- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has ordered all licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers to implement strict due diligence processes before listing cryptocurrencies.
- New guidelines explicitly prohibit the listing of privacy-focused coins like Monero and ZCash, classifying them as “Anonymity-enhancing” assets.
- This is the latest in a year-long tightening of Philippine crypto rules, which began with the SEC‘s licensing framework and blocks on offshore exchanges.
- Exchanges must now conduct ongoing monitoring and define triggers for delisting assets, such as scandals or security breaches.
The Philippines‘ central bank has tightened its regulatory grip on the crypto market, issuing new mandatory listing guidelines for all licensed exchanges. This move, detailed in a memorandum signed by Deputy Governor Lyn Javier, aims to promote financial stability and protect consumers.
Consequently, all Virtual Asset Service Providers must now build a robust due diligence process before trading any digital asset. The rules also ban privacy coins, effectively removing assets like Monero from compliant local platforms.
However, this creates a dual-regulatory landscape where crypto firms must answer to both the BSP for payments and the SEC for securities. The SEC previously enacted rules requiring local registration and over $1.8 million in paid-up capital.
Meanwhile, Binance is attempting a return to the Philippines through local partner BlockShoals Technologies Inc.. The BSP clarified that neither entity holds a required VASP license, and Sandbox participation is not a substitute.
Alden Yburan, head of crypto at GCash, told Decrypt that stronger listing standards were “long overdue” and the right call for retail protection. He expressed more conflict over the privacy ban, noting such assets “exist for legitimate reasons.”
This regulatory push occurs as the Philippines ranks ninth worldwide on Chainalysis’s 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index. The broader APAC region led grassroots adoption with 69% year-over-year growth.
✅ Follow BITNEWSBOT on Telegram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X.com, and Google News for instant updates.
