The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has rejected social media rumours claiming that some banks and financial institutions in Cambodia are facing difficulties, saying the reports are baseless and misleading.
In a statement issued on October 2, 2026, the central bank urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources and warned that the spread of unverified claims could harm banking customers and undermine confidence in the country's financial system.
The NBC said it strongly condemned the dissemination and intentional distortion of false information aimed at destabilising the economy and called on competent authorities to take legal action against those responsible.
NBC Says Banking System Remains Stable
According to the NBC, Cambodia's banking system has maintained strong capital and liquidity positions despite external and domestic pressures during the first half of 2026.
The central bank referred to its report on banking-sector performance during the first six months of the year and its work plan for the second half of 2026.
The report showed continued growth in both customer loans and deposits.
As of June 2026:
| Banking Sector Indicator | Amount / Change |
|---|---|
| Customer loans | 256.7 trillion riel |
| Customer loans in US dollars | US$64.2 billion |
| Loan growth | 4.6% |
| Customer deposits | 257.4 trillion riel |
| Customer deposits in US dollars | US$64.4 billion |
| Deposit growth | 4.4% |
| Banking-sector capital | 42 trillion riel |
| Capital growth | 3% |
| Gross NPL ratio | 9.6% |
The NBC reported that customer loans increased 4.6% to 256.7 trillion riel, equivalent to about US$64.2 billion, while customer deposits rose 4.4% to 257.4 trillion riel, or approximately US$64.4 billion.
Banking-sector capital increased by 3% to 42 trillion riel, equivalent to around US$10.5 billion.
Non-Performing Loans Remain a Key Indicator
While the NBC highlighted the banking system's capital and liquidity positions, its first-half report also showed a gross non-performing loan ratio of 9.6%.
The NPL ratio is an important indicator because it measures the proportion of loans classified as non-performing.
The figure therefore provides context for understanding the condition of the banking sector, particularly as Cambodia's economy continues to face domestic and external pressures.
However, the NBC's statement specifically rejected claims that certain financial institutions are facing imminent difficulties.
NBC Urges Public to Verify Banking Information
The central bank called on members of the public not to circulate information without clear and reliable sources.
It specifically encouraged people to verify banking-related claims through official channels, particularly the National Bank of Cambodia and relevant competent authorities.
This is particularly important when information concerns banks, financial institutions or deposits, because unverified claims can influence public behaviour and confidence in financial services.
The NBC said the circulation of misleading information could harm the interests of banking service users as well as confidence in the broader banking system.
What the Latest Banking Figures Show?
The figures released by the NBC show that the banking system continued to expand its balance sheet during the first half of 2026.
Customer loans reached 256.7 trillion riel, while deposits reached 257.4 trillion riel. Capital stood at 42 trillion riel.
The increase in deposits and capital provides the quantitative context cited by the central bank when rejecting social-media claims of broad banking-system instability.
At the same time, the 9.6% gross NPL ratio indicates that credit quality remains an important issue for the banking sector and should continue to be monitored.
The available figures do not, by themselves, establish the financial condition of every individual bank or financial institution. The NBC's statement was specifically addressing the rumours circulating on social media and its assessment of the banking system as a whole.
Why Banking Confidence Matters?
Confidence is an important component of a functioning banking system.
Banks depend on customers depositing funds, borrowers repaying loans and businesses continuing to use financial services. Unverified claims about financial institutions can therefore have effects beyond the original social-media post if customers act on information that has not been verified.
For this reason, the NBC is urging the public to distinguish between confirmed information from regulators and unverified claims circulating online.
Angkor Times Analysis
The NBC's statement comes at a time when Cambodia's banking sector is operating amid a more challenging economic environment.
The central bank's first-half figures show continued growth in loans, deposits and capital, while the reported 9.6% gross NPL ratio highlights an area that remains important for monitoring.
The key distinction is between system-wide banking indicators and the financial condition of individual institutions. Aggregate figures can provide information about the broader banking sector, but they do not independently establish the strength or weakness of every bank.
For consumers and businesses, the practical takeaway from the NBC statement is to rely on verified information before making decisions concerning deposits, loans or other financial services.
For the regulator, maintaining transparency, communicating credible data and addressing false claims quickly are important parts of preserving confidence in the financial system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the NBC say about the banking rumours?
The National Bank of Cambodia rejected social media reports claiming that certain banks and financial institutions were experiencing difficulties or could face problems in the near future, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.
How much did customer loans increase in the first half of 2026?
Customer loans increased 4.6% to 256.7 trillion riel, according to the NBC's reported banking-sector figures.
How much did customer deposits increase?
Customer deposits rose 4.4% to 257.4 trillion riel as of June 2026.
How much capital did the banking sector have?
Banking-sector capital increased 3% to 42 trillion riel, equivalent to approximately US$10.5 billion.
What was the gross NPL ratio?
The gross non-performing loan ratio stood at 9.6% during the period covered by the NBC's first-half 2026 banking-sector report.
What should people do when they see banking rumours online?
The NBC urged the public not to share information without clear sources and to verify claims through official channels, particularly the central bank and relevant competent authorities.