The landscape of cryptocurrency trading in the Philippines has shifted dramatically as local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) began blocking access to prominent exchanges such as Coinbase and Gemini on December 24, 2025. This action follows a directive issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), signaling a significant change in the country”s regulatory stance towards digital assets.
This enforcement illustrates a move towards stricter compliance and oversight in the cryptocurrency sector, contrasting with the previously more lenient regulatory environment that allowed for broader access to various trading platforms. The implications of this regulatory tightening are profound, as it may influence how local investors engage with the cryptocurrency market and alter the operational dynamics of exchanges within the region.
Market responses to these changes have been relatively subdued. Notably, there have been no public statements from the affected exchanges like Coinbase and Gemini, leaving stakeholders in the dark regarding their future strategies in light of these developments. The absence of commentary from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the NTC further complicates the situation, as stakeholders seek clarity on the regulatory landscape.
Historically, the Philippines” approach to cryptocurrency regulation has seen fluctuations, with notable instances such as the ban on Binance in 2024 indicating a trend towards increasing enforcement in response to unregulated exchanges. This current crackdown aligns with global trends emphasizing stringent compliance and oversight within the cryptocurrency space.
As of now, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $87,468.48, with a market capitalization of $1.75 trillion. The 24-hour trading volume has plummeted by 28.58%, while the price has experienced a slight decline of 0.41% today. Bitcoin”s market dominance stands at 59.20% as of December 24, 2025. Such market metrics underscore the potential impact that regulatory changes can have on trading activity.
According to recent analysis from the Coincu research team, the regulatory shifts in the Philippines could compel exchanges to reassess their operations in the market. This could lead to a landscape that, while more regulated, may also become less accessible to local users, thus affecting the overall engagement with cryptocurrency in the region.
