The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission will maintain its discounted filing fee programme to encourage micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to raise funds through the capital market.

Regulatory officials confirmed the extension in an official press release outlining SEC Memorandum Circular Number 19.

Eligible MSME applicants will continue receiving a 50% discount on their securities registration fees until 31 December 2026.

The cost reduction applies to corporate public offerings and includes streamlined processes for power utilities, real estate developers, hospitals, and agricultural firms.

Regulators have disbursed approximately PHP 139.6 million in financial relief since they first introduced the reduced rates in July 2025.

This extension complements a separate 20% discount previously granted to qualifying businesses formalising their corporate registrations.

Guidelines classify micro enterprises as companies with assets up to PHP 3 million, while small and medium businesses hold up to PHP 15 million and PHP 100 million respectively.

Interested companies must submit a qualification certificate and demonstrate a paid-up capital of PHP 25 million to access the lower registration fees.

Agricultural businesses using the streamlined registration channel are exempt from this minimum capital requirement.

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Philippines based on an image by jcomp via Magnific.