Corporate lawyer Francis Lim named SEC chair to steer PH capital markets

June 3, 2025
5:08PM PHT
Updated: June 3, 2025
5:15PM PHT

Insider Spotlight:

  • President Marcos appoints Francis Lim as SEC chair
  • Former PSE CEO known for driving capital market reforms
  • Expected to focus on digitization, enforcement, and ESG
  • Brings decades of legal and corporate governance experience
  • Seen to strengthen investor confidence and regulatory oversight

President Marcos has appointed veteran corporate lawyer Francis Ed. Lim as the new chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signaling a strategic move to bolster investor confidence and accelerate capital market reforms in the Philippines.

The appointment was announced by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in a press briefing in Malacañang this afternoon, saying the legal expert will replace outgoing SEC Chair Emilio Aquino whose six-year term ends on June 5, 2025.

Lim, a former president and CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), brings decades of experience in corporate law, financial regulation, and capital markets to the role. His appointment comes as the SEC continues its efforts to modernize regulatory frameworks and enhance transparency in the financial sector.

Francis Ed. Lim
The country's next SEC chief brings with him a wealth of experience in capital markets and corporate law.

During his tenure at the PSE from 2004 to 2010, Lim spearheaded significant initiatives, including the passage of key financial legislation such as the Real Estate Investment Trust Act, the Personal Equity Retirement Account Act, and the Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act. These reforms aimed to deepen the country’s capital markets and provide more investment opportunities for Filipinos.

Beyond his role at the PSE, Lim has held leadership positions in various financial and legal institutions. He served as president of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), and was a trustee of the Judicial Reform Initiative, underscoring his commitment to promoting good corporate governance and legal reform in the country. 

Lim’s appointment is expected to bring a renewed focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the Philippine capital markets. His extensive background in both the private and public sectors positions him to navigate the complexities of financial regulation and to implement policies that foster investor protection and market integrity.

As the new SEC chairperson, Lim is anticipated to prioritize the digitalization of regulatory processes, the strengthening of enforcement mechanisms against financial misconduct, and the promotion of sustainable finance practices.

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