The work of the Securities and Exchange Commission, led by Commissioner Kelvin Lester Lee, to grow Financial Technology (Fintech) in the Philippines has brought pride to the Philippines after Lee was recognized as the top winner in the category of “Thought Leader of the Year” by the Asia Pacific Stevies Award.
In winning the Gold Prize, Lee’s exceptional contributions to the field of Fintech have garnered recognition from the international community and cemented his position as a leading authority in the Asia-Pacific region, triumphing over other winners from the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, and India.
Apart from the Gold Prize, Lee also won the coveted Grand Stevie Award for the Philippines, a recognition presented to the highest-scoring nomination from each of the four nations that submitted the most nominations to the competition, after getting an impressive score of 8.83/10 from international jurors.
As an incumbent Commissioner of the SEC, Lee has been instrumental in spearheading groundbreaking initiatives within the realm of Fintech. His noteworthy accomplishments include his involvement in the pioneer cohort of the University of Cambridge’s Fintech and Regulatory Innovation Programme, which significantly influenced his drive for a meticulous and balanced policy approach to Fintech regulation.
In recognition of his vision and advocacy, Lee played a pivotal role in the establishment of the SEC’s PhiliFintech Innovation Office (PhiliFINNO) in 2021. This office, working under guidance, focuses on fintech regulation and policy recommendations, positioning the Philippines as a frontrunner in embracing technological advancements while prioritizing investor protection.
To maintain a healthy marriage between encouraging innovation and ensuring investor safety, Lee has also crafted the SEC’s “delicate balancing act” policy. This policy enables the SEC to foster an environment conducive to Fintech growth while upholding its responsibility as a financial regulator to safeguard the interests of investors.
