SEC Commissioner Kelvin Lee Receives Asia Pacific Grand Stevies, Thought Leadership Gold Awards for Fintech Initiatives in the Philippines

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 Atty Lee was recognized as the top winner in the “Thought Leader of the Year” category by the Asia Pacific Stevies Award.

By winning the Gold Award, Commissioner Lee’s exceptional contribution to the Fintech field has 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.

Aside from the Gold Award, Commissioner Lee also won the coveted Grand Stevie Award for the Philippines, a recognition given to the highest scoring nomination from each of the four nations that submitted the most nominations to the competition, after receiving an impressive score of 8, 83 /10 from international jury members.

As an incumbent commissioner of the SEC, Lee has helped spearhead pioneering initiatives in Fintech. His notable achievements include his involvement in the pioneering cohort of the University of Cambridge’s Fintech and Regulatory Innovation Programme, which significantly influenced his drive for a thorough and balanced policy approach to Fintech regulation.

In recognition of his vision and advocacy, Commissioner Lee played a pivotal role in the establishment of the SEC’s PhiliFintech Innovation Office (PhiliFINNO) in 2021. Working under guidance, this office focuses on fintech regulation and policy recommendations, positioning the Philippines as a front-runner. in embracing technological advances while prioritizing investor protection.

To maintain a healthy marriage between encouraging innovation and ensuring investor safety, Lee also created the SEC’s “fragile balancing acts” policy. This policy enables the SEC to foster an environment conducive to Fintech growth while maintaining its responsibility as a financial regulator to safeguard investors’ interests.

The Commissioner’s influence extends beyond national borders, as he is frequently invited to speak at Senate hearings, sit on panels and deliver keynote addresses on Fintech policy. His expertise and insights on Fintech, Fintech policy and Fintech regulation are sought after both in the Philippines and internationally.

Notable platforms where he has shared his knowledge include events organized by the University of Cambridge, the Asian Institute of Management, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia, the Fintech Alliance, and the World Economic Forum, among others .

Lee’s dedication to advancing Fintech has taken him to Hong Kong, Singapore, London and Cambridge, where he has shared his expertise and helped shape the global Fintech landscape.

In December 2022, the SEC official’s Fintech policy work and thought leadership led to him being honored as one of the Philippine Blockchain Champions by the Blockchain Council of the Philippines. This recognition recognizes his invaluable contribution in driving the adoption of blockchain and Web3 technologies in the Philippines, positioning the country as a prominent blockchain hub in Asia.

In January 2023, Lee also cemented a partnership with the University of the Philippines Law Center through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for joint research and capacity building projects focused on digital assets, blockchain, non-fungible tokens and decentralized finance.

As regulator, Commissioner Lee remains guided by the SEC’s overall approach to Fintech, striking a delicate balance between regulatory goals, such as investor protection, and fostering an environment that embraces the innovative potential of Fintech.

His leadership has resulted in the adoption of enabling policies that encourage innovation while proactively reducing excessive risk accumulation, thus ensuring market integrity and investor protection. Lee’s pursuit of innovation in the Fintech sector has cemented his position as a trusted and influential figure.

According to the Stevies judges, Commissioner Lee’s achievements stand as a testament to his dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to advancing Fintech and fostering a secure and investor-friendly environment.

The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards received over 800 nominations this year, reflecting the remarkable innovative achievements taking place across the 29-nation region.

The winners will be celebrated in a virtual ceremony on 27 June, providing an opportunity to recognize and honor the outstanding individuals and organizations shaping the business landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.