The SiGMA Asia 2025 Summit held in Manila from June 1 to 4 at the SMX convention centre delivered a powerful convergence of industry voices, policy leaders and innovators across the gaming, blockchain and tech ecosystems. Against the backdrop of rapid digital transformation in the region, regulation took centre stage highlighting compliance concerns and the strategic importance of collaborative governance. Here are five regulatory takeaways that emerged from the summit’s panels, fireside chats, keynotes and ongoing conversations.
1. Growing regulatory alignment across Asian markets
A powerful current running through this year’s regulatory conversations was the shared recognition that Asia’s fragmented compliance frameworks are due for harmonisation. Leaders from across the conference stressed the operational burdens of navigating divergent legal regimes.This was reinforced in sessions across the expo, notably Marie Antonette B.Quiogue, Co-Founder and CEO of Arden Consult’s Keynote titled The Philippines Playbook. She highlighted how the Philippines is the only regulated online gaming jurisdiction in Asia and that it is only a matter of time before the rest of Asia follows suit. Calls for mutual recognition mechanisms reflected a practical shift, governments are beginning to legislate outwardly with regional alignment in mind. The tone was one of cautious optimism, with several speakers noting that ASEAN wide forums are beginning to foster more consistent regulatory language.
2. The Philippines is leading in digital asset regulation
What emerged throughout the panels was that the Philippines is setting precedents when it comes to regulation in the industry. The Philippines Blockchain Ecosystem map panel on the AIBC Stage provided a deep dive into the country’s latest policy milestone with the rollout of CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider) regulations by the SEC. Covering crypto exchange licensing, staking protocols, wallet custodianship and ICO standards. These regulations are positioning the Philippines as one of the most mature digital asset jurisdictions in Asia.
Speakers including Chezka Gonzales of Philippine Blockchain week and Ida Tiongson of Fintech Alliance PH praised the regulatory clarity and willingness to consult stakeholders early in the rulemaking process. Importantly, these policies do not stifle innovation, instead they help shape it. Sessions such as the Where is the next ‘Las Vegas of Asia’ echoed the sentiment that while other regions have potential, the Philippines is currently the most viable gaming hub in Asia.
3. Geopolitical forces are reshaping regulatory frameworks
In a world where trade routes and tech alliances are shifting rapidly, regulation is no longer just local business. The summit’s Market Moves & Trade Tensions fireside chat explored the mounting influence of global policy dynamics on domestic regulation. Oliver De Bono of Quantum Gaming highlighted that with the U.S.-China trade narrative looming large and India’s assertive data laws changing cross-border flows, regulatory ecosystems in Asia are becoming strategically reactive. The Philippines, according to speakers across the expo, from PAGCOR and DTI, is positioning itself as a neutral but assertively pro-business hub.
4. AI practices must align with emerging regulatory and ethical standards
Discussion surrounding AI was widespread at SiGMA Asia but the standout regulatory message was that AI must be ethical or it will be regulated into retreat. This message was amplified in the keynote titled Why AI Is the Ultimate Mirror of Human Ambition. Puneet Singh, Associate Director at PwC India, emphasised that AI must be guided by ethical and regulatory foresight. He introduced an AI framework grounded in principles like inclusive opportunity, shared responsibility and ethical design, values increasingly echoed in emerging global AI regulations.
Several panels examined how regulators are already beginning to articulate what responsible AI looks like in a gaming context. This includes transparency in algorithmic decision-making, robust AML flags triggered by AI and a rethink of data consent in personalisation models. Panels on esports and gamification technologies added further urgency, suggesting that without preemptive action regulatory repercussions could come quickly.
5. Regulator to operator dialogue is deepening
One of the most encouraging trends from SiGMA Asia 2025 was the quality of conversation between regulators and the industries they oversee. It was a summit of collaboration where trust was front and center. The relationship between PAGCOR and the iGaming sector was spotlighted through sessions on land-based reforms, digital licensing models and enforcement transparency. Additionally, CEZA’s presence across the expo demonstrated their increasing openness to co-create rather than enforce from the sidelines. Dialogue-heavy panels like Philippines iGaming Boom: Regulatory Reforms, Record Growth & Regional Competition painted a clear picture that dialogue is the new default. Regulators now recognise that timely engagement with operators leads to smarter policies, faster adoption and more robust compliance.
What’s next?
For operators, preparing for a future where cross border consistency holds equal importance to local compliance is essential. Regulatory harmonisation efforts are accelerating and those who adapt quickly will find new operational efficiencies.
Following the success of SiGMA Asia 2025 in Manila our journey across the region continues. The next stop for the Asian market is Sri Lanka this December, where we’ll explore the next frontier of Asia’s digital and gaming policy landscape. Stay tuned for more powerful panels, bold ideas and game changing voices across blockchain, gaming, AI and emerging markets.
