The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved GCash’s entry into the regulator’s sandbox, marking a major step toward making global investing easier for everyday users.
GCash’s sandbox trial will last for 24 months and can take in up to 2 million participants, a significant pilot that could reshape how Filipinos access global markets.
Users will get simplified access to global stocks, but the test will be closely monitored by the SEC to protect investors.
Macodimarc Technology Corp., or Pluang PH, also got approval to test a similar app for U.S. stocks, but on a smaller scale.
Pluang PH’s sandbox will run for six months and include up to 1,000 pre-selected users who can trade New York and Nasdaq-listed stocks.
The sandbox lets these companies test services in a real-world setting but under strict rules, with regular updates required for the SEC.
The SEC can adjust or relax some rules during the sandbox period, but participants need permission to change their test plans.
At the end of the sandbox, the SEC will decide whether the new services can go live for the public—or pull the plug if needed.
