Thailand SEC sees interest in spot crypto ETFs but no applications yet

Interest grows as new rules take effect

Several asset managers have approached Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for consultations about launching spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) — funds that trade on a stock market and aim to track the price of a cryptocurrency. However, none of them have yet submitted an application to the SEC.

The consultations come after Thailand's new crypto ETF framework took effect, allowing asset managers to establish locally listed spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) ETFs.

First launch timeline remains unknown

The SEC said it is too early to tell whether the first spot crypto ETFs could be approved before the end of 2026. Any timeline would depend on applicants' readiness, regulatory reviews, and investor protection requirements.

Thai investors already have some Bitcoin exposure

Even without a local spot crypto ETF yet, some Thai investors already have exposure to Bitcoin through funds linked to overseas ETFs. In 2024, ONE Asset Management became the first Thai asset manager to receive approval for a Bitcoin ETF-linked fund, and MFC Asset Management later introduced a fund investing through BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT).

What is confirmed

The SEC has held consultations with several asset managers about spot crypto ETFs. Thailand's rules for locally listed spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs are now in effect. However, no application has been filed so far, and no approval timeline has been confirmed.

Sources

• Cointelegraph

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