NAADR, ABC and CMA Sign MoU to Strengthen Out-of-Court Dispute Resolution

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept. 5, 2025) — The National Authority for Alternative Dispute Resolution (NAADR), the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC), and the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) signed a memorandum of understanding Friday to promote cooperation in out-of-court dispute resolution across the banking and financial sectors.

The signing ceremony was presided over by Chin Malin, secretary of state at the Ministry of Justice and permanent vice chairman of NAADR, representing Deputy Prime Minister Keut Rith, who also serves as minister of justice and chairman of NAADR.

According to a press release from NAADR, the agreement marks a new chapter of collaboration among the three institutions to improve the quality and efficiency of resolving disputes outside the court system—particularly those involving commercial banks, microfinance institutions and their clients.

The MoU also aims to enhance Cambodia’s alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, making them more effective, inclusive and aligned with the Royal Government’s policy priorities under the seventh legislature of the National Assembly, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Under the agreement, the three parties will work together to strengthen the capacity of mediators under the Ministry of Justice and train staff from member institutions of both associations. The focus will be on improving skills in banking and financial dispute resolution, as well as technical and procedural aspects of mediation.

The institutions also plan to promote the benefits of mediation and other ADR methods to the public and association members through meetings, seminars, training programs and related events.