The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission briefed investors at the InvestPH 2025 Conference on its recent and planned capital market reforms, focusing on measures intended to improve market liquidity, transparency and the ease of doing business. In a panel discussion, SEC Commissioner McJill Bryant T. Fernandez pointed to the creation of a dedicated unit to expedite authorized capital stock increase processing and a “green lane” unit to fast track the registration and monitoring of foreign investments. He also cited a streamlined registration process with an average review period of at least 30 days versus the mandatory 45-day limit, with priority sectors including agriculture, healthcare, real estate and energy. The Commissioner reiterated SEC support for reforms to reduce friction costs, including a Memorandum Circular issued in April 2024 removing the minimum commission charged by Philippine Stock Exchange stockbrokers, and backing for the proposed Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, which would cut the stock transaction tax to 0.1% from 0.6% and reduce the documentary stamp tax on the original issue of shares to 0.75% from 1%. The SEC also reported that it is updating the 2019 Code of Corporate Governance and reviewing rules governing credit rating agencies.

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