Philippines Advocates for ASEAN as a Unified Investment Destination

The Philippines is actively promoting deeper capital market integration across Southeast Asia, positioning the region as a unified investment destination for global investors. This initiative was highlighted by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Javey Paul Francisco during the inaugural ASEAN Investment Roadshow held in London.

At the event, which gathered global asset managers, institutional investors, and capital market participants, Francisco underscored ASEAN's commitment to enhancing market connectivity, comparability, and investor confidence. He stated that despite regulatory and infrastructural differences among member states, ASEAN is working towards becoming a more integrated asset class.

“ASEAN is working toward becoming a more integrated asset class despite differences in regulation, infrastructure and market development among member states.”Javey Paul Francisco, SEC Commissioner

Organized by the Securities Commission Malaysia in collaboration with FTSE Russell and supported by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) and the Asian Development Bank, the roadshow is part of the ACMF’s 2026–2030 Action Plan. This plan identifies “ASEAN as an Asset Class” as a strategic priority during the Philippines’ chairmanship of the regional body.

Francisco emphasized the importance of initiatives aimed at strengthening cross-border investment frameworks and improving the interoperability of sustainable finance frameworks. He noted the ongoing efforts to modernize the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard, shifting focus from mere compliance to a framework that enhances oversight, accountability, and long-term value creation for investors.

Moreover, the SEC is adopting Philippine Financial Reporting Standards S1 and S2, which align with the International Sustainability Standards Board’s sustainability disclosure standards. This adoption is expected to improve the comparability of financial information across ASEAN markets, taking into account the varying levels of market readiness.

“Stronger sustainability disclosures could improve the comparability of financial information across ASEAN markets while taking into account differences in market readiness.”Javey Paul Francisco, SEC Commissioner

In addition to these measures, the Philippines and Singapore are advancing regional cooperation on market supervision and enforcement through the ACMF Enforcement and Supervision Working Group. This initiative aims to enhance information sharing, capacity building, and early-warning mechanisms against cross-border market misconduct and emerging risks.

The ASEAN Investment Roadshow in London marks a significant step as the ACMF's first joint regional investment promotion initiative in a global financial center, demonstrating the region's commitment to attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth.