Thailand SEC Limits First Crypto ETFs to Bitcoin and Ether

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission will initially allow crypto exchange-traded funds to invest only in Bitcoin and Ether, establishing a limited framework for regulated products ahead of its Oct. 16 effective date.

The SEC issued 11 rules governing crypto ETFs. During the first phase, funds must use passive investment strategies and maintain an annual average net exposure of at least 80% to a single crypto asset.

Assets must be held by regulated digital-asset custodians. The framework also allows Thai mutual funds and private funds to invest in domestic crypto ETFs, broadening access beyond direct holdings of the underlying assets.

Brokerages will be barred from providing financing for crypto ETF purchases. In the initial phase, they also may not offer overseas crypto ETF investment services to customers other than institutional investors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

The rules take effect Oct. 16, setting the next concrete step for Thailand’s regulated crypto ETF market.