For the first time, crypto content creators in the Philippines are officially under regulation. With the release of the SEC’s new Rules and Guidelines on Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs), any person or group engaged in marketing or promoting crypto assets is now required to register with the SEC and comply with strict licensing, disclosure, and compliance requirements.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) defines a CASP as anyone who, as a business, offers or facilitates crypto-asset services. This includes not just exchanges and custodians, but also individuals or companies involved in crypto marketing, promotion, or distribution. In plain terms, that means YouTubers, TikTok influencers, Telegram moderators, Twitter KOLs, sponsored blog writers, and even educators who receive any form of compensation for content creation about crypto could now be required to operate as licensed entities.

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What Counts as “Marketing” in Crypto?

Under Section 7 of the SEC CASP Rules, marketing includes any form of communication intended to promote, advertise, or induce the purchase of crypto assets or services. This includes:

• Social media posts, blogs, podcasts, videos, live streams
• Sponsored content, product endorsements, or affiliate promotions
• Hosting events or AMAs that promote tokens or crypto services
• Airdrops or giveaways linked to promotion
• Educational content that is not purely non-commercial
  
  

If a content creator receives payment, benefits, data, or even free tokens in exchange for their promotional content, they are considered to be performing marketing functions for a crypto company and therefore fall under SEC jurisdiction.

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What the Law Now Requires from Influencers

If you’re promoting a crypto product or service in the Philippines, you may now be considered a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP). This comes with major legal requirements, including:

• Registering as a corporation with the SEC
• Securing the proper license to operate as a CASP
• Having ₱100 million in paid-up capital (in cash or property, not crypto)
• Maintaining a physical office in the Philippines
• Filing detailed business and operational disclosures
• Implementing systems for customer protection, cybersecurity, and risk monitoring
• Submitting monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the SEC
  
  

In short, the SEC is treating paid crypto influencers and content creators as financial intermediaries—not just entertainers or educators.

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Why Is the SEC Doing This?

The move is part of a broader push to clean up the crypto industry and protect Filipino consumers from scams, manipulation, and misleading promotions. In recent years, social media has played a key role in promoting shady projects—from meme coins to Ponzi-like platforms—that left users with major losses and no accountability.

By requiring influencers to register and comply with financial regulations, the SEC is closing the loophole that allowed paid crypto marketing to operate unchecked.

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What Are the Risks of Non-Compliance?

If a crypto KOL, promoter, or content creator continues to market crypto without proper licensing, they face heavy penalties:

• Fines ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱200,000 per violation, which can increase for repeat offenses
• Suspension or revocation of their authority to operate
• SEC-led investigations and possible criminal or civil liability under the Securities Regulation Code and the FCPA
• Public disclosure of violations, reputational damage, and cease-and-desist orders

Even individuals who misrepresent themselves as working with a registered CASP without actually being registered can be penalized.

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Implications for the Crypto Industry in the Philippines

This regulation creates a significant shift in how crypto promotion is treated in the country:

For creators and influencers
Crypto marketing is no longer casual. If you’re earning through token promotions, giveaways, or affiliate links, you may now be required to form a corporation, obtain a license, and comply with financial regulations.

For crypto projects and platforms
Hiring influencers or KOLs now involves legal risk, especially if those individuals are not registered with the SEC. Companies will need to vet their marketing partners, and submit a list of third-party service providers used for promotions.

For the general public
This offers stronger protection from pump-and-dump schemes, deceptive marketing, and false claims. With the SEC now overseeing crypto marketing, content must be transparent, clearly labeled, and not misleading.

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The Bottom Line

The SEC’s message is clear: crypto content creators are now part of the financial system. If you influence public perception of a crypto project, promote signups, or create sponsored content, you’re no longer just a content creator or educator. You’re a service provider, and you need to be licensed. The days of anonymous shilling and unregulated promotions are coming to an end, and everyone involved will need to adjust, or risk serious legal consequences.

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