Dr. Clément Berthou is a payment systems expert and development economist who advises the National Bank of Cambodia through its Institute for Banking Studies and serves as scientific advisor to the Sosoro Museum of Economy and Money. He also works as a Short-Term Expert for the International Monetary Fund on Central Bank Digital Currencies and payment systems. Previously, he led Société Générale’s global cash network management team.

Dr. Berthou holds a PhD in Economics from Université Grenoble Alpes, specializing in payment infrastructures, yuan internationalization, and dollarization in emerging economies. He teaches at the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) and the Institute for Banking Studies (IBS) in Cambodia and regularly presents his research at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

What have been your journey leading you to RULE?
My journey with RULE began in 2024 when I joined the university while completing my PhD in Economics. RULE generously hosted me during my field research in Cambodia, and I began teaching finance courses to Master’s students. This initial collaboration evolved into a deeper commitment to contributing to the university’s educational mission.

Can you describe how the course(s) you teach are relevant in the current context?
I primarily teach Financial Management, which remains highly relevant across economic cycles. Understanding financial statements and their practical applications is essential for aspiring bankers, CFOs, and project managers. My teaching philosophy emphasizes connecting technical and theoretical concepts to real-world examples—because facts drive accounting, not the reverse.

Can you tell us about your experience as a teacher for an international program in Cambodia?
Teaching in Cambodia’s international program has been incredibly enriching. The diverse student group—combining fresh graduates with young professionals—creates a dynamic learning environment. This mix of backgrounds generates classroom discussions where different perspectives enhance everyone’s understanding.

What do you like the most in teaching at RULE?
What I find most rewarding is witnessing that moment of clarity when a concept clicks for a student—that spark of understanding in their eyes. Teaching diverse groups presents unique challenges, as you must ensure everyone reaches the same level of comprehension without leaving anyone behind.

Do you have any recommendations for future students and graduates?
Go for it! The journey may be demanding at times, but the rewards—both personal and professional—make it worthwhile. Stay curious, engage actively with your peers’ and teachers’ diverse perspectives, and it will go fine.

Ponsot, J. F., & Berthou, C. (2025). Monetary Innovations by China to Actively Promote the Internationalization of the Renminbi. Journal of Economic Issues, 59(1), 233–253. https://doi.org/10.1080/00213624.2025.2455672

Berthou, C., & Ponsot, J. F. (2024). China, the Global South, and the transnationalisation strategy of the renminbi. Economic and Political Studies, 13(1), 43–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/20954816.2024.2410826

Berthou, C. (2024). Dynamics and prospects of yuan internationalisation in Southeast Asia. In G. Facal & J. Samuel (Eds.), L’Asie du Sud-Est 2024: Bilan, enjeux et perspectives (pp. 23–47). IRASEC. ISBN 978-2-35596-076-5