SEC Registration

The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an agency under the Philippine Department of Finance that is responsible for regulating the securities industry.

It supervises all registered business entities in the country (with the power to suspend and revoke registrations), investigate violations of securities laws and impose sanctions, and make policies with regard to the market in securities.

It also supervises stock and bond brokers as well as the stock exchanges.

Who needs to register with the SEC?

If you are setting up a corporation, partnership, or association, your business falls under the jurisdiction of the SEC.

1. Stock Corporations [S] include local and foreign corporations i.e. branch offices, representative offices, regional headquarters, regional operating headquarters.

Branch/Representative Offices - are both extensions of the parent company. Representative offices are more limited (they can only coordinate in behalf of its parent company) than branches, which can buy and sell goods, and employ other marketing activities.

Regional Headquarters - are only coordination centers limited to administrative tasks coordinating subsidiaries, affiliates, and branches in the Asia-Pacific region. It cannot derive income from its local sources.

Regional Operating Headquarters - is the overall overseer of the Asia Pacific region and can engage in marketing, research, training, and business activities. It can derive income from its local sources.

2. Non-Stock Corporations [NS] include foundations, associations, non-governmental organizations, religious organizations, etc.

3. Partnerships [P] may be General and Limited.

Requirements

Documentary Requirements for Registration of Corporations and Partnerships

All applications and supporting documents must be in four (4) copies and have cover sheets.

Documents signed abroad must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where signed.

All audited Financial Statements and special audit reports must be certified by an independent Certified Public Accountant CPA), with Statement of Representation filed with the SEC. Said Statement must indicate the CPA Cert. No., PRC/BOA No. and the PTR No. of the CPA.

All applications must indicate the Tax Identification Number (TIN) of the incorporators, stockholders/members for corporations, and partners for partnerships.

For foreign incorporator, subscriber or director, indicate passport number for purposes of incorporation and Tax Identification Number for amendment of the Articles of Incorporation.