When families gain the tools to manage their finances safely, entire communities thrive.

Through the Strengthening Safe Finance in Community Project shortly known as Safe Finance, grassroots financial literacy is changing everyday lives across rural Cambodia. Initiated by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and implemented by the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA)—in close partnership with the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC), Credit Bureau (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (CBC), and Cerise+SPTF, this joint initiative is building a more resilient, financially inclusive future.

Key Highlights: First 7 Months of 2026

During the first seven months of 2026, the project expanded its reach deeper into rural heartlands, making a direct impact where it matters most:

• Expanded Footprint: Reached 97 villages across 9 communes and 8 districts in 7 provinces (Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom, Pursat, Ratanakiri, and Svay Rieng).
• Local Champions Mobilized: Trained and supported 127 local trainers (including 41 women) to lead grassroot learning sessions directly in their own communities.
• Active Community Participation: Conducted 569 outreach sessions, engaging 4,992 unique participants (3,308 of whom were women) and logging 16,492 repeat attendances.

"Financial literacy isn't just about managing money—it's about protecting livelihoods, building trust, and giving community members the confidence to secure their economic futures."

Cumulative Impact (August 2023 – July 2026)

Since outreach began in August 2023, the cumulative momentum highlights the strong, growing trust local communities place in these sessions:

With women representing nearly 70% of total participants, the project continues to foster stronger financial empowerment among rural women, who often serve as the primary managers of household finances.

Building Resilience Against Financial Scams and Unsafe Practices

By promoting safe and informed engagement with formal financial services, the project delivers practical skills in budgeting, saving, debt management, and responsible borrowing. Crucially, participants learn to recognize financial warning signs, helping protect their households against over-indebtedness, online scams, fraud, and high-risk informal lending practices.

Aligned closely with the Royal Government’s Safe Village–Commune Policy, the Strengthening Safe Finance in Community Project remains dedicated to building informed, secure, and self-reliant communities across Cambodia.

Stay Connected

Want to learn more about CMA's financial inclusion and consumer protection initiatives? Visit our website at www.cma-network.org or follow our social channels for the latest updates.