CSX targets growth amid challenges

THE Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) expects the number of trading accounts to reach 100,000 this year and anticipates an increase in daily trading value, aiming to reach $100 million by 2030.

Hong Sok Hour, CEO of CSX, told The Post that since the local bourse opened 11 years ago, there has been a steady increase in the public’s knowledge of stock exchange trading.

He noted that in 2023, the volume of trading had risen compared to 2022, albeit with a decrease in trading value, attributed to a high number of small trades.

During the post-pandemic economic uncertainty of last year, he noted that the bourse reached a record high in the number of listed companies, including two equity securities and three corporate bonds.

Sok Hour said that by the end of December 2023, there were 22 listed companies, comprising 11 equity securities and 11 corporate bonds.

The firms have collectively raised approximately $359 million from the capital market.

As of November 2023, the average daily trading volume was around 130,000 shares, with a daily trading value of about $210,000.

“The number of trading accounts has also shown substantial growth, increasing from approximately 35,000 to 47,000 accounts. CSX’s ambition is to increase the number of trading accounts to 100,000 by 2024, with an average daily trading value of $100 million by 2030. We urge participation and support from all stakeholders to elevate the market,” he said.

Sou Socheat, director-general of the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), commented on the increasing number of firms, highlighting their understanding of the advantages of listing.

“The market continuously welcomes new local firm listings. This underscores the companies’ recognition of the potential benefits of listing, enabling them to raise more funds for their business expansion,” he explained.

Hean Sahip, secretary of state at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and chairman of CSX, spoke at the bourse’s ‘My First Stock 2023’ event in mid-November.

Heemphasisedtheexchange’s commitment to modernising and utilising technology in the securities sector to facilitate investor trading.

“Although the number of listed companies and trading activity is not very high, the market is advancing vigorously. The progress is from the continuous development of new products and services, along with promotion and training for public investors,” said Sahip.