Thai SEC Approves Crypto ETF Trading Starting Oct 16
Thai SEC has approved regulations allowing crypto‑exchange‑traded funds to be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand starting October 16, initially limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum. The rules require passive management, minimum 80% crypto exposure, custody with approved DA Custodians, and prohibit margin loans for purchasing these ETFs. The measures aim to expand investment choices while strengthening investor protection.
Effective October 16, 2026, the Thai SEC will enforce eleven notifications governing crypto ETFs. Crypto ETFs must comply with standard ETF regulations and the rules for digital‑asset mutual funds, while meeting additional investor‑protection standards: fund managers need adequate staff, systems and service providers; they must adopt a passive strategy that mirrors the price of the chosen cryptocurrency and maintain at least 80% net exposure to Bitcoin or Ethereum on average each accounting year; assets must be held with a DA Custodian supervised by the SEC; trading will be confined to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, with enhanced disclosure, risk‑education requirements and a confirmation step for investors before they can trade, and securities firms are barred from offering margin loans for these ETF purchases. The SEC says the framework balances new investment options with safeguards for investors, following public consultations from April‑May and August‑September 2026 that showed broad support.
