The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has partnered with Fuse Financing, Inc., the lending arm of GCash, to launch a nationwide financial literacy campaign that empowers Filipinos to borrow responsibly, recognize unlicensed lenders, and protect themselves from predatory lending and financial distress.
The campaign features SEC-approved educational videos designed to advertise responsible borrowing, help consumers spot illegal lenders, and encourage the usage of protected, regulated credit options. Tailored to local nuances, these materials break down complex financial concepts into relatable, easily understood insights for on a regular basis Filipino consumers.
Its primary aim is to assist Filipinos avoid predatory lending and construct long-term financial resilience. Moreover, it addresses the stigma around borrowing — a barrier that always discourages Filipinos from using formal credit once they need financial help, inadvertently driving them toward unlicensed lenders.
To stop fraud and secure personal data, the SEC strongly encourages borrowing only from registered lenders. This campaign supports protected, transparent, and controlled in-app loan products, while helping consumers understand actual costs, repayment capacities, and their rights as borrowers. Moreover, it explicitly raises awareness against illegal lenders that charge exorbitant rates of interest and use unfair collection practices.
“The SEC shall proceed to exercise its regulatory and enforcement powers against violators. We must also empower the general public with knowledge, awareness, and important pondering. An informed citizen is the primary line of defense against fraud. The SEC and its steadfast partners, will construct a financially literate, sensible, and vigilant Filipino community — one which is able to recognizing opportunities, avoiding risks, and making informed decisions that result in lasting financial well-being,” Commissioner Rogelio V. Quevedo said.
By reinforcing these standards, the initiative fosters a culture of fair and responsible lending while equipping consumers with the knowledge to make smarter, more informed financial decisions.
The campaign underscores that responsible borrowing is a shared responsibility. While the SEC strengthens oversight and enforcement, consumers also play a vital role by borrowing from regulated lenders, understanding loan terms, and borrowing inside their means.
The initiative also reflects a broader belief that financial inclusion must transcend access alone. As digital lending becomes more accessible, consumer education and protection are equally essential to assist Filipinos avoid fraud, discover legitimate lenders, and borrow with confidence and dignity.
“Through this partnership, our goal is to actively work with the SEC to advance protected borrowing practices, promote regulated credit options, and help Filipinos make smart financial decisions to avoid debt traps,” said Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc.
This initiative reinforces that true financial inclusion requires safety and digital trust — ensuring that regulated digital credit becomes a reliable resource that helps on a regular basis consumers thrive.
As digital lending becomes more accessible, Filipinos are encouraged to borrow only from SEC-regulated lenders, understand the terms of their loans, and stay informed about their rights as consumers. By selecting protected and trusted loan options and reporting suspicious lenders, consumers can protect themselves and help make borrowing safer for everybody.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
Highlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that permits advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Website. For more information, send an email to [email protected].
Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.