Interest in Cryptocurrency ETFs in Thailand
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand has reported that multiple asset management firms have expressed interest in establishing spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). However, the regulator has clarified that as of now, it has not received any formal applications for ETF approvals from these companies.
Consultations and Regulatory Framework
In a statement provided to Cointelegraph on Thursday, the SEC noted that consultations have been conducted with various asset managers regarding the new framework for crypto ETFs, which officially began on Friday. Despite growing interest, the SEC is unable to confirm if any ETFs will launch before the close of 2026, emphasizing that this timeline hinges on several factors, including:
- Preparedness of the asset managers
- Thoroughness of the regulatory evaluations
- Measures in place for investor protection
Recent Developments in the Crypto Landscape
Thailand’s recently implemented regulations permit fund managers to create locally traded ETFs focused on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH). While waiting for these specific ETFs to materialize, a number of firms are already offering exposure to BTC via links to international ETFs.
Notably, ONE Asset Management made history as the first Thai firm to gain approval for a Bitcoin ETF-related fund in 2024, followed by MFC Asset Management, which launched a fund associated with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT).
Meanwhile, the crypto landscape in Thailand continues to evolve, with new players such as Bitget showing strategic interest in the local market.
