Thai SEC adds BTC and other digital assets plus carbon credits as eligible underlying assets for regulated derivatives, with TFEX to design crypto-linked contracts to attract institutional traders and support ETF-like products.
Summary
- Thai SEC now recognizes BTC and other crypto as underlying assets for futures and options on regulated exchanges.
- Licensed digital asset operators will be allowed to offer derivatives contracts referencing cryptocurrencies under updated licenses.
- TFEX and clearinghouses will revise frameworks and contract specs to support crypto-based derivatives and broader digital finance goals.
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has expanded the country’s regulated derivatives framework to include digital assets and carbon credits as eligible underlying instruments, according to an announcement from the regulator.
The move, built on an earlier one from Feb. 12, formally recognizes cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, as investment assets for futures, options, and other derivatives on exchanges such as the Thailand Futures Exchange, the SEC stated. The change follows Cabinet approval to align the derivatives market with international standards while ensuring supervision, risk mitigation, and investor protection.
SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon said the expansion will promote market growth, diversify products, and improve risk management while broadening investment opportunities, according to the announcement.
The SEC plans to draft supporting regulations, including updates to derivatives business licenses to permit licensed digital asset operators to offer contracts referencing cryptocurrencies, the regulator stated. Exchange and clearinghouse frameworks will also be reviewed to accommodate crypto-based products, while TFEX will finalize contract specifications to ensure practical usage and effective risk oversight.
Thailand has positioned the development as part of a broader effort to establish the country as a regional hub for digital finance, according to the SEC. The regulator previously announced plans to introduce comprehensive rules covering digital asset products, including crypto ETFs, signaling a growing openness to integrating traditional finance and blockchain-based assets.
Market participants indicated the move could attract more international traders and institutional investors seeking regulated crypto derivatives, creating a bridge between local markets and global digital asset liquidity, according to industry observers.