Thailand SEC Introduces Financing Oversight for Crypto Firms

The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission (Thai SEC) has proposed tightening financing rules for cryptocurrency companies to prevent money laundering and technology crimes. In the regulation announced on Monday, financiers behind major shareholders are also considered shareholders and subject to regulatory approval. This step aims to monitor hidden capital flows, ensure businesses are financed from legal sources, thereby minimizing legal, reliability, and reputational risks.

Source: Thai SEC

Details of Thailand SEC's Crypto Financing Proposal

The proposal covers indirect share acquisitions in addition to direct financing support, as well as share acquisitions in legal entities of business operators and shareholders. This makes the true ownership of crypto platforms transparent. For government-affiliated entities, examination at the legal entity level will suffice, balancing the bureaucratic burden.

Bringing Major Shareholder Financiers Under Supervision

The new rules target invisible capital sources to reduce money laundering risks. The Thai SEC had tightened supervision in physical and digital markets by freezing 10,000 accounts on crypto platforms in the recent "gray money" campaign. This proposal is a continuation of those operations.

Crypto Regulations in Asia: South Korea and Thailand Comparison

Regulatory pressure is increasing in Asia. In South Korea, a proposal is being made to limit the shareholding ratios of crypto exchanges to 20 percent. Thailand's step could create volatility in markets like BTC detailed analysis. Investors can hedge risks through BTC futures.

Public Consultation Process and Next Steps

The public consultation process will last until April 22. If approved, crypto companies will have to document their financing sources. This will increase compliance costs in the sector while strengthening trust in the long term. Thai exchanges are closely monitoring BTC price fluctuations.