AKP Phnom Penh, March 12, 2026—

The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines convened their inaugural bilateral meeting and knowledge-sharing seminar in Phnom Penh on March 10, marking a significant step in cross-border regulatory collaboration.

The event was presided over by H.E. Sou Socheat, Delegate of the Royal Government and Director General of SERC, and Atty. Francisco Ed. Lim, Chairperson of the SEC Philippines.

The discussions focused on advancing the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on "Information Exchange and Mutual Assistance" signed by the two regulators on November 4, 2025. Key agenda items included strengthening cooperation on securities market developments, supervisory practices, and future sector perspectives in both nations.

Officials also deliberated on enforcement and investigation operations, protocols for communicating specific cases to enhance investor protection, and capacity-building initiatives within the regulators' mandates.

The seminar featured presentations and experience-sharing sessions covering securities market trends, corporate governance, digital assets, sustainable finance, enforcement mechanisms, investor protection, and financial literacy programmes. Additionally, the meeting explored opportunities for collaboration between the securities industry associations of Cambodia and the Philippines.

H.E. Sou Socheat emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating, "This partnership reflects more than cooperation; it reflects meaningful progress. Through the exchange of knowledge and experience, we are strengthening trust in our securities markets and enhancing regulatory effectiveness. In an era of rapid financial innovation and growing focus on sustainable finance, our collaboration demonstrates how joint efforts can foster inclusive and resilient capital markets."

For his part, Mr. Francisco Lim echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ASEAN spirit of collaboration. "ASEAN cooperation is not built on uniformity. It is built on collaboration among diverse nations committed to shared principles—investor protection, market integrity, and responsible innovation. When regulators work together, our markets become stronger, our investors more confident, and our region more resilient," he said.

The event brought together senior management and officials from both regulatory bodies, along with representatives from the Cambodia Association of Securities Firms, reinforcing the commitment to mutual assistance and the effective implementation of the bilateral MoU.

By Chea Vannak