SEC retains lower fees for MSMEs

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January 12, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has retained the discounted rates provided on certain transactions for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in line with its commitment to the growth of small businesses.

To further support the expansion of MSMEs, the commission has decided to extend the discount structures for MSMEs for certain filing fees as provided under memorandum circular 8, Series of 2025 which was issued in July last year.

MSMEs that seek to register as a corporation were given a 20 percent discount on registration fees until the end of 2025.

This discount has now been extended until March 31, 2026.

The SEC has also provided a 50 percent discount for the registration of securities for MSMEs who will tap the capital market to further reduce friction costs associated with going public.

The 50-percent discount for the registration of securities for MSMEs will also remain in effect until June 30, 2026.

To avail themselves of the discounts, the SEC said that applicants should fall under the definition of MSMEs at the time of filing.

Micro enterprises are classified as those having not more than P3 million in asset size. Small enterprises are those having an asset size between P3 million and P15 million, while those classified as medium enterprises have an asset size between P15 million and P100 million.

“The commission recognizes the pivotal role of the MSME sector in achieving inclusive growth to the Philippine economy,” the SEC said.

“The commission reaffirms its commitment to establishing a systematic roadmap designed to accelerate the growth and development of MSMEs,” it said.

According to the SEC, 13,129 MSMEs benefited from the discounted filing fees provided under its memorandum circular which took effect in July last year.

SEC chairperson Francis Lim earlier said the policy on the discounted rates for MSMEs represents the commission’s strong resolve to help bring down the barriers to entry of small businesses to ensure they can grow, thrive and continuously contribute to economic growth.

Lim has also assured that the SEC would continue to assess its rules and policies to see where it can provide further assistance to stakeholders, consistent with the goal of empowering MSMEs and the overall corporate sector to become catalysts for economic growth.