ABA Bank and CATA partner to launch Hajj Fund and Interest-Free Mode for Cambodian Muslim community

Phnom Penh, 6 April 2026 – ABA Bank and the Cambodia Amanah Takaful Association (CATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the Hajj Fund and Interest-Free Mode programs for Cambodia’s Muslim community.

This collaboration marks an important step in providing accessible, transparent, and faith-aligned financial solutions, supporting community members in managing their finances and preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage.

The MOU signing ceremony took place on 6 April 2026 and was attended by H.E. Dr. Othsman Hassan, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions, Askhat Azhikhanov, Chief Executive Officer of ABA Bank, and Saman Sen, Executive Director of CATA, along with representatives from CATA and ABA and the members of the community.

Hajj Fund: Supporting Pilgrimage Savings

Developed by CATA, the Hajj Fund mobile application provides a dedicated platform for members of the Muslim community to register and contribute toward their Hajj Plan in a structured and convenient manner.

Under this partnership, ABA serves as the exclusive payment gateway for the Hajj Fund collection. Contributions can be made seamlessly through ABA KHQR or a bank card, ensuring secure and reliable transactions. This integration enhances the accessibility of the Hajj Fund and enables users to manage their contributions with greater ease and transparency.

Interest-Free Mode on ABA Mobile

In parallel, ABA has introduced an Interest-Free Mode in its ABA Mobile app, designed for customers who prefer to manage their finances in accordance with Islamic principles. This feature allows users to convert their savings account into an interest-free account right in the app. Any interest accrued on the account will instead be redirected to charitable programs managed by CATA, supporting members of the community in need.

To enable Interest-Free Mode, users shall

• Go to Accounts in ABA Mobile
• Tap the three dots icon of the required account
• Toggle on Interest-Free Mode
• Review the Terms & Conditions and tap Enable Now.

Commitment to Inclusive Financial Services

“At ABA, we believe banking is not only about technology and efficiency – it is also about understanding the values, beliefs, and needs of the communities we serve,” said Askhat Azhikhanov at the launch ceremony.

“Our partnership with CATA reflects our commitment to providing inclusive and relevant financial solutions. Through the Hajj Fund integration and the Interest-Free Mode on ABA Mobile, we aim to build a banking ecosystem that supports diversity and delivers meaningful value to our customers,” he added.

Saman Sen, Executive Director of CATA, commented, “This MoU is a major step forward for our association. With ABA Bank’s robust digital support, our members can now manage their religious savings with ease, security, and peace of mind.”

This partnership reflects a shared commitment by ABA and CATA to promote financial inclusion and expand access to services that are aligned with the needs of Cambodia’s Muslim community.

_{About ABA Bank
ABA Bank is Cambodia's largest commercial bank by assets, deposits, loans, and profitability, according to the Annual Supervision Report 2021-2025 of the National Bank of Cambodia.
The Bank's extensive footprint comprises 106 branches, 45 self-service banking locations, over 1,900 self-service banking machines, and advanced online and mobile banking platforms, providing over 5 million customers with the convenience of modern and secure financial services. The customer segments of the Bank include corporates, SMEs, micro-businesses, and individuals.}

_{About CATA
The Cambodian Amanah Takaful Association (CATA) is a Muslim non-profit organization committed to promoting solidarity, mutual assistance, and sustainable development within Cambodia’s Muslim community through Shariah-compliant and ethical initiatives.
CATA envisions the Islamic community in Cambodia endowed with elevated capacity, profound knowledge, and progressive development across all spheres of living with utmost respect and an improved standard of life.}