Thailand SEC sets Oct. 16 start for bitcoin, ether ETF rules
Thailand’s SEC issued 11 crypto ETF notifications allowing funds focused on bitcoin or ether, opening a local-market route when rules take effect Oct. 16.
By Web3 Hub Newsroom2 min read
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission issued 11 notifications for crypto exchange-traded funds on Oct. 8, setting an Oct. 16 effective date and allowing bitcoin and ether in the initial framework. The SEC said the rules establish a regulated route for Thai asset managers to offer crypto ETFs under investor-protection requirements.
Under the SEC’s announcement, the funds must passively track one crypto asset and maintain average net exposure of at least 80% of net asset value to it over each accounting year. The funds must use custodians regulated by the SEC and list and trade exclusively on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
Which assets can the first funds hold?
Bitcoin and Ethereum are the only assets eligible at launch, the SEC said. It will set eligible asset types based on liquidity, broad market acceptance, network security and investor protection.
Investors must acknowledge the relevant risks before trading. Securities firms cannot provide margin loans to finance ETF purchases, and fund managers must disclose the products’ structure, investment mechanisms, service providers and specific risks.
Who can manage and supervise the funds?
Thai asset management companies must show they have suitable staff, systems and service-provider arrangements to establish a crypto ETF. They may outsource digital-asset investment management only to a licensed digital-asset fund manager.
Qualified digital-asset custodians and other digital-asset firms may apply to supervise crypto ETFs if they meet requirements for financial standing, staffing and operational systems. Digital-asset custody must be handled by an SEC-licensed custodian, including when a supervisor appoints a sub-custodian.
What changes for Thai funds and foreign products?
The SEC also amended its rules to let Thai mutual funds and private funds invest in locally listed crypto ETFs, subject to existing investment limits. During the initial phase, it will not permit depositary receipts tied to foreign crypto ETFs or securities firms arranging foreign ETF investments for clients outside institutional and ultra-high-net-worth categories, according to CoinDesk’s report.
The notifications take effect on Oct. 16, 2026; the SEC has not specified a date for the first fund listing.
References
- SEC’s announcement — sec.or.th
- CoinDesk’s report — coindesk.com