Thailand finalises rules for Bitcoin and Ether ETFs

• Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has finalised rules paving the way for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds.
• Bitcoin and Ether are expected to feature in the initial phase under the new framework.
• The regulations are scheduled to take effect on 16 October 2026, expanding regulated investment options.

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has issued 11 notifications governing crypto ETFs, effective 16 October 2026.

The rules require crypto ETFs to track their underlying assets and maintain at least 80% average net exposure to a single crypto asset annually.

The SEC’s framework includes investor safeguards, requiring regulated digital asset custodians and exclusive listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are the only eligible crypto assets during the initial phase, with the SEC retaining authority to determine eligible assets.

Asset managers may outsource crypto investment management only to licensed digital asset fund managers, while eligible custodians can apply to supervise crypto ETFs.

Thailand has also amended rules to let domestic mutual funds and private funds invest in local crypto ETFs, subject to existing investment limits.

The framework bars margin loans for crypto ETF purchases and requires investor disclosures covering fund structure, trading mechanics, service providers and risks.

Thailand’s new rules give asset managers a defined regulatory framework for offering Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.