Thailand SEC proposes 80% spot crypto ETF exposure rules

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has published draft regulations for spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds, seeking public comment on a framework that would allow Bitcoin and Ether-backed ETFs to be listed on the nation’s primary stock exchange while imposing strict custody and exposure requirements. The announcement, made on August 24, 2026, opens a consultation period that runs until September 20.

Under the proposed rules, asset management companies in Thailand would be permitted to establish passive ETFs that track either Bitcoin or Ether. To ensure these funds offer meaningful exposure to the underlying digital assets, each ETF must maintain an average net exposure of at least 80% of its net asset value to the chosen cryptocurrency over an accounting year. The ETFs would be traded exclusively on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, allowing investors to gain crypto exposure through standard securities accounts without needing to manage digital wallets directly.

A key element of the proposal involves custody arrangements. The draft framework establishes licensed Thai digital asset custodians as the primary option for holding the fund’s cryptocurrencies. The SEC...