Copperstone Lending Inc. remains legally authorized to operate under the SEC’s strengthened regulatory framework
MANILA, Philippines — Trust is becoming an increasingly important benchmark in the Philippines’ digital lending industry as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strengthens oversight of financing and lending companies.
Against this backdrop, MocaMoca, the digital lending platform operated by Copperstone Lending Inc., continues to operate with active SEC registration and legal authorization, subject to ongoing compliance with applicable regulations.
The SEC’s confirmation comes alongside the implementation of Memorandum Circular No. 20 (MC 20), Series of 2026, which took effect on August 1.
Issued on July 7, the circular lifted the SEC’s nearly five-year moratorium on new online lending platforms and introduced stricter requirements around disclosure, prudential standards and market conduct.
According to an SEC advisory, Copperstone Lending Inc. and the other companies covered by the notice “hold active registration in the Commission’s records and are legally authorized to operate as financing and/or lending companies, subject to continued compliance with relevant laws and SEC rules.
The regulatory shift comes as the SEC seeks to strengthen safeguards for Filipino borrowers. SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said the Commission would “not tolerate the proliferation of predatory and unfair lending practices,” while working toward a lending environment where “legitimate businesses and Filipino consumers can thrive.”
MocaMoca says transparency and borrower protection have already been integrated into its platform.
Before a loan is confirmed, borrowers are shown the applicable fees and total cost of borrowing. The platform also uses a fully digital verification process centered on a single valid government-issued ID to reduce fraudulent or duplicate accounts.
Its collections practices follow fair-conduct standards consistent with the Truth in Lending Act, while the company continues to engage with industry groups such as the Fintech Philippines Association on responsible lending and borrower protection.
“Our legal standing with the SEC reflects the same discipline we’ve built into MocaMoca from day one. And the new SEC rule formalizes much of what we were already practicing, and we see it as a validation of the direction that the industry needs to move in,” said David Balamon, CEO of Copperstone Lending Inc.
The SEC has reminded consumers to remain vigilant and report unfair lending practices.
MocaMoca supports the initiative and continues to prioritize transparency, responsible lending and consumer protection as it serves borrowers throughout the Philippines.