Philippines

Structural Regulation

Philippine SEC Issues Draft Rules for Online Lenders, Fintechs

By Mark Johnston | 24/11/2021

The SEC is seeking a greater degree of regulatory oversight for fintech firms and digital lenders to address “abusive and predatory practices”.

Structural Regulation

BSP to Stop Accepting Applications for E-Money Issuer Licences

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/11/2021

EMI licence applications received from non-bank institutions will be processed until 15 December on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sustainable Finance

Philippines Set to Issue First Sovereign Green Bonds

By Editors | 22/11/2021

The Department of Finance is finalising a sustainable finance framework for the issuance of the Philippines’ first-ever sovereign green bonds.

Payments & Settlements

BSP Pursues Cross Border Payment Links with Malaysia, Thailand

By Editors | 16/11/2021

The BSP has been in dialogue with ASEAN central banks including MAS, BNM and BOT to make cross-border payment flows cheaper and more seamless.

Reporting & Disclosures

ASEAN Sectoral Bodies Publish Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance

By Mark Johnston | 11/11/2021

The ASEAN Sectoral Bodies make inclusivity and credibility central to the regional taxonomy for sustainable finance.

DeFi & Web3

MAS to Launch Decentralised Credentials Platform for Fintechs

By Mark Johnston | 09/11/2021

MAS is launching a decentralised platform that will help banks assess the credentials, compliance readiness and credibility of fintech firms.

Payments & Settlements

Singapore, Philippines to Pursue Cross Border Payment Links

By Editors | 08/11/2021

MAS and the BSP have agreed to pursue real time and QR payment systems links to enable instant, seamless and low-cost cross-border payments.

Structural Regulation

Philippines Streamlines Bank Merger Application Processes

By Editors | 07/11/2021

A five agency agreement will see documentary requirements cut in half and total processing times reduced from 160 to 55 business days.

Sustainable Finance

New Alliances Target Energy Infrastructure, Lower Emissions

By Mark Johnston | 05/11/2021

The GEAPP has committed $100bn to clean energy infrastructure. ADB announced a plan to finance early closures of coal plants in Indonesia and the Philippines.