The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken another major step in its digital transformation efforts with the unveiling of six new digital platforms and the inauguration of a state-of-the-art SEC Data Center. These initiatives are designed to streamline services, boost regulatory efficiency, and improve the ease of doing business in the country.

The fourth wave of the SEC’s digitalization push was officially launched on May 6, 2025, in time for the national observance of Ease of Doing Business Month, as declared under Proclamation No. 818 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“This is part of our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino. “We are leveraging technology to make our services faster, more secure, and aligned with both local and international regulatory standards.”

Digital Transformation: Fourth Wave

The six newly launched systems include:

• HARBOR (Hierarchical and Applicable Relations and Beneficial Ownership Registry) – Streamlines beneficial ownership disclosures to promote transparency and prevent the misuse of corporations in illicit activities.
• VERITAS (Verification of Electronic Records and Information Trust and Authentication System) – Uses blockchain technology for secure and real-time document authentication and digital signatures.
• EASE (Electronic Exceptional and Alternative Submission Environment) – Provides an alternative platform for corporations under dispute status to submit reportorial requirements.
• eWATCH (Electronic Workbench and Analytics Technical Computing Hub) – Monitors and notifies corporations of compliance deadlines, helping reduce late submissions and encourage accountability.
• Document Management System (DMS) – Improves document traceability and organization across SEC offices, including regional extensions, ensuring business continuity and data sovereignty.
• Workflow Management System (WMS) – Enhances internal operations by allowing departments to customize and automate their workflows, such as processing licenses or compliance checks.

These tools are aimed not only at improving external service delivery but also at modernizing internal processes to support transparency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement within the Commission.

SEC Data Center: Powering Digitalization

At the heart of this digital transformation is the new SEC Data Center — a secure, scalable, and centralized facility designed to support all of the Commission’s digital platforms. The facility hosts critical records, applications, and servers, allowing the SEC to process information more efficiently and ensure uninterrupted public service.

“With our own in-house data center and a team of technical experts, we are better equipped to respond to disruptions and ensure round-the-clock service,” Aquino said. “This reinforces our commitment to investor protection and good governance.”

The new infrastructure and platforms mark another milestone in the SEC’s broader goal to digitize governance, improve public access to services, and strengthen its regulatory oversight in the digital age.