THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has extended a 50-percent discount on securities registration fees for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to Dec. 31, 2026 in a bid to encourage more small businesses to raise funds via the capital market.
The extension was formalized through SEC Memorandum Circular 19, series of 2026 that was issued on Wednesday.
The discounted rate applies to the registration of securities for public offerings, including those filed through the SEC's streamlined registration processes for power generation and distribution utility companies, real estate developers, and managers involved in rental pool arrangements, agribusiness firms and hospitals.
The SEC said the incentive would complement the 20-percent discount granted to MSMEs formalizing their corporate registration.
Since the reduced securities registration fees were introduced on July 16, 2025, the commission has granted around P139.6 million worth of discounts to MSMEs.
To qualify for the discounted securities registration fee, applicants must submit a certification of MSME qualification executed by the company's president or treasurer.
Eligible firms must also have a paid-up capital of P25 million, except for agribusiness companies availing themselves of the SEC's streamlined registration process. NAZYLEN JOY MABANGLO
