Securities Regulator Opens Comment Period on New Fund Investment Asset

Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on August 4 that it is accepting public comments on a draft announcement regarding the addition of Government Housing Bank savings bonds (Government Housing Bank bonds) as an eligible investment asset for mutual funds and provident funds. The proposal seeks to broaden investment options, enhance portfolio management flexibility, and align savings bond investment criteria across state-owned financial institutions while maintaining appropriate controls against concentrated investment risk.

Following the Capital Market Supervisory Board's approval in principle in June 2569, the SEC previously held a comment period from June 18 to July 18, 2569, during which all respondents supported the proposal. The current draft regulation adds Government Housing Bank bonds as an asset under the definition of "deposits or deposit-like instruments" to ensure consistent investment criteria across state financial institutions and increase fund portfolio flexibility.

Fund managers will remain subject to risk management requirements including limits on investment concentration with single issuers and restrictions on exposure to affiliated groups. The proposed regulation applies to retail mutual funds, institutional investor funds, and provident funds. Public comments are being accepted online at the SEC website and the central legal system portal, with a deadline of September 2, 2569. Interested parties can submit feedback via email to tonyada@sec.or.th or pattarav@sec.or.th.