Vietnam passes the Digital Technology Industry Act, formally incorporating crypto assets into the regulatory system

On June 14, 2025, the Vietnamese National Assembly officially passed the Digital Technology Industry Act, marking an important step for the country to regulate digital assets. The Act will officially take effect on January 1, 2026, incorporating digital assets into the national legal framework for the first time, aiming to create a more transparent and compliant environment for the development and innovation of Vietnam's digital economy.

The new bill divides digital assets into two categories: virtual assets and cryptographic assets. Although both types of assets rely on encryption algorithms or digital technologies for verification and transfer, they explicitly do not include securities, digital legal tender (such as central bank digital currency CBDC) or traditional financial instruments.

According to the content of the bill, relevant regulatory agencies will complete the formulation of specific regulatory details before it comes into effect, including asset classification standards, commercial access conditions, and supervision mechanisms for trading activities.

The passage of the bill shows that Vietnam is actively promoting the development of digital technology and blockchain industries, especially in the context of increasingly fierce competition in Southeast Asia. Establishing a compliant and clear digital asset environment is expected to enhance its position in the regional fintech landscape.