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Thailand Approves Derivatives Act Amendments to Regulate Crypto Underlyings

Thailand Approves Derivatives Act Amendments to Regulate Crypto Underlyings

Thailand’s SEC plans to add digital assets and carbon credits to licensed derivative underlyings, enabling Bitcoin-linked futures and options in line with global standards.

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Fact Check
Multiple credible and high-authority sources, including an official announcement from Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission, consistently report that amendments to the Derivatives Act have been approved to include cryptocurrencies as permissible underlying assets in regulated derivatives markets. Both government-linked and reputable news outlets corroborate the information, reporting on Cabinet and SEC approvals and explicitly noting the inclusion of cryptocurrency under regulated assets. The consistency of these reports across diverse, credible platforms strongly supports the truthfulness of the statement. No credible sources contradict the claim, and the evidence directly aligns with the specific wording in the statement.
Summary

Thailand’s cabinet has approved amendments to the Derivatives Act, formally recognizing cryptocurrencies and other digital assets as regulated derivative underlyings. On February 12, the SEC announced it will expand licensed derivatives to include digital assets and carbon credits. Following cabinet approval, the SEC will draft rules for licensed operators to offer Bitcoin-linked futures and options, aligning oversight with international standards. SEC chief Pornanong Budsaratragoon stated the reforms aim to broaden investment opportunities, improve regulatory clarity, and promote market growth through collaboration with the Thailand Futures Exchange.

Terms & Concepts
  • Derivative underlying: An asset, such as a cryptocurrency or commodity, upon which a derivative contract is based.
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC – Thailand financial regulator): Thailand’s government agency overseeing securities, derivatives, and digital asset markets.
  • Futures exchange: A marketplace where standardized futures contracts are traded between parties.