Thailand’s securities regulator has officially expanded its derivatives framework to include cryptocurrencies and carbon credits as eligible underlying assets.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (Thai SEC) announced that digital assets — including bitcoin — can now serve as underlying instruments for regulated futures, options, and other derivatives traded on licensed exchanges.
What’s changing?
- Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) are now formally recognized as eligible underlying assets.
- Licensed digital asset operators will be able to offer derivatives contracts referencing cryptocurrencies under updated licenses.
- Carbon credits have also been approved as eligible underlying assets.
The move builds on a February 12 policy step and follows Cabinet approval aimed at aligning Thailand’s derivatives market with international standards while maintaining regulatory oversight, investor protection, and risk controls.
Role of TFEX
The Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) will design and finalize crypto-linked contract specifications. Clearinghouses and exchange frameworks will also be revised to accommodate crypto-based derivatives products.
The intention is to:
- Broaden product offerings
- Improve hedging and risk management tools
- Attract institutional and international traders
- Support the development of ETF-like crypto investment products
Strategic goals
SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon said the expansion is designed to promote market growth and diversify Thailand’s capital markets.
The regulator has also signaled plans for broader digital asset rules, including frameworks covering crypto ETFs, as part of a wider strategy to position Thailand as a regional digital finance hub.
Industry observers say the change could help bridge traditional finance and blockchain-based assets, drawing global liquidity into Thailand’s regulated markets while offering institutional investors a more structured way to gain crypto exposure.
