Phl gains from ASEAN capital market reforms

The Philippines stands to benefit from ongoing initiatives by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) as it seeks to integrate, strengthen, and sustain capital markets in the region.

Measures to harmonize disclosure standards, enhance corporate governance and expand sustainable finance mechanisms could help the country attract more investments and improve regulatory frameworks, particularly in the digital asset space.

The Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday said the Strategic Thrusts and Key Principles of the Action Plan 2026-2030 (AP2026), expected to be released in October, were highlighted at the recent 42nd Chairs’ Meeting hosted by the Securities Commission Malaysia.

Roadmap

The roadmap builds on the achievements of the current ACMF Action Plan 2021-2025, incorporating feedback from ASEAN member states and industry stakeholders to ensure alignment with global capital market trends.

One key development is ACMF’s technical assistance collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia to develop a Carbon Market Ecosystem Roadmap.

This initiative aims to help member economies, including the Philippines, establish a structured carbon trading system to support climate goals and attract green investments.

Climate adaptation financing

The ACMF is also working on a Mitigation, Adaptation, Resilience and Sustainable Finance Framework to boost climate adaptation financing across the region.

The ACMF also reviewed updates under the ASEAN Collective Investment Schemes Framework, including efforts to harmonize disclosure standards and revise agreements governing cross-border investment products.

Strengthening these frameworks could enable Philippine investment products to reach regional investors and improve market transparency.