Vietnam targets regulated cryptocurrency market debut in third quarter: Sources
According to reports, Vietnam aims to introduce regulated digital asset trading platforms by Q3 2026 as the nation responds to increasing consumer interest in cryptocurrencies.
The Southeast Asian nation of Vietnam may experience its inaugural regulated cryptocurrency market operations by the third quarter of 2026, according to statements made by Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi during the Digital Trust in Finance 2026 forum.
"We believe that, as early as the third quarter, Vietnam could witness the first official activities of its crypto asset market, operating under a framework designed to ensure safety and transparency," Chi said Tuesday, according to VnEconomy.
These statements represent a further advancement in Vietnam's initiative to establish formal regulatory oversight over what has become one of the most vibrant cryptocurrency markets across the Asian continent, following the introduction of a licensing system for domestic digital asset exchange platforms earlier in the year.
This regulatory initiative aligns with Vietnam's comprehensive digital economy blueprint, which according to reports seeks to achieve a digital economy representing no less than 30% of gross domestic product by 2030, alongside cashless payment processing for 80% of financial transactions and innovation engagement by over 40% of business enterprises.
Vietnam targets regulated crypto launch
During March, five Vietnamese business entities had reportedly successfully completed the preliminary qualification phase in the competitive process to establish the nation's inaugural regulated digital currency exchange platform. These qualifying companies comprised subsidiaries connected to private banking institutions Techcombank, VPBank and LPBank, in addition to brokerage firm VIX Securities and business conglomerate Sun Group.
During February, Vietnamese authorities developed a taxation structure designed to apply levies to cryptocurrency transactions in a manner comparable to conventional securities trading operations, putting forward a 0.1% individual tax on each crypto transaction processed through a licensed provider.
Cointelegraph contacted Vietnam's Ministry of Finance for comment but had not received a response by publication.
Vietnam ranks 4th in global crypto adoption
The Vietnamese market continues to maintain its position as among the planet's most dynamic cryptocurrency ecosystems, securing fourth place in Chainalysis' 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index behind India, the United States and Pakistan.
The country has additionally established itself as a significant center for digital currency trading throughout the Asian region, achieving third position with respect to onchain value received with $200 billion in estimated transactions over the 12 months to June 2025, behind India and South Korea.
Nevertheless, the majority of Vietnamese cryptocurrency traders continue to utilize international cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, OKX and Bybit.
As part of efforts to channel additional trading activity toward domestic platforms, Vietnamese authorities introduced a five-year crypto pilot in September 2025, requiring all transactions to be conducted in Vietnamese dong through locally registered companies.