The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that it is prepared for the tokenization of real-world assets. The regulator stated that the necessary legal framework for overseeing tokenized securities is largely in place, and that it now has greater confidence in its ability to supervise these innovative assets.
SEC Confidence in Regulating Tokenized Securities
Commissioner Kelvin Lester K. Quevedo emphasized during the 2026 Philippines Blockchain Week that the SEC now feels assured of its authority and readiness to regulate tokenized securities. According to Quevedo, this technology has the potential to unlock new opportunities in capital markets and could reshape the very mechanics of exchanges.
Quevedo affirmed that the Philippine SEC is confident in its regulatory authority over tokenized securities and highlighted the potential for this technology to bring fresh opportunities to the country’s capital markets.
One of the most notable points raised was the prospect of increased access to investment opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Quevedo explained that tokenized investment products could give this large population safer and more regulated ways to invest. With a significant number of Filipinos working abroad, there is strong demand for secure methods to grow their savings.
The regulator also flagged ongoing concerns over investment fraud in the Philippines. Investors seeking higher returns often turn to unauthorized entities, but the SEC believes regulated tokenized securities could offer a safer alternative amidst these risks.
Stepped Up Battle Against Investment Fraud
Alongside its push towards blockchain-based financial products, the Philippines SEC is stepping up its surveillance against illegal investment schemes. Quevedo revealed that the agency is leveraging artificial intelligence to detect these operations and closely monitor online activity linked to unauthorized investment offerings.
The regulator has partnered with major tech platforms such as Google and TikTok in a bid to halt unauthorized investment promotions and safeguard investor interests.
The SEC’s collaboration with Google and TikTok aims to prevent the spread of unlicensed investment advertising, further illustrating its commitment to a broader program of investor protection. These steps are part of a more comprehensive crackdown on fraudulent schemes in the local market.
Four Companies in Regulatory Sandbox
Quevedo’s comments also touched upon the SEC’s regulatory sandbox, known as StratBox. This initiative allows fintech companies to test their products under close regulatory oversight, ensuring innovation is balanced with safety and compliance.
Mini Glossary: A regulatory sandbox is a controlled environment where new financial products and services can be tested under regulator supervision and within set boundaries. This model aims to foster both innovation and investor protection.
While the sandbox offers certain temporary flexibilities in participation criteria, companies are still required to adhere to core rules. In November 2025, it was announced that four companies had been approved within this framework: one working on tokenized real estate, two developing solutions for access to US stocks, and BlockShoals Technologies, which gained approval to test crypto-based products.
| Field | Number of Participants | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tokenized Real Estate | 1 | Testing real estate investment model |
| Access to US Stocks | 2 | Developing overseas stock access solutions |
| Crypto-Based Products | 1 | BlockShoals Technologies approved for product testing |
With global interest in tokenized securities accelerating, the Philippines SEC is committed to advancing regulation alongside investor protection. The regulator’s position signals that blockchain-powered financial products can evolve within a clearer oversight framework, potentially providing Filipino investors with safer access to tomorrow’s markets.
