Thai SEC Proposes Simpler Licensing Route for Crypto Firms

The Thai government continues its efforts to promote the growth of the digital asset industry by proposing changes to licensing regulations.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has opened a public consultation on proposed rule changes that would allow licensed digital asset businesses to apply for derivatives licenses within their existing entities. This move is intended to simplify the entry process into the market, while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.

The proposal builds upon earlier reforms, which recognized digital assets as eligible underlying assets for futures and options contracts under Thailand's Derivatives Act. Cabinet approval in February cleared the way for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to be used in regulated derivatives markets, placing them alongside traditional financial instruments.