Vietnam blockchain future just took a major leap forward with the country’s groundbreaking Digital Technology Industry Law.
Passed on June 14, the law recognizes crypto assets and lays the foundation for an ambitious digital transformation. Unlike many nations still hesitating on blockchain, Vietnam is pressing full throttle. The law, set to take effect in January 2026, positions the country as a leading Southeast Asian tech player.
Structured crypto recognition makes headlines
Vietnam blockchain future benefits from a clear legal distinction between “virtual assets” and “crypto assets.” Virtual assets include game items or loyalty points. Crypto assets cover technologies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and possibly NFTs. Importantly, they are not treated as securities or government-backed currency.
This distinction offers regulatory clarity and paves the way for deeper integration of blockchain in the economy. The government will now define rules for compliance, licensing, and anti-money laundering. Vietnam’s push aligns with its goal to leave the FATF gray list by tightening oversight and ensuring crypto legitimacy.
More than just crypto, the new law outlines Vietnam’s strategy for complete digital sovereignty. It includes subsidies for AI and semiconductors, curriculum reforms, and infrastructure support for tech companies.
From primary school to chip design labs, the country is crafting a fully digital economy. Blockchain is one piece of a broader vision. This all-encompassing approach positions Vietnam as a potential digital hub rivaling global leaders.
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Catching scammers and building trust
Despite its bold vision, the Vietnam blockchain future has challenges. Crypto scams have been rampant. In early 2025, police shut down BitMiner, a fake mining scheme that stole 4 billion VND. Last year, the QFS scam posed as a “spiritual” token investment, conning investors out of over 30 billion VND.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for consumer protection. By embedding AML protocols in the new law, Vietnam sends a strong message: it’s ready to clean up its crypto space.
The Vietnam blockchain future isn’t just about economic growth. It’s a soft power move in a fragmented global tech world. While Western countries argue over AI rules and crypto standards, Vietnam is building frameworks from scratch.
This is digital infrastructure as a national strategy. Crypto is part of a wider plan involving AI, semiconductors, and tech education. Vietnam’s decisive law shows it wants to lead—not follow—in the blockchain-powered digital era.