Key Points of This Article
1. Institutionalization of Cryptocurrencies by the DTI Law
The Digital Technology Industry Law (DTI Law), set to be enacted in 2026, introduces a comprehensive institutional framework to Vietnam's cryptocurrency market, which previously had an ambiguous legal status. This marks a historic turning point, aiming to legally define cryptocurrencies and enhance investor protection and market transparency.
2. Five-Year Pilot Program and Licensing Introduction
Through Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP, the government has initiated a five-year pilot program for the cryptocurrency market. Only operators approved by the Ministry of Finance are permitted to run exchanges, with strict anti-money laundering measures and segregation of customer assets mandated to establish a secure domestic trading environment.
3. Utilization for Fundraising and Future Prospects
The Ministry of Finance has proposed regulatory reforms to use cryptocurrencies as collateral for bank loans as a new fundraising method for SMEs. The focus now is on whether numerous traders will transition to the regulated domestic market, with expectations for Vietnam to build a pioneering regulatory model leading the Asian market.
In Vietnam, while there was no comprehensive law prohibiting the holding or trading of cryptocurrencies, their use as a payment method was banned, and their legal nature and regulatory status were unclear. The need for regulatory frameworks to enhance investor protection and market transparency was highlighted before this legal void could cause issues.
The turning point came with the Digital Technology Industry Law (DTI Law), passed by the National Assembly on June 14, 2025, and enacted on January 1, 2026. This law legally defines cryptocurrencies and introduces Vietnam's first comprehensive institutional framework.
The DTI Law targets digital technology industries, semiconductors, AI, digital assets, and aims to promote development in these fields. A notable feature is positioning cryptocurrencies not only within the financial sector but also within the framework of digital technology industry policy. Additionally, it establishes a legal framework for AI, aiming to foster a healthy environment for its research, development, and use.
