Vietnam officially legalized digital assets and set up a legal framework for artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time. The country passed the Law on Digital Technology Industry with overwhelming support—441 out of 445 delegates voted in favor, marking a major turning point for Southeast Asia’s growing digital economy.
Vietnam Recognizes Crypto Under New Law
On June 14, the Vietnamese National Assembly formally recognized digital assets as legal virtual assets under the Civil Code. This means cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum can now be used for investment and exchange, offering legal clarity to investors and businesses.
The new law introduces a two-tier classification system:
- Virtual Assets: Non-financial tokens, loyalty points, and gaming items
- Crypto Assets: Blockchain-based assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and potentially NFTs
It’s important to note that securities, CBDCs, and traditional financial instruments are excluded from this framework.
When Will the Law Come Into Effect?
The Digital Technology Law is set to go live on January 1, 2026. It will provide legal frameworks not just for digital assets, but also for AI, blockchain, and semiconductor development, positioning Vietnam as a rising digital powerhouse in Asia.
This move reflects the country’s strategic ambition to boost productivity, innovation, and intelligence through legal clarity and technology governance.
International Compliance: A Key Priority
Vietnam’s inclusion on the FATF grey list for weak crypto regulations has long hindered its global reputation. This new law directly addresses those concerns by embedding AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CFT (Counter Financing of Terrorism) standards into the framework.
The regulation also includes measures to prevent the use of digital assets for weapons proliferation, aligning Vietnam with global safety and financial standards.
What Comes Next?
As implementation begins, Vietnam will:
- Set detailed regulatory guidelines for licensing and operations
- Enforce compliance standards for financial institutions and crypto service providers
- Require strict adherence to AML, CFT, and cybersecurity protocols
This sweeping reform is expected to fuel foreign investment, foster innovation in digital industries, and secure Vietnam’s place on the global tech stage.
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