Thailand finalizes rules for Bitcoin and Ether ETFs

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has finalized a framework allowing domestic Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds, with the rules taking effect October 16, 2026. The effective date makes funds eligible under the rules; it is not a confirmed start of trading, and no fund has launched. The SEC issued 11 notifications on October 8 setting requirements for the products. In the initial phase, eligible funds may track only Bitcoin or Ether and must be passive, single-asset funds. Each must maintain average net exposure of at least 80% of its net asset value to its underlying cryptocurrency over each accounting year. The funds are to trade on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and their digital assets must be held by custodians licensed and supervised in Thailand. Asset managers must meet requirements for fund operations and service providers, as well as applicable rules for ordinary ETFs. The framework permits managers to outsource digital-asset investment management to firms with the appropriate licenses. The rules also establish safeguards for investors.