Philippines Crypto & Virtual Assets Update: SEC Strengthens Rules on Tokens and CASPs

Philippines Crypto & Virtual Assets Update: SEC Strengthens Rules on Tokens and CASPs 🔐

The Securities and Exchange Commission has rolled out a comprehensive framework governing Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) through Memorandum Circular Nos. 4 and 5, Series of 2025. This is one of the most significant regulatory developments for virtual assets, token offerings, and digital finance in the Philippines.

The rules apply to a wide range of activities, including:

-Token offering platforms

-Crypto exchanges and trading platforms

-Custodians and wallet providers

-Brokers/dealers

-Third-party marketing and distribution of crypto assets

Key requirements include:

-Mandatory SEC registration as a Philippine stock corporation with CASP as primary purpose

-Minimum paid-up capital of ₱100 million (excluding the value of any crypto assets)

-Physical office and meaningful local substance in the Philippines

-Strict client asset segregation, cybersecurity standards, AML/CFT controls, and suitability assessments

-Enhanced due diligence and disclosure standards for admitting virtual assets/tokens to trading or public offerings — with particular attention to whether a token exhibits securities-like or investment contract features

This SEC framework works alongside the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) VASP regime and recent 2026 guidance on deeper token due diligence by licensed platforms. Together, they create clearer guardrails while raising the bar for market integrity and investor protection.

What this means in practice:

Projects and platforms targeting Filipino users or operating locally must carefully assess whether CASP registration or compliance is required.

Token issuers should proactively evaluate classification and structure their offerings and marketing accordingly.

Investors and institutions can expect stronger safeguards, but also more rigorous onboarding and disclosure.

The Philippines continues to rank among the world’s highest in crypto adoption. These rules signal a maturing ecosystem that rewards compliance and sustainable innovation.

How is your organization or project preparing for these standards? Are you navigating token classification, CASP licensing, or cross-border virtual asset structuring?

I’d value your thoughts — founders, compliance leads, and investors, please share in the comments, email info@cgrlaw.ph or DM. Happy to discuss compliant pathways in this evolving space.

#VirtualAssets #CryptoRegulation #SECPhilippines #CASP #TokenOffering #DigitalAssets #FintechPhilippines #Blockchain #RegulatoryCompliance #PhilippineCrypto

CGRLAW & Associates

Unit 2101 and 2111 Cityland 10 Tower 2, H.V. Dela Costa Street, 

Salcedo Village, Bel-Air, Mak​ati City 

3F Salcedo One Centre, 170  Salcedo Street, 

Legaspi Village, Makati City

U302 Capitol Masonic, 35 Matalino Street, 

Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. No. (+63 2) 8277 7239 

             (+63 2) 8985 4322

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email: claude.requino@cgrlaw.ph

website: www.cgrlaw.ph

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Fwd: 13th FINL: A Major Win for Foreign Investors in Philippine Renewable Energy (2026)



13th FINL: A Major Win for Foreign Investors in Philippine Renewable Energy (2026)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 113, s. 2026 on 13 April 2026, promulgating the 13th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List. It took effect on 2 May 2026.

One of the most significant developments: the 13th FINL now explicitly confirms that renewable energy projects involving solar, wind, and ocean/tidal energy are open to 100% foreign ownership.

This clarification removes previous interpretive uncertainty tied to constitutional restrictions on natural resources. Solar, wind, and tidal projects are treated as inexhaustible kinetic sources — opening the door to full foreign ownership and control (with nuances remaining for certain hydropower projects involving water rights).

Why this matters for foreign investors in 2026

Greater certainty and full ownership improve project bankability, financing options, and technology deployment.

Reduced need for mandatory 60-40 joint venture structures in many cases — lowering costs, complexity, and execution risk.

Strong alignment with the Philippines’ clean energy transition, DOE fast-tracking, ESS integration requirements, and grid modernization efforts.

New opportunities to combine RE investments with emerging carbon credit frameworks (DENR’s voluntary carbon market roadmap and related guidelines).

Industries to prioritize and promote right now

Large-scale solar and wind (including floating and hybrid projects)

Energy storage systems (ESS) paired with variable renewable energy

Ocean/tidal and innovative RE technologies

RE-linked and nature-based carbon credit projects

This is one of the most investor-friendly developments in the Philippine energy space in recent years. Combined with recent DOE circulars on ESS and transmission reforms, it positions the country as an increasingly attractive destination for serious foreign capital in renewables and sustainability.

Foreign investors, developers, and funds evaluating Philippine RE opportunities — or local players seeking strategic international partners — should review their structures and timelines now.

At CGRLAW & Associates, we help clients navigate the full picture: investment structuring under the updated FINL, DOE/ERC/DENR permitting, carbon market participation, M&A, and cross-border compliance.

Happy to discuss how this impacts your specific plans. Email info@cgrlaw.ph DM me or comment below.

#RenewableEnergy #ForeignInvestment #Philippines #EnergyTransition #ESG #CarbonCredits #SustainableInvesting #CGRLAW

<CGRLAW_13th_FINL_Carousel_2026.pdf>

CGRLAW & Associates

Unit 2101 and 2111 Cityland 10 Tower 2, H.V. Dela Costa Street, 

Salcedo Village, Bel-Air, Mak​ati City 

3F Salcedo One Centre, 170  Salcedo Street, 

Legaspi Village, Makati City

U302 Capitol Masonic, 35 Matalino Street, 

Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. No. (+63 2) 8277 7239 

             (+63 2) 8985 4322

              (+63 918) 948 6092 DL Mobile

           (+1 646) 918 1512. DL US

email: claude.requino@cgrlaw.ph

website: www.cgrlaw.ph

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. You are hereby notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be violative of Cybercrime Prevention Act.