Q: What happens to my ABA Bank account when I die in Cambodia?

When ABA Bank is notified of an account holder’s death, the account is frozen. No transactions can be made — by family, power of attorney holders, or anyone else — until the legal successor presents documentation proving their right of inheritance under Cambodian law. The process requires a death certificate, proof of relationship to the deceased, and a bank application. ABA Bank’s compliance team handles estate claims — expect 2 to 8 weeks for straightforward cases with complete documentation.

Q: Who inherits a Cambodian bank account if there is no will?

Cambodia’s Civil Code governs intestate succession for Cambodian nationals — the legal heir order is: spouse first, then children equally, then parents, then siblings. For foreigners dying in Cambodia, the situation is more complex and may involve both Cambodian law (for Cambodia-held assets) and home country law. A will is strongly recommended, particularly for foreigners, to provide clear legal direction and avoid the uncertainty of intestate succession between two legal systems.

Q: Does a joint account help avoid the succession process after death in Cambodia?

On an either-to-sign joint account, the surviving holder typically retains access to the account, though the bank will need to be notified and documentation provided. This can significantly simplify access to shared funds — particularly important for couples where one partner needs ongoing access to living funds. However, joint account succession treatment varies by bank and exact account terms — verify in writing with your bank when the account is opened that the survivor retains access on the other’s death.

Q: What happens to a fixed deposit if the account holder dies before maturity?

A fixed deposit continues to accrue interest during the succession process — it is not automatically terminated on death. The legal heir inherits the FD as part of the estate and can either continue it to maturity or access the funds after completing the succession documentation with the bank. Early termination of an FD inherited through succession typically forfeits the remaining interest — the heir may prefer to allow the FD to mature naturally if the timeline permits.

Q: Should I make a will in Cambodia to protect my bank accounts?

Yes — particularly if you are a foreigner with significant Cambodia assets, or a Cambodian with complex family circumstances. A will drafted under Cambodian law and signed before a Cambodian notary is the most legally certain way to direct your Cambodia assets to your chosen beneficiaries. Without a will, your estate passes under Cambodia’s Civil Code intestate succession rules, which may not match your wishes and will require more complex legal process. For foreigners, a dual approach — a Cambodian will for Cambodia assets and a home country will for home assets — provides the clearest legal pathway.

Q: Does a power of attorney allow my family to access my accounts if I die?

No. A power of attorney (POA) automatically ceases to have legal effect upon the death of the person who granted it. A POA is only valid while you are alive — even a durable POA does not survive death. It is not a substitute for a will. If you want someone to access your accounts after your death, the correct mechanism is a will designating them as beneficiary, or a joint account with either-to-sign access, not a POA.

Q: What documents do my family need to access my Cambodia bank account after I die?

The heir will typically need: an official Cambodian death certificate, proof of their relationship to you (family book for Cambodians, notarised family relationship documentation for foreigners), their own National ID or passport, a copy of your account details, and any will or legal succession order. The bank may also require an affidavit or sworn statement depending on the circumstances. The embassy of a deceased foreigner can assist with documentation guidance.

Q: What lawyers can help with inheritance and estate banking in Cambodia?

Reputable law firms with estate and succession expertise in Cambodia include DFDL Cambodia, Bun and Associates, Sok Siphana and Associates, and several other registered Cambodian legal practices. The Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia maintains a registry of qualified practitioners. For foreigners whose estate spans multiple countries, seek a firm with both Cambodian law qualification and international law experience.

Q: What happens to bank accounts of foreigners who die in Cambodia without heirs in Cambodia?

If a foreign national dies in Cambodia with no identifiable heirs and no will, the relevant embassy is typically notified and plays a significant role in the estate process. For NBC-licensed bank accounts, if no valid heir claim is made within the legally required period, funds may ultimately transfer to NBC custody under Cambodian abandoned property regulations. This is a strong argument for foreign nationals to have clear wills and to inform both their embassy and family members of their Cambodia assets and banking arrangements.

Q: Is the CDGC deposit protection still active after the account holder dies?

Yes. CDGC deposit protection continues to apply to accounts after the death of the account holder — the protection covers the deposit for the benefit of the legal heirs. If the bank fails during the succession process, the legal heir would still be entitled to CDGC protection up to the $7,500 limit. The CDGC protection does not expire with the account holder’s death.