Thailand crypto ETF rules take effect (Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs on SET)

On October 16, 2026, the rules issued by Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) come into force, allowing exchange-traded funds that hold Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The date marks the point at which the rules apply, not the start of trading.

What is happening

The SEC issued 11 notifications on October 8 that set the framework for domestic crypto ETFs. In the initial stage, eligible assets are limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum. Any future additions will be assessed on liquidity, market acceptance, network security and investor protection. Each fund must be passive, track the price of a single crypto asset and keep an average net exposure of at least 80% of its net asset value to that asset in each accounting year. Fund assets can be held only by SEC-regulated digital asset custodians, although the regulator said it may later allow qualified foreign custodians.

The framework also sets conditions on access. Investors must receive education on the risks of crypto ETFs and confirm they understand them before trading, and securities companies cannot provide margin loans to buy these products. During the initial phase, depositary receipts and other products referencing foreign crypto ETFs will not be permitted, and brokers may facilitate investments in foreign crypto ETFs only for institutional and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Domestic mutual funds and private funds, which until now could invest only in foreign crypto ETFs, may also buy Thai crypto ETFs within existing investment limits.

The rules followed two rounds of public hearings, on the principles in April and May 2026 and on the draft notifications in August and September. The SEC said most respondents supported both. No issuer, product or first trading date has been announced. The next step lies with asset managers, who must show the SEC that they have the personnel, operational systems and service providers to run a fund before a Thai Bitcoin or Ethereum ETF can list on the SET.

Why it matters

Until now, Thai investors' regulated route to spot Bitcoin ETFs was limited to a 2024 fund of funds from One Asset Management, which invested in overseas ETFs and was open only to high-net-worth and institutional investors. Domestic listings on the SET would create a local, regulated wrapper for BTC and ETH exposure, with custody inside the SEC-regulated system.

For holders and traders, the practical effect depends on when issuers file and launch products. Until a fund is approved and lists, the rules change the regulatory setting but not the products available on the exchange. The restrictions on margin lending and on retail access to foreign crypto ETFs also define who can use these products and how.

Key details

• Date: October 16, 2026 (rules take effect; no first trading date announced)
• Project: Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission
• Coins: BTC, ETH
• Category: ETF Decision
• Status: Confirmed
• Source: Disruption Banking, https://www.disruptionbanking.com/2026/10/14/thailand-opens-the-door-to-bitcoin-and-ethereum-etfs-while-hosting-the-imf/