Vietnam Charts a Clear Course for Digital Assets With New 2026 Law

Vietnam has passed a sweeping Digital Technology Industry Law that, for the first time, sets firm rules for cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets.

Slated to take effect in January 2026, the statute splits digital value into two buckets:

• Crypto-assets — blockchain-based tokens used to secure or validate transactions on distributed networks.
• Virtual assets — digital items held primarily for trading or investment, excluding securities, stablecoins, and central-bank digital currencies.

The government will finalize definitions, licensing standards, and oversight mechanisms, while regulators must enforce robust anti-money-laundering and counter-terror financing safeguards.

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The bill goes beyond crypto. It earmarks incentives for companies working in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing—offering R&D grants, talent programs, and shared infrastructure to accelerate Vietnam’s digital economy. The country already ranks fifth globally for crypto adoption, according to Chainalysis; officials hope a clear rulebook will draw fresh capital and place Vietnam alongside regional leaders such as Singapore.

The move follows the finance ministry’s pilot of a state-backed trading platform developed with exchange operator Bybit, signaling Hanoi’s intent to blend innovation with regulation as the sector matures.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.