SEC monitors 16 MSMEs eyeing public listing, expects 6 IPOs this year

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is monitoring 16 potential micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that may go public as part of efforts to bring the capital market closer to small businesses.

During the last leg of its two-year Roadshow on Capital Formation for MSMEs in Makati City, SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino highlighted increased interest among MSMEs in various capital market products and services.

The Philippine Stock Exchange is expecting six initial public offerings this year as part of these initiatives, while the SEC also noted 358 companies eyeing to crowdfund for specific projects.

Since launching its nationwide roadshow, the SEC has facilitated P2.24 billion in fresh funds for small businesses and completed 1,212 crowdfunding projects involving 361 companies.

The SEC visited 21 key cities across the country, reaching over 3,000 onsite participants and 60,000 online viewers to promote capital market options like crowdfunding and IPOs for MSMEs.

Chairperson Aquino emphasized that providing access to capital for MSMEs aligns with the Marcos administration's priorities and aims to address credit constraints faced by these businesses.