Lim Ushers In New Era Of Leadership At SEC

New Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Francis Lim has his sights set on further boosting the Philippine capital market under his term, vowing to continue his predecessor's initiatives while also pursuing necessary reforms.

- Richmond Mercurio

The SEC held yesterday a turnover ceremony for Lim at its headquarters in Makati, officially starting his term as chair of the commission.

Former SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino, who finished his seven-year term, said that his successor is the right man for the job, calling Lim a leader with a proven and outstanding track record.

"Let's be honest: the Philippine capital market has been lagging behind. Inclusive growth demands deeper, broader and more accessible capital markets. We will leave no stone unturned to catch up — and with God's help and our collective will, we will lead," Lim, a former president of the Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) and the Management Association of the Philippines, said.

"This means working not only within the SEC, but with partners such as the Philippines Stock Exchange, Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp., non-governmental organizations and the three branches of government to push for meaningful reforms," he said.

For Lim, the biggest challenge at present is getting investors to look at the Philippine equities market.