Platform says clearer rules can strengthen trust and expand responsible access to digital credit
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ digital lending sector is entering a new phase as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) lifts its moratorium on new online lending platforms and introduces stronger requirements designed to raise standards across the industry.
For MocaMoca, the digital lending platform operated by Copperstone Lending Inc., the shift reinforces the importance of building digital credit services around transparency, compliance and consumer protection.
Copperstone Lending Inc. maintains active SEC registration and remains legally authorized to operate as a financing and lending company, subject to continued compliance with applicable laws, regulations and SEC issuances.
The SEC’s strengthened framework is outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 20 (MC 20), Series of 2026, issued July 7 and effective August 1.
The circular lifts the Commission’s nearly five-year moratorium on new online lending platforms while establishing stricter requirements covering disclosure, prudential standards and market conduct.
In a separate advisory, the SEC confirmed that Copperstone Lending Inc. and other companies named in the notice “hold active registration in the Commission’s records and are legally authorized to operate as financing and/or lending companies,” subject to continued compliance with the relevant regulatory framework.
The changes reflect the SEC’s broader effort to create a safer and more accountable lending environment.
SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said the Commission would “not tolerate the proliferation of predatory and unfair lending practices,” with the new safeguards intended to help ensure that “legitimate businesses and Filipino consumers can thrive.”
MocaMoca says the direction is consistent with the practices it has established across its platform.
Borrowers are shown applicable fees and the total cost of borrowing before confirming a loan. The platform uses fully digital verification based on a single valid government-issued ID to help reduce fraudulent or duplicate accounts.
Collections follow a fair-conduct standard consistent with the Truth in Lending Act, while MocaMoca continues to work with industry groups such as the Fintech Philippines Association on borrower protection and responsible lending.
“Our legal standing with the SEC reflects the same discipline we’ve built into MocaMoca from day one. And the new SEC rule formalizes much of what we were already practicing, and we see it as a validation of the direction that the industry needs to move in,” said David Balamon, CEO of Copperstone Lending Inc.
The SEC has also urged consumers to remain vigilant and report unfair lending practices.
As the digital lending sector moves into this next phase, MocaMoca says it remains committed to responsible growth, regulatory compliance and consumer protection for borrowers across the Philippines.