Philippines

ESG / Sustainability

Philippines SEC Mandates Strict 9-Year Term for Independent Directors

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/01/2026

The SEC removes extensions and sets a firm nine-year cumulative term for independent directors of listed firms to bolster board independence.

Fintech / Regtech

Philippines to Name Successful Digital Bank Applicants Within Q1

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/01/2026

The BSP is reviewing applicants for four new licences, aiming to lower costs, streamline services, and enhance financial inclusion with fresh competition.

AML / KYC

Philippines to Launch Digital Registry for Beneficial Ownership Reporting

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/01/2026

The new HARBOR portal will centralise corporate ownership data, a move aimed at bolstering AML efforts and FATF compliance.

Fintech / Regtech

Philippines SEC Mulls Lifting Moratorium on New Online Lenders

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/01/2026

The SEC is studying an end to its 2021 ban but plans to introduce higher capital requirements and other consumer protection measures.

Fintech / Regtech

Philippines Mandates Digital Submission for Banks' Regulatory Relief Reports

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/01/2026

Banks availing of specific relief measures must now submit supplemental financial and capital adequacy reports via the central bank's PRIME platform.

Securities / Derivatives

Philippines Tables 'Bill of Rights' to Bolster Minority Shareholder Power

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/01/2026

Proposed law introduces tag-along rights, stricter related-party transaction rules, and significant penalties to align with global governance standards.

ESG / Sustainability

Philippines Central Bank Extends Green Lending Incentives for Banks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/01/2026

The BSP has prolonged measures allowing higher lending limits and reserve exemptions for sustainable projects to support the country's climate transition.

Securities / Derivatives

Philippine SEC Expands REIT Rules to Include Infrastructure, New Structures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/01/2026

New regulations broaden the scope of eligible assets, allow for SPV structures, and refine corporate governance rules.

Capital / Liquidity

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.