Copperstone Lending Backs SEC Crackdown on Unlicensed Online Lenders, Urges Higher Standards in Digital Finance
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Copperstone Lending Backs SEC Crackdown on Unlicensed Online Lenders, Urges Higher Standards in Digital Finance
MANILA, Philippines – March 2026 — Copperstone Lending expressed strong support for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) recent actions to protect Filipino borrowers, following the regulator’s release of an updated list of unauthorized online lending platforms (OLPs) and its move to lift the moratorium on new OLP registrations under stricter regulatory safeguards.
The SEC recently warned the public against numerous unregistered mobile apps and websites offering illegal lending services. They reiterated that these platforms are not authorized to offer, process, or provide lending services. The recent SEC report included the fake Moca Moca app “Moca Moca – Safe & Fast Loan”, among others. Copperstone Lending has been receiving reports of several fake apps, social media pages, and websites referencing them and their popular MocaMoca app. The Commission also encouraged consumers to transact only with duly authorized platforms and to report violations through the SEC’s official channels.
At the same time, the SEC issued draft guidelines for public comment that will formally lift and supersede SEC Memorandum Circular No. 10, Series of 2021, allowing financing and lending companies to disclose and operate OLPs, provided they comply with enhanced prudential, disclosure, and market conduct requirements.
The Commission explained that lifting the moratorium is intended to promote responsible innovation, stimulate economic activity among financing and lending companies, and ensure that online lending operations are aligned with consumer protection, market integrity, prudential objectives, financial inclusion, ease of market access, and global digitalization trends.
Copperstone Lending: Regulation Builds Trust and Financial Inclusion
Copperstone Lending stated that the SEC’s dual approach of cracking down on illegal operators while opening a clear, well‑regulated pathway for compliant digital lenders demonstrates a balanced, forward‑looking regulatory strategy.
The company noted that illegal online lending platforms undermine public trust, expose borrowers to abusive practices, and weaken confidence in the broader financial services sector. Copperstone Lending commended the SEC for actively identifying unauthorized platforms and urging the public to verify lenders through official government channels, describing the move as a critical step toward a safer, more transparent digital lending ecosystem.
Copperstone Lending also welcomed the SEC’s emphasis on capital adequacy, governance standards, disclosure requirements, and consumer protection measures, stating that these provisions help level the playing field for legitimate lenders that invest in compliance, technology, and ethical operations.
Clear Rules Encourage Responsible Digital Lending
Under the SEC’s proposed framework, financing and lending companies that intend to operate OLPs will be subject to tiered minimum paid‑up capital requirements based on the number of platforms they operate, with a maximum of 10 OLPs allowed per entity. The draft circular also introduces an asset‑based annual licensing fee structure and requires firms to submit a pre‑disclosure classification declaration before deploying any digital lending platform.
Copperstone Lending said these measures promote long‑term industry stability, discourage fly‑by‑night operators, and strengthen regulatory oversight in a rapidly expanding digital finance sector.
The company further emphasized that a transparent and well‑supervised regulatory environment benefits borrowers, responsible lenders, and the Philippine economy as a whole. According to Copperstone Lending, the SEC’s clear standards for capitalization, disclosures, and market conduct will help ensure that digital lending supports financial inclusion without compromising consumer welfare.
Call for Public Vigilance
Copperstone Lending echoed the SEC’s call for consumers to remain vigilant and to transact only with authorized online lending platforms. The company encouraged borrowers to consult the SEC’s official list of recorded OLPs and to report suspected illegal lending activities through the Commission’s hotline and online reporting portals.
As digital finance continues to grow, Copperstone Lending emphasizes the importance of collaboration among regulators, compliant lenders, and informed consumers to maintain market integrity. The company reaffirmed its support for the SEC’s initiatives and its commitment to contributing to a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable digital lending landscape in the Philippines.
About Copperstone Lending
Copperstone Lending Inc. (SEC Registration No. 2021050012959-04) is a Philippines‑based financing company committed to responsible lending, transparency, and customer‑centric financial solutions. The company supports regulatory initiatives that strengthen consumer protection, promote ethical market conduct, and advance sustainable financial inclusion.
Official Copperstone Lending Channels:
Website: https://copperstoneph.com
Facebook: @copperstoneph
