The report states that Cambodians have received $US11.8 million in microloans, both from microfinance institutions (MFIs) and banks. A land title is commonly used as collateral for a loan. As of the end of 2020, the average loan was $4,280, an amount that exceeds the annual income of 95% of Cambodians.

Yet despite representing the largest microfinance industry in the world, there is very little client protection in Cambodia, and the report calls for radical reform to the sector. The plight of indebted loanees contrasts to record profits for banks and MFIs during the COVID pandemic.

The 14 communities highlighted in this report are located in eight provinces around the country issue. They have already been involved in a variety of land disputes over several years (the reason that they are known to LICADHO and Equitable Cambodia), so it is disconcerting to see how the microfinance system is proving a new threat to their hard-earned land titles and general livelihoods. Focus group discussions were held in each community, followed by individual interviews with 1-4 members. Perspectives were gathered under topics including:

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