Vietnam Launches 5-Year Pilot to License Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Vietnam has initiated a five-year pilot program to license cryptocurrency exchanges, marking a significant step toward formalizing the country's digital asset market. The Ministry of Finance issued Decision No. 96/QD-BTC on January 20, outlining procedures for licensing, modifying, and revoking approvals for crypto trading platforms.
The MOVE follows years of regulatory ambiguity, with Vietnam's crypto sector operating in a legal gray area. The new framework stems from the "Law on Digital Technology Industry," enacted on January 1, 2026, and Government Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc last September.
Authorities are now accepting applications from businesses seeking to offer crypto asset trading services. This structured approach aims to transition the rapidly growing market into a supervised financial environment under local oversight.