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Cambodia's First Fund Roadshow 2.0, a Success in Prey Veng
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – May 10, 2025 – The second leg of Cambodia’s First Fund Subscription Roadshow 2.0 concluded successfully on 10 May 2025, at ACLEDA Bank Plc. in Prey Veng province. The initiative, a collaborative effort between Banjaran Asset Management (Cambodia) Plc. and ACLEDA Securities Plc, also included participation from several local ACLEDA Bank branches, including Pea Reang, Svay Antor, and Peam Ro. Banjaran AMC expressed their gratitude to all attendees for their support in making the event a success. The roadshow aims to introduce the BAMC Asia Equity Fund (BAEF) to a wider audience across Cambodia. Following the successful event in Prey Veng, the roadshow is set to continue its journey, bringing investment opportunities to more provinces throughout May and June 2025.
Mr. Eric Loo, CEO of Banjaran Asset Management (Cambodia) Plc., Participates in High-Level Meeting with Trust Regulator on Non-Bank Financial Sector Development
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – May 7, 2025 – Banjaran Asset Management (Cambodia) Plc., represented by its CEO, Mr. Eric Loo , alongside Lion Trust Group, held a pivotal high-level meeting with the Cambodia Trust Regulator (TR). Chaired by His Excellency Sok Dara, Director General of the TR , the session focused on advancing the non-bank financial sector and strengthening Cambodia’s regulatory framework. The strategic discussion highlighted a shared commitment between regulators and industry leaders to foster growth, innovation, and long-term trust in the Kingdom's financial ecosystem. A central focus of the meeting was the Trust Regulator's (TR) strategic emphasis on expanding trust structures, particularly family trusts, as a cornerstone of asset protection and intergenerational wealth transfer. For asset managers like Banjaran AMC, these frameworks serve as vital mechanisms to help high-net-worth individuals and businesses secure long-term financial stability while ensuring smooth succession planning—a growing priority in Cambodia’s evolving economic landscape. This dialogue aligns closely with the Trust Regulator's (TR) ongoing market development efforts, such as their recent “Family Trust for Succession Planning” seminar held on April 29, 2025, at Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh. Organized in partnership with Phillip Trustee (Cambodia) and Phillip Capital (Singapore), that session provided deep insights into regional best practices, offering tailored strategies that firms can leverage within the local market. Reflecting this proactive environment, Banjaran AMC’s active engagement with the TR underscores its commitment to shaping a dynamic, sophisticated, and inclusive trust sector in Cambodia. By maintaining a close collaborative relationship with regulators, the firm aims to develop innovative financial solutions that directly address the wealth preservation needs of local families and institutional investors. This momentum builds upon continuous regulatory engagement, including a previous baseline dialogue between His Excellency Ney Sakal, Deputy Director General of the TR (representing Director General Sok Dara) , and the leadership of Lion Trust (Singapore) Limited. Given the Trust Regulator's (TR) active promotion of these services, the ongoing collaboration with specialized institutions like Banjaran AMC holds substantial promise for elevating the sophistication of Cambodia's broader financial sector.
Banjaran Asset Management Shares Insights on Risk Management in CIS at SERC’s 29th Training
Banjaran Asset Management Highlights Risk Management in CIS at SERC’s 29th Securities Sector Training On the morning of April 28, 2025, Mr. Veasna Monireach, Operation Department Representative of Banjaran Asset Management (Cambodia) Plc., delivered an insightful presentation on Risk Management in Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) during the 29th Training, Examination, and Continuing Professional Education event. The event was organized by the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) and held at the Business Development Center. Mr. Monireach’s presentation emphasized the importance of robust risk management practices within CIS operations to ensure investor protection, regulatory compliance, and sustainable fund performance. Through real-world examples and best practices, he highlighted Banjaran's commitment to strengthening Cambodia’s investment fund industry and promoting professional excellence in the securities sector. This engagement underscores Banjaran’s ongoing contribution to the growth, education, and innovation of Cambodia’s financial markets.
Experience Sharing on Cambodia’s First CIS Fund at SERC’s 29th Securities Sector Training
Banjaran Asset Management Shares Experience on Cambodia’s First Collective Investment Scheme Fund at SERC Event On the morning of April 25, 2025, Mr. Nhem Sopaul, Corporate Manager of Banjaran Asset Management (Cambodia) Plc., delivered a keynote presentation during the 29th Training, Examination, and Continuing Professional Education event organized by the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC). The event was held at the Business Development Center, bringing together professionals across Cambodia’s securities sector. Mr. Sopaul shared valuable insights on the Experience of Issuing the First Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Fund in Cambodia, along with an overview of asset management and fund operations. His presentation highlighted Banjaran’s role as a pioneer in the local fund management space and its commitment to supporting the development of Cambodia’s capital markets through innovation, transparency, and investor education. The event marked another significant milestone in fostering professional excellence and knowledge-sharing in the financial sector, further reinforcing Banjaran’s position as a leader in the Cambodian investment landscape.
Banjaran Asset Management (Cambodia) Plc. at the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2025
The Cambodian ASEAN Business Summit 2025: “Accelerating ASEAN’s Connectivity” People, Infrastructure, and Trade The Cambodia ASEAN Business Summit 2025 served as a dynamic platform to foster economic cooperation and development within the ASEAN region, specifically showcasing Cambodia's growing role in regional economic integration. Held at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on March 6th, 2025, the summit brought together government officials, business leaders, and experts under the theme "Accelerating ASEAN's Economic Integration." This summit underscored Cambodia's dedication to sustainable and inclusive growth, as outlined in the Royal Government of Cambodia’s policy, while aligning with ASEAN’s overarching economic objectives. The event targeted CEOs, senior executives, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders from across ASEAN, representing diverse industries and sectors. It was with great honor that the summit was presided over by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Attendees heard directly from the Prime Minister about the Royal Government’s commitment to supporting ASEAN businesses and fostering shared prosperity. Beyond insightful discussions, the summit provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. A networking lunch, accompanied by the Cambodia Investment Showcase, allowed participants to connect with business leaders and explore investment opportunities in key sectors. Additionally, the Business Matching sessions facilitated pre-arranged B2B meetings, fostering potential partnerships and collaborations. The Closing Ceremony summarized key takeaways and issued a call to action for continued collaboration and investment in ASEAN, concluding with a networking reception where attendees further built relationships. The Cambodia ASEAN Business Summit 2025 was a pivotal event, attracting a diverse audience and contributing significantly to accelerating economic growth, strengthening regional integration, and promoting sustainable development in Cambodia and the ASEAN region. The Program of Cambodia ASEAN Business Summit 2025: * Keynote Speeches by H.E. Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy Panel Discussion 1: Building ASEAN's Future: Infrastructure Development and Regional Connectivity This panel explored the vital role of infrastructure development in driving economic growth and regional integration within ASEAN. The discussion delved into the importance of physical infrastructure, digital connectivity, and the ASEAN Energy Grid (AEG), focusing on how these elements contribute to a more integrated and prosperous region. Panel Discussion 2: Driving Prosperity Through Trade and Investment This panel examined how ASEAN leveraged trade and investment to drive economic growth and development across the region. Key strategies, initiatives, and partnerships that shaped ASEAN's economic landscape were explored. Panelists: - H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister, First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia. - H.E. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia. - H.E. Kong Vibol, Minister attached to the Prime Minister, Director General of the General Department of Taxation, Cambodia. - Mr. Chan Sopheap, Deputy Director General, General Department of Customs and Excise, Cambodia. - H.E. Sou Socheat, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia. Panel Discussion 3: Human Capital: Key to Trade and Infrastructure Development This panel discussed the critical role of human capital in driving trade and infrastructure development across ASEAN. Prominent voices from ASEAN member states explored how investing in human capital could unlock the region's economic potential. Panelists: - H.E. Heng Suor, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, Cambodia. - H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), Cambodia. - Mr. Parson Lam, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. - Mr. Sheanghai Lao, Division Chief Human Resources Officer, Wing Bank (Cambodia) Plc. Moderated by: Mr. Casey Barnett, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham) Pictures credited to ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS
Roadshow Reflections: Insights and Innovations Unveiled
On the morning of December 7, 2024, Banjaran Asset Management (Cambodia) Plc. partnered with ACLEDA Bank Plc., Chamkar Doung Branch, to host the landmark event titled "Cambodia’s First Fund Subscription Roadshow." This pioneering initiative aimed to introduce local investors to the "BAMC Asia Equity Fund (BAEF)," showcasing its potential as a catalyst for capital growth and economic development in Cambodia. The roadshow featured an engaging presentation that outlined the strategic objectives of the "BAMC Asia Equity Fund", emphasizing its focus on high-growth sectors within the region. Attendees were given insights into the fund's investment philosophy, risk management strategies, and expected returns, all tailored to the unique opportunities present in the Cambodian market. Throughout the event, participants had the chance to engage in meaningful discussions with industry experts and gain firsthand knowledge about emerging trends and investment strategies. The roadshow not only highlighted the fund's potential to drive significant economic growth but also reinforced the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and asset management firms in fostering a robust investment landscape in Cambodia. In conclusion, the event served as a pivotal moment for local investors, providing them with valuable resources and insights to navigate the evolving financial market, while highlighting the BAMC Asia Equity Fund's crucial role in driving Cambodia's economic growth, signaling that this is just the beginning, with more exciting opportunities to come.
Cambodia's First Fund Subscription Roadshow
On morning, 23rd November 2024, Banjaran Asset Management (Cambodia) PLC. has participated in "Cambodia's First Fund Subscription Roadshow" hosted by Acleda Securities Plc. Through engaging presentations and topic about BAMC Asia Equity Fund (BAEF), we were able to connect and promote the CIS fund to a wide range of participants, marking another significant milestone in Cambodia’s financial market growth.A heartfelt thank you to the organizers and attendees for making this event a success.
Empowering Future Investors: Banjaran Asset Management's Insightful Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Fund
On the morning of October 30, 2024, Mr. Sok Chantola, Sales & Marketing Executive of Banjaran Asset Management (Cambodia) Plc., conducted a presentation on the Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Fund at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University as part of the “Smart Investing” training program, organized by ACLEDA Securities Plc. The session aimed to deepen attendees’ understanding of CIS investment strategies.
Seminar on Professional Ethics in Collective Investment Schemes with SERC
On the morning of Wednesday, corresponding to October 23rd 2024, the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) organized a seminar to promote “Professional Ethics in Collective Investment Schemes” . This seminar was held for fund management companies, custodians, distributors, and trustees, at the building of the Non-Bank Financial Services Authority. The event was presided over by His Excellency Dr. Vin Pakdey , Deputy Director-General of SERC, representing His Excellency Sou Socheat , the Government Delegate in charge as Director-General of SERC. The seminar was designed to provide an opportunity for fund management companies and related businesses to understand the importance of professional ethics, transparency, and responsibility in the collective investment scheme business. It also aimed to ensure that these entities adhere to high standards in their operations, enhancing investor confidence in the financial market. The gathering covered important topics on how ethical practices contribute to sustainable business growth and regulatory compliance, reinforcing the importance of good governance in the financial sector. More Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia
Market Outlook
2026 February Market Outlook: From U.S. Policy Turmoil to Mixed Signals Across Asia
The geopolitical scene in the US has been uncertain and volatile. The January jobs report exceeded expectations, though employment gains were largely concentrated in the healthcare sector. Kevin Warsh, known for his hawkish stance, has been nominated as the next Federal Reserve Chair, though this remains to be confirmed by the Senate. In the past week, the Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) tariffs. In return, the Trump administration acted quickly to impose 10% global tariffs, and immediately raised to 15% that will remain effective for 150 days under a separate trade law. These developments have contributed to a weakening US dollar, which is further exacerbated by rising US-Iran military tensions. Gold extended its rally and reached new highs, while silver surrendered most of its gains. Investors remain cautious amid sharp swings in these traditional safe haven assets. In Asia, market performance has been mixed. Indonesia experienced its largest stock crash since 1998, whereas South Korea and Taiwan delivered strong returns. Markets have shown heightened sensitivity to the external macro environment, resulting in intermittent pullbacks. Most recently, Chinese stocks rose as IEEPA tariffs were removed as China is set to face lower duties on shipments to the US. The Shanghai Composite and Hang Seng indexes also experienced recent declines, as is expected due to thin trading volumes during the Lunar New Year holiday season. Overall sentiment towards Asian equity markets amid the uncertain global political climate remains positive. Against this backdrop, we continue to diversify across different markets and sectors while remaining selective to stock selection, particularly within the technology sector. We continue to maintain a disciplined, bottom-up approach in portfolio construction.
2026 January Market Outlook: A Month That Redirected Market Attention
The New Year began with subdued volatility, but the calm was subsequently shattered by geopolitical events, notably US’s desire to take over Greenland for its strategic Arctic Circle argument. Demand for gold and silver skyrocketed with prices hitting new fresh highs. However, these high precious metal prices can create a range of challenges for precious metal-dependent industries like solar panel makers and EV producers which use silver as part of their components in their production. This may further impact the profitability of the solar panel makers which are already facing an oversupply situation. Asian markets started the year mixed but with some positive moves. Several key themes are driving the markets, central amongst them is a strong Asian IPO pipeline especially in Hong Kong and India. Other country-specific themes that are driving the markets include the deployment of funds from the Equity Market Development Programme in Singapore. The Korean Kospi has exceeded their President’s target, with technology companies fueling the rally on accelerated semiconductor demand. China surprised with an export outperformance with a record 2025 trade surplus, plus resurgent interests in AI-related tech names. While in Japan, performance is mixed where there are concerns with the volatility and soaring yields in the Japanese Government Bonds market. In 2025, US technology stocks dominated investor attention for much of the year, later turning to precious metals commodities. This period also underscored the importance of diversification and currency exposure beyond the US. With growth now amplifying across global markets, moderate softening of the US dollar may act as a drag on returns from US assets. Against this backdrop, we retain our emphasis on broadening exposure to other markets and sectors while being mindful of our stock selection, particularly in the technology sector. We continue to maintain a disciplined, bottom-up fundamental approach in portfolio construction.
2025 December Market Outlook: Protecting Value as Risks Reprice.
The hawkish rate cut signaled the Fed’s caution, even as tariff-related inflation pressures appeared to be fading. November’s jobs report suggested a subdued consumer environment. Unemployment had risen to its highest level since 2021, and retail sales remained unchanged despite Black Friday sales. Though the Trump administration has softened its language on China, recent developments highlight the delicate truce in their trade war. The U.S. has restricted China’s access to technology, such as permitting limited Nvidia chip exports, and formed an international partnership to counter China’s rare earth dominance. Across Asia, the picture remains mixed. The weaker U.S. dollar alleviates pressure on currency weakness in countries like Indonesia, South Korea, India, and the Philippines. The Bank of Japan have responded to the Fed’s rate cut by raising interest rates by a quarter point in a widely expected decision. In China, the economy continues to be supported by sustained capital inflows and the boom in exports while pivoting away from dependence on U.S. consumers. This was in spite of the property sector slump, missed industrial production expectations, weak retail sales, and unchanging unemployment rates. Measures to drive consumption appear ineffective, and rising trade frictions with countries beyond the U.S are weighing on sentiment. Investors are increasingly watchful for signs of an AI-driven bubble, including circular financing risks inflating valuations, where such dynamics could unwind abruptly. Against this backdrop, investors face a strategic dilemma - rein in AI exposure ahead of a potential bubble popping, or double down to capitalize on game-changing technology breakthroughs. In response, we are positioning portfolios defensively and broadening exposure to other sectors. This includes increasing allocations to commodities such as silver and gold, which can serve as stores of value, and consumer staples, that tends to offer more resilient demand. We continue to maintain a disciplined, bottom-up fundamental approach in portfolio construction.
2025 November Market Outlook: AI Bubble Alert
Mega-cap chip making company Nvidia Corp (“Nvidia”) became the first company to hit $5 trillion market capitalisation, likely due to U.S. President Trump’s comments ahead of the trade talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of October. The talk resulted in a consensus on cooperation in expanding agricultural trade and pausing the rare-earths licensing regime for a year. Mid-November saw the conclusion of the record U.S. government shutdown, which lasted 43 days, and put an end to unpaid furlough and other government operations. Consequently, the October jobs report was cancelled due to insufficient data. The ambiguity around unemployment rates raised uncertainty about the state of the U.S. economy. Compounding concerns were exacerbated by growing anxieties about stretched valuations of an “AI bubble”, which led to a selloff towards the end of November. Similarly, the Asian equity market, primarily due to technology companies in the AI landscape, slumped after an initial rally in the previous month’s end. In the semiconductor space, South Korean company Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. reported an 80% surge in profit and SK Hynix Inc. continued to lead in chip memory. In China, different industries continue to diverge as technology companies grow while consumption and property remain a drag. In response, China’s policymakers are evaluating various measures to support the housing market. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index fell sharply, and losses were led by the tech heavy Korean Kospi index where the aforementioned Korean companies posted steep declines. Looking ahead, we remain cautious of the volatility in the markets. Due to concerns about inflated valuations for technology companies, the pullback observed in late November may have been a profit taking move or a price correction. Investors remain watchful for indicators of the widely discussed AI bubble, and signals for a potential burst. Against this landscape, we maintain a disciplined and balanced approach, grounded in bottom-up fundamental analysis in our portfolio construction.
2025 October Market Outlook: Between Tariffs and Growth — Searching for Stability
Towards the end of September, in an effort to protect American jobs, the Trump administration made surprised changes to immigration visa laws that target foreign talent, particularly those working in the U.S. technology sector. Amongst the heaviest users of this targeted immigration visa scheme include Amazon.com Services LLC, Meta Platforms Inc, Apple Inc and Google LLC. Later that month, the U.S. Immigration Service issued guidance that included exceptions, thus stabilising concerns. However, the labour market outlook remains uncertain with the shutdown of the U.S. government, which began on October 1st. Consequently, data reports such as the official U.S. monthly jobs report and the labour-intensive Consumer Price Index report would likely be delayed amidst the impending mass firing and unpaid furlough of certain segments of federal workers. In China, September data showed low domestic demand, a continued property downturn and the weakest economic growth in a year. With the ongoing US-China trade war, Chinese regulators have urged against the use of Nvidia chips completely, stating that domestic chips are adequate in delivering comparable computing power. As such, Chinese domestic chipmakers have benefitted from efforts to become self-sufficient, and this move should serve as a catalyst to grow the technology sector. China tightened exports of rare earth where products that contain certain rare earths or traces of it sourced from China will now require an export license. With a 70% share of global supply, the supply crunch would be felt by the U.S. and Europe. In response, the U.S. imposed a 100% import surtax on Chinese goods effective November 1st, ahead of the 90-day tariff truce that was set to end on November 9th. Despite the trade war uncertainty, Chinese exports rebounded in September from a slump in August, beating estimates and increasing 8.3% year over year while imports grew 7.4%. The sweep of high tariffs from the U.S. have led China to seek imports from other avenues, such as Brazil and Argentina for soybean, which has caused farmers in the U.S. to scramble for buyers. On the other hand, aggressive price competition among manufacturers in China have led to what has been termed ‘Chinese dumping’, where low prices due to Chinese imports are alarming domestic producers in India, Africa and South-east Asia. Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic of the global markets. In the U.S., businesses and households are concerned over trade tariffs, changes to immigration laws and the shutdown of the U.S. government. The structural imbalance in China represented by slow domestic growth and heavy reliance on export further weighs on global financial markets and investor confidence. Despite the uncertainty, there were reports of pockets of positive news. Alternative data in the U.S. such as restaurant bookings and theatre box office receipts reflects resilient consumer activity. The number of seated diners was up 9% from last year and domestic box office grossed 13% more than the previous month.
2025 September Market Outlook: Bullish Trends Meet a Cautious Reality
August began with higher reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. on its trading partners. Notably, a 50% tariff on India that included a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil and weapons. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China extended a tariff truce for another 90 days to 10 November. Credit spreads narrowed further in August, indicating continued high investor risk appetite. Equity markets broadly advanced, reinforcing bullish sentiment amid strong earnings from technology driven firms. That said, investors are growing cautious about returns from technology and particularly, AI investments. Economic data indicated a struggling Chinese economy with low factory output, weak retail sales, troubled property sector and high unemployment. This raises the likelihood of policy support in the fourth quarter; economists suggest monetary easing and fiscal expansion. Despite underwhelming economic data, the Chinese stock market stands at a stark contrast to the economy with the Shanghai Composite Index at a 10-year high. Additionally, the government announced their aim to triple chip output in 2026. The reluctance of household spending is evident in the size of savings worth more than 60% of the total value of the Chinese stock markets, leading analysts to believe that the rally is supported by long-term and institutional investors. Key drivers include the strategic deployment of state funds, inflows from global institutional investors—such as major U.S. financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, as well as large Singapore-based funds—and increased participation by domestic mutual funds and insurers. Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic. While trade frictions, sticky inflation, and geopolitical tensions continue to weigh on sentiment, global activity remains resilient. Primarily driven by technology companies’ robust earnings, U.S. equities performed well, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching record highs in August. Despite an initial pullback, markets have broadly rallied since, buoyed by expectations of two more rate cuts this year, moderating inflation, and resilient corporate earnings. Within Asia, institutional investors looking for diversification beyond U.S. assets are lured by China’s stock market bull run. Against this backdrop, we maintain a disciplined and balanced approach, grounded in bottom-up fundamental analysis in our portfolio construction.