Thailand is ramping up its efforts to integrate digital assets into its formal financial system, with the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finalising a series of new rules that will allow for the launch of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), futures trading, and tokenized investment products. According to deputy secretary-general Jomkwan Kongsakul, the SEC plans to release formal guidelines for crypto ETFs “early this year,” with regulatory groundwork already underway to classify digital assets as an official investment class under Thai law. The agency has already approved crypto ETFs in principle and is now finalising the necessary investment and operational frameworks. Kongsakul noted that the ETF structure is especially attractive to investors wary of managing private keys or securing digital wallets directly. “Ease of access” remains a major advantage, Kongsakul said, explaining that crypto ETFs could eliminate common security concerns that have kept some investors out of the space. Beyond ETFs, the SEC is also moving to support crypto futures trading through the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX), where digital assets will be recognised under the Derivatives Act. As such, Thai investors will be able to hedge exposure and access more sophisticated trading instruments as part of a diversified portfolio. Under the current roadmap, the SEC would allow investors to allocate up to 5% of their holdings to digital assets. Further, to ensure liquidity in the ETF market, the SEC is considering authorising market makers, including licensed exchanges, financial institutions, or corporations that hold cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets, Kongsakul said. Meanwhile, the SEC is working closely with the Bank of Thailand to establish a dedicated sandbox that will allow issuers to test tokenized investment products under regulatory supervision. Initial efforts will focus on bond tokens, with the SEC actively encouraging issuers to participate in the program. Influencer oversight and stricter gatekeeping Meanwhile, the SEC is also drawing clearer lines around crypto-related content and financial promotion. Kongsakul stressed that the agency will increase oversight of so-called “financial influencers,” with individuals offering investment advice or return-based recommendations now required to register as licensed investment advisors or introducing brokers. “Providing factual information may not require a licence, but any recommendation related to securities or investment returns will,” she clarified. Thailand has begun its crypto push Thailand has been aggressively working on integrating cryptocurrencies within its economy over the past few years. A few years back, Thailand’s regulatory approach was primarily focused on compliance , with authorities taking strict action against unlicensed exchanges and unauthorized crypto activities to ensure oversight and investor protection. However, come 2025, Thai regulators began shifting toward a more supportive stance. Key reforms have included a five-year exemption on capital gains tax for crypto transactions made through licensed platforms, along with initiatives aimed at boosting tourism by modernising Thailand’s financial infrastructure through the use of digital assets. The post Thailand SEC to finalise rules to launch crypto ETFs and futures products appeared first on Invezz
