Vietnam Passes Landmark Law to Regulate Digital Assets and Boost Tech Sector

The National Assembly of Vietnam has officially passed the Law on Digital Technology Industry on June 14, marking a major milestone in the country’s approach to digital assets and innovation. 

Scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, the legislation recognizes and regulates crypto assets for the first time in the Southeast Asian nation, reflecting Vietnam’s intent to position itself as a regional digital powerhouse.

Under the new law, digital assets will be split into two primary categories: virtual assets and crypto assets. Both categories are defined as relying on encryption or digital technology for their issuance and transfer, but they notably exclude financial instruments such as securities or digital fiat currencies. The government is now responsible for specifying business conditions, regulatory classifications, and mechanisms for oversight. 

Additionally, the law incorporates international-level cybersecurity and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards, an effort to address Vietnam’s continued 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 outlines sweeping government incentives for companies operating in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. 

These incentives include tax breaks, land use benefits, and research and development (R&D) support, particularly for firms involved in core technologies like chip design and AI data centers.

The legislation also mandates that regional governments support workforce development by offering training subsidies and promoting digital education. Digital technology skills will be woven 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 country in the world to enact a standalone law specifically dedicated to the digital technology industry.”

Vietnam Tightens Grip on Crypto Scams

The country’s regulatory push comes amid rising crypto-related fraud. In February 2025, authorities arrested four people running BitMiner, a fake crypto mining platform that scammed over 200 victims out of 4 billion Vietnamese dong (about $157,300). 

In another major case from December 2024, Hanoi police foiled an elaborate crypto scam tied to a fraudulent token named QFS (Quantum Financial System), which had deceived 100 businesses and 400 individuals, raking in over 30 billion dong ($1.17 million).