BUSINESS

ASEAN moves to break cross-border investment barriers

Maria Bernadette Romero · Oct 27, 2026, 3:22 PM

THE 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting and its Associated Meetings are aimed at the Philippines as this year’s chair seeks to channel the urgency of the present global energy crisis into a stronger foundation for the regional bloc’s future: practical cooperation that safeguards livelihoods, unlocks investment and innovation, and strengthens the region’s ability to withstand the next disruption. — Photograph courtesy of ASEAN Secretariat

ASEAN is moving to ease cross-border investments, potentially giving Philippine companies more access to foreign capital and local investors more opportunities across Southeast Asia.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Tuesday that regional regulators are pushing measures to make it easier for businesses to raise funds and investors to access other ASEAN markets.

Among these are the Roadmap for ASEAN Cross-Listings and the Depositary Receipt Issuance Handbook, which aim to improve access to regional stock markets.

SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said closer regional cooperation could boost investment and business growth.

“They can help capital move, investment grow, businesses expand, and more people participate in the opportunities our markets create,” Lim said.

The cross-listing roadmap aims to help companies attract investors from other ASEAN countries, giving them more options to raise capital.

Meanwhile, the depositary receipt initiative seeks to make it easier for investors to buy securities linked to foreign-listed shares without requiring companies to list directly in every market.

Both measures could help Philippine companies reach more investors while giving local investors more options to diversify their portfolios.

However, their benefits will depend on how ASEAN markets put the initiatives into practice.

The Philippine Stock Exchange and Singapore Exchange have also signed a memorandum of collaboration to improve market access and encourage cross-border investments.

ASEAN regulators are also expanding financing options through Islamic capital markets and sustainable investments while promoting stronger corporate governance.

Under the Philippines' 2026 ACMF chairship, the SEC is pushing for greater regional integration, wider investor participation, sustainable finance, and stronger enforcement cooperation.

Singapore will assume the ACMF chairship in 2027 as the region works to turn these initiatives into actual investment opportunities.