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Which countries allow bitcoin funds but still block buying bitcoin directly?

Research question: Which countries let investors buy bitcoin through regulated funds while still restricting buying it directly?

The records show Russia lets non-qualified investors buy the most liquid cryptocurrencies through intermediaries, capped at 300,000 rubles a year per intermediary, while qualified investors face no cap ¹. Thailand's SEC approved rules allowing crypto ETFs to be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, initially limited to Bitcoin and Ether ⁴. Thai brokers are not allowed to help retail investors access overseas crypto ETFs, and direct investment in international digital asset funds is limited to institutional and ultra-high-net-worth clients ⁵. The Thai rules are effective October 16, 2026, so they may only be taking effect around the current month ⁴. The newest fact is dated September 1, 2026, about a month before today ¹², and the facts do not confirm whether Russia bars direct bitcoin purchases outright.

Checked 2026-10-14. Only documented and supported facts are used.

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[1] supported

Russia lets non-qualified investors buy the most liquid cryptocurrencies through intermediaries, capped at 300,000 rubles a year per intermediary, while qualified investors face no cap.

"Non-qualified investors can buy the most liquid cryptocurrencies through intermediaries, capped at 300,000 rubles a year per intermediary, while qualified investors face no cap."

Countries Where Bitcoin Is Banned or Restricted in 2026

[2] supported

Russia's new crypto law keeps the ban on using crypto as payment inside Russia and prohibits advertising such payments.

"The law keeps the ban on using crypto as payment inside Russia and prohibits advertising such payments."

Countries Where Bitcoin Is Banned or Restricted in 2026

[3] supported

Turkey's central bank banned crypto payments, but buying and selling crypto was never banned there.

"Buying and selling was never banned."

Countries Where Bitcoin Is Banned or Restricted in 2026

[4] supported

Thailand's SEC approved rules allowing crypto ETFs to be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, initially limited to Bitcoin and Ether.

"Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved regulations permitting the listing of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, restricting eligible ETFs initially to Bitcoin and Ether."

Thailand SEC approves Bitcoin and Ether ETFs for main stock exchange from 2026

[5] supported

Thai brokers are not allowed to help retail investors access overseas crypto ETFs, while direct investment in international digital asset funds is limited to institutional and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

"Furthermore, Thai brokers are not permitted to facilitate retail investors’ access to overseas crypto ETFs. Direct investment in international digital asset funds will remain permissible only for institutional and ultra-high-net-worth clients."

Thailand SEC approves Bitcoin and Ether ETFs for main stock exchange from 2026

[6] supported

Thai domestic mutual funds and private funds may now invest in Thai-based crypto ETFs, whereas previously such investments were limited to offshore crypto ETF offerings.

"The SEC also modified rules for local market participants, allowing domestic mutual funds and private funds to invest in Thai-based crypto ETFs. Previously, such investments were limited to offshore crypto ETF offerings."

Thailand SEC approves Bitcoin and Ether ETFs for main stock exchange from 2026