Loading imageThailand SEC yet to receive a spot crypto ETF application

Photo: Arturo Añez. / Pexels

Several fund houses have sought consultations on spot Bitcoin and Ether products, though the regulator cannot confirm whether any will launch in 2026

Thu 22 Oct 2026 · 09:37 EDT · 2 min read

In Regulation

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Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has not received a single formal application for a spot crypto exchange-traded fund, despite consultations with several asset managers interested in launching the products.

The regulator said it cannot confirm whether the first Thai crypto ETFs will reach the market in 2026. It has not named any prospective issuers or set a launch timeline, and with its new framework effective only since October 16, a 2026 debut would leave little runway for an issuer to move from consultation to listing.

The SEC finalized 11 notifications establishing the framework on October 8, 2026. Under the rules, licensed Thai asset management companies can create passive ETFs that each track a single eligible asset, with Bitcoin and Ether currently qualifying. Funds must hold at least 80% average annual net exposure to their chosen asset.

Thai mutual funds gain access to domestic crypto ETFs

The ETFs can trade only on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and must use digital asset custodians approved by the SEC. Investors must complete risk education and acknowledge the risks before buying, and securities firms are barred from offering margin loans for the products.

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Thai mutual funds and private funds will be able to invest in the domestically listed crypto ETFs within their existing investment limits. Previously, crypto ETF exposure was available only through foreign-access ETFs, limited to institutional and ultra-high-net-worth investors.

Once a fund lists, retail investors will be able to buy Bitcoin or Ether exposure like any other SET-listed security, without managing wallets or using a crypto exchange.

Disclosure: This article was edited by John Chen. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.