Thailand Approves Crypto-Linked Derivatives and Expands Digital-Asset Strategy

Thailand’s Cabinet approved proposals to permit digital assets as underlying instruments in regulated derivatives and capital markets, a move authorities say brings the financial system closer to international trading standards ^[1][3].

The Securities and Exchange Commission will update licensing rules to allow crypto-linked futures and options — including products using bitcoin as an underlying asset — and will enable digital assets to be used as collateral, according to reporting on the regulatory changes ^[2].

The approved package also touches on broader initiatives cited by officials and press coverage, including proposals for exchange-traded funds, tax incentives and a tokenization strategy for capital markets ^[1], and links to bring carbon credits into the derivatives market were also highlighted ^[4].

Thai authorities framed the reforms as part of a push to strengthen the country’s position as a regional digital finance hub while bringing oversight and licensing frameworks in line with the new products ^[2][1].

Implementation will require SEC rule changes and market adjustments as Thailand moves to integrate digital assets into regulated derivatives and capital-markets infrastructure ^[2][1].