Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is planning to allow mutual and private funds to invest in digital assets, following the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the U.S. SEC.
The Thai SEC has initiated a public consultation on draft notifications to introduce new asset classes eligible for investment by funds, with an implementation target of January 1, 2025.
The proposed regulations categorize eligible new asset classes into investment tokens and crypto assets.
Investment tokens will be permissible for funds if they are legally issued and approved by regulators that are members of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
Crypto assets will primarily include crypto ETFs and offshore funds investing in digital currencies.
Funds will be subject to strict investment limits for holding these assets, with temporary holding periods to prevent speculative trading.
The proposed regulations also outline investment limits based on the sophistication of investors, with fewer restrictions for institutional investors and ultra-high net worth individuals.
Retail investors will face stricter investment limits, and the regulations aim to balance growth in the digital asset market with investor protections.
The Thai SEC emphasizes regulatory compliance and investor protection, requiring funds to adhere to disclosure requirements.
These new regulations position Thailand as a leader in integrating digital assets into traditional investment frameworks and fostering innovation in the local financial markets.