Vietnam has made a significant move in regulating its digital economy by passing the Law on Digital Technology Industry, which grants full legal recognition to crypto assets. This law, approved on June 14, 2025, will go into effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to align Vietnam more closely with international standards. The legislation separates digital assets into two categories: virtual assets, intended for exchange or investment, and crypto assets, based on encryption and blockchain technology for validation.
The new law mandates strong anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) standards, as well as cybersecurity compliance for crypto firms. This move is likely aimed at removing Vietnam from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) gray list, which it's been on since 2023. By establishing clear regulations, Vietnam is positioning itself as a serious contender in the global tech industry, attracting investment and fostering growth in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
The law also introduces incentives for tech firms, including tax breaks, land benefits, and research support. Education and training programs will be expanded to build a future-ready workforce. With this legislation, Vietnam is taking a bold step towards digital transformation and becoming a key player in the global tech supply chain. The country's crypto adoption remains high, ranking fifth worldwide, and this new law is expected to further boost its digital economy.