The National Assembly of Vietnam has officially legalized crypto under a new digital technology law, a major move that positions Vietnam as a regional leader in digital innovation.
The National Assembly of Vietnam approved the Law on Digital Technology Industry on June 14, signaling the country’s shift from caution to formal recognition and regulation of digital assets.
In a sweeping reform that covers everything from artificial intelligence to semiconductor innovation, the National Assembly of Vietnam laid the foundation for a regulated crypto ecosystem.
This puts Vietnam ahead of several major economies still grappling with legal uncertainty surrounding digital currencies.
Crypto now legal: What the law covers
Under the new framework, the National Assembly of Vietnam has categorized digital assets into two key types: virtual assets and crypto assets. While the two differ slightly in their underlying technology and use cases, both are now subject to state oversight.
Importantly, these digital assets will not include traditional financial instruments like securities or central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Instead, the law focuses on privately-issued blockchain-based assets—essentially cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins.
The Vietnamese lawmakers vote to approve the the Law on Digital Technology Industry. Source: VGP
The National Assembly of Vietnam is tasking various state agencies with outlining operational guidelines, licensing conditions, and classification criteria before the law takes effect on January 1, 2026.
To align with international standards, the National Assembly of Vietnam included provisions for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and cybersecurity measures. This is particularly crucial as Vietnam has remained on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list since 2023.
“The law ensures that crypto innovation doesn’t come at the cost of national security or global compliance,” said Lê Minh Hưng, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Economic Committee.
The National Assembly of Vietnam aims to strike a balance between technological innovation and consumer protection.
These measures are expected to reassure international partners and pave the way for broader adoption and cooperation in digital finance.
Vietnam aims to be a global digital power
The digital asset law is only part of a broader legislative package passed by the National Assembly of Vietnam to foster digital transformation.
The law includes high-impact incentives for companies working in artificial intelligence, chip design, cloud infrastructure, and data centers.
Among the incentives introduced are tax breaks, land-use concessions, and R&D funding.
Provincial governments have been instructed to offer vocational training and digital education programs, indicating a multi-layered national strategy.
“With this move, Vietnam has become the first country in the world to enact a standalone law specifically dedicated to the digital technology industry,” stated the Vietnamese government in its official announcement.
Public security still a priority amid legalization
While legalization represents progress, Vietnam continues to grapple with crypto-related fraud. In February 2025, police dismantled BitMiner, a fake crypto mining scheme that duped over 200 victims.
In a separate case, the “Million Smiles” scam defrauded hundreds using a fictitious cryptocurrency called QFS.
Both incidents highlight the ongoing need for consumer education and rigorous enforcement, something the National Assembly of Vietnam is expected to address in forthcoming sub-decrees.
The crypto and blockchain industry has responded positively.
“Vietnam just sent a strong signal to Southeast Asia and beyond—crypto is here to stay, and serious regulation can unlock its true potential,” said Trang Dao, regional analyst at CryptoAsia Insights.
Ripple Labs’ policy director in APAC added, “The National Assembly of Vietnam is paving a path that balances innovation with compliance. That’s rare and commendable.”
National Assembly of Vietnam Sets a New Benchmark
With the approval of this law, the National Assembly of Vietnam is not just regulating crypto—it is shaping a forward-looking, innovation-driven economic model.
The National Assembly of Vietnam has shown that responsible digital asset regulation is not only possible but can also be a catalyst for national development.
As the world watches, the National Assembly of Vietnam may have just set the gold standard for crypto legislation in Asia.
Davidson Okechukwu is a passionate crypto journalist/writer and Web3 enthusiast, focusing on blockchain innovation, deFI, NFT ecosystems, and the societal impact of decentralized systems.
His engaging style bridges the gap between technology and everyday understanding with a degree in Computer Science and various professional certifications from prestigious institutions.
With over four years of experience in the crypto and DeFi space, Davidson combines his technical knowledge with a keen understanding of market dynamics.
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