Philippine SEC signals readiness to regulate tokenized real-world assets
In brief
- Philippine SEC Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo signals readiness to regulate tokenized real-world assets
- Tokenized products could offer overseas Filipino workers safer, legitimate investment alternatives
- SEC using AI and partnering with Google and TikTok to combat illegal investment scams
- Four companies admitted to SEC sandbox in November 2025, including tokenized real estate tester
Addressing the OFW Investment Gap
Quevedo emphasized that tokenized investment products could benefit overseas Filipino workers, who represent a significant source of capital remittances to the country. Quevedo noted that many OFWs have capital but don't know where to invest it or how to generate returns. Tokenized assets could provide them with more legitimate options while steering them away from predatory schemes.
The SEC is taking concrete steps to combat investment fraud. The regulator is using artificial intelligence to pursue unscrupulous investment scams and has partnered with major platforms. The SEC is working with Google, TikTok and other online platforms to remove illegal investment offerings.
Sandbox Progress and Market Innovation
The SEC operates the Strategic Sandbox (StratBox), which allows fintech companies to test new products in a controlled environment. In November 2025, four companies were admitted to the sandbox, including one testing a tokenized real estate offering. Two sandbox participants were testing access to United States equities.
BlockShoals Technologies received in-principle approval to test crypto-related products and services. Quevedo believes the technology could spur broader innovation. Asset tokenization could fundamentally reshape how capital markets operate and how stock exchanges function in the region.
The SEC's move reflects a broader shift across Asia toward embracing digital securities while maintaining investor protections.
