SEC launches free company registration simulator

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched an online platform that allows entrepreneurs to simulate the company registration process and make doing business easier in the country.

The Commission unveiled the Company Registration Simulation, a free feature under its newly revamped SEC Academy platform at academy.sec.gov.ph.

The portal guides users through registering a company via the Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company (eSPARC), and through creating an account under the Electronic SEC Universal Registration Environment (eSECURE) to access all SEC digital services.

Through the simulation, entrepreneurs can explore each step of the registration process, understand system requirements, and practice entering required information before applying.

The feature gives users room for error and helps reduce applications that fail to move forward due to unmet requirements.

By allowing users to test and refine their entries, the platform helps manage traffic in the actual registration system and enables SEC personnel to focus on complete and compliant applications, supporting the Commission’s efforts to improve efficiency and optimize service delivery.

“As the SEC continues to transform the business registration process and shift services online, we want to ensure that it remains easy and accessible to all entrepreneurs, whether they are tech-savvy or not,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said.

“With the launch of the Company Registration Simulation, we aim to demonstrate that registration is simple and straightforward, hopefully empowering entrepreneurs to confidently take the first step in incorporating their business,” he said.

Company registration under eSPARC

The eSPARC platform can simulate applications for one-person corporations, domestic stock and non-stock corporations, and foreign stock and non-stock corporations, including their branch offices, representative offices, and regional operating headquarters.

Users can go to the Resources tab of SEC Academy and click “Company Registration Simulation,” which leads to a portal mirroring eSPARC, where they can select a processing method for their application.

Users are then provided test email accounts and passwords under eSECURE to proceed with the simulation.

Applicants can also simulate a digitally authenticating system-generated document through the Electronic Submission Authentication Portal (eSAP).

Since the introduction of eSAP in July 2024, company registrants no longer need to submit hard copies of incorporation documents with wet signatures of officers or incorporators.

The platform also provides a tentative payment assessment based on a company’s authorized capital, helping users plan and prepare requirements in advance.

eSECURE account simulation

Users can likewise simulate the eSECURE account creation process by clicking the “eSECURE account” button beside the login option on the portal, allowing them to become familiar with the platform without completing the full credentialing process.

The Company Registration Simulation is part of the Commission’s broader campaign to widen access to its services and improve public understanding of SEC functions through the SEC Academy.

Launched during the 2025 Investor Protection Week, the SEC Academy offers free online courses to equip users with knowledge to manage personal finances, start businesses, invest wisely, and avoid investment scams and other predatory schemes.