THE Shareholders Association of the Philippines (Sharephil) has partnered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), among other organizations, to launch a project the group expects would equip retail investors and shareholders with tools to make informed investment decisions.
In a ceremony held last Wednesday, Sharephil officers turned over the first batch of its educational videos to SEC Chairman and CEO Francis E. Lim. They also signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives of partner groups. The goal of the project is to have a digital library for the SEC to educate the public.
The partners include the Capital Markets Development Foundation Inc., the Finex Research and Development Foundation, the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Management Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Institute of Certified Accountants and the Junior Achievement of the Philippines Inc.
Citing a study by the Boston Consulting Group, Sharephil President Conrado F. Bate said the number of mass affluent Filipinos, or those at least $100,000 or around P5.8 million in wealth, is expected to almost double to 48 million, with GDP-per-capita reaching around $6,500, by 2030.
‘This means millions more Filipinos will soon have the savings and appetite to invest. And with the right knowledge and values, Filipinos can turn this opportunity into lasting success,’ Bate said. ‘Our goal is simple: to give every Filipino access to high-quality, easy-to-understand materials that guide them on their investing journey.’
The digital library will contain a collection of educational videos and short reels that explain investing concepts in a clear and practical manner. Topics of the videos include getting started with investing, understanding equities and building a future ready portfolio.
The videos are designed especially for self-directed investors and young professionals who want to take control of their financial future with trustworthy guidance.
‘The library is not just about the basics; it’s also about building good investing habits like patience, discipline, and a long-term mindset. It will be a living resource, continuously updated so it remains relevant and accessible to anyone, anytime,’ Bate said.
Lim expressed he’s ‘personally excited that Congress is now looking at bills to make financial literacy a mandatory subject for our high schools or college students.’
The latter, he added, is his ‘personal advocacy back in my PSE days.’
‘As SEC chair, I will wholeheartedly support this initiative. Just imagine: a whole generation growing up fluent in the language of savings, investing, and planning for the future,’ Lim said.