Cambodia Central Bank Urges Calm as Two Banks Enter Liquidation

PHNOM PENH, March 19, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s central bank on Wednesday appealed for patience from depositors after Prince Bank Plc. and Panda Commercial Bank were placed under liquidation.

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) said both lenders had been put under temporary administration to assess their financial condition before moving to liquidation.

NBC governor Chea Serey said administrators — usually licensed auditing firms — are appointed when institutions cannot meet withdrawal demands over time. If deemed viable, banks may resume operations through recapitalization and recovery measures.

“If the institution is found unable to continue, it proceeds to liquidation, where a liquidator suspends operations and converts assets into cash to repay creditors,” she said.

Serey stressed that the process takes time to avoid selling assets below value, which could reduce repayments. Under Cambodian law, depositors are treated equally, with repayments made in stages as assets are liquidated.

“We ask for your understanding and patience to allow the process to be carried out effectively,” she said, adding that the NBC is working closely with liquidators to accelerate repayments.

The central bank reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding financial stability and protecting depositors. Prince Bank was placed under administration in January, followed by Panda Commercial Bank in February.