The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Philippines is hosting the 44th ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) Chairs’ Meeting on March 26, 2026 to discuss regional market integration, investor protection and sustainable finance frameworks.
As the current chair of the ACMF, the Philippine regulator will convene securities authorities from across Southeast Asia to tackle issues including cross-border market connectivity, corporate governance standards and the role of digital assets. The meeting is expected to deliver the ACMF Action Plan for 2026 to 2030.
“ASEAN member states share the common goal of delivering innovative and expanded investment opportunities that empower every business and investor in the region. However, achieving this requires ensuring the security and protection of investors’ money amid the ever-evolving financial landscape,” said SEC chairperson Francis Lim.
Lim said a primary focus of the meeting is the development of coordinated enforcement mechanisms to address fraud and safeguard investor funds in digitalized markets. Regulators will also deliberate on enhancing cooperation to support cross-border investments while maintaining market integrity.
The forum will cover sustainable finance initiatives, including a proposed ASEAN Code of Conduct for external verifiers and the continued rollout of regional tools like the corporate governance scorecard. These measures aim to promote transparency as the region positions itself as a hub for responsible investments.
Regulators will also explore ways to broaden capital market access for small businesses and underserved investors to improve financial inclusion. The meeting will also advance an ASEAN-wide enforcement knowledge network and enhanced resilience-focused finance guidelines.
