Key Highlights
Philippine regulators issue compliance warnings to dYdX and six additional platforms
Seven cryptocurrency exchanges targeted for lacking proper authorization
Enforcement action expands against non-compliant digital asset providers
Regulators warn of legal consequences for unlicensed crypto operations
Philippines strengthens regulatory framework for digital asset services
Philippine financial regulators have escalated their enforcement campaign against cryptocurrency platforms conducting business without authorization. The Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines has identified seven entities providing investment-related digital asset services while lacking necessary regulatory approvals. This development marks a significant expansion of the country’s efforts to establish compliance standards within its cryptocurrency sector.
Regulatory Spotlight on dYdX and Aevo Operations
Among the platforms under regulatory scrutiny, [[LINK_START_0]]dYdX[[LINK_END_0]] and Aevo have been specifically identified for providing unauthorized investment opportunities. According to regulatory findings, these platforms have been soliciting Philippine residents with offers that imply potential financial returns. Neither platform has obtained the mandatory registration required under the country’s crypto-asset regulatory framework.
Regulatory authorities have outlined specific requirements that all crypto service providers must fulfill before conducting operations within Philippine jurisdiction. These requirements include maintaining minimum capital reserves and adhering to stringent operational guidelines. Platforms that fail to meet these standards face potential enforcement measures and operational restrictions.
The regulatory body has issued warnings that individuals and entities promoting these unauthorized platforms may face criminal liability under existing securities laws. Penalties for violations can include substantial monetary fines and potential incarceration. These measures are designed to discourage unauthorized promotional activities targeting Philippine consumers.
Additional Platforms Including gTrade, Pacifica, and Orderly Flagged
The enforcement action extends to gTrade, Pacifica, and Orderly, which have been cited for identical regulatory infractions. Authorities determined that these platforms are offering financial services to Philippine residents without obtaining the necessary licenses or regulatory clearances. The regulatory agency continues to broaden its oversight to encompass additional operators in the marketplace.
The Philippine SEC has evolved its regulatory approach from issuing advisory notices to implementing active access restrictions. In recent months, authorities have mandated internet service providers to block user access to non-compliant platforms operating within the country. This represents an escalation in regulatory measures targeting international operators seeking Philippine customers.
Regulators have emphasized that unlicensed platforms present significant risks to investors, including operational vulnerabilities and insufficient consumer protections. The enforcement agency maintains that regulatory compliance is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability across the digital asset industry. The agency remains committed to establishing comprehensive regulatory oversight throughout the sector.
Deriv and Ostium Join Growing List of Targeted Platforms
The most recent regulatory advisory adds Deriv and Ostium to the enforcement roster. According to regulatory assessments, both platforms are conducting operations without fulfilling registration obligations or compliance benchmarks. This action underscores the regulatory authority’s commitment to addressing unlicensed cryptocurrency service provision.
The Philippine SEC has previously implemented enforcement measures against prominent international cryptocurrency exchanges. Following the expiration of a compliance grace period, authorities blocked domestic access to Binance. Additional platforms including Coinbase and Gemini faced similar restrictions during the final months of 2025.
Despite aggressive enforcement activities, regulatory authorities continue to encourage legitimate development within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The SEC has acknowledged that properly registered firms have successfully launched services that comply with national legal frameworks and regulatory standards. Authorities maintain a clear differentiation between licensed operators and those conducting business without authorization.





