The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission published an update on its new leadership’s meeting with Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, where the SEC and the Department of Finance affirmed plans to advance reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and deepening the Philippine capital market. SEC Chairperson Francis Ed. Lim set out a work programme covering process streamlining, cost reductions for corporate data access, and a set of market development and investor protection initiatives. Near-term operational steps include reducing backlogs, streamlining transaction requirements to support implementation of Republic Act No. 11032, and launching a real-time digital tracking system to increase transparency and reduce client follow-ups. The SEC is reviewing its fee schedule, and Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2025 halved fees and charges for corporate data requests beginning 1 July; it is also considering a moratorium on fee increases for a specified period. Additional priorities include streamlining registration for small and medium enterprises, opening the repurchase market to non-bank financial institutions, intensifying enforcement against illegal lending, and reinforcing compliance expectations around truth-in-lending disclosures, fair lending standards, and prohibitions on abusive collection practices. On capital market accessibility and product development, the agenda includes implementing Republic Act No. 12214, the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, strict application of newly issued rules for crypto-asset services providers, and a possible revision of implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act No. 9856, the Real Estate Investment Trust Act. The SEC also plans to develop a roadmap for alternative investment products and derivatives, including options, futures, and a potential commodity futures market, supported by risk-based audits, enhanced digital monitoring tools, and capacity building.
Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission 2025-07-03
Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission outlines ease-of-doing-business and capital market reform priorities including digital tracking and fee cuts
The Philippine SEC and Department of Finance are advancing reforms to improve business ease and deepen the capital market, as discussed with Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto. SEC Chairperson Francis Ed. Lim's programme includes streamlining processes, reducing costs, market development, reviewing fee schedules, and enhancing enforcement against illegal lending. The agenda also covers implementing the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, revising crypto-asset service rules, and developing a roadmap for alternative investment products and derivatives.