Chief Bank enters provisional administration as withdrawals are suspended

Baker Tilly takes control for a three-month assessment

Cambodia’s central bank placed Chief Bank under provisional administration after identifying shortcomings in its compliance with banking requirements. Reporting by Cambodia Investment Review and Cambodianess, citing the National Bank of Cambodia, says Baker Tilly (Cambodia) was appointed as provisional administrator effective 21 September 2026 for a three-month period.

The administrator is expected to assess the bank’s financial and operational position and report back to the central bank, which will then decide what further action is appropriate. The notices available at the time of writing do not announce liquidation, a licence revocation or a finding that Chief Bank is insolvent, so provisional administration should not be treated as a final outcome for the bank.

For practical context, see Cambodia economy and finance. This development also connects with Cambodia Issues New 50,000 and 100,000 Riel Banknotes.

Withdrawals are paused, but loan obligations continue

Chief Bank’s own notice states that withdrawal transactions are temporarily suspended until further notice. Existing loan facilities, however, remain valid and enforceable, and borrowers are required to continue making repayments under their current agreements.

For depositors, the three-month administration period should not be read as a guaranteed date for restored access to funds: the notice gives no fixed date for lifting the withdrawal suspension. Anyone relying on Chief Bank for a property payment, business settlement or other time-sensitive transaction should confirm the status of that specific payment with the provisional administrator and the other party rather than assuming normal processing is still available.