#VietnamCryptoPolicy 🇻🇳 Vietnam’s New Crypto Regime (Effective Jan 1, 2026) 🛡️

1. Formal Recognition & Clear Legal Framework

On June 14, 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly passed the Law on Digital Technology Industry, making it the first standalone crypto/digital‑tech law in the world .

The law officially recognizes digital assets, distinguishing between virtual assets (e.g., loyalty tokens, gaming credits) and crypto assets (e.g., Bitcoin, Ether) .

2. Exclusions & Definitions

Neither asset category includes securities, fiat-backed stablecoins, CBDCs, or other existing financial instruments .

“Crypto assets” rely on encryption and distributed ledger technologies; “virtual assets” are primarily for exchange or investment .

3. Regulatory Oversight & Enforcement

Licensing for crypto exchanges, capital requirements, and strict KYC/AML/CFT rules are set for implementation .

Cybersecurity, consumer protection, and traceability frameworks will align with FATF standards, which is crucial as Vietnam is currently on the FATF “gray list” (since 2023) .

4. Sandbox & Transition Period

A phased approach is in place: detailed sub‑decrees, licensing rules, and sandbox frameworks are expected to roll out over the next 6–18 months .

5. Tech‑Forward Incentives

The law offers tax breaks, land-use incentives, R&D grants, and workforce training support for sectors like AI, semiconductors, blockchain, and digital infrastructure .

Designed to retain domestic crypto firms and talent, countering the outflow to places like Singapore .

6. Strategic Ambitions

With ~17 million users and a booming crypto adoption ranking (5th globally in 2024), Vietnam is aiming to become Southeast Asia’s largest regulated crypto market .

Also, it aims to exit the FATF gray list by adopting internationally compliant AML/CFT frameworks .

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