CEO of National Bank of Canada meets NBC Governor, highlights support for Cambodian banking sector
28/Mar/2025
On 19 March 2025, the delegation of National Bank of Canada and representatives of ABA Bank paid a courtesy visit to the National Bank of Cambodia, highlighting its ongoing support of Cambodia's banking sector development. National Bank of Canada is one of the largest banks in Canada and the shareholder of ABA Bank, the largest Cambodian commercial bank.
Led by Laurent Ferreira, President and CEO of National Bank of Canada, the delegation was warmly received by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia. The meeting bore fruitful discussions as parties went over various topics, including digital transformation, green finance, vast investment opportunities, and the role ABA has been playing in developing the country's economy and attracting investors to the Kingdom.
During the meeting, Laurent Ferreira commended the National Bank of Cambodia's unwavering efforts in the country's financial development and highlighted its excellence in facilitating economic growth. With that belief in mind, since 2014, National Bank of Canada has invested USD 900 million and reinvested all of ABA's profit into strengthening its capital base, reinforcing ABA's dedication to Cambodia's sustainable growth and development.
"National Bank of Canada values the opportunity to operate in Cambodia through its full subsidiary, ABA Bank," commented Laurent Ferreira. "Cambodia's thriving economy and business-friendly environment provided fertile ground for ABA's growth. Since our investment in 2014, ABA Bank, led by a competent leadership and dedicated staff, has flourished, validating our trust in Cambodia’s supportive business climate," he concluded.
In time, ABA has evolved into a robust financial institution, supporting Cambodia's economic growth. The Bank has extended $8.6 billion in loans to key economic sectors, including trade, tourism, manufacturing and agriculture.
ABA is also actively financing infrastructure projects for the country's development. Recent financing include green bonds supporting a solar farm project, which will provide Cambodia with cheaper electricity, lowering production costs and boosting the country's regional competitiveness. Additionally, ABA provided financing to Techo International Airport. This transformative project will boost Cambodia's economic connectivity and drive growth in tourism and logistics.
Laurent Ferreira mentioned that the successful example of National Bank of Canada's investing in a Cambodian bank enhances Cambodia's profile in Canada as an attractive investment destination. National Bank of Canada actively promotes Cambodia to its customers seeking international expansion, reinforcing confidence in the Kingdom's potential.
In August 2024, National Bank of Canada was key in facilitating high-level meetings between Cambodian government officials and Canadian private sector leaders and investors. The Investment Roadshow, led by His Excellency Sun Chanthol, showcased Cambodia's promising investment landscape in the U.S. and Canada.
ABA Bank is proud of the recent meeting between the delegation of National Bank of Canada and the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, bolstering its dedication to supporting the country's banking sector through innovative banking services and a customer-centric approach.
As the Cambodian banking sector regulator, the National Bank of Cambodia is crucial in ensuring financial stability, fostering innovation, and guiding sustainable growth. ABA Bank deeply appreciates NBC's continuous guidance and visionary leadership, which has been instrumental in the Bank's development and success.
ABA Bank's journey is intrinsically linked to Cambodia's prosperity. The bank remains dedicated to building a strong, sustainable banking sector that aligns with the country's long-term development goals. With the continued support of the Royal Government of Cambodia, ABA looks forward to realizing the shared vision for a more prosperous and financially inclusive Cambodia.
About ABA Bank
ABA Bank (www.ababank.com) is Cambodia's largest commercial bank by assets, deposits, loans, and profitability, according to the Annual Supervision Report 2021-2023 of the National Bank of Cambodia. The Bank's wide-reaching footprint covers 99 branches, 46 self-banking spots, 1,700+ self-banking machines, and advanced online and mobile banking platforms, providing more than 4.5 million customers with the convenience of modern financial services.
ABA Bank is a subsidiary of National Bank of Canada, one of the largest banks in Canada.
About National
Bank of Canada National Bank of Canada (www.nbc.ca) is a financial institution with around USD 334 billion in assets as of 31 January 2025 and a vast network of correspondent banks worldwide. National Bank of Canada holds credit ratings of "A" from S&P, "A+" from Fitch, and "A1" from Moody's. It is headquartered in Montreal and has branches across Canada, serving 2.8 million clients. National Bank of Canada is the leading bank in Quebec, where it is the partner of choice among SMEs.
The bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Clients in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world are served through a network of representative offices, subsidiaries, and partnerships.
