The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking public comments on various guidelines designed to expand fundraising and investment opportunities in the Philippine capital market. These guidelines also aim to strengthen investor and financial consumer protection.
The corporate regulator has released proposed amendments, draft guidelines, and rules on several key topics: registrars of qualified institutional and individual buyers, crypto-asset service providers (SEC CASP Rules), Philippine green equity, the definition of seasoned issuers and extension of shelf registration, and issuance and disclosure of Sukuk bonds. \The SEC issued the second exposure draft of amendments to Rule 39.1.4 of Republic Act (RA) 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), on December 18, 2024. These amendments specify the requirements for registrars of qualified buyers, including initiation and cessation of functions, responsibilities, and requirements for maintaining registration. The amendments will reinforce the SEC's authority to verify registrars' procedures in accrediting qualified buyers, ensuring regulatory oversight and compliance with market regulations. \On December 20, 2024, the proposed SEC CASP Rules were released for public comment. These rules aim to enhance the SEC's oversight and supervision powers over businesses involved in the offering and trading of innovative financial products, including crypto-assets. The proposed rules take into account the growth and development of new crypto-asset markets, services, and business models