Vietnam’s National Assembly approved the Law on Digital Technology Industry on 14 June 2025.
The new law recognises digital assets from 1 January 2026. It also lays out rules for artificial intelligence and aims to boost the tech sector.
Official Legalisation of Digital Assets
Under the law, digital assets gain full legal status. The text defines crypto assets as tokens that use encryption or similar technology to verify their creation and transfers.
It also introduces virtual assets, which are used for exchange or investment but are not classed as securities or digital currency. This clear classification fills a gap in Vietnam’s legal system that left the crypto industry in limbo.
Two Categories of Digital Assets
The law splits digital assets into virtual assets and crypto assets. Virtual assets cover tokens used for trading or investment. They exclude any digital form of fiat money or financial instruments already regulated by other laws.
Crypto assets rely on encryption to secure ownership and transactions, but they too omit digital representations of national currency and existing securities.
Regulatory Responsibilities
Vietnam’s government now bears the duty to flesh out these definitions. Ministries will set business conditions and oversight rules.
Regulators must also ensure that firms handling digital assets meet standards for licensing, reporting and compliance. This top‑down approach aims to give both local and foreign investors confidence in the market.
Cybersecurity and Financial Safeguards
The law demands measures to protect systems from cyberattacks. It also calls for steps to stop money laundering and the funding of terrorism.
Agencies must watch for any links to weapons proliferation. These provisions reflect global best practices promoted by groups such as the Financial Action Task Force. Vietnam hopes that clear rules will help remove it from the FATF grey list.
Incentives to Fuel Innovation
To encourage growth, the law offers special incentives. Digital tech firms can get tax breaks and access to state‑supported research.
Local governments must create policies for training and hiring high‑quality staff. Costs for skills development will be subsidised. The goal is to raise the number of digital technology enterprises to 150,000 by 2035.
Ambitions in Semiconductors
A major focus lies in building a full semiconductor industry. The law covers the entire chain from design and research to production and packaging.
It spells out support for breakthrough chip lines and calls for foreign direct investment. Vietnam plans to use its existing strength in testing and packaging as a springboard into advanced chip design and fabrication.
AI Risk Management
The legislation also sets risk control rules for AI systems, especially those deemed high‑risk. Training and certification standards for AI professionals will align with international benchmarks. AI education is to be woven into the national curriculum and vocational programs, ensuring a steady supply of talent.
In March, the prime minister urged fast crypto regulation to fuel an 8% growth target. This law answers that call and provides a solid legal base for digital assets and new technologies.
With clear rules and strong incentives, Vietnam aims to become a regional tech leader. Its rapid rise in crypto adoption and large inflows of blockchain investment show why such a framework was needed.