Vietnam officially legalized crypto assets on June 14, after the National Assembly passed the Law on Digital Technology Industry. The law will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, placing crypto regulation in Vietnam under government control for the first time.
The law classifies digital assets in Vietnam into two types—virtual assets and crypto assets. Both use encryption or digital technology for validation and transfer. However, the definition does not cover securities, digital fiat, or financial instruments.
The Vietnamese government will now create frameworks for crypto regulation, including business requirements, classifications, and oversight. These rules are expected to define how crypto-related businesses and platforms operate in Vietnam under the new structure.
Law Aligns Crypto Regulation With Global Standards
The new Vietnam crypto law includes cybersecurity and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules aligned with international norms. These measures come in response to Vietnam’s position on the FATF gray list since 2023, a designation tied to insufficient AML controls.
The law mandates digital asset businesses in Vietnam to follow security practices that reduce illicit finance risks. Oversight bodies will monitor how companies in the crypto space handle identity checks, reporting, and security threats.
By including these controls, the Law on Digital Technology Industry aims to meet international expectations for crypto regulation in Vietnam, especially under FATF guidelines.
Crypto Scams in Vietnam Prompt Legal Measures
The Vietnamese government passed the law after multiple crypto scam cases in Vietnam gained national attention. In February 2025, authorities arrested four people involved in a fraudulent platform called BitMiner. The group claimed to operate from Dubai and tricked over 200 victims, collecting more than 4 billion dong (about $157,300).
The scam sold fake mining packages and educational content to users in Vietnam. Police reported that the operation posed as a crypto firm using false promotional material.
In December 2024, Hanoi police stopped a larger scam that had already defrauded 30 billion dong (around $1.17 million) from 100 companies and 400 individuals. The platform, called Million Smiles, promoted an in-house coin named QFS (Quantum Financial System). Investigators said the group used fake historical references and spiritual claims to gain investor trust.
These cases revealed gaps in enforcement and highlighted the need for clear crypto regulation in Vietnam. The new law addresses this by providing legal definitions and oversight systems for all crypto-related activity.
Vietnam Expands Focus to AI and Semiconductors
The Vietnam digital technology law includes broader targets beyond crypto. The law offers support for companies working in AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure. These companies may qualify for tax relief, land-use benefits, and research support under specific state conditions.
The government has instructed regional administrations to fund training programs and provide subsidies to develop a skilled workforce. Schools and universities will add digital skills training to their curriculum.
The law gives priority to firms building core technologies such as chip design and AI data centers. These are considered strategic sectors for Vietnam’s future development in the global tech industry.
According to a statement published by VGP (Vietnam Government Portal):
“With this move, Viet Nam has become the first country in the world to enact a standalone law specifically dedicated to digital technology industry.”
