Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission consults on derivatives licensing changes to let digital asset operators expand into digital asset referenced derivatives without new entities

The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission has launched a public consultation on proposed principles to revise the licensing framework for derivatives businesses, including enabling digital asset business operators to apply for derivatives business licences without establishing new legal entities. The revisions are intended to support the provision of derivatives services referencing digital assets, broaden investor access to derivatives for risk hedging, and move toward a more unified supervisory standard across business types in line with international standards. Key proposals include updated licensing criteria designed to facilitate entry while avoiding undue regulatory burdens, alongside specific conflict of interest controls where a digital asset exchange seeks a derivatives business licence, given the risk that client order information could be used for the operator’s or related persons’ benefit. The SEC also proposes to revise financial reporting standards for derivatives exchanges and derivatives clearing houses to strengthen oversight of derivatives market infrastructure, alongside strengthened regulatory requirements for these entities. Comments can be submitted via the SEC’s consultation channels, with the public hearing open until 20 May 2026.