Vietnam is preparing to launch its first regulated crypto and digital asset market, with officials aiming to begin operations as early as the third quarter of 2026. Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi said the government is working with financial regulators and security agencies to create rules for digital asset trading after years of limited oversight in the sector.
Chi announced the timeline during the Digital Trust in Finance 2026 forum on May 12. The government has also approved five companies to help operate crypto trading platforms as Vietnam moves to bring the fast-growing market under a formal legal framework.
Vietnam builds legal framework for crypto
Vietnam’s move toward a regulated crypto market comes as the government pushes broader digital economy reforms. Officials want the digital economy to account for at least 30% of GDP by 2030. The government also aims to make 80% of transactions cashless and over 40% enterprises engaged in innovation activities over the same period.
Nguyen said, “We believe that, as early as the third quarter, Vietnam could witness the first official activities of its crypto asset market.” He added that regulators are building the framework around transparency and investor protection while modernizing tax, customs, and budget systems.
Reuters reported that five companies passed the first qualification stage for crypto exchange licenses in March. The group reportedly includes firms linked to Techcombank, VPBank, LPBank, VIX Securities, and Sun Group. Vietnam also opened applications for crypto exchange licenses earlier this year.
Tax rules and market restrictions emerge
Vietnam is also preparing tax rules for crypto trading as it builds a regulated digital asset market. Under the proposal, individuals would pay a 0.1% tax on every crypto transaction processed through licensed platforms. As a result, authorities would treat crypto trading much like stock transactions under the country’s tax system.
However, Vietnam still bans cryptocurrencies from use as legal payment inside the country. All settlements and transactions must continue using the Vietnamese dong. The proposed framework also limits crypto exchange operations to locally registered Vietnamese companies.
Corporate investors would face separate tax treatment under the draft rules. Companies earning profits from crypto transactions could pay a 20% corporate tax after deducting related costs and expenses. At the same time, regulators plan to exempt crypto transactions from value-added tax.
Last year, Vietnam adopted a five-year pilot project for cryptocurrency regulation, as authorities sought to establish guidelines for the industry. This time, the government seeks to incorporate cryptocurrencies into the mainstream financial framework through better regulation, licensing, and operational procedures.
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