With the Philippines now at the helm of the region’s top capital markets body, the country is poised to play a central role in shaping how ASEAN markets grow, connect, and attract investors — both at home and across Southeast Asia.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Philippines kicked off its chairship of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) in Coron, Palawan, signaling its leadership in driving the development of resilient and sustainable capital markets in Southeast Asia.

Anchored on the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together” and in line with the ACMF Action Plan 2026 to 2030, the chairship of the SEC Philippines aims to collectively “RISE” with all ASEAN capital market regulators as it advances Regional integration, Inclusivity, Sustainable finance and collaborative Enforcement (RISE).

“The ACMF is invaluable in enabling us to work closely with our regional peers to deliver practical initiatives that accelerate the integration of ASEAN’s financial ecosystems while supporting the growth of our domestic market,” SEC Philippines chairperson Francis Ed. Lim said in a statement on Saturday.

RISE agenda

Under the RISE agenda, the SEC aims to deliver the Priority Economic Deliverable on Sustainable and Resilient Capital Markets through several key outputs, including the publication of an ASEAN Code of Conduct for External Verifiers in Sustainable Finance; the expansion of the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard Regional Assessment; the establishment of an ACMF Knowledge Network of Supervisory and Enforcement Directors; completing the next phase of Mitigation co-benefit and Adaptation for Resilience (mARs) Guide; and the promotion of the ASEAN as an asset class through the ASEAN Diamonds.

“Through the ACMF, we aim to translate shared priorities into concrete initiatives that will strengthen investor confidence and support long-term economic growth across the region,” he added.

Formed in 2004 under the auspices of ASEAN finance ministers, the ACMF is mandated to develop a “deep, liquid, and integrated regional capital market.” It implements initiatives in a pragmatic approach, allowing its member states to participate in regional activities depending on their market readiness in recognition of their differing development levels.

SEC assumes ACMF chairship in Kuala Lumpur

The SEC assumed the chairship of the ACMF following a handover ceremony in Kuala Lumpur in November 2025.

This month, the Commission hosted the first in-person meeting of the ASEAN Taxonomy Board in Makati, underscoring its active role in advancing the ASEAN Taxonomy — a multi-tiered guide that provides a common language for identifying and classifying sustainable projects and economic activities.

At the same time, the ACMF Deputies held their inaugural meeting to set the year’s agenda across key workstreams, including market connectivity, sustainable finance, corporate governance and digital assets, all aimed at strengthening ASEAN capital markets.

Concurrently, the SEC convened the first preparatory meeting for the ACMF Knowledge Network of Supervisory and Enforcement Directors, a platform designed to enhance supervisory and enforcement practices, promote technical cooperation and build mutual trust among ACMF members.

Representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam joined the meetings alongside the SEC Philippines.