Vietnam Legalizes Crypto, Rolls Out Bold Digital Technology Roadmap
Vietnam is accelerating its journey into the digital age by rolling out a pilot crypto trading exchange, crafting its inaugural digital assets law, and articulating a comprehensive National Blockchain Strategy targeting 2030
Key Updates
Pilot Crypto Exchange Launch
The Ministry of Finance and State Bank have launched a pilot for a centralized cryptocurrency exchange, expected to begin in early Q2 2025. This marks a significant regulatory shift, with government oversight of trading, investor protection measures, and licensing frameworks
Digital Technology Industry Law (DTI Law)
Drafted in late 2024 and on track for parliamentary approval by May 2025, the DTI Law formally defines digital assets in law, sets up controlled pilot “sandboxes,” and creates legal clarity for crypto custody, trading, and issuance
National Blockchain Strategy to 2030
Introduced in October 2024, Vietnam’s strategy includes five pillars: legal frameworks, infrastructure, education, innovation, and international cooperation. Goals include 20 blockchain brands, three testing centers, and fostering blockchain ecosystems across sectors
Strategic Drivers & Market Context
Top crypto adopter: Vietnam ranks 5th globally by adoption and made approximately US $1.2 billion in gains in 2023
Investor protection: The lack of formal laws has exposed users to scams. Aligning with Chainalysis, the government aims to impose protections and reduce fraud .
Sandbox approach: Both exchange pilots and DTI Law create controlled environments to balance innovation with compliance, particularly AML and tax standards
Implications for Altcoiners Community
Expanded market access: A regulated exchange opens opportunities for local and institutional trading—especially for altcoins.
Building local infrastructure: A strengthened blockchain ecosystem may lead to more domestic DeFi, NFT, and protocol development.
Reduced legal risk: Clarity on asset ownership, trading, and tax encourages responsible participation and investment.
Expert Insight
Deputy Minister Nguyen Duc Chi emphasized that collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and State Bank will ensure state-backed investor protections, support foreign investment, and align Vietnam with global financial standards
Phan Đức Trung, chairman of the Vietnam Blockchain Association, noted that pilot exchange frameworks and digital-asset laws will help transition underground flows into formal channels, backing the nation’s digital economy goals
What to Watch
Date Milestone
Q2 2025 National Assembly review and expected passage of the DTI Law
End of Q1 2025 Launch of the government-backed crypto trading pilot
By 2030 Full rollout of blockchain infrastructure, brands, and education initiatives
Bottom Line:
Vietnam is emerging as a regional blockchain and crypto hub—legalizing digital assets, piloting exchange platforms, and deploying a far-reaching, long-term blockchain strategy. For Altcoiners, this paves the way for new opportunities in trading, development, and local innovation bolstered by legal clarity and public trust.
Author
Surabh Yadav
