On September 27, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC) issued a circular clarifying reporting obligations in relation to listed company securities held by the company’s directors, executives, auditors, or persons related to them (“Key Persons”). The circular aimed to address growing concerns over transparency in shareholding, particularly when shares are used as loan collateral by company executives without sufficient public disclosure, which can lead to sudden share loss and executive departures, destabilizing the company. This circular is likely a stopgap measure, and a full overhaul of the reporting regulations may be needed. The current reporting obligations came into effect on March 16, 2024, and were designed to simplify reporting procedures while still maintaining transparency in the capital markets. The rules allow the Key Persons to consolidate multiple transactions and report them only when certain thresholds are crossed — such as when the total transaction value reaches THB 3 million or when six months have passed since the last report. The rules were intended to reduce the number of minor reports and limit penalties for missed deadlines. However, recent scandals have raised concerns about the reporting rules, particularly issues related to the enforcement of share collateral on executives’ or directors’ loans where the listed company may face a change of direction and management due to such forced sales. To ease these concerns, the SEC issued the new circular to reiterate the rules and lay out three key situations triggering a reporting duty: Force-Selling Due to Default: If shares are forcibly sold due to a loan default, this must be reported, and the transaction should be recorded with the Thailand Securities Depository (TSD). Transfer of Shares to Custodians: Under current rules, the transfer of shares to/from a custodian holding them on behalf of a beneficial owner does not

Following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reassessing regulations on the investments of mutual funds and private funds (collectively “Funds”). The SEC has launched a public consultation on new draft notifications introducing  the new asset classes that can be held by Funds, and aims to bring these rules into effect on January 1, 2025. The highlights of these changes are set out below. Eligible New Asset Classes The new asset classes that can be held by Funds can be categorized into two types—investment tokens and crypto assets—and the determination will focus on substance over form. Investment tokens: If the substance involves raising funds, regardless of what the assets are called, and they are legally issued and offered or approved by home regulators that are members of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), Funds can invest in these types of assets as transferable securities within the permitted ratio. Crypto assets: The eligible crypto assets which Funds are entitled to hold focus on crypto ETFs or offshore funds investing in crypto assets, and they are subject to investment limits. Funds can hold crypto assets directly, but only temporarily, and only for the purpose of purchasing, selling, or exchanging the crypto assets, not speculative purposes. The notifications state that Funds may hold Bitcoin/Ethereum for no longer than five business days and USDT/USDC for no more than one month. Investment Limits Typically, the rules segregate investment limits into listed and non-listed digital assets, and the limits depend on the sophistication of the investors in the Funds. In general, UI Funds (mutual funds offered to institutional investors or ultra-high net worth investors) can invest in these new asset classes without any limitations, although net exposure to other crypto assets  –  which

In recent years, Thailand has witnessed significant developments in its personal finance sector, particularly in alternative lending options. This article explores two key concepts in the Thai financial landscape: nano finance and personal loans. These alternative lending models, regulated by the Bank of Thailand (BOT), aim to provide more accessible financial services to individuals and small entrepreneurs who might have limited access to traditional funding sources. Nano Finance: Empowering Small Entrepreneurs The nano finance scheme under the BOT’s supervision is designed to provide funding to small entrepreneurs who might have limited access to traditional financial resources. One of the key features of this scheme is the ability of licensed nano finance providers to use alternative data in assessing loan applicants’ ability to repay (information-based lending). To implement this approach, nano finance providers must have an internal policy on credit approval that supports: Identifying scope and processes for utilizing alternative factors or technologies in determining debt repayment capacity, credit line limits for each loan applicant and total credit limits, and acceptable debt repayment targets; Having resources and personnel with sufficient knowledge, capability, experience, and expertise to operate efficiently and effectively, as well as clear checks and balances; Establishing guidelines for selecting and analyzing factors or financial models to evaluate or predict loan applicants’ ability and willingness to repay; Having an internal sandbox to test key success factors of the selected factors or models; and Having a process for monitoring and reviewing the application of the selected factors or models in assessing debt repayment capability. This approach allows nano finance providers to make more informed lending decisions based on a broader range of data, potentially increasing access to finance for small entrepreneurs who may not have traditional credit histories or collateral. Personal Loans The personal loan scheme under BOT supervision aims

The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) in Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance launched a trial phase of its Intellectual Property Rights Recordation System (IPRRS) on September 1, 2024. The system compiles necessary information and documents related to intellectual property rights in the country, enabling customs authorities to swiftly access these documents and enhance their ability to identify and intercept potential parallel imports and infringing goods at the border. This will also better facilitate ex-officio actions by customs authorities. The system is currently referred to as being in a “trial phase” to support further amendments or updates to address any potential technical errors that may arise from public use. However, the IPRRS is already fully operational. Types of Recordation Currently, the IPRRS allows two types of recordation: Intellectual property recordation is available for trademarks, geographical indications, copyrights, and related rights that are protected in Cambodia. It allows IP owners, authorized representatives, and legal representatives to record information and documents relating to such rights, including information on possible or potential counterfeit goods, with the GDCE. Recordation will give customs authorities quicker access to the information and enable them to promptly take action against potential counterfeit or infringing goods. Exclusive distributorship recordation is meant to streamline the process that takes place after the Ministry of Commerce issues a notice of the recordation of exclusive rights. Under the current practice, after receiving a copy of a notice of the recordal of an exclusive distributorship issued by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), the GDCE needs to enter the information into their system manually to enable them to promptly identify or stop potential parallel importation at the border. This reportedly causes delays in border officers’ access to the necessary information. Recordation through the IPRRS, on the other hand, allows local exclusive distributors