The Stock Exchange of Thailand plans to open a new digital exchange in 2019 to capitalize on the growing trend of digital assets, the Bangkok Post reported Jan. 17.

The bourse plans to apply for a digital asset operating license, said Pattera Dilokrungthirapop, chairwoman of the Association of Securities Companies and vice-chairwoman of the SET's board of governors. The license is subject to the approval of the finance ministry.

If it pushes through, the SET will become one of the few global exchanges with a digital asset exchange separate from a stock exchange, the report said.

Pattera said that there are securities companies planning to become brokers and dealers for digital asset once the new exchange is established.