In a groundbreaking development for the cryptocurrency market, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the country’s first spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF).
This historic move marks a significant advancement in the mainstream adoption of digital assets within Thailand, providing investors with a regulated and accessible way to gain exposure to Bitcoin (BTC). The approval of this ETF is expected to have major implications for both the local and global crypto markets, signaling growing institutional trust and regulatory support for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved One Asset Management (ONEAM) as the first company to launch a spot Bitcoin ETF in Thailand, aimed at high-net-worth and institutional investors.
The ONE Bitcoin ETF Fund of Funds Unhedged and Not for Retail Investors (ONE-BTCETFOF-UI) will be available from May 31 to June 6, with an investment risk level of eight. This fund is designed to invest in 11 leading global funds to ensure liquidity and safety, with coin storage meeting international standards and assessed by regulatory authorities in the US and Hong Kong.
MFC Asset Management is also seeking SEC approval for a Bitcoin ETF aimed at similar investors. According to Pote Harinasuta, chief executive of ONEAM, “digital assets are an alternative asset that has a low correlation with other financial assets. They are suitable for helping investors diversify investment risks.” Bitcoin ETFs are gaining recognition internationally, with the US SEC and Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission recently allowing the creation of ETFs investing in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Thailand’s SEC had previously announced changes to allow asset management companies to launch private funds investing in US spot Bitcoin ETFs, following the approval of Bitcoin ETF trading by the US SEC on January 11. This decision is in line with the global trend of increasing investor confidence in Bitcoin ETFs. SEC Secretary General Pornanong Budsaratragoon emphasized the high risk of these investments despite growing demand among institutional investors.
Pote Harinasuta highlighted Bitcoin’s potential for high returns, noting an average annual return of 124% over the past 11 years, contrasted with a high volatility of 83%. He advised investors to limit Bitcoin exposure to 5% of their wallet, with the aim of achieving a return of 8.90% per year. He highlighted the security of investing through ETFs, where unit holders’ data and coins are stored offline by custodians, protecting against risks such as data loss or theft that have plagued direct investments on various platforms.
Source: https://cryptobenelux.com/2024/06/04/thailand-keurt-lancering-van-spot-bitcoin-etf-goed/
