SEC director lauded for championing investors, capital market development

Salute to a Clean Flag has recognized Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Director Vicente Graciano P. Felizmenio, Jr. for his “tireless work in the interest and protection of the investing public.”

Salute to a Clean Flag – a citizen initiative that aims to reignite patriotism through the abundant and proper display of the Philippine flag – presented the citation to Mr. Felizmenio on September 12 in time for Civil Service Month.

Mr. Felizmenio is currently the director of the SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department (MSRD).  He rose from the ranks, initially serving the Commission as specialist before assuming the position of assistant director at the MSRD and eventually director in 2010.

Over his more than three-decade stint in the Commission, Mr. Felizmenio has become a key figure in financial regulation in the Philippines. His experience covers the whole spectrum of capital market activities, from policy formulation, rulemaking, product review, market supervision, enforcement, and post-trade activities, including clearing, settlement, and payment systems in the securities markets.

He has likewise acquired expertise in the policies and frameworks for the different market integration initiatives such as the ASEAN Capital Market Forum, ASEAN Bond Market Forum, and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Region Fund Passport.

As MSRD director, Mr. Felizmenio has consistently championed initiatives and reforms that aim to transform the Philippine capital market into an inclusive and accessible source of finance for businesses and an investment platform for Filipinos.

Among others, Mr. Felizmenio successfully led the MSRD in pursuing amendments to the implementing rules and regulations that would allow the first Real Estate Invest Trust public offering to take off in 2020, and in establishing a regulatory framework that would promote crowdfunding as a viable source of financing for small and medium enterprises, as well as startups.

Salute to a Clean Flag recognized Mr. Felizmenio alongside Ms. Maria Teresa Habitan, the first woman to hold a senior management position at the Department of Finance. Ms. Habitan, who had served as assistant Finance secretary, was cited for pushing for tax reform and for planning long-term for the country’s benefit. She now serves as chancellor of the Philippine Tax Academy.