Vietnam Passes Landmark Law to Control Digital Assets and Increase Tech Sector
Reports recommend that the National Assembly of Vietnam has actually formally passed the Law on Digital Technology Industry on June 14. The National Assembly of Vietnam has formally passed the Law on Digital Technology Market on June 14, marking a significant turning point in the country’s approach to digital assets and development. Set up to take effect on January 1, 2026, the legislation recognizes and regulates crypto properties for the very first time in the Southeast Asian country, reflecting Vietnam’s intent to position itself as a regional digital powerhouse.
Under the new law, digital assets will be split into 2 primary categories: virtual properties and crypto assets. Both categories are defined as relying on encryption or digital technology for their issuance and transfer, but they specifically exclude financial instruments such as securities or digital fiat currencies. The government is now responsible for defining business conditions, regulatory categories, and systems for oversight. Furthermore, the law incorporates international-level cybersecurity and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards, an effort to address Vietnam’s ongoing presence on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) gray list since 2023.
Tech Incentives and Education Reform to Drive Innovation
Beyond crypto regulations, the law lays the foundation for Vietnam’s ambition to become a leading digital tech hub. It details sweeping government incentives for companies operating in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. These incentives include tax breaks, land use advantages, and research and development (R&D) support, especially for firms engaged in core technologies like chip design and AI data centers.
The legislation also mandates that local governments support workforce development by providing training subsidies and promoting digital education. Digital technology skills will be integrated into national curricula at various education levels to ensure a future-ready workforce. In a statement, the government said, “With this move, Vietnam has become the first nation in the world to enact a standalone law specifically dedicated to the digital technology market.”
Vietnam Tightens Grip on Crypto Scams
The country’s regulatory push comes amid increasing crypto-related fraud. In February 2025, authorities arrested four individuals operating BitMiner, a fraudulent crypto mining platform that scammed over 200 victims out of 4 billion Vietnamese dong (about $157,300). In another significant case from December 2024, Hanoi authorities thwarted an elaborate crypto scam linked to a fraudulent token called QFS (Quantum Financial System), which had deceived 100 organizations and 400 individuals, raking in over 30 billion dong ($1.17 million).
