Philippine SEC backs tokenization as sandbox trials advance

Speaking at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026, Commissioner Quevedo emphasized that the agency is prepared to manage tokenized real-world assets, including real estate offerings and products linked to United States equities. The SEC’s StratBox program allows firms to test business models under direct supervision, granting regulators the ability to waive specific requirements without bypassing core legal obligations. Quevedo noted that this initiative aims to provide secure, regulated investment channels for overseas Filipino workers, who are frequently targeted by fraudulent schemes.

While the SEC fosters innovation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is simultaneously tightening oversight for virtual asset service providers. The central bank recently mandated stricter due diligence for listing cryptocurrencies, requiring exchanges to assess issuer backgrounds, liquidity, and legal compliance. Notably, both Binance and BlockShoals currently lack the necessary virtual asset service provider licenses to operate as payment and transaction services in the country, highlighting the persistent regulatory gap between testing environments and full market authorization.