The SEC is advancing a major restructuring of Thailand’s financial market by inviting public input on amendments to the “futures business” regulations. This aims to allow digital asset businesses to directly apply for derivative business licenses without establishing new legal entities, laying the groundwork for crypto assets to fully become reference products in the futures market.
This move clearly reflects the elevation of digital assets from alternative assets to one of the main asset classes in Thailand’s financial system, providing investors with a new tool to manage risks more effectively.
The key change in these amendments is unlocking the ability for digital asset operators, such as exchanges, to apply directly for futures trading business licenses.
Previously, operators wishing to engage in derivatives business had to establish separate new companies apart from their existing businesses, which was a significant cost and obstacle.
The new regulations will reduce redundancies, increase flexibility, and accelerate the market players' ability to develop new products faster, especially futures contracts referencing digital assets.
Although more operators will be allowed, the SEC emphasizes stronger regulatory oversight, particularly concerning conflicts of interest.
Since digital asset exchanges have access to customers’ trading order data, there is a risk that such information could be misused for personal or related parties’ benefit. Therefore, license applicants must implement clear, transparent, and verifiable preventive measures.
Another important aspect is the “upgrading of standards” for market infrastructure. The SEC plans to revise financial requirements for futures trading centers and clearing houses to strengthen their resilience against increased risks from new financial products and align with international standards.
These amendments also align with legal changes recognizing “digital assets” as one of the reference products under the Futures Trading Act B.E. 2546 (2003).
This represents a connection between Thailand’s market and the global market, where crypto derivatives are widely traded and hold enormous value.
At the same time, it addresses the needs of modern investors seeking risk management (hedging) tools and more sophisticated portfolio management.
The SEC is inviting businesses and interested parties to submit comments on the draft regulations by 20 May 2026 through the SEC website and the central legal system.
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