Vietnam launches formal licensing for digital asset trading platforms

The SSC launched the method after the Ministry of Finance issued Determination No. 96.
Banks and brokers, together with SSI, VIX, and main lenders, are getting ready to use.
Guidelines embody 10 trillion dong capital, 65% institutional possession, and a 49% international cap.

Vietnam has formally moved nearer to operating a regulated crypto market after opening purposes for licences to function digital asset buying and selling platforms.

The step brings the nation’s long-planned pilot programme into motion, setting the stage for accredited exchanges to function below direct regulatory oversight.

The State Securities Fee of Vietnam (SSC) mentioned the licensing window opened on Tuesday, following the introduction of recent administrative procedures below Determination No. 96 by the Ministry of Finance.

The choice implements a decision on piloting a regulated crypto asset market, which Vietnam has been growing for years.

Even with the licensing course of now reside, the market remains to be in its early part.

No platform has but been licensed, and regulators haven’t introduced approvals because the software window opened.

SSC opens licensing window below new procedures

The SSC confirmed that purposes below the brand new administrative procedures might be accepted starting January 20, 2026.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance issued Determination No. 96 as a part of implementing the nation’s decision to pilot a regulated crypto asset market.

The SSC framed the transfer as a step in the direction of bringing crypto below formal regulatory supervision.

The opening of the licensing window additionally follows a key authorized shift. Vietnam’s Regulation on the Digital Expertise Business entered into power on Jan. 1, defining digital and crypto belongings in statute for the primary time.

Underneath the legislation, Vietnam recognises crypto belongings as property. Nonetheless, it explicitly excludes them from authorized tender standing.

The nation additionally maintains restrictions on using crypto as a method of cost, retaining the pilot targeted on regulated market exercise fairly than client transactions.

Home banks and securities companies put together purposes

Whereas the licensing window marks progress, Vietnam’s regulated crypto market remains to be ready for precise approvals.

That mentioned, early curiosity from home monetary companies seems to be rising.

Vietnam Information reported on Wednesday that round 10 securities firms and banks have publicly introduced plans and their readiness to take part within the crypto asset market as soon as licensed.

The report burdened that these establishments are getting ready purposes fairly than already working accredited platforms.

Among the many companies named was SSI Securities, which established SSI Digital in 2022.

One other is VIX Securities, which has invested in its VIXEX digital asset change unit.

A number of main banks have been additionally listed, together with Navy Financial institution, Techcombank, and VPBank.

The establishments indicated they plan to start operations solely after receiving regulatory approval.

No crypto change licensed as pilot enters operational part

Although Vietnam has opened the licensing window, the pilot framework stays on the beginning line in sensible phrases.

That context issues as a result of the newest software course of doesn’t robotically imply platforms will launch shortly.

Vietnamese regulators haven’t introduced any receipt or approvals of purposes because the licensing window opened, which means the variety of candidates and their progress stays unclear.

For buyers and market individuals, this implies Vietnam is transferring in a managed and staged means, with formal procedures advancing earlier than any change can legally function below the pilot regime.

Vietnam’s strict licensing framework shapes market entry

Vietnam’s crypto licensing framework is among the many most restrictive within the area, reflecting the federal government’s cautious method to market improvement.

Candidates have to be Vietnamese entities with a minimal paid-in capital of 10 trillion dong, roughly $380 million.

A minimum of 65% of the capital have to be held by institutional shareholders, setting a excessive barrier that favours established home companies.

International possession is capped at 49%, proscribing abroad participation and reinforcing Vietnamese management of licensed operators.

Taken collectively, these circumstances present Vietnam is prioritising large-scale, institution-led platforms with sturdy capital bases.

The main target seems to be on controlling systemic danger and making certain compliance requirements from the beginning, fairly than permitting quick, open-ended progress throughout the crypto sector.