In a landmark move to deepen the Philippine capital market and expand access to retirement savings, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially certified DragonFi Securities Inc. as the first SEC-accredited Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) administrator.
The event, “Deepening the Philippine Capital Market: Launch of the 1st SEC-Accredited PERA Administrator,” marks a major milestone in the promotion of long-term investing and financial security for Filipinos.
₱10 Million Matching Grant Fund to Empower 2,000 Filipinos in Their Retirement Journey (From left to right) DragonFi CEO and Co-Founder Mr. Jon Carlo Lim and Co-Founder Mr. Edgar “Injap” Sia II
DragonFi Launches as the Philippines’ First SEC-Accredited PERA Administrator The SEC PERA Technical Working Group together with SEC Commissioner McJill Bryant T. Fernandez, DragonFi CEO and Co-Founder Jon Carlo Lim, CTO and Co-Founder Cathryn Ann Lao, and Co-Founder Mr. Edgar “Injap” Sia II
The launch event was attended by SEC Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez, DragonFi CEO Jon Carlo Lim, and DragonFi Co-Founder Mr. Edgar “Injap” Sia II, who each emphasized the importance of this milestone in shaping the future of Philippine retirement savings.
“This is a key undertaking that reflects our shared commitment to advancing the Philippine capital market and ensuring the financial well-being of every Filipino,” said Commissioner Fernandez. He highlighted the Commission’s steadfast efforts to strengthen the PERA framework, particularly through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 14, Series of 2024 issued last year, which expanded accreditation guidelines to include securities brokers, investment houses, and fund managers as PERA administrators.
“DragonFi’s accreditation signals a new chapter in making retirement savings more accessible and efficient for Filipinos,” Commissioner Fernandez added, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to empowering more individuals to build their retirement wealth.
To encourage more Filipinos to start investing in PERA, Mr. Edgar “Injap” Sia II has pledged a ₱10 million Matching Grant Fund to support 2,000 Filipinos, aged 18-35, in jumpstarting their retirement savings. Under this initiative, each participant who contributes their first ₱5,000 to their PERA account will receive an additional ₱5,000 in matching funds, effectively doubling their investment.
The impact of this initiative is immediate and significant. With the creation of 2,000 new retirement accounts, the total number of PERA accounts in the country is expected to surge by 35%. Additionally, the ₱20 million infusion into PERA—comprising ₱10 million from contributors and ₱10 million from the grant—will result in a 4% increase in total PERA contributions, providing a much needed boost to the country’s retirement savings pool.
“This ₱10 million pesos Matching Grant Fund, is one of my ways as a passionate Filipino entrepreneur, through my business endeavors now and in the future, here and abroad, to contribute as much as I can towards our common patriotic goal towards a first world Philippines.,” said Edgar “Injap” Sia II
“I hope that through the PERA program and this initial grant, we’re not only paving the way for 2,000 Filipinos to become future millionaires but also igniting a movement that will empower millions of young Filipinos to achieve financial independence within our lifetimes.” added Mr. Sia.
Strengthening the Retirement Savings System
As the first SEC-accredited PERA administrator, DragonFi is committed to making retirement savings more accessible, transparent, and efficient. DragonFi CEO Jon Carlo Lim emphasized the company’s dedication to working with corporations to implement employer-matching programs, while also advocating for further enhancements to the PERA framework.
“Our mission is to ensure that every working Filipino has the ability—and the motivation—to invest in their future,” Lim stated. At the same time, he stressed the importance of continuously evolving the PERA framework, ensuring that it aligns with global best practices and serves as a true catalyst for deepening the country’s capital markets.
“With strong support from regulators, businesses, and individual investors, PERA has the potential to reshape the way Filipinos prepare for retirement,” Lim added.
Filipinos will soon be able to open PERA accounts through DragonFi when the platform launches its PERA services in the second half of 2025.
