Vietnam Launches Licensing for Digital Asset Trading Platforms
- Vietnam’s State Securities Commission (SSC) opened the licensing window for digital asset trading platforms on January 20, 2026.
- The new licensing framework follows Vietnam’s Law on the Digital Technology Industry, effective January 1, which defines digital and crypto assets.
- Applicants must be Vietnamese entities with a minimum paid-in capital of approximately $380 million and at least 65% institutional ownership.
- As of October 2025, no companies had applied due to high capital requirements, but about ten securities firms and banks are now preparing applications.
- Major institutions expressing interest include SSI Securities, VIX Securities, Military Bank, Techcombank, and VPBank.
This regulatory move aims to establish a formal framework for the crypto market in Vietnam while maintaining restrictions on the use of crypto as legal tender. The country recognizes crypto assets as property but prohibits their use in payments.
Despite the launch of the licensing process, no exchanges have yet been licensed under this pilot program as regulators have not announced any approvals since its inception. (Source)
