PSE Overhauls Operations to Compete with Crypto and Online Gambling

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is revamping its operations to attract retail investors who have been flocking to cryptocurrency and online gambling platforms instead of equities. According to PSE President and CEO Ramon Monzon, the exchange plans to launch a new trading engine, introduce new exchange-traded funds, ease margin trading rules, speed up brokerage accreditation, and roll out derivatives products.

The target audience is the millions of Filipino retail investors who have drifted towards crypto trading and online gambling instead of equities. The numbers tell the story: crypto platforms in the Philippines reportedly engage over five times as many retail participants as the stock market, with trading volumes nearly five times that of the PSE.

The new trading engine will lower the minimum shares required per transaction, a clear pivot toward accommodating smaller investors who don't have large sums to deploy. Current rules require 150% collateral for margin trades, but whether the PSE ultimately relaxes that threshold remains to be seen.