Philippines

Credit Risk

Philippines Launches State Micro-Lending to Curb Predatory Credit

By Mark Johnston | 06/01/2026

The Department of Finance directs the Social Security System to partner with banks for a digital micro-loan pilot launching H1 2026.

Anti-Money Laundering

New BSP Paper Argues Against Demonetisation to Fight Crime

By Manesh Samtani | 31/12/2025

Discussion paper calls demonetisation a "blunt instrument" and urges broader institutional reforms to fight financial crime.

Payments & Settlements

Philippines Mandates ISO 20022 for All Retail Payment Systems

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/12/2025

The new rules give financial institutions two years to fully adopt the global messaging standard for domestic and cross-border payments.

Cryptocurrency

Philippines Blocks Coinbase, Gemini in Crackdown on Unlicensed Platforms

By Editors | 26/12/2025

Regulators ordered ISPs to block 50 virtual asset providers, while investors reported access issues to brokerage Interactive Brokers.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines House Passes Bill to Amend Bank Secrecy

By Editors | 26/12/2025

The measure grants the central bank powers to examine accounts in corruption cases, aligning with international AML standards.

Reporting & Disclosures

Philippines Mandates IFRS-Aligned Sustainability Reporting in Phased Rollout

By Editors | 26/12/2025

The SEC has adopted PFRS S1 and S2, setting a tiered timeline for mandatory disclosure and external assurance for listed and large private firms.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines SEC Overhauls Beneficial Ownership Rules to Curb Illicit Finance

By Editors | 24/12/2025

New framework sets a 20 percent reporting threshold and introduces an online registry to boost transparency and combat financial crime.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines Widens Asset Freeze in PHP 20.3B Flood Control Probe

By Editors | 23/12/2025

The AML has frozen over 1,100 new bank accounts, bringing the total value of restricted assets to PHP 20.3 billion.

Capital Adequacy

Thailand Cuts Risk Charge for Insurers' Equity Investments - Report

By Mark Johnston | 22/12/2025

Thailand’s insurance regulator has lowered equity risk charges to spur investment and is preparing a national fund to manage rising climate-related liabilities.