About Banking Nerd

Banking has always been the foundation of global commerce, yet in recent years, it has become increasingly restrictive, burdened by excessive regulation, political agendas, and risk-averse institutions afraid to serve their own customers. Once-thriving financial hubs have been reshaped by bureaucracy, their dynamism eroded by compliance fears and regulatory overreach.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Hong Kong, which went from being one of the most open and efficient banking centers to one of the most restrictive. U.S. policies, such as FATCA, have made banks paranoid, forcing them to turn away legitimate clients out of fear rather than risk hefty fines. Across Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Singapore and Malaysia, opening a bank account has become a test of patience and persistence.

Not everywhere is like this. Right now, Cambodia stands apart. Its banking sector remains accessible, dynamic, and surprisingly open—a rare find in today’s tightly controlled financial world. That’s why Banking Nerd is starting here. But we are not limited to one place. Banking is constantly shifting, and our role is to uncover the rare institutions and opportunities that still exist before they disappear.

Our insights go beyond Cambodia, covering key financial centers across Southeast Asia and beyond—Singapore, the Republic of Georgia, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the U.S., and Europe. As the world of banking grows more complex, Banking Nerd cuts through the noise, identifying the places where real financial freedom still exists.

We don’t just report on banking. We see the patterns others miss. We anticipate change. We reveal opportunities. In a world where access to banking is becoming harder, Banking Nerd helps you find the doors that are still open.