The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand has finalized the development of regulations allowing cryptocurrency ETFs on Bitcoin and Ethereum to be traded on the country's stock exchange. The new rules will come into effect on October 16, 2026, providing Thai investors with the opportunity to access cryptocurrencies through the stock market. Crypto ETFs must be listed exclusively on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Products related to foreign crypto ETFs, such as depositary receipts, will not be permitted initially. Additionally, Thai brokers will be excluded from providing investment services in foreign crypto ETFs to retail investors, except for institutions and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
According to Atakrit Chimplapibul, co-founder of Bitkub Group, the launch of Spot Bitcoin ETF and Spot Ethereum ETF in the U.S. has opened new opportunities for institutional and retail investors to easily access digital assets. Investors will need to obtain information about the products and confirm that they understand the risks before starting to trade. Crypto ETFs will be managed as passive investment instruments, aiming to track the price of the crypto asset they invest in, maintaining a net exposure to a single cryptocurrency at a level of no less than 80% of the net asset value during each reporting year.
The framework of the new rules also allows mutual and private funds to invest in crypto ETFs registered in Thailand. Previously, they could only invest in foreign crypto ETFs. Brokers will not be able to provide margin loans for purchasing crypto ETFs, and the assets of the funds must be held by digital asset custodians regulated by the SEC. The rules were proposed in April and May, and the draft regulations were discussed in August and September. Reportedly, most participants supported the proposals.
This material is prepared solely for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation.
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