SEC fee cuts stay to help MSMEs expand

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has extended discounted registration and filing fees for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to make it easier for businesses to formalize, raise funds, and grow.

Citing SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2026, the regulator said Monday that MSMEs can continue to get a 20 percent discount on corporate registration fees until 31 March.

Meanwhile, 50 percent discount on securities registration, including power utilities, real estate, agri-businesses, and hospitals, runs until 30 June.

“The SEC is entering the new year with a renewed commitment to support the expansion of MSMEs, given their crucial role in driving the country’s economic growth,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said.

“The discounted corporate registration and filing fees will help ease the cost of compliance and encourage more entrepreneurs to formalize and tap the capital market for the expansion of their businesses,” he added.

Since July last year, the SEC has granted P34.5 million in fee discounts to 15,425 MSMEs, helping businesses reduce costs that could benefit both owners and customers.

The circular defines MSMEs under Republic Act No. 9501: micro enterprises have assets up to P3 million, small businesses up to P15 million, and medium-sized enterprises up to P100 million.

Businesses seeking the discounted securities registration fees must submit a Certification of MSME Qualification signed by their president or treasurer and have a paid-up capital of P25 million, except for agri-businesses using the streamlined process.