The Securities and Exchange Commission has called on leaders and innovators in the financial technology sector to help develop a globally competitive capital market.

“If we work together—government, industry, and innovators—we can make the Philippines not just a participant, but a leader in the digital financial revolution,” said SEC Chairman Francis Lim during the Manila Tech Summit 2025 held by the Fintech Alliance.

He noted that, “Our goal is clear: a capital market that is deeper, more inclusive, and globally competitive—powered by technology, secured by trust, and inspired by the ingenuity of the Filipino.”

Lim said the SEC will do its part by regulating with integrity, being firm yet fair, and open to innovation, while always being anchored in the public interest.

“From industry, we ask: strengthen your cyber defenses; commit to fairness and transparency, especially for small investors; and join us in pilots that will shape the future of finance,” he said.

Lim explained that, “The SEC’s vision is a capital market that is digital by design, inclusive by intent, and trusted by all.”

This means ease of doing business through digital, end-to-end filing systems that cut red tape and deliver faster approvals; wider participation through fractional investing, retirement-linked pooled funds, and stronger investor education; and smarter supervision through data analytics that detect misconduct early and prevent it from harming investors.

“Ease of doing business and investor protection are not opposing goals—they are twin pillars of market confidence,” he pointed out.

Lim also noted that, “technology and rules are only as powerful as the people who use them. And here, the Philippines has an edge: Filipino talent.”

Filipinos have led in digital innovation—not just at home, but on the global stage.

“We see it in Silicon Valley, where Filipino engineers have helped build some of the world’s biggest tech firms… We see it in fintech hubs like Singapore and New York, where Filipino professionals are trusted leaders in banking, compliance, and cybersecurity. If our people can excel abroad, then surely we can build the same excellence here at home,” said Lim.

“These stories prove that the Filipino can compete—and win—on the global stage. Our challenge now is to create an ecosystem where this talent thrives here at home.

“So let us shape markets that are not only digital and dynamic, but also worthy of the Filipino’s talent and the Filipino people’s trust. Together, we can make the Philippines a leader in trusted digital finance—one that powers inclusive growth and earns respect across the world,” he said.