SEC Orders AIQuest Trading to Halt Unregistered Securities Offering

MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered AIQuest Trading and its operator to stop soliciting public investments immediately, escalating its action over an alleged unregistered securities offering. The SEC’s Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against AIQuest Trading, Erica Aguilar, and their agents after AIQuest Trading was found to be soliciting investments from the public without the necessary registration as required by the Securities Regulation Code. The entity was reportedly promoting investments in an AI-powered trading platform, promising high returns to investors. The SEC’s order mandates AIQuest Trading and its representatives to immediately cease all activities related to soliciting investments from the public. It also prohibits them from issuing or selling any securities without prior approval from the SEC. This move by the SEC emphasizes its commitment to protecting investors from unregistered and potentially fraudulent investment schemes. The commission continues to urge the public to exercise due diligence and verify the registration status of any investment opportunity before committing funds.