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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) marked World Investor Week (WIW) 2025 with Fintech Forward: Shaping Innovation and Investor Protection in the Digital Age, a two-part event held on October 28 at the SEC Headquarters in Pasay City.
The program aimed to promote financial literacy among students and strengthen collaboration between regulators and the local fintech and crypto communities.
Fintech Forward: Shaping Innovation and Investor Protection in the Digital Age
In a Facebook post, the Commission shared that the event was structured in two parts: the first focused on crypto for beginners, while the second featured a deeper exchange of ideas with key opinion leaders in the Philippine crypto scene.
The morning session focused on introducing cryptocurrency to 350 students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and West Visayas State University (WVSU).
The report noted that SEC Chairperson Francis Lim highlighted the need for young Filipinos to understand digital finance trends, stressing that knowledge is key to protecting themselves from fraudulent schemes. Lim also cited the proliferation of illicit financial activities as the reason for the SEC’s push to make financial literacy a mandatory subject in high schools.
“Through interactive discussions, Fintech Forward empowered young Filipinos to become informed, responsible participants in the digital finance space.”
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Accordingly, the next session brought together key opinion leaders, fintech innovators, and regulatory officials for a roundtable discussion on the evolving digital asset ecosystem.
Topics covered included cryptocurrency regulation, applications of artificial intelligence in finance, and strategies to prevent fraud on digital platforms.
SEC Commissioner McJill Bryant T. Fernandez emphasized the importance of open communication between regulators and industry stakeholders to bridge gaps in the fintech ecosystem while ensuring responsible innovation.
“The roundtable reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to forward-looking policies that balance innovation with investor protection—highlighting how regulatory engagement and multisectoral dialogue serve as pillars of financial integrity.”
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The Commission noted that Fintech Forward 2025 is part of the SEC’s broader SEC CAN! (Communication, Advocacy, and Network) program, which promotes financial literacy through education, engagement, and collaboration with other organizations.
Thought Leaders at the Roundtable
Following the event, some of the members of the Philippine crypto community who were present expressed optimism following a roundtable with the SEC. The session discussed challenges, opportunities, and the future of digital finance in the country.
BitPinas editor-in-chief Michael Mislos reflected that the event provided answers to many longstanding questions within the community, highlighting the comprehensive representation of industry sectors.
“I believe every sector of the industry is well-represented (be it educator or kol, organizer or policy advocacy groups, developer, etc)… I left with a sense of optimism and hope. I believe everyone who was there with me will agree that the final tenor of the event is one that is looking forward to the updated CASP rules whenever that happens.”
Michael Mislos, EIC, BitPinas
Moreover, Luis Buenaventura, GCash Executive and GCrypto head, described the meeting as “a great first step” in directly engaging the crypto community in policymaking.
“Tech has always moved faster than regulations, so being able to discuss the implications, challenges, and consequences of our frameworks openly is the only way to find a reasonable and sustainable middle ground.”
Luis Buenaventura, Executive, GCash and Head, GCrypto
On the other hand, George Isaac Asibal, CEO of Filipino trading organization ZFT, noted that while time was short to address all concerns, the event was a “step in the right direction.”
He suggested creating open communication channels, such as a Discord server, and encouraging regulators to become power users of crypto products to better understand the ecosystem.
“I’m personally curious to understand things from the regulators’ side too – I know it’s not easy for them either. Many of our pain points, though, could be solved with a bit more common sense and a lot less corporate bureaucracy that slows down innovation… As an educator and power user of different platforms in the space – CeFi, DeFi, etc. I’m willing to help our regulating bodies understand how these products work.”
George Isaac Asibal, CEO, ZFT
SEC Stance on Crypto
The SEC previously clarified that cryptocurrency trading and investment are not prohibited under its CASP Rules, which took effect on July 5, 2025.
All platforms offering crypto services to Filipino users, whether local or foreign, must register and obtain proper licensing to ensure investor protection, market integrity, and a level playing field. Enforcement actions against unregistered platforms may include restricting access.
The rules mainly apply to service providers, not individual traders or educators, though promotional activities must be conducted through licensed entities. Decentralized platforms, staking, and in-game NFTs are generally exempt unless tied to fundraising or investment schemes.
The SEC encouraged all crypto firms targeting Filipino users to comply, emphasizing responsible regulation alongside market growth.
Read CASP-related articles here:
This article is published on BitPinas: SEC Hosts Crypto Asset Awareness Session and Roundtable at Fintech Forward 2025
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