperation soon,” H.E. Dr. Chea Serey said.

The deal marks another step in the NBC’s effort to scale its Bakong system, Cambodia’s blockchain-based national payment platform launched in 2020. Bakong allows users to make instant digital transactions using QR codes and local currency (Riel) or US dollars.

Designed to promote financial inclusion and reduce reliance on physical cash, Bakong has already expanded across Southeast Asia through cross-border payment linkages with Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia, allowing seamless remittance and tourism payments across borders.

By Chea Vannak