SEC Approval of Global Stock Trading Sandbox Paves Way for GStocks Global Launch

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has paved the way for Filipinos to invest in some of the world’s biggest companies after it approved the regulatory sandbox for local players like GCash to offer global stock investments.

 

This initiative marks a pioneering step toward making global investing more accessible and seamless for Filipinos, while upholding strong safeguards and regulatory oversight to protect users.

 

While many Filipinos are eager to invest in global companies, they often face challenges such as complicated account setups, foreign currency requirements, and unfamiliar platforms. These barriers can make global investing seem daunting and out of reach. GStocks Global aims to break down these obstacles by providing a simple, secure, and locally regulated way for users to invest in global stocks using Philippine Pesos, right within the app.

 

This move also supports the broader mission of GCash to democratize investing by lowering the long-standing barriers that have kept global markets out of reach for most Filipinos.

 

“We’re proud to be working closely with the SEC to ensure this offering meets the highest standards of safety and compliance. The sandbox allows us to test and learn while putting user protection at the core. For the first time, Filipinos can access global stock markets through a platform they already trust—GCash,” said GCash vice president and head of new businesses Winsley Bangit.

 

With the sandbox in place, GCash, through a partnership with EasyEquities, will enable users to buy and sell shares of select global companies using Philippine Pesos, with no need for a US Dollar account or separate platform.

 

“This offering will initially be in a test phase within a sandbox environment and will only be available to select, eligible users. This phased rollout allows GCash and its partners to ensure quality and gather valuable feedback while ensuring regulatory safeguards remain in place,” said Bangit.

 

The offering marks the first time Filipinos can explore global investing in a way that is both convenient and fully integrated within a local fintech platform. This initiative also reinforces GCash’s commitment to ‘Finance for All’, ensuring that more Filipinos can participate in global markets with tools that are simple, safe, and designed with local needs in mind.

 

As it continues its evolution as the country’s leading finance app, GCash extends the boundaries of what everyday users can achieve with just a few taps and brings global wealth-building within reach. For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

 

Inverter Na ‘Yan: Home Credit’s Guide to Energy-Efficient Appliances this Summer

As the summer season slowly rolls in, we are once again experiencing the intense heat that accompanies this time of the year. To stay comfortable during this hot weather, we rely more on appliances to cool down, leading to increased energy use.

This is why we often consider efficiency a crucial factor when selecting our home appliances. A 2022 study by Clasp, titled “From Informational to Comparative: The New Philippine Energy Label,” revealed that, particularly for appliances like air conditioners, energy efficiency is the top priority for 86 percent of Filipino consumers, followed by durability and affordability.

With this trend, the use of inverter technology in appliances becomes a priority. An advantage of inverter appliances is that they intelligently control the motor’s speed and power consumption based on the requirements for cooling or even washing to reduce energy use, contributing to the reduction of electricity bills.

If you are considering switching to appliances equipped with inverter technology this summer season, Home Credit, one of the country’s leading consumer finance companies, offers a guide to household devices you can replace for an energy-efficient lifestyle. 

Beat the summer heat with inverter air conditioners

Inverter air conditioners are unlike traditional ones which operate at full power until a specific space is cool enough and then shut down. These energy-efficient appliances run with special motors that can adjust their speed, maintaining a room's temperature without the energy-consuming process of constantly turning it on and off. 

You can experience this incredible feature with models like the Carrier 1.0HP Inverter Window Type Air Conditioner and the Samsung 1.0HP WindFree Split Type Inverter Air Conditioner that offer remarkable cooling to combat the summer heat while also prioritizing energy efficiency.

Keep your refreshments cool with inverter refrigerators

Like inverter air conditioners, refrigerators equipped with this technology boast enhanced energy efficiency thanks to a motor that automatically changes its speed to match the cooling needs—preventing unnecessary on-and-off cycles. When the temperature inside the refrigerator rises above the set point, the compressor slows down, maintaining consistent cooling while minimizing energy consumption.

For those in search of inverter refrigerators to keep their daily refreshments and food supplies cool even in intense heat without the concern of higher electricity bills, consider options such as the Panasonic Two Door No Frost Inverter with Econavi Technology Refrigerator (9.5 cu ft) and the LG 7.2 cu ft Two Door Smart Inverter No Frost Refrigerator.

Optimize your laundry routine with inverter washing machines

To take your pursuit of energy efficiency to the next level, you can also incorporate inverter washing machines into your laundry routine. With inverter technology, their performance adapts to the size and type of laundry, enabling you to use only the necessary amount of water and energy for each load. 

You can enjoy this performance from the likes of Whirlpool 8.5kg Top Load Inverter Washing Machine and LG 7.5kg Top Load Smart Inverter Washing Machine. By utilizing inverter washing machines, you can further advance your energy-efficient goals.

Watch out for exciting deals this summer season!

This upcoming summer season, Home Credit is offering fantastic deals to help you realize these inverter appliances, starting March 15 to May 31, 2024. Be sure to mark your calendars to not miss this incredible opportunity. 

Stay tuned for installment deals on a range of products, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and more. These exciting offers will be available on Shoppingmall.ph.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Shoppingmall.ph. 

 

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

SEC, Senators, and GCash Promote a Culture of Compliance

In line with their shared commitment to build a secure cashless ecosystem, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), together with Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) Bill proponent Sen. Win Gatchalian, Senate deputy majority leader and chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions, and Currencies  Sen. Mark Villar,  and leading finance super app GCash, have kick-started the Compliance Week Celebration, which aims to build trust among users.

With the theme ‘IComply: Elevating the Culture of Compliance Through Intentional Compliance’, the Compliance Week Celebration was recently held at the GCash HQ and aims to promote a culture of compliance in the workplace.

In recent years, GCash has actively consulted with the government, which it considers a partner in building trust among its growing users.

“Compliance is GCASH - Governance, Control, Accountable, Supervision, High-level. To be compliant, we should be accountable and properly supervised, and the culture of compliance should be embedded in all levels,” said SEC director Meonee Felizmenio.

During the event, GCash agreed with SEC commissioner Kelvin Lee and director Meonee Felizmenio to be intentional in compliance because it plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and stability of financial markets. Furthermore, companies stand to gain by adhering to regulations, fostering trust, and achieving sustainable growth.

“Stability, competition, trust, and transparency remain a common interest of GCash and our government. Constant engagement and collaboration between us is important to fast-track the learning of essential concepts that contribute to its stability,” said GCash president and chief executive officer Martha Sazon.

Throughout the Compliance Week Celebration, attendees experienced a diverse range of activities, including panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. These activities empowered participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to cultivate a culture of compliance within their respective organizations.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com

Opening a Business in the Philippines? Here’s What you Need to know to Get Started

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - In the Philippines, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprise 99.58% of all businesses in the country and employ 64.67% of the entire workforce and are the driving force of the economy. These businesses, which include small community stores or sari-sari stores, water refilling stations, laundry stations, and many others, not only contribute to the country's GDP but also provide essential services to the local communities.

Such is the outsized importance of MSMEs that the United Nations (UN) designated every June 27 as International MSME Day to raise awareness on their immense contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These enterprises play a pivotal role in driving local and national economies while also supporting the livelihoods of the working poor, women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

It’s no surprise that many Filipinos want to open their own small businesses. A recent survey by Philippine research firm OCTA Research showed that 81% of adult Filipinos want to be entrepreneurs. This desire to start their own businesses reflects the recognition of the opportunities and potential that MSMEs offer, not only in terms of economic growth but also in empowering individuals and communities.

If you’re one of the Filipinos who want to try their hand at starting their own businesses, here are some tips that can help you get started.

Starting an MSME in the Philippines

The first step of every aspiring entrepreneur is deciding what kind of business to open and where to open it if you plan on having a physical storefront. It’s essential to conduct thorough research whether there’s a market for your product or service, enough foot traffic and if the location is appropriate for it.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can also explore a hybrid phygital (a portmanteau of physical and digital) setup including offering online payments or e-commerce options to widen reach and market.

Second, once you’ve decided on the business and where to open it, get your necessary documentation and permits. In the Philippines, businesses are required to register with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), if they’re a sole proprietorship, or with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) if it’s a partnership or a corporation.

Businesses also need to get a Mayor's permit or municipal license from the city or municipality where the establishment is located. They also need to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to ensure proper taxation. If they plan on employing other people to help run the business, registrations with other government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Social Security System (SSS) are also required.

This may seem like a lot of steps but these registrations and permits ensure that you’re able and willing to run your business properly and legally by following applicable laws and regulations. For a full list of registration and permit requirements, DTI has compiled a list here.

Beyond securing the location and required permits, an important step when it comes to running a business is to protect your business from any unwanted incidents including injuries, burglaries, and accidents. Consider getting small business insurance like NegosyoCare. Created by regional insurtech Igloo in partnership with Malayan Insurance and GCash, NegosyoCare is an insurance product specifically designed to protect MSMEs.

“MSMEs are the backbone of the economy, but they often run on tight budgets and have limited access to financing. This puts them at risk when unexpected events come knocking and disrupt their operations. That's why having small business insurance, like NegosyoCare, is so important. It offers affordable and accessible coverage, giving these businesses the protection they need without breaking the bank,” said Mario Berta, Igloo Philippines Country Manager.

Available via GCash’s GInsure marketplace, NegosyoCare premiums begin at P160 for one-month coverage and up to P525 for one-year coverage. It provides coverage for accidental deaths, total permanent disability due to accident, and disablement or dismemberment due to accident for up to P50,000. Benefits also include medical reimbursement for accidents for up to P5,000, fire cash assistance for P10,000, and coverage for burglary and housebreaking for P10,000.

These tips only scratch the surface of what it takes to run a business in the Philippines, but by taking these steps, aspiring entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success and remember: protect your small business with NegosyoCare, available at the GCash GInsure Marketplace.

#####

About Igloo:

Igloo is the first full-stack insurtech firm to emerge from Singapore. It has offices in Singapore, Indonesia,  Thailand,  The  Philippines,  Vietnam  and  Malaysia  and  tech  centres in China and India.  With a mission of making insurance accessible for all, the firm leverages big data, real-time risk assessment, and end-to-end automated claims management to create B2B2C insurance solutions for platform companies and insurance companies. Igloo’s insurance solutions enable companies  to  eliminate  their  exposure  to operational  risk,  create  new  revenue  streams,  and optimise  and  enhance  existing  products  and  services.  Igloo  has  partnered  with  over  55  well-known   brand   names   across   the   markets   in   various   verticals,   including   insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, hospitality, health tech and financial services.

For more information, please visit https://www.iglooinsure.com/.

Leisure and Resorts World Corporation changes name to DigiPlus Interactive Corp.

One of the leading providers in the leisure and entertainment industry, Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC) is now known as DigiPlus Interactive Corporation (DigiPlus).

LRWC, one of the top experts in the retail gaming market, announced today that it has officially changed its name to DigiPlus Interactive Corp. following its receipt of the SEC "Certificate of Filing of Amended Articles of Incorporation" which the SEC issued on 28 February 2023.

 

The company has been sharing its expertise in the retail gaming market for more than 20 years and has continuously provided world-class multi-gaming platforms with a strong distribution network of entertainment sites all over the country. Along with the name change, the company pledges better services and products from all of the company’s subsidiaries and related companies.

 

“The company welcomes this change because we strategically thought of and created a stronger identity that will help us become the best version of what we are as a company. Our new brand name reflects what we are all about: fun, innovation, advanced technology, digitalization and most of all, collaboration,” said Andy Tsui, DigiPlus Interactive Corp. President. “We’re very thrilled to share with all of you what we have prepared this year.”

 

###

 

 

About DigiPlus Interactive Corp.

 

Previously known as Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC), DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is one of the leading providers in the gaming and leisure industry. Its 20-year expertise has led to its dominance in the retail gaming market, providing world-class multi-gaming platforms with a strong distribution network of entertainment sites in key locations in the Philippines. The name change went into effect on February 28, 2023. DigiPlus is publicly listed (PSE: LR) and functions as a holding company for all its subsidiaries in various gaming and entertainment sectors.

 

 

 

About BingoPlus

 

In January 2022, bingoplus.com was launched through AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. (ABLE). It provides bingo to players with the convenience of 8me and place, by bringing the game live online. The online bingo platform and bingo parlors have become community and entertainment centers, a source of revenue for the government, and a sponsor for fund-raising activities relating to social and educational programs.

 

In the future, the platform aims to integrate various games and will serve as a one-stop shop of various products, bringing a revolutionary experience to its players.