Launching a foreign‑owned microfinance business in Cambodia is absolutely doable—and far lighter on capital than opening a full‑blown bank—but you must zero‑in on the right licence, respect the National Bank of Cambodia’s (NBC) two‑step approval process, and build strong consumer‑protection and AML defenses from day one. Below is the complete playbook, tailored for an American founder, with the upbeat momentum you asked for!
1. Pick the right microfinance “vehicle” Licence type Can you take deposits? Minimum paid‑in capital Foreign‑ownership limit Status for new licences Microfinance Deposit‑Taking Institution (MDI) Yes USD 30 m (KHR 120 bn) 100 % foreign OK Frozen—NBC stopped issuing new MDI licences in 2021 Microfinance Institution (MFI) No (lending only; may later apply for e‑money/PSP) USD 1.5 m 100 % foreign OK OPEN—licensing continues […]