The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission published remarks by Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation seminar, where he called for a regulatory framework that supports financial innovation while protecting consumers. He identified regulatory certainty, market openness and strong consumer safeguards as necessary to expand access to finance for underserved individuals and micro, small and medium enterprises. Quevedo highlighted credit information systems, digital onboarding, electronic know-your-customer processes, digital payments and online lending as tools for reducing transaction costs and broadening access. He also urged policymakers to prepare for risks including fraudulent lending applications, identity theft, unauthorized loans, abusive collection practices, misuse of personal data, artificial intelligence-enabled fraud and regulatory arbitrage. Insights from the seminar are expected to inform recommendations to APEC finance ministers and senior officials under the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers’ Process.