PSE takes another LEAP at helping firms go public

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) is stepping up efforts to entice more companies to go public.

It will bring together listed companies, fund managers, regulators and private companies to discuss the benefits of doing an initial public offering (IPO).

It will hold the inaugural Learn IPO Strategies and Tactics (LIST) masterclass this week, which will be exclusive to companies under PSE’s Listing Engagement and Assistance Program (LEAP) that are considered eligible and are prepared to conduct an IPO.

Currently, over 40 companies are registered with PSE LEAP, a program focused on assisting interested and potential IPO listing applicants.

LIST will cover topics such as IPO registration process and procedures, due diligence and compliance requirements, among others.

PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon said LIST was designed for companies that may start the paper work on their listing applications anytime.

“We want the officers of these companies to be better equipped during the IPO application process by getting pertinent information directly from the regulators,” he said.

Resource speakers include PSE Issuer Regulation Division head Marigel Garcia, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) director Vicente Graciano Felizmenio Jr., and Fund Managers Association of the Philippines board of senior adviser Frederico Rafael Ocampo.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. president and CEO Jose Soberano III will share experiences and valuable insights on preparing for an IPO, transitioning the company from privately owned to publicly listed and their responsibilities post-IPO.

LIST will be conducted in small groups throughout the year and will be a continuing initiative for companies under LEAP.

The PSE will also join SEC’s Roadshow on Capital Formation for MSMEs and start-ups for the rest of 2023.

After the successful run in Davao this month, the PSE will take part in the same activity that will be conducted in Cebu in March and Cagayan de Oro in April to discuss fund raising through the stock market and introduce LEAP to business owners based in the key cities outside Metro Manila.