Last Updated: April 2026 ·
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· By MoneyKH Research Team
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Hattha Bank Cambodia review 2026: Hattha Bank — formerly Hattha Kaksekar Limited (HKL), Cambodia’s pioneering rural microfinance institution — converted to a full NBC-licensed commercial bank in August 2020. MoneyKH scores Hattha Bank 7.6 out of 10. It is 100% owned by Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya), Thailand’s fifth largest bank and a subsidiary of MUFG, Japan’s largest banking group — giving Hattha Bank the strongest foreign institutional parent of any commercially active Cambodian bank. Its 177 branches and 129 ATMs form one of the broadest provincial and rural networks in Cambodia, exceeded only by ACLEDA Bank. Deposit rates are competitive for longer terms (3–5 years), regularly ranking among the top five options in Cambodia. The Hattha Mobile app provides standard banking functions but does not match the depth of ABA Mobile. Hattha Bank is MoneyKH’s recommended choice for agricultural borrowers, rural depositors seeking competitive fixed deposit rates, SMEs in provincial Cambodia, and women entrepreneurs — the demographic it has served for over 30 years.
🇰🇭 Hattha Bank · Formerly HKL · Krungsri / MUFG Owned · Rural & Agricultural · 2026
Hattha Bank Cambodia Review 2026 — Formerly HKL: Loans, Deposit Rates, App & Verdict
Hattha Bank is the most significant institutional evolution story in Cambodian banking — a 1994 Oxfam food-security project that became a microfinance institution, then the first Cambodian MFI to issue a corporate bond, and now a full commercial bank backed by one of Japan’s largest financial groups. Its rural roots, 177-branch network, and competitive long-term fixed deposit rates make it a genuinely distinct option in Cambodia’s banking landscape.
⭐ MoneyKH Score: 7.6 / 10
✅ Best for: Agricultural loans · Rural deposits · Long-term fixed deposits · SME provincial
⚠️ Not ideal for: Advanced digital banking · Urban professionals seeking best app
🏦 Owned by: Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya, Thailand) / MUFG Group, Japan
7.6
MoneyKH score out of 10. Strong rural network and competitive long-term deposits. Mobile banking trails ABA.
30+
Years serving Cambodians since 1994 — making Hattha Bank one of the country’s oldest financial institutions.
177
Branches nationwide — one of Cambodia’s densest bank branch networks, with strong provincial and rural coverage.
MUFG
Japan’s largest banking group is ultimate parent via Krungsri — the most globally significant foreign owner of any Cambodian bank.
2020
Year HKL converted from Cambodia’s oldest MFI to a full NBC-licensed commercial bank, adding bank-grade products and services.
⚡ MoneyKH Quick Reference — Hattha Bank Cambodia 2026
- Former name: Hattha Kaksekar Limited (HKL) — renamed Hattha Bank on obtaining commercial bank licence, August 2020
- Ownership: 100% subsidiary of Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya, Thailand) — itself 76.88% owned by MUFG, Japan
- Branches: ~177 branches and 129 ATMs nationwide — strong rural and provincial coverage
- Best products: Agricultural loans, SME loans, housing loans, competitive long-term fixed deposits
- Deposit rates: Competitive for 3–5 year terms — typically top 5 among Cambodian institutions. See current fixed deposit comparison →
- Mobile app: Hattha Mobile — functional but less feature-rich than ABA Mobile
- KHQR: Yes — supports Cambodia’s national QR payment standard
- Remittance: International money transfers available via branch and Hattha Mobile
- Women focus: Historically 60–80% women clients — women entrepreneurship lending continues
- MoneyKH score: 7.6 / 10 — see full verdict →
What Is Hattha Bank? The Full HKL Story
Hattha Bank’s story is unlike any other bank in Cambodia. It did not begin as a commercial venture or a foreign investment. It began in 1994 as a food security project in Pursat Province, run by OCSD/Oxfam-Quebec, a Canadian development organisation providing micro-loans to rural families in four communes. The name “Hattha Kaksekar” (ហត្ថកសិករ) translates literally from Khmer as “A Helping Hand for Farmers” — and for nearly three decades, that is exactly what it was.
The institution’s transition from development project to Cambodia’s MFI-turned-bank is the most significant institutional evolution in Cambodian financial history:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Food security project launched in Pursat Province by OCSD/Oxfam-Quebec — providing micro-loans to rural Cambodians |
| 1996 | Registered with Ministry of Interior as an NGO — named Hattha Kaksekar (“A Helping Hand for Farmers”) |
| 2001 | Registered as Hattha Kaksekar Limited (HKL) with the Ministry of Commerce. NBC granted first 3-year microfinance licence. Paid-up capital: $77,850 |
| 2007 | NBC granted HKL a permanent MFI licence — recognition of operational sustainability |
| 2010 | NBC upgraded HKL to Micro-Finance Deposit-Taking Institution (MDI) licence — enabling public savings deposits for the first time |
| 2016 | Acquired 100% by Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya, Thailand) — HKL becomes part of the Thai-Japanese MUFG financial group |
| 2018 | Issued Cambodia’s first-ever corporate bond — KHR 120 billion (approximately $30M equivalent), 3-year tenor at 8.5% p.a. — a landmark for Cambodia’s capital markets |
| 2020 | Obtained NBC Commercial Bank licence (August 2020). Renamed Hattha Bank. No longer an MFI — a full commercial bank. Launched Hattha Mobile, interbank transfers, cross-border remittance, overdraft loans, and new deposit products. |
The transition from HKL to Hattha Bank matters for depositors and borrowers in 2026 because it changes both the regulatory framework and the product range. As a commercial bank, Hattha Bank is now subject to the same NBC capital adequacy, liquidity, and governance standards as ABA Bank and ACLEDA Bank — not the lighter-touch MDI framework it previously operated under. This strengthens the safety profile of deposits at Hattha Bank.
Krungsri & MUFG Ownership — Why It Matters
Hattha Bank’s ownership structure is its most significant differentiator from other Cambodian banks. It is 100% owned by Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya), Thailand’s fifth largest commercial bank. Krungsri itself is 76.88% owned by MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group) — Japan’s largest banking group and one of the world’s largest financial institutions by assets.
🇯🇵
MUFG
Ultimate parent · Japan’s largest banking group · ~$3.6 trillion in assets globally
Owns 76.88% of Krungsri
🇹🇭
Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya)
Thailand’s 5th largest bank · One of Thailand’s Domestic Systemically Important Banks · ASEAN expansion vehicle for MUFG
Owns 100% of Hattha Bank
🇰🇭
Hattha Bank
NBC-licensed commercial bank · 177 branches · 30+ years in Cambodia · Agricultural and rural focus
Krungsri’s Cambodia platform
For depositors assessing bank safety in Cambodia, Hattha Bank’s ownership chain is meaningful. A bank that is a subsidiary of one of Thailand’s systemically important banks, which is itself majority-owned by one of the world’s largest financial groups, carries substantially more institutional backing than any domestically-owned Cambodian bank. Krungsri continues to provide Hattha Bank with capital injections, governance frameworks, risk management systems, and product development expertise — the same capabilities that support Krungsri’s operations across ASEAN.
Hattha Bank Loan Products & Rates 2026
Loans have always been Hattha Bank’s core product — the institution was born as a lender to rural farmers and has expanded that mandate steadily across six loan categories. In 2026, as a full commercial bank, Hattha Bank offers a complete range from micro-loans under $500 to SME facilities above $500,000.
🌾 Agricultural & Micro Loans
Hattha Bank’s heritage product — small loans to farmers, rural households, and micro-entrepreneurs. Flexible repayment aligned to agricultural cycles (harvest schedules rather than fixed monthly payments). Available from amounts under $500. This is where Hattha Bank’s 30-year rural network and experienced field staff create genuine competitive advantage over banks that entered rural markets recently.
Best for: Farm inputs, livestock purchases, crop cycle finance, rural household improvements
💼 SME & Business Loans
Hattha Bank expanded into small and medium enterprise lending following its 2016 Krungsri acquisition, bringing Thai banking expertise to Cambodian SME credit. Products include working capital loans, term loans for asset acquisition, and trade financing. Lending in both USD and KHR — an important differentiator for borrowers who earn in riel but deal with dollar-denominated inputs.
Best for: Wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, agro-processing, provincial SMEs. Compare all options at our SME loans Cambodia guide →
🏠 Housing & Home Improvement Loans
Home purchase, construction, and renovation loans available through Hattha Bank’s branch network. Standard documentation requirements apply. For comparison of all Cambodia home loan options see our Cambodia home loan guide →
💳 Personal & Consumer Loans
Individual personal loans for a range of purposes — education, medical, vehicle purchase, household goods. Added with the commercial bank conversion in 2020. Compare rates across all lenders at our Cambodia personal loans guide →
Hattha Bank Deposit Rates 2026
Hattha Bank’s deposit products are where most Cambodians outside major cities encounter the bank — and they are genuinely competitive, particularly for longer-term fixed deposits. Following the industry-wide rate cuts of 2024–2025, Hattha Bank was among the institutions that held its rates steady for longer than peers, preserving competitive positioning in the middle-range of the deposit rate table.
Deposit Products Available
Savings Accounts
- Regular Savings: Standard passbook savings — low minimum balance, interest paid on balance
- HYSA Flexi: High-yield savings account with flexible access — introduced post-bank conversion. Competitive rate for liquid savings.
- HYSA Corporate: Business-focused high-yield savings — payroll and corporate treasury use cases
- Available in both USD and KHR
Fixed / Term Deposits
- High Income Deposit: Monthly interest payout — best for retirees and regular income needs
- High Return Deposit: Interest paid at maturity — maximises total return for longer terms
- High Growth Deposit: Compound interest product — interest reinvested for higher effective yield
- Terms from 1 month to 60 months
- Payout: quarterly (Hattha switched to quarterly payout reporting from June 2024)
How Hattha Bank Deposit Rates Compare — 2026 Context
Hattha Bank’s fixed deposit rates for USD terms of 3–5 years are consistently in the top five among Cambodian institutions tracked by MoneyKH. For monthly-payout USD deposits at shorter terms (1–2 years), LOLC Cambodia and AMK offer stronger headline rates. For longer terms where capital preservation and rate certainty matter more, Hattha Bank’s rates are competitive with its institutional peer group. The Krungsri ownership provides balance sheet stability that supports Hattha’s ability to offer longer-term deposit commitments.
For a real-time comparison of all Cambodian fixed deposit rates across institutions, see our Cambodia fixed deposit rates comparison → and savings account interest rates guide →
Hattha Mobile — The App in 2026
Hattha Mobile is the bank’s digital banking platform, launched and substantially upgraded following the 2020 commercial bank conversion. It covers the essential functions of daily banking but does not offer the depth of feature set or user experience polish of ABA Mobile or ACLEDA Unity ToanChet.
✅ Hattha Mobile Features
- Account balance check and transaction history
- Intrabank transfers (Hattha to Hattha)
- Interbank transfers (via KHQR and Cambodia Shared Switch)
- Bill payments — EdC electricity, water, mobile top-up
- KHQR QR code payments at merchants
- Cross-border remittance
- Fixed deposit account management
- Loan account overview
⚠️ Compared to ABA Mobile
- No instant account opening entirely via app (requires Cambodian ID, typically branch for full account)
- Less polished UI — navigation not as intuitive as ABA Mobile
- No in-app gold price tracker or financial tools
- Bakong cross-border QR (Thailand/Malaysia/Vietnam) not as seamlessly integrated as in ABA Mobile
- Fewer third-party payment integrations vs ABA Pay’s 200,000+ merchant network
For users whose primary banking need is loan management and fixed deposit monitoring — Hattha Bank’s core use cases — Hattha Mobile provides adequate functionality. For users who want the most complete digital banking experience in Cambodia, ABA Bank remains the benchmark. It is reasonable to hold both accounts — Hattha Bank for competitive fixed deposit rates and agricultural or SME borrowing; ABA Bank for daily spending and digital payments.
Branch & ATM Network — Provincial Cambodia Coverage
With approximately 177 branches and 129 ATMs across all 25 provinces, Hattha Bank has one of the densest branch networks in Cambodia — exceeded in absolute terms by ACLEDA Bank’s larger network, but significantly ahead of ABA Bank in provincial and rural coverage. This matters for two specific groups:
Provincial Depositors
For Cambodians living in Kampong Cham, Battambang, Takeo, Kampot, Prey Veng, or Svay Rieng — where ABA branches may be limited to the provincial capital — Hattha Bank’s branch density offers convenient in-person banking access. Fixed deposit opening and management at a local branch rather than needing to travel to Phnom Penh.
Agricultural Borrowers
Hattha Bank’s field officer network extends to commune level in many rural areas — the same infrastructure built over 30 years of agricultural microfinance. Loan officers understand seasonal income patterns, crop cycles, and rural collateral (land titles, livestock) in ways that urban-focused bank branches do not. This practical knowledge advantage translates to better loan structuring for farming households.
For urban Phnom Penh residents or digitally-active users who manage banking primarily via smartphone, Hattha Bank’s branch network advantage is irrelevant. But for the large segment of Cambodians who still conduct financial transactions in person — particularly older depositors, agricultural borrowers, and people in secondary and tertiary cities — Hattha Bank’s branch footprint is a genuine competitive asset.
Hattha Bank vs ABA vs ACLEDA — How They Compare
| Feature | Hattha Bank | ABA Bank | ACLEDA Bank | Canadia Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoneyKH Score | 7.6 | 9.1 ⭐ | 8.6 | 8.0 |
| Founded / Converted | 1994 (bank 2020) | 1996 | 1993 | 1991 |
| Major Owner | Krungsri / MUFG 🇯🇵 | National Bank of Canada 🇨🇦 | Cambodian-majority | Cambodian-majority |
| Branches | ~177 | ~90 | ~260+ ⭐ | ~75 |
| Mobile App Quality | Good | Best in class ⭐ | Good | Average |
| Fixed Deposit Rates (3yr USD) | Competitive ⭐ | Lower | Competitive | Competitive ⭐ |
| Agricultural Loans | Specialist ⭐ | Limited | Strong | Limited |
| Rural coverage | Very strong ⭐ | Urban-focused | Best ⭐ | Limited |
| Foreign SWIFT inward fee | Varies | Free (non-USD) ⭐ | Varies | Varies |
MoneyKH Verdict — Hattha Bank Cambodia 2026
30 years of rural DNA, Japanese institutional backing, and competitive fixed deposit rates. Not Cambodia’s most digital bank — but one of its most important.
Hattha Bank earns its 7.6 score by delivering on what it has always been: a genuinely capable financial institution for agricultural Cambodia, now upgraded with full commercial bank products. Its score trails ABA (9.1) and ACLEDA (8.6) primarily on digital banking and urban product breadth — not on institutional quality or safety. The Krungsri/MUFG ownership backstop, 177-branch network, competitive long-term deposit rates, and 30-year rural lending track record are real strengths that matter for specific customer segments. For the average Phnom Penh professional managing finances primarily via smartphone, ABA Bank is still the better primary account. For agricultural borrowers, provincial depositors seeking competitive fixed deposit rates, and SMEs in non-urban locations, Hattha Bank is a serious and underrated option.
Score Breakdown
Institutional safety & ownership: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Branch & rural network: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fixed deposit rates: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Loan product range: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mobile app quality: ⭐⭐⭐
Urban merchant / QR payments: ⭐⭐⭐
MoneyKH Score
7.6
out of 10
✅ Best for: Agricultural & rural borrowers
✅ Best for: Long-term fixed deposits (3–5yr)
✅ Best for: Provincial SME lending
✅ Best for: Women entrepreneurs
⚠️ Not ideal for: Advanced digital banking
⚠️ Not ideal for: Urban-only users
All Banks Compared →
Fixed Deposit Rates →
Microfinance Loans Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions — Hattha Bank Cambodia 2026
Q: What is the difference between HKL and Hattha Bank?
HKL (Hattha Kaksekar Limited) and Hattha Bank are the same institution at different stages of its evolution. Hattha Kaksekar was the original name of the NGO (1994–2001) and the limited company (2001–2020). In August 2020, the institution obtained an NBC commercial bank licence and renamed itself Hattha Bank. The change from HKL to Hattha Bank reflects a fundamental product upgrade — from a microfinance deposit-taking institution to a full commercial bank with the same regulatory standing as ABA Bank and ACLEDA Bank. All existing HKL accounts and loans were automatically migrated to Hattha Bank.
Q: Is Hattha Bank safe? Who owns it?
Hattha Bank is 100% owned by Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya, Thailand), which is itself 76.88% owned by MUFG — Japan’s largest banking group. Hattha Bank holds a full NBC commercial bank licence, is subject to Cambodia’s capital adequacy and liquidity regulations, and benefits from Krungsri’s institutional governance and risk management frameworks. As outlined in our Cambodia bank safety guide, no formal deposit guarantee scheme exists in Cambodia yet — but Hattha Bank’s institutional ownership structure is among the most robust of any bank operating in the country.
Q: What fixed deposit rates does Hattha Bank offer in 2026?
Hattha Bank’s fixed deposit rates are competitive for 3–5 year USD terms, typically ranking in the top five among Cambodian institutions. Rates are paid quarterly (Hattha switched to quarterly payout reporting from June 2024). Hattha Bank was among the institutions that held rates steady for longer during the 2024–2025 industry-wide rate cutting cycle. For current verified rates, use our Cambodia fixed deposit rates comparison → — rates change frequently and Hattha Bank does not guarantee rate stability.
Q: Can foreigners open a Hattha Bank account in Cambodia?
Yes. Hattha Bank is an NBC-licensed commercial bank and can open accounts for foreign nationals with valid identification. The standard documentation for non-Cambodians includes a valid passport and, for those on long-term stays, a residence visa or work permit. Account opening is done at a branch. For a step-by-step guide to opening a bank account in Cambodia as a foreigner → see our dedicated guide. For expatriates, MoneyKH typically recommends opening an ABA Bank account as a primary account (best digital banking and SWIFT infrastructure) and potentially a Hattha Bank fixed deposit account alongside it for competitive longer-term rates.
Q: How is Hattha Bank different from Prasac, LOLC, and AMK?
The key difference is that Prasac, LOLC, and AMK remain licensed microfinance institutions (MDIs) as of 2026, operating under the NBC’s MFI regulatory framework. Hattha Bank converted to a full commercial bank in 2020 — the same regulatory tier as ABA, ACLEDA, and Canadia — giving it a broader product licence, higher capital requirements, and the ability to offer bank-grade products including credit cards, overdraft facilities, and correspondent banking services. Hattha Bank is also substantially larger than Prasac by branch network and has foreign institutional ownership (Krungsri/MUFG), while Prasac is owned by KB (Korean banking group via KB Kookmin Bank).
Q: Does Hattha Bank offer agricultural loans in 2026?
Yes — agricultural lending is Hattha Bank’s heritage and remains a core product. The bank has 30 years of agricultural microfinance experience in Cambodia, a field officer network that reaches commune level in many rural provinces, and loan structuring that accommodates seasonal income (harvest-cycle repayment schedules rather than fixed monthly payments). Products include farm input loans, livestock financing, agro-processing loans, and land improvement finance. For borrowers in the agricultural sector considering multiple lenders, compare Hattha Bank against Prasac, AMK, and LOLC — all active agricultural lenders with strong rural networks.
Q: Can I receive international money transfers at Hattha Bank?
Yes. Hattha Bank is NBC-licensed and accepts inward international SWIFT transfers. Hattha Bank’s SWIFT code is WIGCKHPP — wait, correction: Hattha Bank’s SWIFT code is HKCBKHPP. Provide this to your sender along with your full account name and account number. For the cheapest method to receive money from abroad in Cambodia, see our full guide to receiving money from abroad in Cambodia → — which covers ABA Bank (recommended primary receiving bank), Western Union, Wing Bank, and Bakong options. ABA Bank currently offers zero inward fee on non-USD currencies, making it the recommended account for regular inward SWIFT receipts.
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Rate changes at Hattha Bank, new loan products, deposit rate comparisons across all Cambodian banks — every Tuesday, free. Know before you deposit.
More MoneyKH: Cambodia Banking & Loans
🏦 Banking
- Best Banks in Cambodia 2026 — Full Comparison →
- ABA Bank Review 2026 →
- ACLEDA Bank Review 2026 →
- Canadia Bank Review 2026 →
- Cambodia Fixed Deposit Rates 2026 — All Banks →
- Is My Money Safe in a Cambodian Bank? 2026 →
- How to Open a Bank Account in Cambodia →
💳 Loans
- Microfinance Loans Cambodia 2026: Prasac, LOLC & AMK →
- Best Personal Loans in Cambodia 2026 →
- SME Loans Cambodia 2026 →
- Cambodia Home Loan & Mortgage Guide 2026 →
Published by the MoneyKH Research Team. Last updated: April 2026. Hattha Bank institutional history sourced from HKL official company profile (hkl.com.kh), Krungsri press release on Hattha Bank commercial bank conversion (krungsri.com), and Kiva.org partner profile. Ownership structure sourced from Krungsri Group annual reports. Branch and ATM count sourced from Devex organisational profile and Hattha Bank official website. Deposit rate competitive positioning sourced from InterestCambodia.com tracking data (February–July 2025) and Hattha Bank official rate pages (hatthabank.com). CAIC bond investment sourced from Hattha Bank official news release. This article does not constitute financial or investment advice. MoneyKH is an independent comparison platform — see our full disclaimer.
The MoneyKH Research Team comprises independent financial researchers, market analysts, and editorial professionals with direct on-ground knowledge of Cambodia’s banking, fintech, and financial services sector. All rates, fees, and product data published on MoneyKH are verified directly with each institution before publication. MoneyKH operates as an editorially independent platform with no affiliate partnerships — see our editorial policy for full disclosure.
