Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has finalized rules that will allow exchange-traded funds linked to Bitcoin and Ether to be listed on the country’s main stock exchange, opening a regulated stock-market route to the two digital assets.
According to Cointelegraph, the framework takes effect on Oct. 16, 2026. The products will be permitted to trade exclusively on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The initial rules do not allow products linked to overseas crypto ETFs, including depositary receipts, and Thai brokers will remain unable to arrange overseas crypto-ETF investments for retail clients. Exceptions continue to apply to institutions and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
What the new framework allows
The rules create a way for Thai investors to obtain exposure to Bitcoin and Ether through a listed fund rather than buying the digital assets directly. An ETF is a pooled investment product traded on an exchange, with its price generally designed to follow the value of an underlying asset or group of assets.
The SEC has also changed the rules governing mutual funds and private funds. Those funds will be able to invest in crypto ETFs established in Thailand. Previously, they could invest only in crypto ETFs established in foreign markets.
The regulator said the framework followed consultations on proposed principles in April and May and on draft regulations in August and September. Most respondents supported the proposals.
Investor safeguards and fund requirements
The framework includes restrictions intended to define how the products operate and how investors access them:
- Crypto ETFs must use a passive investment strategy designed to track the price of the relevant cryptocurrency.
- Each fund must maintain average net exposure of at least 80% of net asset value to a single cryptocurrency during every accounting year.
- Brokers may not provide margin loans for purchases of crypto ETFs.
- Fund assets must be held with digital-asset custodians regulated by the SEC.
- Investors must receive product information and confirm that they understand the risks before trading.
The initial scope is limited to Bitcoin and Ether. The rules therefore provide a regulated exchange-listed structure for those assets, rather than a broad authorization covering every cryptocurrency.
Bitkub Group co-founder Attakrit Chimphlapibul told Money and Banking that the United States’ spot Bitcoin and spot Ethereum ETF launches had shown how such products could give institutional and retail investors easier access to digital assets.
Moneyiar market picture
Moneyiar data at 11:08-11:09 a.m. local time on Oct. 9, 2026, showed Bitcoin at $82,489.29, up 0.03% over 24 hours but down 4.55% over seven days. Ether stood at $2,491.54, down 1.82% in 24 hours and 9.36% over the week.
The same data showed Nexus at $0.000000782, down 3.99% over 24 hours and 7.91% over seven days, while AKEDO was priced at $0.02735, down 4.12% and 15.08% over those periods, respectively. The market figures describe prices and performance before Thailand’s new ETF rules take effect.
