#VietnamCryptoPolicy Here’s a refined, **sorted overview** of Vietnam’s evolving crypto policy:
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## 📅 Timeline & Legal Status
1. **Effective January 1, 2026**
* Vietnam’s **Law on Digital Technology Industry** will officially **legalize and regulate crypto assets**, distinguishing between *virtual assets* (e.g., loyalty/gaming tokens) and *crypto assets* (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) ([cointelegraph.com][1]).
2. **Current Legal Stance**
* **Illegal as payment method**: Using crypto for transactions is forbidden, with fines (150–200 million VND \~ \$6–8k) ([en.wikipedia.org][2]).
* **Legal to trade or hold**: Buying, selling, and holding crypto is allowed and not explicitly criminalized ([en.wikipedia.org][2]).
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## 🛠 Regulatory Framework & Controls
* **Asset Classification**
* **Virtual assets**: Non-encrypted digital tokens for exchange/investment (excluding fiat, securities).
* **Crypto assets**: Encrypted, blockchain-based units (e.g., BTC, ETH), also excluding fiat and securities ([cryptonews.com][3]).
* **Security & AML Protocols**
* Framework mandates **cybersecurity**, **anti‑money‑laundering (AML)**, and **counter‑terrorism financing (CTF)** compliance—aligned with FATF standards, aiming to exit the gray list ([cointelegraph.com][1]).
* **Licensing Measures Ongoing**
* Drafts for exchange licensing, custodial services, and stablecoins are under development. Implementation expected soon ([cryptonews.com][3], [reports.tiger-research.com][4]).
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## 🏛 Government Strategy & Innovation Drive
* **Digital Economy Ambition**
* The law also encourages investment in **AI**, **semiconductor**, and **digital infrastructure**, offering tax breaks and support to position Vietnam as a tech hub ([ainvest.com][5], [cointelegraph.com][1]).
* **SME & Business Focus**
* Aims to promote crypto adoption among small and medium enterprises, potentially enabling crypto payments (once policy evolves) and supporting sandbox environments .
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### ⚖️ Summary Table
