In a major milestone for the cryptocurrency sector, Thailand's SEC has approved the country's inaugural spot Bitcoin ETF. This landmark decision marks a pivotal moment in the mainstream integration of digital assets in Thailand, providing investors with a regulated and accessible route to invest in Bitcoin. The approval is poised to have significant repercussions for both the local and global cryptocurrency markets, reflecting growing institutional trust and regulatory endorsement of Bitcoin and other digital currencies.
Thailand Approves First Bitcoin ETF
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has authorized One Asset Management (ONEAM) to introduce Thailand's first spot Bitcoin ETF, aimed at affluent and institutional investors. The ONE Bitcoin ETF Fund of Funds Unhedged (ONE-BTCETFOF-UI), not open to retail investors, will be available from May 31 to June 6 and carries an investment risk level of eight. This fund plans to invest in 11 top global funds, ensuring liquidity and security, with Bitcoin storage meeting international standards and audited by regulators in the US and Hong Kong.
MFC Asset Management is also seeking approval from the SEC for a Bitcoin ETF aimed at a similar investor base. According to ONEAM's CEO, Pote Harinasuta, "Digital assets offer an alternative with low correlation to other financial assets, making them suitable for diversifying investment risks." On the global stage, Bitcoin ETFs are receiving increasing recognition, with recent endorsements from the US SEC and Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission for ETFs that invest in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Thailand’s SEC recently amended regulations to permit asset management firms to launch private funds that invest in U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, following the U.S. SEC's approval for Bitcoin ETF trading on January 11. This move aligns with the global trend of increasing investor confidence in Bitcoin ETFs. SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon cautioned that despite growing demand among institutional investors, these investments carry high risk.
Pote Harinasuta pointed out Bitcoin's potential for significant returns, noting an average annual return of 124% over the past 11 years, albeit with high volatility at 83%. He recommended limiting Bitcoin exposure to 5% of one's investment portfolio, targeting an annual return of 8.90%. Harinasuta emphasized the security advantage of investing through ETFs, as unitholders’ data and coins are stored offline by custodians, providing protection against risks like data loss or theft, which are common with direct investments on various platforms.
