The Financial Post reports in its Wednesday, March 13, edition that National Bank of Canada is exploring options including a sale of ABA Bank, which could be valued at more than $2-billion (U.S.) in a deal, according to sources. A Bloomberg dispatch to the Post reports that sources say the Montreal-based bank has held initial discussions with advisers on a strategic review for one of Cambodia's biggest lenders. Other options include minority or majority interest sales. Considerations are at an early stage and National Bank may still decide not to proceed with a deal. National Bank said in a statement Tuesday: "The bank is currently not engaged in any process or negotiations for the sale of ABA Bank, nor has it hired any advisers. ... National Bank continues to support ABA's growth and participation in the establishment of a sound and resilient banking industry for Cambodia." Founded in 1996 and formerly known as Advanced Bank of Asia Ltd., ABA Bank was Cambodia's largest commercial bank by assets and deposits in 2022. The lender has 94 branches with more than 1,600 self-banking machines. ABA Bank posted net income of $343-million (Canadian) in 2023, National Bank's annual report shows.