Thailand SEC Aims to Simplify Crypto Derivatives Rules for Firms

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Thailand SEC seeks to streamline crypto derivatives rules

Thailand is working to make it easier for companies to offer crypto derivatives by letting them all operate under one license.

Summary

  • Thailand has opened a public consultation to let crypto firms offer derivatives under existing licenses instead of creating separate entities.
  • Proposed changes build on earlier reforms that recognised digital assets like Bitcoin as valid underlying instruments for regulated futures trading.

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking public feedback on proposed rules that would allow companies already licensed to deal in digital assets to offer derivatives without needing to establish new businesses.

Today’s regulations require companies to create separate divisions for trading derivatives, which has increased expenses and hindered growth for those involved in the market.

As an analyst, I see a key benefit of removing this regulatory layer as allowing crypto companies to broaden their services more easily, all while still operating within a single set of rules. We’ve specifically included strong conflict management and internal control requirements in the proposal, so expanding access won’t mean loosening oversight – in fact, it strengthens it.

The proposed changes expand on previous legal updates that already classified crypto assets as derivatives in Thailand.

In February, the government officially approved changes to the Derivatives Act, allowing digital assets to be used as the basis for futures contracts. This means exchanges and clearinghouses can now start developing and offering crypto-based products under established regulations.

Licensing revamp ties into derivatives expansion

Thailand is making it easier to get licenses as part of a plan to encourage more investment in derivatives. Officials say this will give investors better ways to manage risk and build their portfolios, and will also bring Thailand’s financial rules in line with international norms.

The SEC is planning to update business licenses for derivatives to allow companies dealing with digital assets to offer cryptocurrency-linked contracts. They are also working with the Thailand Futures Exchange to create contract details that address the often unpredictable price swings of digital assets.

According to SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon, the goal is to establish cryptocurrency as a legitimate investment option and make it more accessible to investors.

We’re accepting comments on the proposal until May 20th. After that, the regulator will likely adjust the framework based on what they hear from businesses.

Global derivatives activity continues to build

Globally, more and more exchanges are offering access to cryptocurrency derivatives as interest in trading with leverage increases.

Blockchain.com now lets users trade perpetual futures directly from their own digital wallets. This means they can amplify their Bitcoin holdings and trade on over 190 different markets without sending their funds to a traditional exchange. They can use up to 40x leverage, powered by technology from Hyperliquid.

Both Kraken and Coinbase recently started offering perpetual futures contracts based on stocks to customers outside the U.S. This type of continuous trading, which combines cryptocurrency and traditional investments, is becoming increasingly popular in many countries.

There are signs that the U.S. may be moving forward with regulations for cryptocurrency. In March, Michael Selig, a representative from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, mentioned that they are working on allowing crypto perpetual futures contracts, and a decision could be made “within the next month or so.”

Signs suggest potential approval is on the horizon. Kraken’s parent company, Payward, is buying Bitnomial, a U.S.-based derivatives platform, to offer products like perpetual futures to traders in the United States.

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2026-04-23 09:23