SEC offers fee discounts for MSMEs until 2026

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has agreed to provide discounted rates on filing fees for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), aiming to support the growth of these businesses.

SEC Chairperson Francisco Ed. Lim emphasized that MSMEs are crucial to the economy, accounting for over 99 percent of all businesses in the country and generating millions of jobs.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 8 issued on July 16, MSMEs will receive a 20-percent discount on registration fees when registering as corporations and a 25-percent discount for increasing their capital stock through an amendment of articles of incorporation until December 31, 2025.

Additionally, the SEC is offering a 50 percent discount on registration fees for MSMEs seeking to tap the capital market, valid until June 30, 2026.

The SEC's move is part of its commitment to reduce barriers to entry for small businesses and encourage economic growth.