The National Bank of Cambodia has officially joined ASEAN’s Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) initiative, becoming the ninth central bank in the region to do so. This move marks a significant step toward seamless cross-border transactions and deeper financial integration in Southeast Asia.
MALAYSIA, 9 APRIL 2025 – The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has formally joined the Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) initiative, further cementing Southeast Asia’s path toward stronger financial integration. The announcement was made during the launch of Phase 2 of the Malaysia-Cambodia cross-border QR payment linkage, held on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
NBC’s participation, following its formal expression of interest, brings the total number of RPC signatories to nine ASEAN central banks. Originally launched in 2022 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, the RPC has since expanded to include Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, and now Cambodia.
The RPC initiative is designed to facilitate faster, cheaper, more transparent, and more inclusive cross-border payments. It supports the use of QR code-based and fast payment systems across borders, aiming to streamline financial transactions and open new opportunities for trade, tourism, remittances, and SME market access.
H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, emphasized the initiative’s economic importance, stating, “Participating in the RPC initiative will foster regional economic growth and establish a more interconnected payment system within ASEAN.”
As RPC gains momentum, its expanding network signals a significant move toward unified digital finance infrastructure across the region.
