Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has signaled a major expansion of the nation’s cryptocurrency ETF market. It plans on moving beyond Bitcoin to introduce funds that include a broader array of digital tokens.
The new rules, intended to pave the way for altcoin-based ETFs, are expected to be finalized and implemented early next year, according to Bloomberg.
With its stock market down 7.6% this year and younger investors increasingly drawn to decentralized assets, Thailand’s regulators seek to diversify financial products and solidify the country’s standing as a regional crypto hub.
Currently, Thai investors can buy cryptocurrencies directly or invest in professionally managed funds that provide access to overseas Bitcoin ETFs. The regulator’s latest plan aims to create domestic structures that allow mutual funds and institutional investors to offer ETFs tracking multiple digital assets, not just Bitcoin.
The Thailand SEC secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon has confirmed the new initiative, stating that the agency is focusing on broadening the supply and criteria for crypto assets within ETFs. The upcoming rules will enable investment products that track baskets of cryptocurrencies. This reflects a global shift as markets like the U.S. and Hong Kong introduce their own multi-token funds.
Continuation from Bitcoin ETF Approval
Thailand approved its first spot Bitcoin ETF in mid-2024, a fund managed by One Asset Management and structured as a “fund of funds” for institutional investors. Inspired by recent market developments in the U.S. and Hong Kong, Thai regulators are now seeking to extend exposure beyond Bitcoin.
This would enable allocations to altcoins such as Ethereum, Solana, and potentially others. A growing digital-centric investor base views this move as the next step in mainstreaming tokenized investments and fostering portfolio diversification.
As of late 2024, Thailand’s active crypto trading accounts reportedly topped 270,000, a clear indicator of robust domestic demand. Thai authorities view ETF expansion as a way to provide safer, regulated avenues for this activity while limiting the appeal of unregulated overseas platforms.
Moreover, the rollout comes against the backdrop of continued SEC enforcement actions targeting unauthorized exchanges, steps aimed at tightening oversight as interest in crypto accelerates.
What’s Ongoing
Thailand’s SEC is coordinating with various agencies to develop the new framework. This aims to position the country as one of Southeast Asia’s most proactive digital asset regulators.
Besides expanded ETF rules, ongoing reforms include enhanced compliance regimes and further exploration of tokenized products. Officials say their task is to “facilitate” investor demand for diversified crypto exposure while ensuring market integrity.
READ MORE: Cardano Price Prediction: Aims for $1 Ahead of ADA ETF Approval
