Vietnam passed a law that officially recognized digital and crypto assets, taking a decisive step towards regulation and promoting the cryptocurrency economy.
The Digital Technology Act was passed on June 14 and comes into force on January 1, 2026. It outlines a broad framework for managing digital assets and promotes Blockchain Innovation, according to local media.
This legal recognition comes as Vietnam seeks to improve its attitude in the ranking of the economic action group, an international organization that sets standards to tackle the laundering and financing of terrorism. The country is designated on FATF’s gray list for insufficient control of money laundering, especially regarding virtual assets.
Legislation categorizes digital assets in two groups: virtual assets and crypto assets. While both fall outside of traditional financial definitions such as securities or central banks digital currencies, crypto assets are categorized by their use of encryption to validate creation and transfers.
The law gives the authority of the Vietnamese government to define specific regulatory conditions, including anti-laundering of money laundering and cyber security standards in line with international norms.
Alongside its regulatory function, the law introduces a number of incentives targeting blockchain startups and digital infrastructure developers. These include state subsidies, tax exemptions and visa benefits.
