Jacob Parker-Bowles Fintech in Asia

The proliferation of online scams and cybercrime has emerged as a significant challenge to global financial security and societal trust, particularly in Southeast Asia, where criminal networks exploit technological advancements and regulatory gaps. Cambodia, a nation historically associated with economic vulnerabilities and weak governance, has faced scrutiny for its role as a hub for transnational cybercrime, notably "pig butchering" scams and other fraudulent schemes. However, recent developments indicate that Cambodia is taking proactive measures to address these issues, aligning with international efforts to curb cyber-enabled fraud and strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks. This article examines Cambodia’s positive actions in combating online scams and cybercrime, alongside emerging artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries aimed at enhancing fraud detection and AML compliance. Cambodia’s Efforts to Combat Online...

  Introduction Cambodia’s financial sector has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, driven by both domestic policy reforms and external technological advancements. As the country strives to modernize its economy, financial innovation has emerged as a crucial enabler of sustainable growth. Key drivers include regulatory modernization, the rise of fintech, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI). In this article, we explore Cambodia’s evolving financial services landscape with a particular focus on regulation, innovation, fintech development, and AI adoption. The Regulatory Landscape in Cambodia Financial services regulation in Cambodia is primarily governed by two major institutions: The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC)  the central bank responsible for regulating banking, payment systems, and financial stability. The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC)  overseeing capital markets, securities, and related inves...

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is transforming financial sectors across the globe. In Southeast Asia (SEA), countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance banking services, streamline regulatory compliance, and improve financial inclusion. These nations, each with distinct economic and technological profiles, present compelling case studies on how AI can catalyze development and reshape financial ecosystems. Vietnam: A Hub of Digital Financial Innovation Vietnam has emerged as a frontrunner in AI adoption within the financial sector. Driven by a burgeoning fintech ecosystem and strong government support, financial institutions are utilizing AI to offer smarter lending solutions, improve credit scoring, and develop personalized banking experiences. According to a report by the World Bank (2021), Vietnam's fintech market is expected to reach USD 18 billion by 2024, powered by mobile banking and AI-driv...