How to Check if a Lending App Is SEC-Registered
Quick answer: To check a lending app, find the company name, SEC registration number and Certificate of Authority number in the app's store description, then match them against the SEC's list of recorded online lending platforms. The company, the number and the app name should all appear together.
Why check first
A loan app asks for your ID, your phone data and sometimes your contacts. Checking the lender before you install protects you from fake apps and from unauthorized lenders. In the Philippines, lending companies are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and online lending platforms are expected to be reported to it. The SEC publishes a list of recorded online lending platforms and has repeatedly warned the public to check it. A five-minute check can save you from a costly mistake. If you want a shortlist of lenders to compare, see our comparison of SEC-recorded lenders.
Step-by-step on the SEC website
- Find the details in the app listing. Open the Google Play or App Store page and note the company name, the SEC Registration No. and the Certificate of Authority (CA) No. If the listing shows none of these, treat that as a warning sign.
- Open the SEC list. Go to sec.gov.ph and look under Lending Companies and Financing Companies for the List of Recorded Online Lending Platforms.
- Search the page. Use Ctrl+F or "Find in page" on your phone and type the company name or the app name.
- Match the entry. The list shows the company, its registration number and the names of its online lending platforms. The app you plan to use should appear.
- Check the date. The list is updated over time, so note the date of the version.
- Look for advisories. The SEC publishes notices, cease-and-desist orders and revocations. Check them for the company's name and brand.
Reading the results
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Company name, SEC number and app name all match | The platform is recorded under that company |
| Company is listed but the app name is not | The app may be new, renamed or not recorded. Ask the lender to explain in writing |
| App name is listed under a different company | Be careful. You may be looking at a copycat or a mislabeled listing |
| Nothing is found | Do not proceed until you can verify the lender |
| SEC notice names the company | Read the notice carefully and avoid the app |
Registration number and Certificate of Authority
A lending company needs two things: registration as a corporation (the SEC Registration No.) and a Certificate of Authority to operate as a lending company. The CA number is not the same as the registration number. A real lender can give you both. For an example of how these look on a real listing, see Cashify Is SEC Registered or Not in Philippines 2026.
Common mismatches and what they mean
- Rebranded apps. Companies sometimes change an app's name. The older name may still appear on earlier versions of the list. See how this played out in Is Cashola and Cashify the Same?.
- Similar names. A copycat may use a name close to a registered lender. Compare the company name, not just the app name.
- A parent company with several apps. One company can have several platforms. All of them should appear on the SEC list under the same company.
- Outdated third-party lists. Many websites copy the SEC list and can be out of date. Check the SEC website itself.
Cross-check with the store listing
After you check the SEC list, go back to the store page. The developer name should match the company, and the contact details should be present. Be careful if the developer is an individual or an unrelated company. Read How to Spot Fake Loan Apps in the Philippines for more red flags.
Registration is a starting point
Even a registered lender can charge high fees, so also check the cost; see How to Compare Online Loan Costs in the Philippines. Keep records of your loan and know where to complain if conduct is abusive; read Lending App Harassment in the Philippines: Know Your Rights.
A sample record to keep
Save a screenshot of the SEC list entry with the date, a screenshot of the store listing, and a copy of your loan agreement. Together they show that you checked the lender before borrowing, and they help if you later need to file a complaint.
Extra checks that take two minutes
Beyond the SEC list, a few quick checks strengthen your decision. Read the most recent store reviews, not only the average rating, and look for repeated themes about fees or collection. Check that the privacy policy exists and is readable. Confirm that the app does not ask for an upfront payment before releasing a loan. Look at the permissions the app requests during installation and decide whether they fit the service. Finally, ask yourself whether you understand the total repayment: if the lender cannot show it clearly before you accept, that is a reason to walk away. None of these steps requires technical skill, and together they cover the most common ways borrowers get into trouble.
What to do if you already installed an unverified app
If you installed an app and later discover that you cannot verify the lender, stop using it. Do not enter more personal information, revoke the permissions you granted in your phone settings, and uninstall the app. If you already submitted your ID or took a loan, keep screenshots, note what was collected and consider reporting the app to the SEC. If you shared your OTP or banking details, contact your bank or e-wallet provider immediately so they can protect your account. Acting quickly limits the damage and gives regulators better information.
FAQ
On the SEC website, under Lending Companies and Financing Companies, in the List of Recorded Online Lending Platforms.
Lending companies need a Certificate of Authority to operate, in addition to corporate registration.
Do not proceed until you can verify the lender through other official records.
Registration shows authority to operate, not low cost or perfect conduct. Read the terms and keep records.