The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued new rules allowing companies and registered entities to use a blockchain-based system for digital signing and authentication of documents submitted to the regulator. The move follows the regulator's push for digital governance and fraud prevention.
The Memorandum Circular No. 23, Series of 2026, introduces VERITAS, a system that integrates with the Electronic SEC Universal Registration Environment and the Electronic Submission Authentication Portal.
VERITAS will enable credentialed users—such as incorporators, directors, officers, and authorized representatives—to digitally sign filings including articles of incorporation, bylaws, and certificates of authentication.
Documents signed through VERITAS are deemed legally equivalent to signed and notarized written documents, unless law requires otherwise, and will serve as the official record for SEC transactions.
The platform records signing events on a blockchain and requires users to complete credentialing before signing. Only digital signing certificates generated within VERITAS will be accepted initially.
Use of VERITAS remains optional; the existing PNPKI-based authentication process continues to be available. The regulator may later mandate VERITAS for certain filings or entities after public consultation.
Users must safeguard their digital signing certificates and private keys. Misuse, tampering, or submission of falsified documents can result in suspension of eSECURE access.
VERITAS will be provided at no cost, though the regulator may impose reasonable fees in the future to cover infrastructure and service costs.
