SEC prioritizes speed and cost reductions in Big Bold Reforms plan for 2026

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking strides towards transforming the Philippines into a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable environment for conducting business, according to SEC Chair Francis Ed. Lim. Lim addressed business leaders in Taguig City on January 16, 2026, highlighting the SEC’s commitment to prioritizing speed and trust in its services.

This push for faster, more affordable services directly impacts companies seeking to incorporate, adjust records, and raise capital promptly. The SEC’s reforms aim to streamline processes, remove bureaucratic hurdles that have historically deterred investment, and enhance market integrity through robust enforcement measures.

To expedite the approval process, the SEC has established tighter service standards, ensuring swift processing of applications within defined timelines based on complexity. The concept of “deemed approved” is now adopted for cases where all legal requirements are met, subject to subsequent audits post-approval.

Digitalization plays a pivotal role in these reforms, with the OneSEC platform facilitating end-to-end online incorporation for 81 company types, including foreign-owned entities, significantly reducing the time required for approval. The expansion of online processing capabilities has notably decreased turnaround times for amendments, previously drawn-out over several months.

While emphasizing the importance of expediency, Lim underscored the non-negotiable nature of enforcement to maintain market integrity. Recent regulatory actions reinforce the SEC’s commitment to promptly address issues that threaten investor confidence, safeguarding the credibility of listed entities.

In a bid to minimize the cost of doing business, the SEC has lowered and capped fees, resulting in substantial savings for the public. Notably, fees for official documents have been slashed by 50%, generating over P110 million in savings in 2025. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have particularly benefited from registration and capital stock discounts, with non-MSMEs also reaping fee reductions.

Moreover, the SEC is focusing on facilitating capital raising activities while promoting sustainability. By simplifying exempt transactions and implementing a stringent review timeline for public offerings, the SEC aims to expedite the fundraising process, with an average turnaround of 35 to 40 days.

Looking ahead, Lim envisions a harmonized approach where ease of doing business aligns with stringent integrity measures. The SEC is poised to introduce further reforms to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, fostering a business environment characterized by efficiency and trust.