MANILA, Philippines – Binance and BlockShoals Technologies Inc. have partnered under the Security and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Strategic Sandbox (StratBox) framework.
Under the StratBox framework Binance and BlockShoal can tailor their platform under a “controlled and supervised” environment.
The fintech companies will begin testing under StratBox’s approved plan and will soon roll out operations.
“This partnership is an opportunity to demonstrate that global digital asset platforms and local regulatory frameworks can work together constructively,” said a representative of BlockShoals in a press release.
“As a Philippine-incorporated company operating under the direct supervision of the SEC, we are focused on building a secure and locally accountable platform for Filipino users.”
Introduction of StratBox
The SEC implemented StratBox through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 9 in 2024.
According to the SEC, those that apply through StratBox can test their products and services under the SEC’s supervision.
The SEC backed BlockShoal’s application to test its products last November 2025.
Their partnership with Binance would therefore mark Binance’s official return to the Philippines within regulatory bodies.
The crackdown on Binance
In 2024, SEC ordered Binance removal from Google and Apple play store after the fintech giant failed to acquire its license.
By February 2026, the app was noticeably removed from the stores but their website remained accessible.
The Philippines still remains as one of the leading users of cryptocurrency. In 2024, the Philippines ranked second globally according to a study commissioned by blockchain company Consensys.
“The Philippines is one of the most dynamic digital economies in Southeast Asia, with a highly engaged and digitally native population that continues to drive adoption of emerging financial technologies,” said SB Seker, Head of APAC in the same press release.
“We believe frameworks like StratBox represent an important step in enabling responsible innovation by creating pathways for industry participants and regulators to work together constructively.”